THE work of Moyne Shire Council’s tourism arm has won praise from Port Fairy businesses who draw their livelihood from visitors to the town.
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Port Fairy Tourism Inc president president Jenni Hider-Smith praised council’s commitment to ensuring the town remains a holiday destination of choice.
“We have a really good relationship with council at the moment, I’d say it’s the best we have ever had,” Ms Hider-Smith said.
“That is because of the work done by Adam Boyle (council’s manager corporate business and tourism), he is so supportive and sees the benefit of tourism to Port Fairy.”
Tourism infrastructure in Port Fairy has been included in council’s 2018-19 budget.
This includes the reconstruction of toilets at Southcombe Park ($150,000) and an update of cabins at Gardens Caravan Park ($150,000).
Also at Gardens Oval Caravan Park will be a $40,000 upgrade of the camp kitchen and $29,000 on a playground renewal.
As well as the two council-owned caravan parks, Port Fairy is home to four privately-owned parks.
Council also operates and manages caravan parks at Killarney, Koroit, Mortlake, Peterborough and Yambuk.
Council’s budget includes $15,000 for an upgrade of the camp kitchen at the Yambuk Caravan Park.
It has budgeted to spend $3,313,000 on its caravan parks during this financial year with an expected revenue of $3,367,000, giving it a profit of $54,000.
This profit margin would be higher but council returns 33 per cent of the dividend at its Port Fairy caravan parks to general council revenue.
Moyne Shire Council mayor Mick Wolfe said investment on caravan parks was money well spent.
“It is a competitive world when it comes to the tourism industry so we have to make sure we are doing all the right things,” Cr Wolfe said.
“It’s good to get people here for one time but you need to get those return visits and that word of mouth that Port Fairy is a great place to stay.
“Investing in upgrading our caravan park facilities will help get those return visits.
“Young families are a big part of our tourism trade and the caravan parks are an affordable option for them to stay.”