Positive outlook for Heathcote tourism

HEATHCOTE Tourism and Development held its annual general meeting last week, reporting a positive outlook for the industry.

President Peter Young addressed four focus areas from the strategic plan developed in November 2024; engagement and advocacy, tourism infrastructure, product attraction and development, and events and income sustainability.

“The momentum behind tourism in Heathcote is growing, as evidenced by continuing investment in new accommodation and tourism destinations,” said Mr Young.

“Increasingly, Heathcote is featured by food, wine and travel writers, which demonstrates its increasing reputation as a desirable place to visit.

“We have continued a close working relationship with Bendigo Tourism and Major Events over the past twelve months, and they have provided promotional activities through social media, traditional media and bringing influencers and travel writers to Heathcote.”

During the past year HDT completed the development of the Accommodation Project prospectus.

“The documentation has been shared with the City of Greater Bendigo, Regional Development Victoria, and the state department of tourism infrastructure, all of whom have shared their support for the concept,” said Mr Young. “The project has also been adopted as one of the priority areas for Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, and we are working with DGBL to create a short list of prospective sites, and we hope that the state government will then take the project to potential investors and developers.”

Mr Young and Andee Davidson met with representatives of Friends of the Bendigo to Kilmore Bike Trail during the year to further the idea of a Heathcote to Rushworth Cycling Trail.

“The goal is to create a link between the new Waranga Rail Trail which runs from Murchison to Rushworth, and the O’Keefe Rail Trail which runs from Heathcote to Bendigo, said Mr Young.

“Some of their members investigated different routes and have proposed a route using established fire trails that is relatively easy to ride and bypasses the ghost town of Whroo.

“The route can be ridden now, and the Friends have agreed to approach the relevant authorities to allow signs to be erected along the route.”

Mr Young reported that the two events run by HTD earlier in the year, the Harvest Festival and Heathcote on Show, ran smoothly and were well attended.

He thanked the many volunteers who helped run the events and said that in the future he would like to see more involvement with other community groups so that Heathcote on Show could offer even more to the visiting public.

Elected members of the board for the coming year are president Peter Young, vice president India Munari and secretary Kate Sullivan.

“The office of treasurer is currently vacant,” said Mr Young.

“If you would be willing to take up this position, please let me know.”

Other board members are Andee Davidson, Tim Oudenryn and Amy Larsen.