Closure of Harvey’s visitor centre after Shire of Harvey releases ‘ambitious’ 10-year tourism plan

Tourism will be “front of mind” for the Shire of Harvey as it prepares to roll out a 10-year plan to increase the visitor economy, having officially closed its three-decade-old visitor centre. After the development of a report that considered the Shire of Harvey’s vistor experience “outdated” and “underwhelming” councilliors will on Tuesday vote on the implementation of a strategy that sets out six goals, objectives and initiatives aimed at increasing tourism in the region. The “ambitious” Harvey Region Tourism Roadmap 2031 Implementation Plan was the result of an external report — developed earlier this year by tourism place-maker We Are Best — and is the foundation of a 10-year plan that seeks to increase the shire’s visitor economy. The plan outlines six goals that identify possible projects for future implementation, including the creation of new job positions and advisory groups within the shire, master plans for tourism precincts and increased partnership opportunities. Shire documents state the Shire of Harvey’s future visitor economy will be a key driver of social, cultural, and economic life and significantly contribute to an “even” better lifestyle for the community by 2031 and establish tourism as “front of mind”. “The Tourism Road Map 2031 sets an ambitious vision for the Shire of Harvey and the Harvey Region,” documents stated. “It (the Tourism Road Map) will be embedded in the Shire’s integrated planning and reporting framework to ensure a planned approach is delivered through robust financial and resource allocation.” It also comes after the Shire ceased funding to the Harvey Districts Tourist Bureau Inc. — which managed and operated the visitor centre— on December 31 in view of the plan, as well as the introduction of the Destination Harvey Region business unit and Harvey Region Tourism Advisory Group set to start in January 2022. Mr Gillett said the Shire was looking forward to the new opportunities the Destination Harvey Region business unit would bring and recognised past achievements. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to current and past HDTB Board members, staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the Harvey Region,” he said. Shire documents also outline a “promise to the community” which highlights the Shire’s intention to inform the public as well as consult them on decisions made regarding the tourism plan. “We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and aspirations, and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision,” Shire documents stated. Councillors will decide the fate of the plan at a December ordinary council meeting, with Shire officers recommending council adopt the new plan. The Shire of Harvey did not wish to comment on the roadmap until after the December council meeting.