ROBE’S tourism sector will come under the microscope over the next 12 months as Robe District Council starts an in-depth economic study.
The council, through a partnership with Spendmapp, has started to collect anonymous bank transaction data to create a snapshot of economic and tourism trends within the seaside community, which has a significant population swell in the summer months.
That figure will likely peak tonight as the town hosts its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a heightened police and paramedic presence in the town to cater for the increase.
“For the past 10 years, we have been saying Robe is a town of 1500 that expands to 15,000 in summer, but this estimate is not up to date,” Robe Mayor Alison Nunan said.
Council believes the economic monitoring will give greater understanding of Robe’s year-round activity and growth over the last decade.
“Visitor rates make us bloom unlike most country towns in Australia and we’re blessed in that respect,” Ms Nunan said.
“Our businesses are well equipped to manage the increase.”
To help manage the influx of revelers, council has placed two significant portions of the township under a Dry Zone.
Police will also operate breath-testing stations and patrols on Long Beach, the Robe Foreshore, the Esplanade and outbound roads.
“If someone gets into a brawl or they become badly injured, they would have to be taken to Mount Gambier for treatment,” Ms Nunan warned.
But despite the rapid population increase, Ms Nunan said the behaviour of holidaymakers was generally good and greatly benefited the town.
“As long as people remember to take their rubbish and look after the beach, we do not believe we will see any changes in the short term,” Ms Nunan said.
“The dunes protect our town. If the beaches have trouble recovering, it will be readdressed.”
The council leader foreshadowed the local government body exploring further options to support businesses during the holiday season, where access to staff or housing for workers had created issues.
“Ratetpayers are coughing up for infrastructure, so we want to make it worth their while,” she said.
