Tourism development will be front and centre in Stawell this month with Northern Grampians Shire Council calling on the community to have a say on the formation of a Stawell Tourism Action Plan.
The Action Plan project will identify the vision and aspirations for growing tourism in Stawell over the next five years. The project is an action in the Council Plan and Council's Economic Development Strategy 2021-31 with a view to developing Stawell as a tourism gateway for the shire. The Stawell Structure Plan also references potential tourism opportunities. Both documents will be reference points for the planning.
The desired results of the Action Plan are:
• To grow the tourism economy across the shire
• To establish a shared vision for the Stawell visitor economy and enable delivery of it
• To increase Stawell's profile as a visitor destination through active promotion and opportunity-seeking
• To grow jobs and increase visitor spending in Northern Grampians
• To unlock and facilitate opportunities for private sector investment in the tourism offering.
Council has appointed DTM Tourism (DTM) who worked on the St Arnaud Action Plan to conduct the community consultation and planning process.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Tony Driscoll said this was an opportune moment for the community.
"Come and share your visionary ideas and help us create a recognisable brand for Stawell tourism", said Cr Driscoll.
"It will be fantastic to work with you all and put some solid strategies and development plans in place to increase the tourism appeal and offering and consequently bolster our economy; everyone wins here."
The community can provide immediate feedback on tourism needs via an online survey which closes 29 March. A community forum will also be held on 29 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm to seek
