TNE Activity Report – Towong Shire Council 2017 …...discipline specific landing pages (only), there were 9,400 for road cycling, 13,488 views for rail trails, and 8,299 for mountain

1. Introduction Tourism North East (TNE) is the regional tourism board for the High Country, charged with developing a broad range of supply and demand driven tourism initiatives that deliver strong outcomes to the local visitor economy. TNE works closely with Towong Shire Council as part of these regional efforts, collaborating with a range of other councils, industry partners and State entities like Visit Victoria and Regional Development Victoria to increase visitation, spend and dispersal in the High Country. As part of this partnership, Towong Shire Council invests in a selection of tourism activities delivered by TNE that are most relevant to its own tourism efforts and product strengths, effectively leveraging a larger collective tourism spend that can maximise tourism results for the Towong Shire. TNE generates quarterly reports about the initiatives that Council invests in. This report notes the key items delivered in quarter four of 2017-18, and provides an overview of the activities and outcomes from the entire financial year.

1. High Country Visitation Visitation to the High Country has been incredibly strong in the 2017-18, driven by the complementary tourism efforts that have been delivered at both a regional and destination level. For the year ending December 2017, the High Country attracted 3.4 million visitors who generated $1.015 billion in direct visitor spend. This was the first time that visitor spend in the High Country surpassed the billion dollar mark, delivering a milestone moment for the region. This growth was fuelled by a 12% increase in total visitor numbers, with a 13.5% increase in the region’s valuable overnight domestic market being key to positive economic outcomes. The results for the year ending March 2018 have also just been released and show similarly strong results, with 3.39 million visitors generating $1.028 billion in visitor spend, pointing to sustained tourism growth.

TNE Activity Report – Towong Shire Council 2017-18 Q4

The strength of the High Country’s visitor economy should provide both the private and public sector with confidence to invest in tourism in the region, and emphasises the need to continually evolve and enhance the High Country visitor experience to satisfy market demand.

2. Ride High Country 3.1 Ride High Country Campaign Overview Cycle tourism in Victoria’s North East is marketed under the Ride High Country masterbrand. The objective of the 2017-18 Ride High Country campaign was to support the region in achieving an ownership position in the cycle tourism space, establishing it as the premier bike destination in Victoria. Featuring both a masterbrand execution plus imagery and messaging across the three disciplines of cycling that the High Country is synonymous with, the campaign was designed to:

● Unite the region’s 12 cycling destinations; ● Unify the three cycling disciplines (mountain biking, road cycling and rail trail); and ● Progress the region’s target market from ‘awareness’ through to ‘advocacy’ within the

awareness/consideration lifecycle. Latent demand currently exists for Ride High Country. That is, awareness is relatively low, but once made aware of the current offering, appeal of the Ride High Country product and intention to visit lifts dramatically, with visitation and yield following. Accordingly, all aspects of the 2017-18 campaign, from creative through to media channels, have been designed to drive awareness within the core Melbourne metro ‘Lifestyle Leader’ (consumer) target market whilst using channels to create intrigue and desire to visit. The Ride High Country campaign commenced in November 2017 and concluded in May 2018. An integrated, multi-channel approach was designed to effectively and efficiently impact target audiences, featuring the following components:

Overall, the campaign was extremely successful with integrated media channels (see below) achieving more than 34 million impressions. Importantly, the campaign prompted viewers to action, with 119k of them visiting the Ride High Country website to learn more about the regional cycle offering, generating 332k pageviews. 3.2 Media Channels a) Outdoor/Out of Home (OOH) OOH media, both static and digital billboards, were a key element of the Ride High Country campaign strategy. The combination of high profile sites throughout Melbourne and striking campaign imagery was successful in terms of driving both awareness (maximising reach) and desire (engagement and inspiration) within target audience segments. OOH executions featured a variety of imagery from across the region against masterbrand and road, mountain bike and rail trail discipline messaging.

One of the defining, and overwhelmingly positive, attributes of OOH is its effectiveness in reaching a mass audience. These channels have effectively engaged with the region’s key cycle segments, reaching (on average) more than 50% of target audiences in the Metro Melbourne area, who viewed it more than 7 times each, delivering excellent market cut through. In order to gain maximum efficiency from the campaign’s media buy, TNE has worked closely with its media buying agency to optimise OOH spend. This has resulted in significant gains for the region and its stakeholders, with the value of the media space secured for the campaign being ten times greater than actual investment.

b) Digital Display Advertising

The campaign incorporated digital display advertising, both desktop and mobile, that utilised imagery from across the region in highly targeted, contextually relevant environments. This tactic ensured Ride High Country was able to engage directly with cycling enthusiasts whilst amplifying reach via the influence of friends and family. The digital media plan focussed on environments with high dwell times and audience reach, plus tactics across mobile platforms that allowed Ride High Country to connect with audiences when they were actively engaging with content.

Booked digital display delivered a total of 16k click throughs to the Ride High Country website over the campaign period, and a total of 23 million impressions. The strongest click through rates (CTRs) were from cycling specific publications - Flow Mountain Biking and Cycling Tips - followed by video channel partner Quantcast. Plista, a non-cycling specific platform that delivered native advertisements, also provided outstanding impressions relative to spend.

c) Content Partner Marketing In addition to display advertising, Ride High Country entered into two commercial content and asset generation relationships with prominent online titles - CyclingTips (road cycling) and Flow (mountain biking). Content partnerships helped to re-use existing content, build new content for future campaigns and increase engagement with new and existing Ride High Country consumer segments. These packages, with activation spread throughout the entire campaign period, included:

● In-region editorial content features ● Filming, editing, delivery, promotion, distribution and TNE ownership of video and

photographic assets ● Social media support and features ● Display advertising (see previous section)

Combined, these two partnerships delivered a reach of more than 313k. While this figure is impressive, the true value of this offering was the level of quality engagement that it generated. That is, 67% of traffic to www.ridehighcountry.com.au from these partnerships was considered ‘new sessions’, with 2.58 pages viewed per session and an average dwell time of 2mins and 5 seconds a session, which represents strong engagement.

d) Print

To complement an upcoming editorial feature on rail trails and recreational cycling in the High Country, TNE purchased half page advertising in two editions of Treadlie magazine, which has a dedicated cycle readership of 60,000 per issue.

e) Database and EDM Throughout the year, TNE has continued to build a dedicated cycle database via the Ride High Country website, which was also enhanced via sign-ups from attending cycle events. The database is representative of the campaign’s core target market across all three cycling disciplines, plus 7 Peaks participants. Throughout the course of the campaign, TNE sent out a range of eDM communications with a combined reach of 64k people.

f) Events In order to engage in meaningful conversations with dedicated cyclists (who are considered to be high value targets), TNE sponsored and/or partnered with a number of cycling events and tours. TNE’s attendance at these events enabled it to drive awareness of Ride High Country, the regional cycle offering, encourage use of the 7 Peaks app and to promote repeat visitation.

