THREE masterplans will be developed in the coming months as part of Gannawarra Shire Council’s efforts to promote the municipality as a tourist destination.
Council is in the early stages of developing waterfront tourism masterplans for three of the municipality’s key tourist area – the Kerang Lakes area, the Koondrook waterfront and the Gunbower Creek at Cohuna.
The documents will look at future tourism and recreation-related infrastructure for each location, with the goal of increasing investment and development in the locations.
“What we want to do is create destinations in each of these three areas, and we want to make big improvements on what is currently there at each location, ensuring that people will keep coming to these areas, as well as encourage commercial development,” council’s economic development manager, Roger Griffiths said.
Efforts to develop the three masterplans began earlier this month, with visitors at caravan parks in each of the locations asked to complete a survey identifying what facilities and attractions are needed.
The second stage of investigations will begin next month when council staff meet with a variety of agencies – including Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria – and local business owners to seek feedback.
It is anticipated draft versions of the three documents will be presented to council in March, before distributed to the community for consultation.
“It is important each of the masterplans are developed as it will enable council to help develop budgets for future projects and seek funds,” Mr Griffiths said.
“If we are serious about increasing visitor numbers to the shire, we need to have the facilities to entice people to the area and attractions that can lead to future investment opportunities.”
