Politics & Council
12 May, 2024
Diversity and impetus will benefit shire, says Mayor
TOURISM operators and shop owners were the face of Loddon Shire, Mayor Gavan Holt told the network dinner in Bridge-water last week. Cr Holt said those businesses were often the first point of contact for visitors and had a key role to play in...
TOURISM operators and shop owners were the face of Loddon Shire, Mayor Gavan Holt told the network dinner in Bridge-water last week.
Cr Holt said those businesses were often the first point of contact for visitors and had a key role to play in expanding the shire’s economic diversity and giving impetus for growth.
He said agriculture represented 70 per cent of the shire’s economic base.
“We need diversity and not to rely just on our existing domestic market,” Cr Holt said.
Business owners were told that expanding visitation created spin-offs for all retail outlets in the Loddon Shire.
“The multiplier effect ... coming from the first contact with businesses in our towns, meeting people who are our first advocates and that’s very important to the image of Loddon Shire.”
Cr Holt said council was assisting to boost the image of the region with streetscape improvement projects.
“It has been a tremendous success in Wedderburn, we’re nearly finished in Pyramid Hill and we are now working on the plan and scope for Inglewood,” he said. “That will be a fantastic exercise given the character of Brooke Street.”
Cr Holt said council was also looking to expand visitor services across the shire and marketing programs that would further promote local towns as must-see destinations.