These events included: ● Around the Bay in a Day ● Wide Open Road High Country Tour ● High Country Tour ● High Country Women’s Cycling

Festival ● Happy Trails Tours ● Peaks Challenge

● The Hunger Ride ● High Country Charity Ride ● The Alpine Classic (Audax) ● Soigneur ● MTB Adventures ● Rocky Valley Tourism

3.3 Ride High Country Website The Ride High Country website consolidates the regional cycle tourism offering on one easy to use site that is optimised for both desktop and mobile, maximising opportunities for brand awareness and conversion. The website is featured across all advertising executions as a primary call to action, meaning that it is the first direct interaction with the brand for many consumers. Playing a central role in converting awareness into desire, presentation of the website as a flagship channel of the Ride High Country masterbrand is vital, as is its role as a hub for both audiences and information sources. www.ridehighcountry.com.au looks to achieve several key objectives:

● To make it easy for visitors to research the complete High Country cycle tourism

experience, across all destinations and disciplines, via one central portal. ● To connect people with cycle-specific businesses who can specifically cater to their cycle

needs. ● To inspire people to book a cycle tourism experience in the High Country.

Visitation to the Ride High Country website during the fourth quarter showed good results at the tail end of the cycle season, with 60k pages viewed and 21k visits - results that include both direct website and 7-Peaks App visits. Visitors during this period showed strong engagement with content, spending an average of 2m:37sec on site and viewing 2.87 pages. Audience interest in the cycle discipline varied across the three ride types. Looking at just the discipline specific landing pages (only), there were 9,400 for road cycling, 13,488 views for rail trails, and 8,299 for mountain biking. Road cycling includes the 7 Peaks visitors, which when broken down equates to 6,860 for 7 Peaks and 2,540 for general road cycling, demonstrating the importance of the 7 Peaks program to the promotion of the discipline.

Site visitation from mobile was around 10% lower the current regional average. Given the younger age profile of the Ride High Country audience it was expected that mobile visitation would be above the regional average. Further analysis has revealed that, as a visitation source, the Cole Plista and Quantcast traffic has a higher weighting to desktop devices.

3.4 Ride High Country Social Media TNE manages its own social media channels for Ride High Country on both Facebook and Instagram, allowing Ride High Country to engage in genuine conversations with target markets, use campaign material to continue to raise awareness (both boosted and organically), attract new followers and, importantly, leverage user generated content from in-region. Throughout the fourth quarter, the Ride High Country Facebook and Instagram accounts displayed impressive numbers, with incredibly strong and steady fan acquisition and compelling engagement rates. Content has slowed, as the official 7 Peaks and the Alpine Resorts mountain bike seasons came to a close, however the content that is being posted is still receiving genuine and positive engagement.

FACEBOOK

Objectives Metric KPI ACTUAL

Brand advocacy Engagement rate 3.94% 3.97%

Fan acquisition New pages likes increase 1.17% 4.11%

INSTAGRAM

Objectives Metric KPI ACTUAL

Brand advocacy Engagement rate 2.23% 10.20%

Fan acquisition New followers 2.27% 2.98%

It is worth noting that the Ride High Country social accounts have been active for just over one year now and, as the honeymoon period starts to wear off, the very high rates (especially on Instagram) have and will drop to more reasonable numbers.

4. Ride High Country Guide

This year, the Ride High Country Guide was reimagined in-line with the look, tone and feel of the Ride High Country masterbrand and campaign. This extremely high quality publication, launched late 2017, is image rich and visually stimulating to ensure that it effectively portrays the regional

offering and importantly is a tangible reflection of the region’s position as ‘Australia’s premier cycling destination’. The Guide assists visitors with planning their activities, make bookings and directly engaging with supporting businesses. The high production value of the Guide ensures that it has longevity, with many visitors bringing it home with them and using it as a source of both inspiration and information when planning future trips. Towong’s evolving cycle offering is well represented in the guide with content in the destination ‘Welcome’, plus both Mountain Bike and Road Events listings. In addition, there are dedicated pages of destination content under the title ‘Upper Murray’, including:

● A destination overview. ● Full page destination map with local favourite road cycling and High Country Rail Trail

routes. ● Dedicated editorial on three local cycling highlights - road and mountain biking around

Mitta Mitta, cycling between Colac Colac and Corryong plus the Murray River Road ride . ● A selection of outstanding photography.

The Ride High Country Guide is an important component of TNE’s cycling marketing plan, playing a significant role in driving awareness of the High Country as a tourism region. Complementing the out of home advertising campaign that ran in Melbourne, the Guide has a prominent location within the Federation Square Visitor Information Centre (VIC), showcased as part of its regional tourism display. With this VIC soon closing for renovations, TNE is currently in negotiation with the City of Melbourne to have the Guide displayed in two new VICs, at Queen Victoria Markets and Melbourne Town Hall, from August 2018 onwards to ensure ongoing exposure in the metro market. The Guide is also broadly distributed in-region via local advertisers, Ride High Country Preferred businesses and Visitor Information Centres, and is often a visitor’s first engagement with the cycle brand and offering. The Guide is live for a two-year period, with current distribution levels up on previous editions. At current rates, TNE forecasts that 60% of stock will be distributed by the end of 2018, ensuring that the region is well placed to exhaust supply after 24 months. This will then be followed by the release of the new Ride High Country Guide in 2019.

5. High Country Harvest

5.1 Program Overview High Country Harvest ran from 4-20 May 2018, featuring a 17-day regional event program that showcased the phenomenal food and drink offering that the High Country is renowned for. The program featured a range of bespoke events that celebrate collaboration and innovation, offering regional visitors the opportunity to sample local produce and meet the personalities behind these products. High Country Harvest firmly positions the High Country as one of the leading regional food and drink destinations in Victoria, and supports strategic State efforts in this space as well. The event encompasses a range of unique lunches, gourmet dinners, cooking classes and produce workshops, behind the scenes tours and so much more. It also creates tangible links with the region’s other key product pillars including cycle and nature-based tourism, which are promoted within the food/wine context. High Country Harvest is key in driving visitation, yield and dispersal throughout the region during a traditionally quiet period. The 2018 event attracted over 8k visitors who generated just over $3 million in direct spend to the local economy. Importantly, 66% of visitors stayed overnight with 14% staying for 3 nights or more, ensuring that High Country Harvest visitors make a significant contribution to the visitor economy. High Country Harvest also sustains ongoing visitation opportunities outside of the event both via the awareness its marketing program generates and through repeat visitation amongst those who participate in the event. Equally important is the platform High Country Harvest offers for driving product innovation and industry development opportunities. The event assists businesses to develop and trial new tourism experiences in a supportive environment; fostering products which are on-trend and have the potential to grow into a year-round product, thereby strengthening the regional offering. 5.2 Towong Shire High Country Harvest Participation

The High Country Harvest event program featured 54 hero events that ranged from cooking classes and behind the scenes tours through to unique lunches and gala dinners. Of these hero events, 4 were delivered for Towong Shire including:

Destination May 2018 Date

Event Name Summary Description Operators

Colac Colac 5 May FLY FISHING AND CAMPFIRE FEAST

Learning the finer points of fly fishing, guests were then rewarded with a hearty campfire feast on the banks of Nariel Creek. Local musicians entertained guests around the campfire.

