CHAIRLIFTS from the Centenary Tower, underwater light shows and pop-up shops surrounding the Valley Lakes are only some of Mount Gambier councillor Ben Hood’s visions for a new sub-committee.
Presented at City Council’s strategic standing committee meeting last week, Cr Hood opened discussion for a committee focused on the city’s popular tourist attraction, the Crater Lakes precinct.
“It is very easy to come to the city and walk the Blue Lake before leaving again without any economic benefit to the city,” Cr Hood said.
“I see that council begin to think about our control of tourism assets and we begin to develop them the same.”
Cr Hood said a “dedicated community and council” who “share their passion forward” would result in a boost to the visitor economy.
He cited Cr Max Bruins and Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell as acknowledging the importance of the Crater Lake, saying a dedicated committee focused solely on the area could result in regular discussion and strategic planning.
“The committee will look at all these tourism assets holistically as one,” Cr Hood said.
“Then we can plan a strategic plan for the future on what the locations look like and how they operate.
“They can also look at how it will all benefit Mount Gambier as well as the region from an economic and tourist point of view.”
A master plan for the area is Cr Hood’s focus idea for the potential committee, with signage, branding and stories of the area as a tourism priority.
“We need to think big about what we could do and develop a master plan for the Valley Lake and identify key aspects for where we might be able to do a feasibility study,” he said.
During the meeting, Cr Sonya Mezinec questioned the motion, stating council staff workload would have to be taken into consideration.
“If we set up a committee it sets up quite a workload for staff because it does need to be supported,” Cr Mezinec said.
“Possibly we hold a workshop to tease out various ideas which could stipulate what needs to be reported on now.”
Council administration staff will now prepare for consideration a draft terms of reference for the committee to focus on all council controlled tourism assets.
The term of reference is expected to include responsibility to oversee council’s current com
mitment to review the Crater Lakes Management Plan.
Council will then consider the draft in conjunction with other council committee structures at a future workshop.
It is expected to be noted at tonight’s council meeting.
