Support for tourism in the Goulburn region
The Victorian Government is supporting Greater Shepparton City, Mitchell Shire and Strathbogie Shire Councils to come together to deliver the Goulburn Region Tourism Partnership project.
This collaborative project is aimed at strengthening and growing the visitor economy offering of the region.
Regional tourism plays a significant role in supporting thriving regions and strengthening communities. It is an important contributor to the economic and social development of regional areas.
This is true for the Goulburn region, which welcomes over 2 million visitors annually and offers many fantastic attractions and events for visitors to enjoy.
The partnership will provide a collaborative approach and strategic framework to the region’s visitor economy through the completion of a series of projects.
This will include engaging community in the creation of a regional destination management plan, as well as the delivery of an industry skills building program.
Through a co-design process with State Government the partner Councils will also be investigating the regions place within the regional tourism network.
Across other regions in Victoria, regional tourism boards act as the peak body who support a destination’s local tourism businesses, deliver tourism initiatives and drive visitation to a region.
The Goulburn region is currently not serviced by such an entity and the recent pandemic and flood events have further highlighted the need for a united voice and coordinated approach to support the visitor economy of the region.
This project is an exciting step to unlocking the Goulburn region’s potential as a resilient destination with the flourishing visitor economy.
Tourism industry, local businesses and community members are encouraged to be involved in the project to provide their local knowledge and expertise of tourism within the region.
Stay up to date on the project and future engagement sessions by registering your interest at www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/goulburn-region-tourism-partnership
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:
“As a regional city, Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley has so much to offer. Our region’s major events program and expanding visitor attractions have supported our ongoing growth as a leading regional destination. While the recent flood event impacted our tourism sector, our community’s strength and resilience has helped the industry in its recovery and continued growth. This is an exciting collaborative project, and we look forward to the further support it will deliver to our region and that of our partner Councils.”
Mitchell Shire Council – Mayor Cr Fiona Stevens said:
“The Goulburn Region begins only an hour from Melbourne and offers some exceptional attractions and events for visitors to enjoy as day trippers as well as for those who want to explore and experience more with longer stays. The partnership will allow our region to lead the strategic direction of tourism within the Goulburn region and will supply us the recognition and support we need to highlight and share our exceptional offerings. We look forward to working with industry, partner Councils and State Government on this key project for our region”.
Strathbogie Shire Council – Mayor Cr Laura Binks said:
“The partnership and participating Councils will involve industry groups and community throughout this project as we investigate the best outcomes for the future of regional tourism. Strathbogie Shire has so much to offer when it comes to tourism – to see, do, experience and taste. Council looks forward to being a part of this collaborative project and we are eager to see the outcomes of this work.”