Colac Colac Caravan Park

Towong 5 & 6 May CAMP OVEN COOKING BASH

Guests joined a uniquely Australian experience of camping, cooking, live music and bush poetry.

The Resting Place - Poets Paradise

Huon 19 May WHISTLESTOP HIGH TEA

This family-friendly bike ride combined leisurely cycling along the High Country Rail Trail with a progressive high tea of ribbon sandwiches, scones and good old-fashioned 1950s tucker.

Parklands Albury-Wodonga

Dartmouth 19 May MITTA MAGIC Guests escaped for a weekend with a progressive feast through the pristine valley via seven locations, each with their own little bit of Mitta magic.

Dartmouth Pub, Mitta Mitta Brewing Co, Dartmouth Alpine Anglers, Dartmouth Motor Inn, Eskdale Church Cafe

This year saw a record number of Towong Shire businesses participating in High Country Harvest. Of particular note was the innovative and community wide event from the Mitta Mitta collective, and the Whistlestop High Tea which received a high level of positive comments in the post event survey

These hero events were supported by a range of other regional food and beverage focused initiatives designed to extend visitor length of stay and destination yield opportunities. This includes:

● Harvest Menus and Autumn Warmers – cafes, restaurants and cellar doors in the region who were not able to host a hero event could still be involved by adding special dishes and drinks to their menu. These were only available during the event and featured local and seasonal ingredients.

● Bonfires - a series of 7 bonfire evenings took place throughout the region, allowing locals and visitors to mix and enjoy food and wine from around the region.

● 8 Brews in 8 Days – featured the eight breweries of the High Country Brewery Trail offering a free back of house tour and tasting every day on the second week of the event program. Free of charge, these sessions offer visitors a unique look at the brewing process.

5.3 Event Partnerships In 2017-18, TNE secured $225k ($75k per annum for three years) in grant funding via the Regional Events Fund administered by Visit Victoria to grow High Country Harvest. This funding was provided to assist with growing event yield, attracting higher numbers of the core Melbourne foodie market who have the strongest potential to stay and spend in-region. Over the three-year period, this will fund a partnership program that will link the event with entities who can effectively engage the Lifestyle Leader market. The funding will be used to secure these partnerships and also bring them to life via a dynamic and integrated marketing campaign that will utilise the promotional networks of the partner and also allow for investment in high-impact media channels that features purpose built campaign content. For High Country Harvest 2018, TNE again partnered with high-profile Melbourne restaurant group MoVida, who it had worked successfully with for the last High Country Harvest event. This year’s partnership with MoVida involved a three-staged approach including:

a) MoVida Road Trip This road trip saw MoVida’s head chefs, head sommeliers and co-owner/lead chef Frank Camorra visit the region, meet local producers, and learn about the food/drinks profiled as part of the High Country Harvest offering. This road trip produced a series of still and video assets for online distribution, including through well known food personality Dani Valent (see item 5.4c). The produce was well received and has led to a number of producers exploring ongoing supply agreements with the MoVida chain.

b) High Country Harvest Dinner A MoVida dinner was featured as part of the High Country Harvest event program. The highly successful event ran as a partnership with the Mansfield Coffee Merchant on Sat 19 May, with a dinner for 100 guests that showcased the regional food and wine offering. MoVida Aqui Chef Andreas Becerra and Mansfield Coffee Merchant’s Matt Picone prepared a menu to reflect the style of the two restaurants and the seasonal produce viewed during the road trip, along with other North East highlights. Dishes were matched to local and imported wines representing the blend of the two venues.

c) MoVida High Country Lunch - Melbourne A Melbourne lunch for 150 guests took place at MoVida Aqui on Sat 26 May, finishing High Country Harvest with a regional food/drink showcase amongst the core metro foodie market. Patrons were served a superb selection of wines from Scion and All Saints in Rutherglen, Pizzini and Dal Zotto in King Valley, and Billy Button in the Alpine Valleys. Craft ale from Bright and Beechworth’s Bridge Road breweries also featured. High Country produce was from Rushnot Garlic, Gamze Meats, Milawa Cheese, Tarawalla Eggs, Gamila Saffron, Yackandandah Organics, All Saints Estates Berkshire Pork, Halls Chestnuts and Europa Gully Orchards. 17 producers attended the lunch, interacting with a highly engaged consumer group. The

event was a huge success, being the largest ticketed restaurant event that MoVida has ever hosted and (once again) being its quickest selling event of the year.

While the MoVida partnership was central to the High Country Harvest program, the event attracted a range of other celebrity partnerships that assisted in raising the profile of the festival. For instance, the program featured an event that saw a partnership between Bogong Horseback Adventure and on-trend Melbourne restaurants Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar and Taxi Kitchen. Using produce from the local kitchen garden and ingredients gathered from the North East’s best producers, these two iconic Melbourne restaurants delivered a five course shared menu representing their individual restaurant styles. In Beechworth, Michael Ryan at hatted restaurant Provenance offered a collaborative dinner with Luke Burgess, renowned Tasmanian chef and food photographer. The duo delivered a seven course dinner showcasing local produce matched with natural wines and sake, reflecting Luke and Michael’s joint project on the food of Japan and heroing seasonal produce. 5.4 High Country Harvest Marketing The target market for the High Country Harvest marketing campaigned is characterised as a ‘Lifestyle Leader’. They are progressive, educated and professional, and actively seek new challenges and experiences. They have an active social life and have extensive social networks in

which they are viewed as trusted advisors and influencers of others. They are higher in affluence and discretionary expenditure than average, travel frequently and spend more when doing so. Being a Lifestyle Leader is a mindset - they cut across all regions, ages and life cycle groups. These are the largest and most valuable visitors in terms of spend, and also align with Visit Victoria’s current Wander Victoria campaign. Geographically speaking, the primary target of the High Country Harvest campaign was Metropolitan Melbourne followed by Regional Victoria. Consideration was also given to extending into border markets in NSW and the ACT. The High Country Harvest campaign objectives were to: ● Direct target audience traffic to www.highcountryharvest.com.au ● Drive ticket sales of High Country Harvest events ● Demonstrate that the High Country offers:

○ An abundance of local produce ○ Natural surrounds that are some of the most spectacular in Victoria

The High Country Harvest marketing plan consisted of paid media placements across a diverse range of channels including a television commercial, print and digital display advertising, along with the creation of a new High Country Harvest website, social media activity, search engine marketing, content partnerships, PR and local activations.

a) Digital Media The High Country Harvest paid digital media campaign was multifaceted and very strong, including:

● SBS on Demand: Two television commercials (TVCs) on SBS on Demand, which were delivered to a highly targeted food loyalist audience across Victoria. These TVCs had an incredible completion rate of 97%, which is a testament to the quality of their content, delivering the strongest digital campaign click-through rate.

