New tourism management plan for Upper Hunter

THE Upper Hunter Shire Council is holding four workshops this week, to gain community imput for a new Destination Management Plan (DMP) that aims to deliver cultural and economic benefits to the Shire.

See workshop details below

Locals involved in business and tourism and who are invested in the growth of the region are invited to workshop sessions in Murrurundi, Merriwa and Scone to provide information, which will be used to create an ‘actionable tourism plan’.

Council’s Tourism and Events Coordinator Rebeka Morrison said, “we hope to utilise local knowledge and values to do that by working in a collaborative way with the local population to develop this plan.”

“We’re not hoping to get a glossy brochure out of this, we’re hoping to develop real authentic community collaboration . . . it’s about achieving outcomes for the community both on a social and economic level,” said Ms Morrison.

“It’s not about us coming in and saying we know what’s best for the community, it’s about the community telling us what they think they need based on their expert professions or experiences living in the community.

“We hope to build a strong local community awareness about the importance and value of the visitor economy as well.”

Council will be working with the Stafford Group to develop the DMP, with draft results expected as early as February.

“This turnaround is quite unheard of  . . . but we’ve been working on it quietly for a little bit and had some workshops in December with some stakeholders and now it’s been opened up to the wider community and more stakeholders,” said Ms Morrison.

The first workshop session will be held tonight at the Murrurundi RSL Hall, starting at 6pm.

To attend a workshop, RSVP to ‘Destination Management Plan’ at council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au with your name and contact details.

If you are unable to attend a workshop and would still like to contribute contact Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Tourism and Events Coordinator on 0438 292 652.

Destination Management Plan workshops:

• Murrurundi: Wednesday, January 13 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Murrurundi RSL Hall;
• Aberdeen: Thursday, January 14 from 9am to 10:30am at Council Chambers in Scone;
• Merriwa: Thursday, January 14 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the RSL Auditorium;
• Scone: Friday, January 15 from 9:30am to 11am at the Council Chambers in Scone.