mmg.com.au

Deniliquin Council has said it will initiate discussions with the Deniliquin Business Chamber to seek a united approach to tourism promotion and development.

Mayor Lindsay Renwick welcomed the chamber’s interest in a tourism strategy, which it announced in the Pastoral Times this month.

He said he would also welcome open dialogue on the best way forward with Deniliquin’s growing tourism industry.

‘‘We have had outstanding success with tourism in recent times and council is committed to ensuring it continues,’’ Cr Renwick said.

‘‘This can be achieved by working with the tourism strategy which council adopted in 2011.’’

The 2011 tourism strategy was prepared by Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd, after council received a $10,000 grant from the Department of Industry & Investment.

The Deniliquin Business Chamber was one of the key stakeholders in preparation of the strategy.

Cr Renwick explained there were six stages adopted in the tourism strategy, based around capacity building, maximising visitation — especially from touring and Echuca markets — and developing further events.

He acknowledged that implementing some aspects of the strategy had slowed since the departure of tourism manager Greg Lawrence in August, however said it had not been possible to finalise details of a replacement until council’s organisational restructure had been approved.

‘‘That took place at our first meeting for 2013, and general manager Des Bilske is presently seeking input from councillors so he can prepare a position description.

‘‘The new position will include economic development and tourism responsibilities.’’

In the meantime, Cr Renwick said he looks forward to working with the Deniliquin Business Chamber on strategies and actions that continue the momentum, which is building in Deniliquin’s overall economic development, including tourism.