● Fairfax Network: Digital display highlighted the contextual relevance of High Country Harvest to a targeted audience.

● Gourmet Traveller: High Country Harvest had run of site on gourmettraveller.com.au, connecting with a highly engaged audience across food and travel, with a click through rate well above publisher industry benchmarks.

Mobile saw the strongest clicks across the campaign period with 64% of all traffic generated from these channels. Similarly, over 67% of campaign impressions were delivered to mobile devices.

b) Bauer Media (Print) There were 20k High Country Harvest postcards inserted in the April edition of Gourmet Traveller magazine (newsstand issues) reaching a high income, food, wine and travel-obsessed audience directly across VIC and NSW. This tactic was used to not only amplify the digital spend with Gourmet Traveller but also convey the premium nature of events.

c) Dani Valent Content Partnership TNE worked with Visit Victoria to deliver a cooperative High Country Harvest marketing campaign to increase the reach of the program. This involved engaging noted food and wine publisher/editor, blogger and content producer Dani Valent in an exclusive content partnership. Dani looked to profile the High Country Harvest/MoVida relationship, promote event participation, and highlight year-round engagement opportunities associated with the regional food/drink offering.

Content was captured by Dani Valent and her team for a variety of channels:

● A feature video detailing the MoVida road trip and the stunning High Country scenery, produce and makers

● Eight short format videos taking a deeper look at the individual makers and their produce in addition to cooking demonstration videos featuring High Country produce and two of our Hatted chefs

● A High Country Harvest mini portal on her website www.danivalent.com where all content was stored and promoted

● Specific content for her social channels, which included via Facebook that delivered a 61% engagement rate for video.

● A number of editorial pieces on the High Country food and wine tourism offering, featured in: The Age, Good Food, Border Mail, 3AW and ABC Radio

● A YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzG54QdFrBixrxJmShmM9mENYKJHy9bG4

● Content for eight newsletters, which had a great open rate of 34%.

With all platforms considered, the overall exposure of this portion of the High Country Harvest campaign was approximately 3 million - figures that were particularly influenced by two editorial pieces that featured in The Age.

Overall, Dani’s ability to communicate directly with a dedicated and passionate supporter base (Foodie Lifestyle Leaders from Melbourne) meant that the quality of engagement and overall level of influence she delivered was significant.

d) High Country Harvest Website

For 2018, the High Country Harvest website was enhanced with new livery and improved user experience, embedded Eventbrite booking for all 50+ events, and destination guides. The website was the primary portal for attendees of the festival.

The festival website saw an 83% increase in) sessions compared with 2017 and a 65% growth in pageviews. Overall onsite engagement was very high with 3.07 pageviews per session and 02min:07sec onsite.

A range of sources contributed to site visitation during the event campaign period. The Facebook Social Media campaign delivered by TNE was the single largest source of visitation. The effectiveness of this channel has increased significantly from prior years in both click-through and onsite engagement. Due to the nature of the SBS On Demand campaign activity, the conversion to site cannot be tracked independently and is reflected as part of the Direct and Organic Search traffic.

62% of site visitation was from a mobile device, an increase of 10% on last year. Most significantly this year saw a very even age-bracket distribution across the four bands that cover 25-65 year olds.

e) Social Media

The primary focus of the High Country Harvest social media campaign was to generate event awareness and drive referrals to the High Country harvest website, delivered via engaging video content, Facebook event listings, and accommodation, product and township profiles. This campaign was very successful, delivering a total reach of 862k and 29k total engaged users, and acting as the most valuable source of High Country Harvest website acquisition (as noted in above).

In addition to this, the campaign was underpinned by increasing the event’s awareness to new audiences through engaging posts and multi-layered approach to audience segmentation. The collation of videos assets from High Country Harvest 2017 proved to be extremely valuable in the execution of the reach and awareness of this year’s event.

f) eDMs

With High Country Harvest now in its 6th year, TNE has developed a comprehensive list of past event attendees to communicate with. This group was engaged with a range of eDMs in the lead up to this year’s festival, delivering a reach of 11k, open rate of 35% and a click through rate of 8%, which is well above industry benchmarks.

Additionally, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival featured High Country Harvest in a number of

their post event eDMs, enabling TNE to leverage a significant and commitment foodie customer base.

5.5 PR A comprehensive publicity campaign supported the overall marketing effort of High Country Harvest, starting several months out from the event with approaches to long lead magazines, and followed with a series of media releases in the month, week and days prior to (and during) the festival. These releases targeted key food and wine writers and editors, travel publications and general news across national, metropolitan and regional media. Resulting media coverage included pointers and images in News Ltd travel supplement, Escape, Jetstar inflight magazine, Country Style magazine, RoyalAuto, Fairfax Traveller and Woman’s Day. In total more than 30 individual features were generated for High Country Harvest in

metropolitan markets, in addition to numerous Instagram and Facebook posts, online stories, blog posts and features in leading regional Fairfax title, the Border Mail. Key coverage includes: ● The Age & Sydney Morning Herald, print and online editions - Good Food major feature story ● The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times, print & online - Saturday Traveller story ● The Age - Saturday Spectrum - Image & pointer ● Country Style magazine - pointer ● Jetstar - lead pointer ● Her Canberra - major travel feature with event links ● Melbourne Girl - pre, during and post event features and social posts

Media famils were negotiated to ensure extensive preview coverage of High Country Harvest. Journalists from the Canberra Times and Fairfax Good Food produced comprehensive stories as a result which each ran in print and online nationally, including the key Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra markets through Fairfax titles like Sydney Morning Herald and The Age as well as traveller.com.au.

During High Country Harvest, media famil itineraries were created for Lifestyle Leader digital publications, Her Canberra and Melbourne Girl, ensuring fast-turnaround of stories that provided targeted exposure for the festival as a whole, and for individual events ahead of during, and after High Country Harvest. Her Canberra, which also visited in 2016 and 2017, delivered a comprehensive travel piece highlighting 2018 events they were attending as well as those they had engaged with in previous years. This work was complemented by a comprehensive social media campaign delivered by Melbourne Girl, which was developed on the strength of the famil.

