Council
3 September, 2025
Tourism boost in council partnership
CORANGAMITE Shire Council will be backing regional tourism for another three years joint with four other councils across the south west.
The new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partners council with Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism LTD (GORRT) and will run from July 2025 to July 2028.
Corangamite Shire Council will join with Moyne, Warrnambool, Colac Otway and Surf Coast shires as a part of the agreement.
Councillor Laurie Hickey has been appointed as Corangamite’s representative on the GORRT board to ensure an ongoing strong partnership.
Cr Hickey said he was “fortunate” to be a member of the board.
“In working closely with the Victorian Government, GORRT helps local businesses thrive through advocacy, marketing, visitor management, product and industry development,” he said.
“GORRT also focuses on the lakes and craters volcanic plains area as well so it’s not just the Great Ocean Road, it’s a wide area.
“We heard from our staff this afternoon, a briefing, just what the value a collaboration between us and GORRT and the other shires are.
“Of course, I can say without bias that we at Corangamite have the jewel and the crown for the Great Ocean Road with the 12 Apostles and their attractions and our volcanic hinterlands.”
Council and GORRT will work collaboratively to achieve visitor economy objectives.
The partnership focuses on fostering a balanced, well-managed and thriving visitor economy through destination management and development, marketing, support for the tourism operators and the delivery of visitor services.
Councillor Nick Cole said it was important to be “in the room” where these discussions were happening regarding tourism, which was why this collaboration proved such a benefit.
“One thing I’d like to see is if we can smooth the peaks out and fill the troughs in a bit with a better spread of tourism coming through,” he said.
“I believe that GORRT now are backing the lakes and craters and I think that’s probably the best way we can get more tourism up here into the hinterland.
“It’s a great spot up here but with GORRT advertising it as well we’ve got a better chance of getting people up into our area.
“It will hopefully give more full-time jobs to people throughout the year with that more steady stream of tourism coming through.”
Councillor Jamie Vogels said a good collaborative history with GORRT lay the foundation for their ongoing partnership.
“Tourism isn’t just about turning up for the selfie and the postcard – it’s about the jobs and identity and boosting the local economy,” he said.
“I think that’s where GORRT plays a good role when we’re attracting people.
“For rural tourism, which has as many challenges as it has opportunities, and getting the balance right so it’s not an impost but a benefit for the tourism for the local economy.”
Moyne Shire mayor councillor Karen Foster said the partnership was vital in supporting the shire’s tourism sector and broader economy.
“Tourism is one of Moyne’s key industries, attracting thousands of visitors each year and supporting local jobs and businesses,” she said.
“Working with our regional partners through GORRT allows us to deliver coordinated marketing, investment attraction and product development that no single council could achieve alone.
“This renewed agreement ensures Moyne has a strong voice in shaping the future of our region’s visitor economy.”
Moyne’s annual contribution of $80,000 to the partnership is matched by the other member councils, with funding levels set according to population and municipality size.
Each year, Moyne welcomes over 370,000 visitors who enjoy unique destinations, experiences and events throughout the shire.
Cr Foster said the investment was a clear vote of confidence in the region’s future.
“The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic visitor destinations, and Moyne plays an important role within that story,” she said.
“By pooling our resources and working together, we can ensure our communities continue to benefit from sustainable tourism that celebrates our natural beauty, builds our economy and supports local businesses.”