Maribyrnong council has considered dumping its membership of Western Melbourne Tourism (WMT) after 12 years and taking its own path for attracting tourism to the area.
The council’s first Tourism Action Plan, presented in a report to last night’s council meeting, coincided with a suggestion that council end its WMT membership from June 30, saving $28,750 a year.
The draft plan aims to position Maribyrnong as a vibrant inner-city area, identifying festivals, dining, shopping, creative arts, temples, sports and the Maribyrnong River as tourism strengths.
The council resolved in December to review its membership of WMT, which aims to market and develop tourism in Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
A report identified a range of issues, including duplication, lack of a clear purpose and lack of funding for an extensive or sustained marketing program, leading to costs being soaked up by staffing and “once-off” activities.
The annual contribution of member councils has risen from $10,000 in 2002 to the current level of $28,751.
Hobsons Bay council remains committed to WMT for 2015-16 but will further develop its own tourism strategy.
Mayor Colleen Gates said WMT filled an important role as a regional voice to help build tourism.
