Regional tourism plan in the spotlight

THE Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) has established a new sub-committee to oversee changes to the way tourism is supported in the region following recommendations of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Tourism Review.

The ‘Tourism Transition Committee’ includes membership from constituent councils of the LCLGA, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) and Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC).

Key objectives of the new sub-committee include:

• to strategically inform, guide and actively participate in the transition of the Limestone Coast Regional Tourism Organisation.

• to increase collaboration with SATC and support the development and implementation of a Limestone Coast Destination Management Plan.

• to guide and inform stakeholder engagement strategies undertaken by the LCLGA as the RTO.

• to advocate on behalf of the local tourism industry on key tourism projects and initiatives.

The new committee will play an important role in the region during the establishment of a new state-wide organisational structure that is being incrementally rolled out across five regional zones in South Australia.

The first zone to be established, the Mid North and Yorke Tourism Zone brings together Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, Clare Valley, and Southern Flinders Ranges regions.

The new State-wide zone structure initiated by the Regional Tourism Review aims to better support South Australia’s tourism regions to improve visitor experiences, grow capability, and attract sustainable investment.

As the designated Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for the Limestone Coast, the LCLGA works in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) to support and advocate for regional tourism development, including developing a new Limestone Coast Destination Management Plan.

LCLGA executive officer and Tourism Transition Committee chair Charlotte Edmunds said tourism remains a high priority for the LCLGA as the designated Regional Tourism Organisation.

“Following the completion of the Limestone Coast’s 5-year Destination Tourism and Marketing Plan at 30 June 2025, and while we explore opportunities for collaboration within a zone under the new state-wide structure, the LCLGA remains focused on ensuring that the Limestone Coast tourism sector is in the best possible position to thrive towards 2030 and beyond,” Ms Edmunds said.

“Tourism is a growing industry in the Limestone Coast that adds to an already diverse economic profile. Our region is unique and has much to offer as a destination to stay and explore.

“The LCLGA will advocate for initiatives that build industry capacity, attract investment and support local businesses to grow sustainably while marketing our unique region for responsible visitation.”

LCLGA president Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said the LCLGA was playing in important role to advocate for local tourism as a strong, united voice.

“The State Government’s Regional Tourism Review presents us with an opportunity to re-set and take a forward-thinking approach to how tourism is supported in the Limestone Coast,” Mayor Martin said.

“The LCLGA’s new Tourism Transition Committee will play an important role to ensure we take advantage of this transition period to position the Limestone Coast for the future, in-line with the State Government’s Tourism Plan 2030 in a way that is right for our unique region.”