Campaspe Shire and Murray River Councils have joined together to support Campaspe Port Enterprise (CPE) to deliver an interim solution for in-person Visitor Information Services.
Councils are delighted that CPE will provide an interim solution for visitor services from the Shackell's Bond Store fronting Murray Esplanade, seven days a week, 10am to 4pm from mid September 2023 through to mid April 2024.
Chief Executive Officers Pauline Gordon (Campaspe) and Terry Dodds (Murray River) thanked Echuca Moama & District Tourism Association (EMDTA) for their years of service, acknowledging the importance of providing accurate, high quality and timely information to visitors on the back of EMDTA closing their visitor information services on September 1 and their continued role in the promotion of the region.
CPE Chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray is pleased to be able to partner on the interim visitor services solution to support visitors and local business. Providing visitor services in the Port precinct aligns with CPE's goals to continue to activate the precinct and provide additional opportunities for visitors and residents to engage and interact with the precinct.
Both Campaspe Shire and Murray River Councils will provide $60,000 each to Campaspe Port Enterprise for the interim solution and during that period, CPE will collect and analyse relevant data and metrics, while Campaspe Shire Council will complete its Economic Development and Tourism Strategy to help inform what support and format visitor services will take into the future.
The Councils emphasised the aim of ensuring visitors to the region feel supported and safe during their visit, which includes traditional in-person services as well as online and emerging technologies.
Both councils are looking at supporting a multi-faceted and modernised approach that more closely aligns efforts and resources to reduce unnecessary and costly duplication while creating sustainable growth opportunities to enhance the appeal of our collective regions as a premier tourist destination.
The CEOs reiterated their support for visitor services for the regions and commitment to working collaboratively and individually on tourism and economic growth, that will leverage the unique attractions of both the Murray River and Campaspe Shire Councils as part of the updated Memorandum of Understanding co-signed in May this year.
Joint media statement from:
Joanne Butterworth - Gray -Board Chair, Campaspe Port Enterprise
Terry Dodds PSM - Chief Executive Officer, Murray River Council
Pauline Gordon - Chief Executive Officer, Campaspe Shire Council
