Members sought for tourism advisory group

Community members from the Mary Valley region are being invited to nominate for an advisory group as part of a two-year project designed to boost the region’s agri-tourism business.

Southern Cross University has been engaged by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, through Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries and Tourism Queensland, to run the two-year program aimed at helping farmers and landholders looking to diversify into the tourism industry.

Rose Wright, manager of Research Extension and Industry Development for the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Southern Cross University, will oversee the project.

“We are aiming to support the development of new food, agri and nature-based tourism experiences and products in the Mary Valley and raise the appeal of the region as a tourism destination in itself,” Ms Wright said.

“One of the keys to the success of this project will be the involvement of community members and representatives of various industry sectors.”

Ms Wright said the project management committee was seeking nominations for a stakeholder reference group, which would support and inform the implementation of the project.

“Any individual or organisation can apply to be part of this reference group. If you are interested in supporting the development of the regional economy and are involved in agriculture, food value-adding or growers’ markets you can apply. You may be a local farmer, chef or tourism operator - anyone with an interest in supporting the development of the Mary Valley region as a food and agri-tourism destination,” she said.

The nominees will be in addition to representatives from Gympie Regional Council, Mary Valley Inc and the Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Nominees must be from the Mary Valley region and nomination forms must be received by close of business October 9. For further information and to request a copy of the nomination form, please contact Robyn Rae 07 55069327 or email: mv.agritourism@scu.edu.au

Photo: Rose Wright is running a project to develop new agri-tourism opportunities in the Mary Valley.