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Tourist Association President , John Murray, was a breath of fresh air as he enthusiastically and confidently outlined his associations’ immediate plans for tourism in the area at the recent well attended meeting of various organisations.
The meeting was convened by the Tourist association to take on board what is being planned by the various groups and to avoid overlapping.
‘A revamped Tourist map is a high priority as is suitable signage,” said John.
“Our car-door tours will be both unique and informative,” he said.
“Strategic points such as Bourke, Dubbo, St George and Moree will be targeted, and we hope to establish a static display in the Back of Bourke Centre.
“Putting ourselves on the map is so important. First the Kidmans Way and now the Fossickers Way.
“We will market ourselves through any available outlet. Establishing a manned Tourist Information Centre is imperative and being part of the Shire’s Tourism marketing plan is most helpful.”
Publicity Officer, Maxine O’Brien, will extend the Association into co-operative advertising including print, radio and billboards.
“We will undertake market research and attack this from a consumer point of view,” she said.
Gathering information on statistics, questionnaires and installing visitors books were all considered worthwhile suggestions.
The Chamber of Commerce outlined their Wheel of Fortune promotions.
The part being played in tourism by Walgett Shire Council was presented by Rebel Black.
Following the Public Consultation process anaccompanying the Strategic and Tourism Plans which will be undertaken in the Shire’s towns, there will be a roll out of the overall objectives.
“We need to think Shire wide,” said Ms Black.
David Lane reported progress on the Opal and Fossil Centre and Improvement and Beautification Committees.
The Bougainvillea Way was becoming well established and a petition on the windlass will be presented to Council but meanwhile the CDEP were using bridge beams to etch Lightning Ridge into and place at the T-intersection.
The IBC have the money for an additional 1.6k of bougainvilleas and a watering system but would seek assistance from Council for the fencing.
The uncertainty surrounding Native Title had hindered progress on acquiring suitable land for the Opal and Fossil Centre.
It is hoped that a forthcoming meeting will resolve this problem and work can commence on the centre.
The matter of a public park, which has been of concern to the Chamber
of Commerce, is being addressed in the Council’s Tourism and Strategic Plan.
“Being part of a rodeo circuit next Easter will benefit all involved,” said President Aub Tribe.
$40,000 worth of improvements have been made to the Bill Waterford Equestrian Centre with the help of Work-for-the-Dole participants and the Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“We have applied for a grant for a multi-sports complex involving 18 different sports. We are doing this in conjunction with Barriekneal,” he said.
“Next year’s Goat Races will be bigger and better,” promised Herman Kreller.
He felt there may be justification for an additional motel given the 85% occupancy rate enjoyed by the Wallangulla and Lightning Ridge Hotel Motel.
“The length of stays, where visitors come from and other statistics should be gathered,” he said.
Mr Kreller welcomed ideas to improve the Goat Races and was pleased the committee had a financial start for 2003.
“Making the Opal Jewellery Awards a biennial event was a reluctant, but necessary, decision,” said Sue White on behalf of the OJDAA.
“Plans are well in hand for this year’s exhibition, July 25-29 and the Thursday night Bush Tucker/Bush Band entertainment,” she said.
“We are gaining international recognition for opal and Lightning Ridge, with the assistance of Lucas Blacker and Nick Cerrone, and the recent opal show in Seoul,” said Ms White.
Manning an office full time presents some difficulties for the OJDAA and they welcomed any arrangements that could be suggested.
An offer of volunteers for the opal exhibition was made by Herman Kreller.
Offering a package arrangement for tour operators seeking an outback experience was one of a number of suggestions that can be looked at.
This productive meeting brought groups and their ideas closer together.
The Tourist Association and Chamber of Commerce saw a need for their committees to liaise closely and pledged to do so.
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