Call for state-of-the-art info centre

By Tania Martin
A LOCAL tourism operator has joined calls for a new state-of-the-art information centre in the hills.
Dandenong Ranges Tourism Information Centre manager Michael Axel said it was vital to the survival of the industry.
This follows a push by La Trobe MP Jason Wood for state and federal funding for the project.
Mr Wood last week renewed calls for the project which he originally championed in the lead-up to the 2007 federal elections.
These calls come as a $300 million federal council cash injection is announced.
The funding was announced as part of the government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) to boost local economic development and support jobs.
Mr Wood said it was the perfect opportunity to get the project back on the agenda.
The cost of the project would be $7.97 million.
Michael Axel of DRT said a new centre was vital for the Dandenongs.
He said despite the current information centre brining in 25,000 visits a year, a new facility was desperately needed.
Mr Axel said current figures showed the Yarra Ranges and Phillip Island were the only two Victorian regions still experiencing positive growth.
But despite this, Mr Axel said it was time to capitalise on that especially with the current economic downfall.
“Anything done now will not solve the problems but it could be part of rebuilding once the economy starts to improve,” he said.
“We should attempt to shore up the industry while things are bad.”
Mr Wood said the global economic strain had the potential to affect tourism, which was a major part of the Dandenongs.
“It’s important we do all we can to promote and protect our local tourism industry,” he said.
The proposal outlines plans to replace the current centre with a state-of-the-art facility which incorporates not only the region’s tourist opportunities but also history and art.
Mr Axel said these three components were integrally linked to the region and would draw visitors to the area.
He said now was the time to invest, not wait until the crisis passed.
“We are already starting to experience a downturn…accommodation bookings are starting to slow,” he said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said the centre would be great for the region.
However she said the project wasn’t something that was on the top list of priorities for the council.
“But we would welcome anything like this to help the region,” Cr Dunn said.