A Letter to the Editor (Advertiser 25 June) suggested there was "no overall tourism plan for Maryborough" and that the welcome grant from the Victorian Government for a creative space at Maryborough Railway Station could result in a "white elephant."
In fact, there is a comprehensive and compelling tourism strategy in place for Maryborough and the Shire, with our wonderful and unique Maryborough Station playing a key connecting role. Council is actively working to develop this new Local Area Action Plan, developed with our local tourism operators and Bendigo Regional Tourism. We will be asking for community feedback on this plan soon.
World Heritage Listing of the Victorian Goldfields comprises a dynamic partnership including 15 local councils led by the cities of Ballarat and Greater Bendigo, offering us an opportunity to create a world class, recognised regional tourism attraction with Maryborough and our Shire at its centre. Our magnificent Station is strategically positioned to tell that story of gold, which is unique in the history of the world. This creates a brilliant backdrop for developing the creative arts which this recent investment enables Council to pursue.
Council's Priority Projects Plan contains detailed proposals to create three heritage precincts - the Station; the Civic Centre - including the Town Hall and the Gallery - and the Princes Park Heritage Reserve including the Grandstand and Olympic Pool complex. These will be connected by an engaging placemaking and wayfinding strategy.
Maryborough is centrally located within the Goldfields Way Touring Route, connecting Ballarat and Bendigo through significant gold towns, driving added activation and encouraging further events, attractions and tourism development.
An exciting future indeed.
Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor
Paddy's Ranges Ward
