By Mikayla van Loon
Since the inception of Yarra Ranges Tourism (YRT) in 2006 when two tourism organisations from the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley consolidated, Yarra Ranges Council has been providing financial support.
At the 14 June meeting, councillors moved a recommendation to continue the financial support of $489,000 for the tourism organisation until 30 June 2023.
Councillor Fiona McAllister said tourism is of substantial importance to the Yarra Ranges, both in financial benefit and social cohesion.
“We’ve had many discussions over the past three or four months focusing on our best investment in supporting tourism and the flow on economic and social benefits that Yarra Ranges Tourism provides on our behalf,” she said.
The item was raised at the meeting because the partnering agreement with YRT was due to conclude on 30 June this year.
In addition to this, the Victorian government has released its Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan (VERRP) outlining the support that will be given to tourism boards.
This includes the transition of Regional Tourism Boards into a network of Visitor Economy Partnerships by 2023 but economic support specifics have not yet been advised and the council was recommended to continue its financial support for YRT for the next year until a commitment is made.
“The Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan still sits unresolved and we don’t really know the future of tourism bodies in our region,” Cr McAllister said.
“This is further funding for one year and supports not only the work Yarra Ranges Tourism does with their very small team, in supporting the close to 500 partners that are members and fund what they do, but also the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group and of course Wine Yarra Valley.”
On top of the close to half a million dollars in funding, the council will also contribute $50,000 to YRT’s Destination Management Plan.
The motion was passed unanimously by all councillors.
