Published on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 at 9:19:43 AM
Community members now have the chance to comment on the draft Sustainable Tourism Strategy document before it is tabled for Council to adopt in August.
The public comment period will be open for four weeks, closing Friday 23 July 2021, during which time community members are encouraged to read the draft document and submit their thoughts to the Shire.
The Sustainable Tourism Strategy, drafted by Outdoors Great Southern (formerly GSCORE) on the back of extensive consultation, aims to guide long-term tourism management and growth in Denmark.
“Community participation for the development of this strategy has been really positive,” Shire of Denmark Acting Chief Executive Officer David King said.
“Lenore and her team have worked very closely with our community and Council to prepare this draft document which we think reflects community priorities for tourism in our Shire.”
Dr Lenore Lyons from Outdoors Great Southern said the development of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy involved engagement with local community, industry, tourism organisations and Council.
“There was resounding support from the community to see sustainable tourism as a key priority for the Shire going forward,” Dr Lyons said.
“The resultant strategy is evidence-based, taking into account community and industry feedback and learnings from other organisations involved in tourism.”
Protection of the local environment and Denmark’s culture and heritage, improving the long-term economic sustainability of the tourism industry and enhancing the visitor experience, and monitoring the impact of tourism on residents and visitors are among the priorities identified in the strategy.
The public comment period which opened today is the final stage of community consultation before the draft strategy is presented to Council for adoption.
Community members are encouraged to read the draft document and provide formal feedback online or by letter before 4pm Friday 23 July 2021.
All feedback will be considered before the final document is presented to Council.
The draft strategy is set to be considered by Council at the August Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 August 2021 and community members are welcome, as always, to attend.
If Council votes to adopt the Sustainable Tourism Strategy, it will be the guiding document for the Shire to direct all future tourism related decision making.
The draft Sustainable Tourism Strategy is available to be read online at https://www.yourdenmark.wa.gov.au/join-the-conversation-on-tourism-in-denmark.
Hard copies are available on request from the Shire Administration Building.
Community members can provide comment online at the link above or by emailing or writing to the Chief Executive Officer at enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au or PO Box 183 Denmark WA 6333.
Back to All News