Tourism East advocates for coordinated investment across government and industry to:
- Maximise the economic return of an already significant sector
- Support sustainable growth that protects liveability
- Strengthen regional jobs and businesses
- Position the region as a leading high-value destination
The opportunity is not to simply grow visitation, but to grow the value of every visitor.
Priority Projects
Tourism East works with all our regional tourism partners to identify and advocate for key projects that will enhance visitors to do more, see more, stay longer and visit more often. These projects may support mid-week visitation, visitation in off-peak periods, address product renewal or support the overall sustainability of tourism in the region.
Public Tourism Infrastructure
With extensive areas of public land and associated infrastructure, governments play an important role in the region’s ability to lever further investment that can realise the potential of these assets for the visitor. The following key projects have been funded.
- Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda - fully funded $6.415M
- Diamond Creek Trail extension Stage 2 to Hurstbridge - fully funded $14.1M
- Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre - fully funded and delivered $20M
- Warburton Mountain Bike Destination - fully funded $12M currently delayed due to requirement for an Environmental Effects Statement
- The Ridgewalk Mt Dandenong - Fully Funded $9M
- Yarra Valley Trail
- Stage 1A Lilydale to Yarra Glen - fully funded
- Northern Loop - full funded $3.35M construction commencing
- Yarra Valley Regional Tourist Precinct and Rail Link Stage 2 Yarra Glen to Healesville - fully funded
- Healesville Sanctuary Big Jeazley Raptor Exhibit - full funded $1.5M under construction
- Redwood Forest Upgrades - full funded $2.3M
Private Investment
Tourism East will advocate for further development of private sector tourism infrastructure and support by governments. It is widely recognised that there is a strong need for the renewal of accommodation stock to meet the expectations of the contemporary visitor. This includes development opportunities for five-star large-scale accommodation venues in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Get in Touch with your MP or Councillor
If you would to support any regional projects we encourage you to get in touch with your local member of Parliament or Councillor to help champion relevant tourism projects in the region.
Identifying and connecting with your MP:
- To identify your MP, you can locate them through the Parliament of Australia website - www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Me... or state or territory parliamentary websites https://www.parliament.vic.gov... or to find your local Councillor https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/ele...
- You can connect with your MP in a variety of ways - aside from seeking a face to face meeting, you can also communicate with them by sending them an email, a letter or calling their office directly.