New tourism network rollout continues

City of Mount Gambier is now offering visitor servicing from the Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul building, further implementing the new ‘hub and spoke’ model.

Occupation of the site follows the retirement of the previous operator at the end of the lease period and successful activation of Engelbrecht Cave in July this year.

The building was reopened prior to the October long weekend after a short closure to undertake minor critical maintenance onsite.

Over the long weekend, the visitor servicing team provided information to South Australian, interstate and international travellers, aiding dispersal into Mount Gambier CBD and assisting travellers in exploring our city and surrounds.

City of Mount Gambier Strategic Development and Visitor Economy Coordinator Amanda Stevens said council would gradually transition to a seven day a week operation at the site, starting with weekends and public holidays in October followed by seven day operation in November.

“With the visitor servicing team onsite, it will also assist council in better understanding how the site is being used, to collect visitation data and to gather traveller feedback and sentiment,” Ms Stevens said. “The results of which will help inform future decision-making at this site and be beneficial to the Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul master plan which is currently underway.”

Development of a master plan for the site is due to be completed by July next year.