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Tourism Businesses Represented on Council Committee

New tourism committee for the Shire!

Council has appointed representatives from the tourism industry to the Shire’s new tourism committee.

The new Management Committee, called the Destination Marketing and Development Committee, is responsible for overseeing and advising on Council’s tourism program and budget, tourism facilities, and co-ordinating Council’s engagement with the tourism industry.

The industry representatives appointed are Tracey Patterson, owner/manager of the Repton Riverside Tourist Park; Jody Newhouse, owner/manager of Bellingen Canoe Adventures; Lorraine Gordon, manager Urunga Heads Holiday Park; and Kathryn Wood, manager of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

Councillors Troy, Gundry and Scott, who had been sitting on the previous Committee, will continue to serve on the new group.“This is one of the key actions from our Tourism Strategy,” said Tourism Manager, Brian Stokes.

“We want to make sure that the industry plays a proactive role in tourism development and marketing. This new Committee is their opportunity to contribute to Council’s tourism activities, and have input into the partnership with our neighbouring Councils and industry groups working as Coffs Coast,” he said.

Joanna Walker, President of Bellingen Shire’s peak tourism industry group, Tourism Bellinger, said “The new structure highlights Council’s desire to work with industry to make sure our local experiences and towns continue to have access to marketing activities as the Coffs Coast alliance grows.”

“There are significant changes underway in the tourism industry on Coffs Coast and right across the state,” said Bellingen Shire Mayor, Mark Troy.

“The recently released Review into Tourism in NSW by John O’Neill recommends some fundamental changes to the way tourism is managed and marketed in the state. The Bellingen Shire Tourism Strategy positions us well to take advantage of these changes and ensure we continue to get support and exposure. This step forward, along with our partnership as Coffs Coast, is critical to ensuring our community and businesses continue to benefit from tourism under the state’s new direction, and in a very competitive market,” he said.

The new Committee will meet in the coming weeks to elect its Chair, before formulating input into the Coffs Coast tourism promotions, development and resourcing plans for the coming period.Further information on the new Committee can be sought from Bellingen Shire Tourism Manager, Brian Stokes, on 6655 7306.

Contact details
Brian Stokes
council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

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