Tuesday night’s bombshell decision that the centre, located at Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve, will shut its doors on August 31, has reverberated throughout the twin towns.
The Riv contacted both councils on Wednesday, the second day in succession, seeking responses to a number of questions on the closure.
The two councils did not reply to those questions, but issued a joint media release via email on Wednesday afternoon.
The release, co-signed by Campaspe Shire chief executive officer Pauline Gordon and her Murray Shire counterpart Terry Dodds PSM, stated both councils ‘are expanding both collaboratively and individually on tourism and economic growth’.
“On the back of Echuca Moama Tourism’s (EMT) decision to close the Visitor Information Centre in Echuca, both councils have reiterated the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) co-signed in May this year that highlighted, among other things, a shared vision of prioritising economic development and tourism in both communities,” the council release stated.
“(We’re) re-directing funds towards a modernised, region-wide strategy that will leverage the unique attractions of both the Murray River and Campaspe Shire Councils.”
Campaspe and Murray River councils said they work with a myriad of tourism partners, including state government peak bodies, accommodation associations and a variety of individual and group operators including Campaspe Port Enterprises.
The media release indicated Echuca Moama Tourism is “just one of those many partners”.
“There is real opportunity for us to look at new and innovative approaches to visitor services right across our regions, that incorporate a multi-faceted and modernised approach that more closely aligns our efforts and resources to reduce unnecessary and costly duplication,” the councils said.
“Additionally, we have the opportunity to improve the economy of scale and delivery timetables while creating sustainable growth opportunities to enhance the appeal of our collective regions as a premier tourist destination.
“We are quite excited with our MOU and the renewed vigour it will bring, and sincerely look forward to working together much more closely in the tourism space.”
An email sent by EMT chief executive officer Mellisa Gillies to ambassadors on the centre’s closure pinpointed the reasons behind the decision to close its doors in six weeks.
“A significant downturn in revenue has forced us to undertake an urgent review of our organisational structure, operations, costs, and staff requirements,” Ms Gillies said.
“We are currently funded by two local governments, by membership fees, and some commissions.
“Both local governments will cease funding to visitor services, effective 31 August 2023. This means that the Visitor Information Centre will close on 31 August 2023.”
18°C