Launched at the Mount Elephant Visitor Centre on Thursday, the strategy includes a web page, brochure and new map to showcase what towns in the region’s north have to offer.

Corangamite Shire has partnered with Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism, other councils, businesses and communities on the project, which aims to develop the region’s tourism economy beyond the Great Ocean Road.

Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard said it was hoped the strategy would attract tourists and new residents, diversify the local economy and create jobs.

“A lot of people have come together behind a big, powerful idea: that while we are small and limited individually, together we have an incredible amount to offer,” she said.

“To be sustainable, we need to work in partnership with the state-wide tourism industry, and connect to the knowledge and expertise the evolving modern tourism market demands, hence, our partnership with Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.”

“This partnership has been a couple of years in the making and the many people involved deserve credit for their long-term commitment.”

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism General Manager Liz Price congratulated all of the local tourism organisations for working together on the plan.

“A lot of people have given a lot of time to develop the Destination Action Plan for the Volcanic Lakes & Plains region,” she said.

The branding, website and map are only the first step in implementing the plan.

For more information visit www.iamvolcaniclakesandplains.com.au