Indigo Shire Council has unanimously adopted its first ever destination management plan (DMP) for Rutherglen.
Developed in collaboration with key tourism stakeholders, the five year plan provides a strategic direction to align the significant work that the community, tourism stakeholders and Council deliver in order to grow the visitor economy in Rutherglen and surrounds.
Mayor, Bernard Gaffney says the DMP is an important document designed to guide the growth potential of Rutherglen and support the efforts of all stakeholders invested in growing Rutherglen’s tourism offering.
Susannah Doyle, Indigo Shire’s Tourism Manager says, “We’ve worked really closely with tourism operators and community members to develop a plan that details a shared, local vision for Rutherglen and capitalises on our combined efforts to increase the town and surrounding area’s visitor economy.” Ms Doyle said.
The DMP sits under Council’s Indigo Destination Game Changer Tourism Strategy, but is a destination specific plan detailing the actions to be done specifically for Rutherglen, which has considerable visitor growth potential, building on the strength of the winery, food, retail and accommodation offerings and new investment.
Major projects like the Rutherglen Wine Walk Cycle Trail, a $5.1M project fully funded by the Federal Government and the new Silo Precinct concept development work, a $125K State government funded project are catalyst projects and the reinvigoration of the Rutherglen Wine Experience is seen as an essential new experience.
“We’ve developed a highly tactical annual action plan, with priority actions that have been collaboratively developed with all stakeholders. We can’t wait to get started and see this plan come to life.” Ms Doyle said.