Treadlie magazine also visited during the final weekend of the festival, combining a High Country Harvest story with leisure cycling. The story will appear in the print version of the magazine later this year. In addition, their real-time experiences were posted on social media across the weekend.

6. Walk High Country 6.1 Strategic Overview Following from the success of the Ride High Country brand and marketing efforts, TNE is looking to develop category-leading master brands for each of the region’s five product pillars, which have the ability to drive mass market awareness for the regional offering. In terms of nature-based tourism, TNE has developed a Walk High Country brand to lead this product category in recognition of the following:

● Market research commissioned by TNE across a variety of products (like winery tourism and cycle tourism) showed that the key activity that visitors undertake when in-region – other than the activity they were being surveyed for – was some form of walking or hiking, demonstrating that there is already strong demand for this offering.

● Every LGA/RMB within the region owns a variety of walks so has the capacity to be represented within this brand, ensuring that it encompasses a truly regional offering. This also means there is greater potential to leverage collaborative funding for promotional efforts.

● One of the region’s greatest strengths is its abundant and diverse nature-based tourism assets. A Walk High Country brand and product offering leverages this well-known regional strength.

● Consolidation and promotion of major nature-based tourism assets is consistent with the strategic approach of Visit Victoria and Tourism Australia, which creates potential for marketing and leverage opportunities.

● The masterplan for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing has been completed, which looks to establish a 56km world-class walking trail between the alpine resorts. When completed, this walk will be part of a branded State portfolio of four distinctive long-distance walks called Walk Victoria’s Icons. Developing a Walk High Country brand provides the ideal platform to promote this iconic product, which is considered to be a major potential tourism driver across national and international markets.

6.2 Brand Development In quarter four, TNE completed the development of the new Walk High Country masterbrand - a process that incorporated feedback from the region’s LGA/RMB partners. The Walk High Country masterbrand seeks to unify the depth and breadth of the regional walk/hiking offering – both in

terms of destinations and the types of walking options available – as well as drive awareness among current and potential visitors. The brand is a wordmark that has been designed to bring in design cues drawn from the mountains and valleys (represented by the elevated ‘A’) and to clearly show the destination ‘High Country’. The colour palette is earthy, and reflects the natural environment. The logo is shown below in its various formats applicable to different creative placements:

(Please note copy is illustrative purposes only. Final messaging will be developed as part of the campaign) The Walk High Country brand will be taken to market in November 2018 with a campaign that will run until April 2019. The campaign aims to raise awareness of hiking, bushwalking and village

strolling offerings throughout the region, and position the High Country as a ‘must-walk’ destination. TNE will work with a media buying agency to develop a targeted, integrated advertising campaign that best utilises budget to maximise cut-through within the Melbourne metro area. Channels for consideration include large-format out of home, digital, social media and content partnerships with relevant media. 6.3 Walk High Country Website During quarter four, the www.walkhighcountry.com.au website was developed and pushed live as part of a soft launch, in advance of the implementation of the Spring marketing campaign.

Understanding the strong visual appeal of the walks available in-region, imagery was a top priority when developing the site, with striking full screen images used throughout. When selecting images, particular focus was given to using those that show people enjoying amazing natural landscapes - without too much hiking gear - thereby making walking in the High Country accessible to a broad range of potential visitors.

Site navigation was designed in a way to make finding walks as easy as possible via a range of different search methods. Users can find walks by type, duration, destination or from the Top Walks page where key walks can be promoted on a seasonal basis. A significant piece of work during the development of www.walkhighcountry.com.au was creating website listings for each walk in the region via an audit, which all LGA/RMB partners contributed to. Partners identified a list of priority walks in their destination, together with walk information including KML map (line on a map), images, description, length, grade and duration. From the 190 walks identified through this audit process, 103 new walk listings were created and are now live on the site. The remaining walks are missing some of the key information required for a listing to be published, like image or KML map, which will be completed during 2018-19 as this information becomes available.

6.4 Walk High Country Research Over the past two years, TNE has implemented a comprehensive market research program across its product pillars to gain insights to guide marketing, product development and infrastructure investment. Leading into the new financial year, TNE will implement walking tourism consumer segmentation research that will identify potential visitors with the highest yield potential over time, along with associated visitor trends and demand drivers. In the fourth quarter, TNE was successful in securing $40k worth of funding towards this project from Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships, complementing a local funding contribution already secured from its LGA/RMB partners. This project will commence once the funding agreement has been executed, however the aim is to roll-out this project at the start of the financial year. This will enable TNE to secure findings that will inform the implementation of the Walk High Country marketing campaign in Spring.

7. Feast High Country 7.1 Program Funding and Overview In 2017-18, TNE was successful in securing $50k towards a $100k project for the development of a new regional food/drinks masterbrand and the delivery of an associated winery tourism campaign. This project received funding under the second round of the Wine Growth Fund, and supports the findings of the Winery Tourism and Cellar Door Research that TNE delivered last financial year. During quarter four, TNE further increased this program budget via a successful submission to the International Wine Tourism Competitive Grant program, a component of the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package, meaning that there is now a total budget of $300k to deliver the following project components:

● The development of a new regional brand that represents one of the High Country’s key product pillars – food/drinks.

● The creation and launch of a new website that will showcase the depth and breadth of the region’s winery and cellar door experiences, complemented by the High Country food offering. This site will act as a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to explore and access an experience in this space, and will also be the key call to action for the marketing campaign.

● The launch of social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) associated with the new brand and website.

● The development and launch of an integrated winery/cellar door marketing campaign that utilises media channels and messaging that is of most relevance to key segments identified in the research. This includes both a domestic and international component, attached to the two different funding streams.

● On-site winery cellar door research to assess visitation source markets and effectiveness of marketing strategies.

7.2 Feast High Country Brand Over the third and fourth quarters, TNE has worked with a range of industry representatives and thought leaders to develop a new brand to lead the food/drinks product pillar - Feast High Country. This brand unifies a diverse tourism sector that includes winery cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, breweries, distilleries, cooking schools, farm gates and numerous other producers important to the health of this industry. It has been designed to be both cohesive in terms of uniting the entire offering but also flexible enough that one industry segment can be showcased at any time, as per the upcoming winery tourism campaign. As per the Ride High Country and Walk High Country brands, the new Feast High Country masterbrand is also a wordmark that is contemporary, distinctive and on-trend. The use of the word ‘feast’ - as opposed to an alternative like ‘eat’ or ‘drink’ – can be applied to all products and tourism experiences depicted under this pillar. It is also celebratory in nature and implies active participation in enjoying food and drinks, so is well positioned to engage with the market.

The chosen colour palette is both inviting yet bold. It sits well across a range of photography assets or alone, and is distinctly unique compared to the region’s other masterbrands. There are also mono and reverse applications to use as appropriate. A brand style guide has been developed that includes typography, clear space and colour transparencies for use across both digital and print applications. This style guide, along with the logo assets, are available for LGA/RMB use.

