Sustainable Tourism Plan 2024 - 2028
Sustainable tourism aims to attract visitors while meeting the needs of the local community, environment and industry. It considers economic, social and environmental impacts while developing the visitor economy.
The Sustainable Tourism Plan 2024-28 is a collaborative approach Mansfield Shire will take with community, businesses and residents to sustainably develop our tourism industry and destination.
Feedback
Thank you for preparing and releasing the Draft Sustainable Tourism Plan for community feedback.
I wish to make the following comments;
Kind regards
Marta Wakeling
BSc(Hons) , MBA, Grad DipEd
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There are a number of major problems with the Draft Sustainable Tourism Report :
The first issue: there is NO KEY FOCUS AREA for HOW WILL COUNCIL MEASURE /DETERMINE A PROJECTS SUSTAINABILITY
What are Councils sustainability indicators for evaluating the impacts of tourism development and the conservation values of tourism projects?
How is shire incorporating the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme principals that ensure
stakeholders with the capacity and the tools to manage tourism efficiently, responsibly and sustainably based on the local context and needs. (*1)
stakeholder engagement in the planning, development and management of sustainable tourism that follows a destination approach to heritage conservation and focuses on empowering local communities. (*1)
Strengthen the enabling environment by advocating policies, strategies, frameworks and tools that support sustainable tourism as an important vehicle for protecting and managing cultural and natural heritage (*1)
The Second Issue: No Link to the current State Tourism Plan - Experience Vic 2033
Our Shires, local government, Sustainable Tourism Plan is not connected to the current State Government's "Experience Vic 2033' plan - tourism.vic.gov.au which will drive tourism, development, grants and funding in Victoria.
Our local TOURISM PILLARS should align with the State Governments - 5 Tourism Pillars:
- nature
- first people's
- wellness
- food and drink
- Arts and culture
Additionally THE DRIVERS of our Sustainable Tourism offerings should also align with the States list. Tourism experiences being:
- sustainable and regenerative
- valuable for our communities
- unique to place
- first people's focused
- inclusive and welcoming
- innovative and outstanding
- driving economic growth
And operate within the 9 KEY SETTINGS
- workforce
- drive demand
- transport and aviation
- industry excellence
- community engagement
- digital connectivity
- visitor services
- data and insights
ISSUE 3 - NO REFERENCE TO LOCAL CULTURAL AND NATURAL VALUES
Sustainable Tourism Development must be cognisant of local listed areas of significant Cultural and Natural Values so they can be protected from any impact when developing Sustainable Tourism products
- CULTURAL VALUES
- Aboriginal heritage
- Social value
- Aesthetic value
- Historic value
- NATURAL VALUES
- Extensive natural values
- natural landscapes
- Undisturbed Catchments
- Wildernesses
- Old growth forests
- Flora - including endangered species
- Fauna
As noted in "National Estate Identification and Assessment in the North East Region of Victoria. May 1999" and include those listed in other shire documents and overlays
Council needs a fully comprehensive and up to date REGISTER of significant Cultural and Natural sites in the Mansfield Shire
SPECIFIC FEEDBACK - SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLAN SUMMARY -
https://engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au/82873/widgets/440059/documents/290269
PAGE 3
- PARA 2 add "In 2023 Mansfield Shire Council led" a compre......
PAGE 4 - MERRIJIG
' A rural, cattle and sheep farming community in the heart of the Delatite Valley. At the foothills of the Mount Buller ski resorts and Mt Stirling snowfields.
The gateway to the river, forest and mountain adventures in the Alpine National Park and Mansfield State Forest"
Home of the High Country Cattlemen and their horses.
PAGE 5 - WHAT WE HEARD - reword
The consultation process revealed shared views around the importance of tourism and the need to protect core environmental and community values.
Residents want aspire to balance tourism planning offerings that respect the needs of local people, ensure community livability and protect the environment
WORD WALL
add clarity
low environmental IMPACT
high economic YEILD
protect ENVIRONMENT
manage PARKING issues
manage TRAFFIC
missing these
FORESTS
MOUNTAINS
COUNCILS CURENT BRAND PILLARS
EXPLORE - Lakes, mountains, Rivers FORESTS & NATIONAL PARKS
DISCOVER - High country cattlemen, horses, huts and Merrijig rodeo.
* Of the 16 horse riding businesses that use to operate around Merrijig there are only a few left
- 1) McCormacks
- 2) Watsons,
- 3) Buckle Up Bush rides.
Most closed when insurance premiums took a Hike
Chris Dunlop - now retired
True Blue Trails (Davies rd) closed post Covid
Lovicks Safari rides ( powers Roads) closed to public with only a few 'old mates' of Charlie's staying at his place now for rides
KEY FOCUS AREAS pages 7 & 8
I note that Mansfield Shire Council has decided to take on a ' Lead Tourism Governance model" rather than a "Support Tourism Governance model"
What are the cost implications of this Council choice for how ratepayer funds are used in the Shire ?
