GLENELG Shire Council will continue to unlock and enhance the tourism potential of the region following the decision to create a cross-border tourism partnership.
The council voted to lead establishment of a Green Triangle Regional Tourism Working Group at its November council meeting, committing to develop a regional tourism strategy to cover South West Victoria and South East South Australia.
The working group will include representatives from Mount Gambier, Grant District, Southern Grampians and Wattle Range councils.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said the plan aimed to position the Green Triangle as a national tourism destination.
“This strategy will link the Limestone Coast to the Great Ocean Road and Coonawarra Wine Region to the Grampians, making one unique touring route,” she said.
“The establishment of this working group has the potential to further build on our visitor economy, identifying regional opportunities to build on the collective strengths of our cross-border relationship.
“Together we have world class tourism offerings and it is important we work together, strengthening our marketing plan to showcase to a global audience why they should spend a few days in this area.”
Ms Rank said the new group would work in a similar way to the Green Triangle Freight Action Plan committee, a successful cross-border lobby group which has attracted investment in key freight roads.
“Early discussions for this strategy have identified building a touring route, linking a four-day journey across each of the municipalities,” she said.
“The Melbourne to Adelaide touring route market will be targeted in the campaign, ensuring travellers make the Green Triangle region a priority stopover, spending a few days exploring the area on their travels.”
Glenelg Shire will host the inaugural meeting of the Green Triangle Regional Tourism Working Group on December 11 at the Casterton Town Hall.