Have your say on the future of tourism in the Goulburn Region

As part of the Goulburn Region Tourism Partnership, Greater Shepparton, Mitchell Shire and Strathbogie Shire Councils are seeking community and industry input to create the Goulburn Region Destination Management Plan (DMP).

The DMP will create a shared vision for supporting and growing the visitor economy of the region for the next five years.

The visitor economy is an important economic and social contributor for the region, with visitation to the region steadily growing for the six years prior to the COVID pandemic.

The plan is an important step to continue to support the recovery of the tourism sector and will provide partner Councils with a clear vision and ability to support the industry moving forward.

In addition, the DMP will allow the region to be well placed to align to the Victorian Government’s Experience Victoria 2033 Plan.

Experience Victoria 2033 was recently released and provides the vision to grow Victoria’s tourism industry and create jobs across the state.

Partner Councils are calling on community and industry to share their feedback during the engagement period which is open until 27 June 2023.

Councils are keen to hear feedback about what makes the Goulburn region’s tourism offering so unique, as well as how the industry can be strengthened and supported to grow into the future.

There will be several engagement opportunities across the region that community can partake in. This will include workshops in Shepparton, Seymour, Euroa and Nagambie as well as drop-in sessions across the region.

Details are as follows:

Industry and Community Workshops

Community and industry are encouraged to register to attend engagement workshops, attend a drop in session or have their say today by completing the survey at www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/goulburn-region-tourism-partnership

Consultation is open until 4pm on Tuesday 27 June.

The project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

Greater Shepparton City Council – Mayor Cr Shane Sali said:

“The Goulburn Region Tourism Partnership is a great collaboration for the region. It is fantastic that one of the priority projects of the Partnership is underway.

Destination Management Planning is an important step for the region as it will allow us to create a clear vision and strategic pathway to work together to support tourism in the region across local government boundaries. This work is even more important as we look to welcome record visitor numbers to the region for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is an exciting project for the region, and we look forward to working hearing from community and industry.”

Mitchell Shire Council – Mayor Cr Fiona Stevens said:

“The Goulburn Region has so much to offer and currently attracts more than 2 million visitors a year. We are well positioned, starting less than an hour from Melbourne and perfectly located to explore regional Victoria with many unique events and attractions drawing visitors to the area.

“We are excited to work with industry, community, partner Councils and State Government to progress this partnership. I encourage Mitchell businesses and community members with an interest, passion and future in tourism to get involved and help shape this important next step for our visitor economy and for supporting and creating innovative and exciting local jobs.”

Strathbogie Shire Council – Mayor Cr Laura Binks said:

“Destination management planning will allow us to understand our destination offering, effectively plan for growth and advocate for tourism priorities in the region.  The Plan will support the tourism industry and continue to support a vibrant local economy. We are excited to hear what our communities love about the region and what we can offer to visitors into the future. All ideas no matter how big or small are encouraged as we look for innovative ways to differentiate our region as a destination.”