7.3 Feast High Country Website The Feast High Country website has now been soft launched. The website adopts a distinctive editorial style, with a look and feel that is considered very on trend in terms of food & wine online experiences. The style is clean, using crisp white backgrounds for the homepage, and five sub pillars that showcase a range of different products and experiences with strong imagery. The design adopts a 'mobile first' principle where things such as copy length aims to better engage mobile audiences, acknowledging that 65% of visits to the High Country Harvest 2018 website were from mobile devices. The Feast High Country editorial content focuses on people, place and produce/product. It aims to anchor the High Country as an authentic, credible foodie destination with real makers, who are proud of their own unique part of the High Country and keen to tell their story as part of a regional showcase. The launch content has a Spring focus to align with the start of the campaign activity. As TNE transitions through the seasons, additional seasonally relevant content will be curated and added to the site.

This website is now live under a soft launch, in preparation for the implementation of the Feast High Country winery tourism marketing campaign at the end of the year.

8. Industry and Product Development 8.1 Industry and Product Development TNE drives industry and product development across the region with the aim of improving the tourism experiences offered to visitors. It does this by working with new and existing tourism operators to improve, enhance and diversify their businesses and tourism experiences to better meet visitor needs. This work includes up-skilling industry through mentoring and briefing sessions, identifying and working with businesses to fill gaps in the regional tourism offering, managing industry communication efforts, and driving ongoing industry and product innovation. It also involves facilitating relationships and tourism efforts between industry, Government organisations, tourism associations and other public and private entities to drive regional collaboration and growth. Over the 2017-18 financial year, TNE has delivered a range of initiatives in this space for Towong Shire including:

● The delivery of 11 individual business development sessions where TNE worked directly with Towong Shire tourism businesses to address the trends, issues and opportunities of most relevance to their businesses. For the year, the most popular topics covered were nature and accommodation.

● The delivery of a range of both Shire-specific and broader regional group briefing sessions, which engaged 68 Towong Shire tourism businesses including:

o Cycle Tourism Research Presentation - the presentation of ground breaking cycle tourism data to a group of over 100 regional operators from a range of tourism sectors and local government partners.

o High Country Harvest 2018 Think Tank - looking at the latest trends and opportunities in the food, wine and craft beer sector and how they can be incorporated into new experiences as part of the event program.

o Future Trends - Interactive workshops that brought to life global trends and insights and identified how these apply to the tourism landscapes.

o Digital Consumer Insights and Innovation - All of region workshop to provide operators with a greater understanding how to tailor digital content to match their target markets and the use of VR and AR in tourism.

o High Country Harvest Operator Briefing - Workshop to develop current season events to be included in the High Country Harvest schedule.

● Facilitating or being involved in a range of meetings, sessions or projects focused on developing tourism experiences and opportunities for Towong Shire including the following:

o Facilitating the development of the Mitta Valley Destination Action. o Liaison with Parklands Albury Wodonga, Towong Shire Council and Wodonga City

Council about a development plan for the High Country Rail Trail. o Participating as a member of the Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Steering Group,

meeting monthly. o Developing a ‘How to start an agri/farmgate tourism offering’ document,

highlighting all the regulatory requirements that must be addressed prior to operating in this space and relevant LGA-specific contacts.

● Attending or being involved in a range of meetings and sessions of relevance to Towong

Shire and its strategic tourism direction including the following: ○ Involvement in a consultation session with Creative Victoria about the

development of its first regional strategy. ○ Attended Northeast CMA Waterway Presentation, discussing the economic

significance of tourism and waterways in the region. ○ Facilitating and presenting at a Parks Victoria Round Table, along with the region’s

Chief Rangers, to discuss tourism related issues including: visitation, tourism opportunities, safety, regulation changes and current trends.

○ Attending the Fair Food Farmers and Followers Gathering where farmers and followers engage and develop regional agritourism opportunities.

○ Presenting at the regional Local Food Strategy Development Meeting to discuss the fair food movement with a view of determining tourism and collaboration opportunities.

○ Hosting Paul Matthews Head of Regional Tourism and Strategy, Visit Victoria on a famil in-region including time spent experiencing both recreational activities and the local food and wine offering.

○ Presenting to the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership and Agribusiness Working Group to develop agritourism in region.

○ Facilitating quarterly regional Visitor Information Centre meetings, attended by Towong Shire representatives.

○ Facilitating discussion with VicRoads to develop road cycling signage across region.

● Attending regional and State sessions to bring learnings back to Towong Shire Council and the region including:

○ Attending Outdoors Victoria Nature Based Tourism Conference in Melbourne, covering current trends, policies, procedures and future trends in this sector.

○ Attending the RACV Tourism Awards Workshop hosted by VTIC, providing an opportunity for new and established operators alike to learn the application process and business self-assessment.

○ Attending VicSport - How to secure major sporting events workshop hosted at the State Hockey Centre Melbourne.

● Developing opportunities for tourism operators to collaborate, discuss tourism trends

and create new relationships at the TNE Industry Networking Dinner at Brown Brothers, attended by Towong Shire operators.

● When Premier Daniel Andrews was in-region at the end of July, TNE met with him to

discuss current and emerging regional tourism priorities. This included ongoing and sustained investment in the High Country’s cycle tourism offering if the region is to truly own the product category; investment in emerging iconic tourism experiences; and current regional tourism challenges.

● Strategic engagement with other associations and organisations to progress Towong

Shire tourism priorities including Regional Development Australia, Regional Development Victoria, Ovens Murray Regional Partnership, VicRoads and Visit Victoria.

8.2 North East Victoria Cycling Optimisation (NEVCO) Masterplan North East Victoria has long been recognised as having the strongest cycle tourism credentials in Victoria, and is primed to become Australia’s premier cycling destination. To realise this vision, TNE in conjunction with RDV has developed a Masterplan that looks to optimise cycling opportunities throughout the region, creating world class cycling experiences that drive significant growth to the local visitor economy.

The Masterplan identifies a range of priority projects that offer the greatest cycle tourism growth opportunities for the region, covering the infrastructure, private sector activation and marketing required across the region’s rail trail, mountain bike and road cycling offering to achieve a leadership position in this space. These priority projects deliver on four key areas required to achieve cycle tourism category ownership:

● New and enhanced cycle product experiences: Deliver an ongoing program of new and enhanced cycle tracks and trails that entice and excite the target markets to visit the High Country region.

● Cycle friendly region: Implement world’s best practice initiatives that provide a visitor friendly cycling experience for all cyclists with up to date and clear visitor information, orientation points, signage, services, supporting transport infrastructure and bike hubs.

● Complementary product and experience: Ensure that complementary food, beverage and accommodation product is continuously developed in the region to meet cycle tourism market needs and expectations.

