Eurobodalla looks to Nature Based Tourism Feasibility

The next Council meeting will see staff submit a report to Councillors requesting Council’s endorsement to publicly exhibit a Eurobodalla Nature Based Tourism Feasibility Study: Summary Report.

The report by Lindsay Usher, Director, Planning and Sustainability Services, states that Council engaged consultants with experience in nature-based tourism throughout Australia and internationally. "These consultants have prepared the draft report to guide the development of nature-based tourism and related recreation activities across the Eurobodalla and develop cooperative agreements with State-based agencies. The recommendations from the draft report will help re-position Eurobodalla Shire as an attractive location for both public and private investment, and drive growth and ongoing improvement in nature-based tourism and hence contribute to the achievement of a long-term outcome. "Eurobodalla has the potential to capitalise on its natural assets and expanding the nature-based tourism sector in conjunction with the new tourism brand positioning and its marketing tag line “all kinds of natural”. "Shire wide growth in nature-based experiences and products will assist in differentiating the Eurobodalla through visitor perceptions and encouraging year-round visitation across our Shire", the report adds. The timing of this project is, according to the report, "ideal with the NSW Government having reserved $28 million of the Regional Growth Environment Tourism Fund for new or improved nature-based environment and infrastructure projects. A Southern NSW Nature Based Tourism Plan is likely to be developed within the next year allowing Eurobodalla to have projects able to be elevated to regional importance A strong foundation in the nature-based tourism sector will position Eurobodalla Shire as an attractive location for both private and public investment, driving growth and employment opportunities." The draft report lists eight (8) infrastructure improvement projects and places them within five categories. Market Ready Projects (1) Murramarang South Coast Walk Mid to Long Term Sustainability Projects (2) Micro-infrastructure projects (includes defining the best range of walk experiences, upgrading the best lookouts and improving access to the waterways) (3) Maintain Montague Island’s Appeal (4) Mogo Adventure Hub Mid Term Leveraging Projects (5) Re-imagine Batemans Bay -Clyde River Waterfront (6) Batemans Bay Coastal Headlands Walking Trail