The town's natural tourist attractions will now be promoted to the world, along with the south-west's other volcanic sites, as part of the Kanawinka Global Geopark.

The community had a win this week when Moyne Shire Council resolved to amend its draft budget to contribute $4500 to the Kanawinka Global Geopark marketing board in 2009-10.

The council initially believed funding the Kanawinka board was not a priority.

The about-face came after an impassioned plea to councillors this week by Macarthur Advancement and Development Association president Mark Todd.

"What relates to the Great Ocean Road doesn't really relate to the inland communities," he said.

Funding the Kanawinka board would do far more for Macarthur than contributing ratepayers' money to Shipwreck Coast Marketing, Mr Todd said.

Minutes after his address, Cr Jill Parker suggested the council commit the money to the Kanawinka board, a motion which won the councillors' unanimous support.