Tourism review u-turn

The City of Busselton has backtracked on plans for an independent review into tourism across the region and will instead stage round-table discussions with stakeholders.

The review — announced on November 26 — would have engaged an external consultant to assess efficiencies industry-wide.

After concerns were raised by the Busselton Jetty Environment and Conservation Association about a potential merger with the Geographe Bay Tourism Association, the City said yesterday it had revised its thinking.

Busselton Mayor Ian Stubbs said the review would progress as a round-table exercise between the City, the GBTA and BJECA.

Cr Stubbs said the revised approach would save money and help ensure the process was positive and any outcomes supported.

“We believe the decision to progress the review as a collaborative exercise rather than through the engagement of an external consultant, will help strengthen existing stakeholder relationships and ensure greater support for the outcomes and recommendations,” he said.

The review will investigate the delivery of visitor services — noting that areas of duplication have been identified by the City — and the long-term financial sustainability of the GBTA and BJECA.

Operational costs will be investigated, as will maintenance and capital improvement of major tourist assets such as the Busselton Jetty, the underwater observatory, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Ngilgi Cave.

The review will also aim to ensurethere are sufficient funds to grow new tourism assets and facilities in the future.

BJECA president Trevor Fitzpatrick told the Times he welcomed the change in direction.

“Common sense has prevailed. Thanks to all councillors, now we can get back to doing what we both do best for our community,” he said.

Mr Fitzpatrick said BJECA was adamant there would be no merger with the GBTA.

“We are happy to participate in any tourism-related matters that we can assist with, but we reinforce the fact that our members will not take part in any merger now or in the future.”

On Wednesday, the review was put on hold pending further discussions with stakeholders.

Cr Stubbs said a merger was not a given outcome and denied the GBTA needed bailing out, saying it needed to look at “streamlining operations”, as did BJECA.

GBTA acting chief executive Sharna Kearney said she hoped the organisations would meet in the new year and any opportunities to support tourism and the benefits it brought to the community should be explored.