By Vanessa Parker<\/p>\n
Despite Moorabool Council spruiking about a recent Visitor Economy Partnership to boost tourism, one local accommodation facility has been told they will have to pay to have directional road signs put up on the main street of Ballan.<\/p>\n
The Ballan Caravan Park is run by a volunteer Committee of Management and offers caravan and tent sites, with cabin accommodation also available.
\nA spokesperson for the park said they were told \u201cdirectional signages are private signages\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a fee also associated with the installation,\u201d the spokesperson told the Moorabool News.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach sign will cost $250-$450 but does depend on the location we were told and, it would be cheaper apparently if used on an existing pole.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thought it would be in the interest of Council to place some signs around the town to let visitors and tourists know there is accommodation available, and a place for campers and caravanners.\u201d<\/p>\n
Central Ward Councillor, Paul Tatchell said he was made aware of the claim that road signs, indicating the availability of sites for caravans and camping, would have to be paid for by the individual. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe spend serious money on a visitor\u2019s strategy quoting finding accommodation as a challenge, but can\u2019t put the blue \u2018accommodation this way\u2019 signs up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same document claims economic development encourages business into the region, then charges 1.5 times the normal rate for the privilege.<\/p>\n
\u201cGlossy documents and actions rarely occupy the same space,\u201d Cr Tatchell told the Moorabool News.<\/p>\n
Membership in the Visitor Economy Partnership will cost Council $30,000 annually for the next four years and operate to attract and support visitors to the region, provide business support, and fund marketing and products.<\/p>\n
Council is currently developing its own Visitor Economy Strategy, which will be available for public exhibition following Council endorsement.<\/p>\n
Cr Tatchell said he brought the concern up at a recent Council meeting and is waiting on a response from officers.<\/p>\n
Two caravan parks exist in Ballan, one in Jopling Street whilst the other is on the Ballan-Daylesford Road.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Vanessa Parker Despite Moorabool Council spruiking about a recent Visitor Economy Partnership to boost tourism, one local accommodation facility has been told they will have to pay to have directional road signs put up on the main street of Ballan. The Ballan Caravan Park is run by a volunteer Committee of Management and offers […]<\/p>\n