Council to improve visitor services

Published on 13 December 2023

Hepburn Shire Council will be working in partnership with Daylesford Macedon Tourism and Macedon Ranges Shire Council to investigate and make improvements to our visitor services after receiving a grant from the Victorian Government Visitor Servicing Fund.  

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said that this project will help ensure we get the right information to our visitors, in the right way.   

"We are extremely grateful for this investment in our region. Visitors are a significant driver of our local economy, boosting accommodation, hospitality and retail businesses.  The visitor economy supports one in seven jobs in Hepburn Shire, so this investment will bring a range of benefits for our Shire and economy.”   

“This project will help visitors expand their understanding of our region, improving their experience and hopefully leading to longer stays and more spending,” said Cr Hood. 

The project is due to commence in January 2024 and will include new research and the development of a visitor servicing strategy for the region.   

An additional funded project is a partnership involving six Councils and three regional tourism bodies titled ‘Goldfield Gateways’ that will receive a $625,000 grant. These funds will enable the creation of an integrated physical and digital wayfinding system in the Victorian Goldfields, enhancing the visitor experiences through wayfinding and digital platforms that links destinations between Ballarat and Bendigo. This project will be led by City of Ballarat with input from all LGAs and tourism boards in the region.   

“We want visitors to our beautiful region to feel welcome, well informed and inspired to explore the many activities and places our region has to offer, and we thank the State Government for their assistance in funding these projects,” said Cr Hood.