Advocacy

As the official regional tourism organisation for the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Tourism East advocates on behalf of its tourism partners for projects, polices or services that will benefit our visitor economy.

We recognise we have a privileged leadership role within the region to advocate to Local, State and Federal Governments for improvements that will retain our regional advantage outside our own resourcing capacity.

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.

Short Stay Levy

Read more about the Short Stay Levy and Tourism East's efforts to promote changes to how this tax is directed.

Tourism Enterprise Scholarship Program

Tourism East has been awarded $100,000 from the Eastern Metro Partnership to pilot a new way of attracting and setting up young people to consider the tourism industry for a career.

The 12-month Scholarship will provide you with:

• $8000 in cash support to start your career
• Dedicated work placements focussed on specific industry roles with supportive employers
• Free training - Certificate III in Tourism supported by additional micro-credentials to accelerate your skills and expertise
• Mentoring from regional industry experts to support your career
• The opportunity for full-time work at the completion of the program

Utility Infrastructure

The importance of reliable public utility services is an expectation of the modern visitor. A reliable continuous electricity supply and digital connectivity through connection to the National Broadband Network remain two high priorities for local businesses to deliver a world-class visitor experience.

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 priorities outline key projects supported by Tourism East for investment that will grow our visitor economy.

• 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. Evidence suggests that these would be suited to either in town or on-farm/in nature experiences.

Get in Touch

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.