There are only 4 key focus areas listed in the Shires Draft Sustainable Tourism plan
The most important 5th focus area is missing from the SUSTAINABLE Tourism plan - HOW WILL COUNCIL MEASURE /DETERMINE A PROJECTS SUSTAINABILITY
Key Focus Area - - HOW WILL COUNCIL MEASURE /DETERMINE A PROJECTS SUSTAINABILITY
What are Councils sustainability indicators for evaluating the impacts of development and conservation projects?
The Ecological Footprint (EF) metric
which "sustainability indicators" will be applies
which "conserve biodiversity" measures will be used
which "improve livelihoods" measures will be used
which "impact evaluations' measures will be used
SPECIFIC FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACTION PLAN
Page 4 - end para 3
For this reason, it is essential that tourism is carefully managed and new offerings must provide net benefits that are reflective of the values and needs of our community.
PAGE 5 - POINT 3 reword
We collaborate with communities and stakeholders to create quality tourism experiences and promote sustainable tourism practices
PAGE 5 - LAST SENTENCE reword
1. Continue to work with local communities to develop and and support significant activation projects, individual town plans and opportunities in our region.
PAGE 7 - ADD definition for
NATURAL HERITAGE
PAGES 8 & 9 &10 & 11 & 27
The data sources ???
References for data sources need to be listed correctly so they can be verified.
Use "Biblio" to reference correctly
PAGE 12 - LAST SENTENCE reword
They recognise that services and amenities that benefit our community are as a result of the visitor economy and they also understand that local issues such as increased traffic, parking issues, increased noise, littering and environmental degradation are also as a result of that same Visitor economy.
PAGE 13 - MERRIJIG
' A rural, cattle and sheep farming, community in the heart of the Delatite Valley. At the foothills of the Mount Buller ski resorts and Mt Stirling snowfields.
The gateway to the rivers, forest and mountain adventures in the Alpine National Park and Mansfield State Forest"
Home of the High Country Cattlemen and their horses.
PAGE 14 - GAPS or so we already cater?
Large scale family friendly accommodation
- Sebel Pinnacle Valley,
- Alzberg Mansfield
- Bonnie Doon Lakeside Leisure Resort
- etc.
Driving events
- Targa,
- Motor Bike club rides,
- car clubs visit
-Indian Bike club meet ups at Sebel
- Delatite Drivers Club -local vintage car club
Watersports & Activities
- water skiing , fishing, houseboats
- Mansfield fly fishing club - Lords oval
- Gough's bay boat club
- Nillacootie sailing club
- Mansfield pool & swimming club
- Jamieson Kayak hire
Destination Weddings
PAGE 15 - OPPORTUNITIES
Please be explicit and detail the:
- destination vision
- Strategic objectives
- visitor yield measures
- list of identified opportunities
PAGE 16 - Insufficient infrastructure - reword
The short term and seasonal nature of workers in the local snow driven tourism industry exacerbates pressure on low rental housing supply during peak tourism periods.
PAGE 18 MISSION - REWRITE
. ... we aim to enhance visitor satisfaction and deliver memorable SUSTAINABLE TOURISM experiences that exceed expectations and generate economic and social benefits for our region WHILE ENSURING LIVABILITY FOR RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS
PAGE 19 - define what council means by
" improve river access facilities and visitor experiences at Mirimbah, Merrijig.and Carter's Road ."
PAGE 20 - DEVELOP A TOURISM INVESTMENT PLAN
Explicitly state who is funding
1) the tourism investment Plan
2) the tourism investments?
... Is this ratepayer money?
PAGE 21- Councils ROLE add
" Consult with local communities"
PAGE 22
-Para 4 typo " in in"
- Para - 5 - incorrect information
Large scale family friendly accommodation
- Sebel Pinnacle Valley, - 4 star & conference
- Alzberg Mansfield - groups
- Bonnie Doon Lakeside Leisure Resort
- Last Para make clear - "council concierge service"
" Council can encourage tourism investment that aligns with its tourism vision through business friendly programs such as a concierge service... "
PAGE 23 2nd last para - reword
Council to work with DWELP AND DEECA and other Agencies as required to facilitate interpretation signage and infrastructure provision in State Forests and National Parks
PAGE 24 - Para 6 & 7
FINANCIAL Resources Must BE BUDGETED FOR IN COUNCIL NEXT BUDGETS BEFORE BEING committed for
- developing networks - partnerships
- staffing and training at council, industry and community
- funding capital works for infrastructure
Not all initiatives identified in the plan will be the sole responsibility of the Council to implement or RATEPAYERS to fund.
Page 25 - add
" Partners are critical .... Private sector organisations AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES .
PAGE 27 - REFERENCES
References need to be listed correctly so.information can be verified.
Please Use "Biblio" to reference correctly
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MY. REFERENCES:
(*1) UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme, Peter DeBrine Programme Specialist Sustainable Tourism, https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/activities/documents/activity-669-7.pdf
2) "Experience Vic 2033' Tourism Plan - tourism.vic.gov.au
https://tourism.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2179684/Experience-Victoria-2033.pdf
3) "National Estate Identification and Assessment in the North East Region of Victoria. May 1999
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/rfa/regions/vic-north-east/enviroment/national-estate-identification/vic_ne_natest.pdf
