Yarra Ranges Council has partnered with Nillumbik and Cardinia Councils to create a new Visitor Economy Partnership, spreading tourism funding and initiatives across the outer-east.
Aligning with the direction of the Victorian Government’s Visitor Economy 2021 Recovery and Reform Plan, this will see the transfer of Council’s current agreement with Yarra Ranges Tourism across to the new Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP) on 1 July. All three Councils have now committed to the VEP.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the change would mean enhanced partnerships with nearby Councils, better opportunities to access State and Federal funding and increased tourism support for the wider region.
“Tourism is one of our most significant economic backbones here in the outer east,” Cr Child said.
“We have millions of visitors coming to the region every year, with numbers expected to increase upon completion of our flagship tourism projects such as the Warburton Bike Park, ngurrak-barring (Ridge Walk) in the Dandenongs and the Yarra Valley Trail. Our neighbours in Cardinia and Nillumbik Shires are also active in growing tourism visitation and the fact is that many people travelling through will often enjoy what our regions offer collectively.
“This new partnership will be the voice of our visitor economy in the outer east. It will support our tourism industry to grow and become more resilient, help attract investment, advocate for our three regions, all of which experience similar challenges and have similar opportunities, and, of course, help bring more visitors to our unique part of the world.
“Yarra Ranges Tourism has represented the industry and the region well for the past few years, and I think this partnership will take the best parts of what’s been done and bring on board our neighbours to band together to strengthen the visitor economy even further.
“I’m really excited about this, and I look forward to working with our Cardinia and Nillumbik counterparts going forward.”
Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor, Cr John Dumaresq said, “Tourism provides a major boost for Nillumbik, delivering 381,000 visitors to our Shire each year and contributing $107 million to our local economy.”
“We are so lucky to have such an amazing backyard to share with people from outside our area and also fortunate to be part of a broader tourism region that is unique and diverse.”
“The visitor economy partnership provides an opportunity for all three of our councils, industry and the Victorian Government to join together and promote our region as a ‘must see’ place to visit.”
Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jack Kowarzik, said, “This partnership has been a long time coming and we’re delighted to be working with the shires of Yarra Ranges and Nillumbik to support and grow the tourism industry across the region.”
“By working together, we will be better placed to support tourism operators across the region, attract greater investment and showcase our beautiful region as a popular tourist destination.”
The Visitor Economy Partnership, to be named Tourism East until the new Board has developed the brand post 1 July, would include an independent chair, representatives of each Council, industry representatives, skill-based positions and an advisory committee.
The partnership and its legal structure have been co-designed by representatives from each Council, along with the State Government and the chair of Yarra Ranges Tourism.
