JANE KUERSCHNER and HUGH SCHUITEMAKER
A LOCAL council has committed $160,000 over the next three years to the region’s peak tourism body, but has requested consistent updates and set targets be met.
Renmark Paringa Council passed a motion at its monthly general meeting last week to support Destination Riverland’s (DR) funding request, which will see $60,000 in 2021/22, $53,000 in 2023/24 and $47,000 in 2023/24 committed to DR’s operational costs.
DR general manager Ben Patten spoke to elected members before the funding request was discussed to present the organisation’s business case.
DR will also seek $144,500 from the District Council of Loxton Waikerie, $160,000 from Berri Barmera Council and $49,000 from Mid Murray Council over the next three years.
The remainder of its funding will be made of $198,000 from the South Australian Tourism Commission, $103,000 from industry partners, $30,000 from Regional Development Australia and $15,000 from Riverland Wine.
Renmark Paringa Council passed the funding request under the proviso that DR would “report annually to Renmark Paringa Council on agreed targets, furthermore a six-monthly written report be provided to council”.
During discussions at the council meeting, elected members outlined the desire for more feedback and reporting from DR.
Council also requested “at the conclusion of the three-year funding agreement that a review be presented to council on the comparison between council’s funding and Riverland tourism industry funding”.
Renmark Paringa Council Mayor Neil Martinson said the plans outlined by DR would help grow the region’s tourism economy.
“Destination Riverland has recently developed the Riverland Tourism Plan 2030, reviewed the way that it operates, attracted a new general manager and refreshed its focus on increasing the value of the tourism economy across the whole Riverland,” he said.
“Over the next few years, Destination Riverland will concentrate on developing a whole-of-Riverland brand, rebuilding the tourism economy post-COVID 19, marketing to specific visitor demographics and deeply engaging with the local tourism industry.
“Successfully achieving these things will result in growth of the tourism economy for the benefit of local employment, investment, infrastructure and exports.
“Council looks forward to continuing its work with Destination Riverland and receiving updates along the way on progress towards its ambitious targets.”
The DR business case outlines plans to rely less on local government funding and more from industry partner membership in the future.