A survey to inform the development of Bega Valley Shire Council's Regional Events Activation Strategy, funded under the NSW Government's Business Case and Strategy Development Fund, is now open.
Council's Corporate Planning and Improvement Manager, Kaliegh Smerdon said the development of the strategy and an accompanying prospectus, in collaboration with Snowy Monaro Regional Council, will help accelerate economic development and tourism outcomes, with flow-on benefits through local procurement and skills development.
"This strategy will support the sustainability and growth of existing major events, as well as positioning the Bega Valley to attract more medium to large-scale events," Ms Smerdon said.
"We encourage residents, businesses, community groups and visitors to our region to provide their perspective on our existing major events, tell us what they would like to see more of and give us some ideas on potential ventures.
"The Bega Valley has a healthy list of cultural, artistic, sporting, lifestyle and community events that can be enhanced to deliver more social benefits to our communities and visitors, strengthen our visitor economy and build a sense of pride about living in the shire.
"The strategy will help us formulate a clear vision to sustainably attract and support a diverse portfolio of events that highlight the uniqueness of our region, reflect our values as a community and enhance our future economy.
"We will review current and future infrastructure needs across the region to support a range of events and look at how we can improve planning approval processes to make it easier for event organisers and Council staff."
Ms Smerdon said the strategy will be supported by a Regional Event Activation Prospectus, which will promote the region and its facilities to prospective event hosts.
"This 7-minute survey is the first step to ensuring the experiences and voices of our community are represented in our planning," Ms Smerdon said.
"This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to let us know what they think about events in our region, the benefits they deliver and Council's involvement in them."
Access the survey using this link: https://glo.link/rwvxi5
A similar survey will be conducted in the Snowy Monaro in the coming weeks.