● Driving demand in cycle tourism: Deliver ongoing marketing initiatives and events that position the High Country as a leader in cycle tourism and grow demand for the regional bike offering.

While the Masterplan was completed in the second quarter, in the fourth quarter a summary report was produced that is available for public distribution. This covers the topline findings of this body of work, and outlines the Phase One projects that are considered the key regional tourism game changers. This document has been circulated to all High Country LGA and RMB partners. 8.3 Food and Agritourism Research

Food tourism and agritourism are critical economic drivers for the Hume region however there is little customer data available to understand the market segments and customer perceptions of the offering.

The research will identify both current and emerging food and agritourism customer segments with consideration given to how the segments are defined, the current barriers and motivators for visitation by each segment, the type of experiences these segments are looking for and identification of which segments represent the best yield and visitation opportunities. The research will also look to ascertain current brand and product awareness levels and perceptions of the Hume region’s food and agritourism offering. This research will guide industry and product development efforts, infrastructure investment and marketing activities.

After a number of funding contract delays, this project commenced in the fourth quarter. During this period, Quantum Market Research was appointed as the project supplier, and delivered both an inception meeting for the project steering group, and a visioning workshop for agritourism operators from across the Hume to feed into the research scope and design.

The project questionnaire is currently in market with research on track to be completed by mid-August, with a final industry research presentation scheduled for the first week of September. 8.4 Agritourism Mapping Project

While the aforementioned Food and Agritourism Research project is imperative in understanding market demand, an equally important project is associated with determining product supply. That is, understanding the types of agri-tourism experiences currently available in-region; where they sit within the product development life-cycle; and which operators have capacity to evolve and innovate to meet market demand.

With this in mind, TNE has developed an Agritourism Industry Mapping project that identifies current and potential agri-tourism businesses. This project looks to:

● Identify current and emerging agri-tourism businesses within the specified destinations. ● Audit their current agri-tourism experiences. ● Understand their capacity to evolve and innovate their offering. ● Create a network of connected agri-tourism businesses that breaks down the silos that

currently exist between the growers, fair food movement and tourism. ● To build in-depth and trusted relationships with operators to ensure long term project

legacy.

This project will capture both traditional and non-traditional agri-tourism operators, with a focus on identifying those who are poised to activate a genuine agri-tourism product that both

meets consumer expectations and have the ability to achieve cut-through in this rapidly emerging environment.

The funding agreement for this project has now been received and Quantum Market Research has been appointed to deliver the project, with obvious synergies between the Food and Agritourism Research and the Mapping Project. The PSG has been formed and the project is due to commence in the first week of July. It is anticipated that the Final Report will be available late November with the funding agreement acquittal scheduled for December 2018.

9. Cultural Tourism Research Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets. Culture and creative industries are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness. Many locations are now actively developing their tangible and intangible cultural assets as a means of developing comparative advantages in an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace, and to create local distinctiveness in the face of globalisation. In order to capitalise on this trend, as well as grow the regional offering within the High Country’s Arts and Cultural Heritage pillar, TNE is currently delivering a cultural tourism research project that looks to identify the key consumer segments in the arts and cultural tourism sector, uncover insights that can inform future product development, and provide guidance for a relevant and motivating marketing and communications strategy for the region. More specifically, the research looks to determine:

● Key current and emerging segments in the cultural tourism sector ● Types of marketing messages likely to resonate by key segments ● Current perceptions of the cultural tourism offering in the High Country ● Awareness levels of the High Country as a cultural tourism destination ● How these levels of awareness compare to other tourism regions across Victoria,

including Melbourne and other regional destinations. This research was completed at the end of the fourth quarter, and will be reviewed by LGA/RMB partners prior to an all of industry presentation of the key findings at the start of August. This will then be followed by a series of small group workshops and individual mentoring sessions to assist operators in incorporating the findings into their own businesses.

10. Digital

10.1 Regional Digital Platform Update The Regional Digital Platform (RDP) is the technology platform that underpins the High Country’s various destination websites. To ensure that this platform and the destination websites it supports perform optimally, TNE continues to introduce new functionality that assists with management, and customer usability and engagement. During the fourth quarter, capability to have geo-location based dynamic content incorporated into pages was released. This capability allows pages to deliver content around planning and inspiration to visitors whose current location is out of the region and ‘what’s on now’ content to people who are currently in region. This capability relies heavily on the Google Mapping service, which announced during the quarter the introduction of a fees for the displaying and interaction with google maps. Given the high number of pages with mapping integrated across all the websites a review of mapping options is currently being undertaken. A recommendation will be made to stakeholders in July. The search-results page layouts for all destination websites was enhanced to introduce a card style layout similar in format to accommodation search. Search results are also sorted to show business ATDW listings first, followed by editorial content. Additional capability has been released as part of Walk High Country that enables further enhancements to ATDW business listings. This capability allows for different layouts to be adopted for the different listing type as is the case for the walks displayed on Walk High Country. 10.2 Destination Websites TNE hosts and provides technical support for the destination websites underpinned by the RDP, however the destination websites themselves are owned and managed by Council. This means that all decisions pertaining to content, imagery, site linkages and so on are controlled by Council, with the resulting performance of the site inherently linked to how they are managed. So, while TNE reports on the quarterly performance of the destination sites, it is not responsible for the results. The easy to reference dashboard reporting for Towong Shire’s sites are as follows:

02/07/2018 TNE Digital Dashboard - Upper Murray

https://datastudio.google.com/u/1/reporting/1VoNWnKPTB7cOmcENvwewlLj1ELAEyWSF/page/yPMJ 1/1

Sessions

853.0 -30.3%

Audience and Engagement (compared to previous year)

mobiledesktoptablet

44%

12.7%

43.4%

Sessions by device type

Page Views

1.9K -48.0%

Pages/Session

2.2 -25.5%

Digital Dashboard - Q4 2017-18:visituppermurray.com.au

Page Views by page type(compared to previous year)

