By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE future of tourism on the Southern Downs is set to be discussed at a major public meeting at the Warwick Town Hall tonight from 5.30pm.
The meeting has been called by Warwick Tourism and Events chairperson Majella Kahler with the support of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Kahler said it was important that anyone who had an interest in tourism and events across the Southern Downs came along.
“I would like to invite all members of the community to an information session on the Tourism Transition Report that was recently adopted by Southern Downs Regional Council,” she said.
“I would encourage all members of the community to come along and join in the discussions regarding the future of tourism in our shire. Mayor Peter Blundell, CEO David Keenan and our elected representatives have all been invited.”
The meeting follows the council’s resolution in February to form one tourism body across the region.
Ms Kahler said while the event was being held in Warwick she said interested parties from Stanthorpe, Killarney, Allora and across the region were more than welcome to come along and have their say on the future of tourism in the region.
“Despite reassurances from the mayor regarding the future of events in the region, the funding model adopted post July 2016 will see insufficient funds and levels of staff available to ensure the viability of existing events and the development of new events,” she said.
“For many years, Warwick Tourism and Events has assisted a large number of local and external organisations to create quality events in the region. These events range from small scale charity events to major national events with the capacity to inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local community.
“The operation of the visitor information centres will see the adoption of a three-tier membership/partnership structure. Hours of operation and governance will be managed by Destination Southern Downs with a uniform approach across the shire.”
She said the information session was the community’s chance to be informed about the TTG report and to discuss how to move forward as a community to ensure that the future of tourism and events in the Southern Downs was secure.
