Southern Grampians Shire Council is seeking feedback from the community as we undertake a Masterplan for our Volcanic Assets and Landscapes.
The volcanic landscape of South West Victoria is one of global significance. It forms a part of western volcanic plains which are geologically important for their extent and relatively recent volcanic activity. The landscape also has great cultural significance to Traditional Owners who have inhabited the region for at least 45,000 years.
The volcanic sites within the Southern Grampians Shire have remained relatively undeveloped and largely overlooked as a tourist destination. The further development of the Volcanic Trail is an opportunity to change that. It presents an opportunity to not only develop the visitor economy of the shire, but to preserve, interpret and protect these important sites for future generations.
The primary purpose of the Masterplan is to provide Council with strategic direction on ways to increase the visitor economy through the improvement of the supportive infrastructure and resourcing for the volcanic attractions in the Shire over the next ten years.
Council’s Strategic Projects Coordinator Daryl Adamson said our Volcanic Assets are unique points of difference for the region, adding that the Greater Hamilton region is one of the only regions in the world to have two World Heritage Areas within 2 hours drive.
“The further development of the Volcanic Trail is an important project for our region and needs to be considered within the context of established tourist routes in the surrounding regions, such as the internationally significant Great Southern Touring Route and Melbourne to Adelaide Touring Route which encompasses such visitor icons as, Coonawarra, the Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and of course the World Heritage listed sites of Budj Bim and Naracoorte Caves,” Mr Adamson said.
“The Volcanic Assets in our region are significant and have the ability to increase the length of stay of our visitors and grow our visitor numbers, leveraging off the other geological features along the touring route.
“We acknowledge that currently none of our sites would be considered an excellent visitor experience. We are committed to leading the work to change this with our relevant land manager partners, to suitably acknowledge and celebrate the heritage and history of our region.
“As valued community assets, we understand that there will be significant interest from stakeholders in any proposal to change or install new infrastructure at many of these sites. In this context, it is essential that we engage our community in the master plan process,” Mr Adamson concluded.
Community engagement drop in sessions will be held:
9 December 2020 - Wannon, CFA Station, Community Room, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
10 December 2020 - Penshurst, Volcano Discovery Centre, Community Room, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Alternatively, those who aren’t able to attend a session can have their say online at - https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=3231
For further information, visit www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/projects or contact Council on 55730444.