Murrindindi will consider the future of its participation in the regional tourism body, Goulburn River Valley Tourism (GRVT) at the council meeting on Wednesday 27 March.
Director of Community Engagement, Shivaun Brown said Council became a member of GRVT in 2011, partnering with Mitchell Shire, Strathbogie Shire and the City of Greater Shepparton.
The purpose is to collectively develop and promote marketing initiatives that attract visitors to the region as a whole, as well as provide tourism industry development opportunities.
“Our current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GRVT expires on 30 June 2019. Officers are recommending that Council discontinue the arrangement with GRVT and seek other opportunities to meet the regional tourism and marketing needs of Murrindindi Shire,” Ms Brown said.
“The City of Greater Shepparton made a formal decision to withdraw from GRVT at its Council meeting on 19 March.
“This has influenced our officers’ recommendation that Murrindindi Shire Council withdraw from GRVT as it raises questions about longer-term viability.
“We understand Mitchell and Strathbogie Shires will also consider their future involvement with GRVT shortly.
“In making their recommendation to withdraw from the agreement with GRVT, officers considered a number of other factors – in particular, the community feedback provided during consultation for the Draft Tourism and Events Strategy which called into question how Murrindindi Shire’s tourism industry is engaging at a regional level.
“Council officers are recommending that Murrindindi Shire Council resolves to discontinue the arrangement with GRVT at the close of the current MOU in June and start taking steps to plan alternative arrangements for future regional tourism activities,” Brown said.
