Last chance to have your say on the Scenic Rim’s tourism future

Tourism operators, businesses, residents and other interested parties will have their last chance this week to have their say in a survey designed to help steer the future of tourism in the Scenic Rim.

Southern Cross University, which has been commissioned by the Scenic Rim Regional Council to help build a five-year Tourism Strategy, has extended the closing date for the 15-minute survey which asks participants to share their thoughts on a range of issues, including the challenges facing tourism and the promotion of the region and its industry.

The Scenic Rim is located an hour south of Brisbane and an hour inland from the Gold Coast and includes the towns Beaudesert, Boonah, Rathdowney, Kooralbyn, Kalbar, Harrisville, Canungra, and Tamborine Mountain.

The Tourism Strategy, which will be completed and presented to Council in August, is headed by Associate Professor Dianne Dredge, deputy director of Southern Cross University’s Research Centre for Tourism Leisure and Work.

“We have had a fantastic response to the survey so far but we would like to give everyone a last chance to participate and are encouraging anyone with an interest to take part,” said Professor Dredge.

“The purpose of the survey is to provide the opportunity for a cross-section of people - both directly and indirectly involved in tourism - to give feedback on how they see tourism developing in the region.

“The results will inform our deliberations and help us move forward with the Tourism Strategy.”

The survey is the first part of the strategy’s consultation process, which will also include a wide range of industry and community interviews.

A Stakeholder Reference Group, featuring industry leaders from across the region has also been formed and will work with council and Southern Cross University over the coming months.

Mayor of the Scenic Rim Regional Council, Cr John Brent, said he believed a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing the local tourism industry was imperative for the future development of the local tourism industry.

“We want to hear how the community views our local tourism industry, the problems they are facing and what we are already doing well,” said Cr John Brent.

To have your say, go to the Scenic Rim Regional Council site www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au and follow the link ‘Have your say on the Scenic Rim’s tourism future’ under ‘News and Achievements.’

The survey is also available at all visitor information centres in the region. The closing date for surveys is now Monday May 24.

Photo: Associate Professor Dianne Dredge (high resolution image available on request)