Page Title Page Views

1. Homepage - Upper Murray 178

2. Places - Upper Murray 155

3. Camping - Upper Murray 106

4. Fishing - Upper Murray 90

5. Towong - Upper Murray 85

6. Nariel Valley - Upper Murray 84

7. Explore - Upper Murray 80

8. Koetong - Upper Murray 74

9. Accommodation Search 74

10. Avondale Gardens - Upper Murray 72

▼

Top 10 pages

Page Title Page Views

1. Avondale Gardens - Upper Murray 72

2. Cudgewa Bluff Falls - Upper Murray 38

3. Neils Bend Murray River Reserve - Upper Murray 30

4. Walwa Community Shop - Upper Murray 30

5. Riverview Lodge - Upper Murray 23

6. Lawrence Lookout, Shelley - Upper Murray 19

7. Clarke's Lagoon Wildlife Reserve - Upper Murray 19

8. Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park - Upper … 18

9. Stacey's Bridge - Upper Murray 17

10. Thomas Mitchell Reserve - Upper Murray 17

▼

Top 10 listings

Which channels are driving visitation?Goal: Engaged Users

Sessions Page Views

0 240 480 720 960 1.2K

Organic Search

Direct

Referral

Home

178 -59.2%

Editorial

1,240 -60.0%

Listings

464 350.5%

Search Engine Terms Ranked 1 to 5

Sessions Page Views

0 200 400 600 800 1K

mobile

desktop

tablet

Which devices are driving visitation?Goal: Engaged Users

Total Clicks

29 625.0%

CTR

6%

FY1718 - Q1 FY1718 - Q2 FY1718 - Q3FY1718 - Q4

0 8 16 24 32 40

Upper…Listings: Outbound Clicks & CTR

02/07/2018 TNE Digital Dashboard - Valleys Lakes Vistas

https://datastudio.google.com/u/1/reporting/1MaJ8Tw0lMHUCUlAvuX5H5GB_WG6VJxZD/page/yPMJ 1/1

Sessions

288.0No Data

Audience and Engagement (compared to previous year)

desktopmobiletablet

93.4%

Sessions by device type

Page Views

576.0No Data

Pages/Session

2.0No Data

Digital Dashboard - Q4 2017-18:valleyslakesandvistas.com.au

Page Views by page type(compared to previous year)

Page Title Page Views

1. Homepage - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 136

2. (not set) 90

3. TALLANGATTA - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 48

4. Accommodation Search 24

5. EXPLORE - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 23

6. FISHING - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 23

7. Places - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 23

8. BELLBRIDGE - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 23

9. BETHANGA - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 22

10. DARTMOUTH - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 17

▼

Top 10 pages

Page Title Page Views

1. Kurrajong Gap Lookout - Valleys Lakes and Vis… 6

2. The Witches Garden Guest House & Riversong … 4

3. Lake Hume - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 4

4. Banimboola Creek Rest Area - Valleys Lakes an… 3

5. Dartmouth Dam & Lake Dartmouth - Valleys La… 3

6. The Potted Cumquat - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 2

7. Tallangatta Foreshore - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 2

8. Tallangatta Lookout - Valleys Lakes and Vistas 2

9. Dartmouth Dam Wall Picnic Area - Valleys Lake… 2

10. Dartmouth Dam Display Park - Valleys Lakes a… 2

▼

Top 10 listings

Which channels are driving visitation?Goal: Engaged Users

Sessions Page Views

0 100 200 300 400 500

Direct

Referral

Organic Search

Home

176No Data

Editorial

348No Data

Listings

52No Data

Search Engine Terms Ranked 1 to 5

Sessions Page Views

0 100 200 300 400 500

desktop

mobile

tablet

Which devices are driving visitation?Goal: Engaged Users

Total Clicks

1No Data

CTR

2%

FY1718 - Q1 FY1718 - Q2 FY1718 - Q3FY1718 - Q4

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Valleys…Listings: Outbound Clicks & CTR

All the Towong Shire destination websites recorded decreases in visitation and pageviews when compared to the same period last year, reflecting seasonal visitation patterns to the Shire. The most significant result this quarter for the Upper Murray website was the growth in pageviews and Click Throughs for ATDW listings, up 350%, and the number of outbound clicks to a business or event website increased 625%. This is a great result that delivers concrete value to operators who have invested in an ATDW listing. 10.3 SEO/SEM SEO Optimisation activity was completed on the Upper Murray website. This activity reviewed the page content to optimise the keywords present in the content along with updating of the page titles and descriptions that are fed through to Google for search engine ranking optimisation. Typically the benefits of such activities are not immediately apparent, however TNE is now observing discernibly stronger click-through rates from search results due to this work. Given the longer term benefits this yields, coupled with the high cost of click-throughs for Search Engine Marketing, TNE has determined this should be the focus of site optimisation in 2018/19. 10.4 See High Country Social Media Quarter four has continued to yield exceptional engagement on Facebook, a strong indication the variety and style of posts are being received positively. The high amounts of commentary, tagging and shares are pushing See High Country’s profile far beyond the fan base. The start of the snow season along with the favourable weather conditions has proven popular, as have articles and news pieces organised by TNE. The See High Country Instagram account continues to gain strong traction of net followers, now sitting at a very respectable 18k followers. The last of the Autumn leaves, along with the beginning of the snow season has provided highly engaging content.

FACEBOOK

Objectives Metric KPI ACTUAL

Brand advocacy Engagement rate 3.94% 6.10%

Fan acquisition New pages likes increase 1.17% 3.48%

INSTAGRAM

Objectives Metric KPI ACTUAL

Brand advocacy Engagement rate 2.95% 3.70%

Fan acquisition New followers 2.27% 3.48%

There were some spectacular scenes coming from Towong during quarter four, with beautiful Autumn light, pristine cooler days and of course beautiful sunsets over Lake Hume. A new Instagrammer that is worth keeping an eye on is @kcbelford, who appears passionate about the destination and has been posting incredible images showcasing the area in the best light. When it comes to user generated content, these instagrammers are incredibly valuable.

11. PR A media famil itinerary was arranged for specialist travel feature writer, Jeremy Bourke and a photographer for Australian Geographic magazine in October 2017 for a story exploring the Cobungra & Mitta Mitta Rivers. A multi-page story published in the May-June issue of the magazine and a short video appeared on Australian Geographic’s online edition in May. Other PR activities included creation and distribution of seasonal media releases to targeted media outlets across newspapers, radio, TV, magazines, writers, bloggers and influencers which featured ‘new news’ including new Kickstart experiences, accommodation, food, wine and cycling experiences. High Country PR also included distribution of images, information and pitching story ideas to a range of media as well as ongoing liaison with Visit Victoria, providing copy, story ideas, images for Pieces of Victoria/EDMs.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report July 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

THE DRAFT HUNTING TOURISM ACTION PLAN ........................................................................................................ 4

HUNTING TOURISM STEERING GROUP ......................................................................................................................... 5

COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................ 5

NEGOTIABLES AND NON-NEGOTIABLES ...................................................................................................................... 6

IDENTIFIED STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................................................................................... 6

INFORMATION AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 7

FACT SHEET ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7

WEBSITE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

ADVERTISING AND MEDIA RELEASES............................................................................................................................. 7

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS ....................................................................................................................... 8

SUBMISSIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16

SURVEY (ON-LINE AND HARD COPY)........................................................................................................................... 22

SOCIAL MEDIA ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31

RECOMMENDATION............................................................................................................................................ 33

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Towong Shire Council (Council) identified hunting tourism as a potential strategy for generating economic development after it was raised during community consultation for a number of key strategic community plans, including the Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan and the Our Valley, Our Future project. During December 2016, Council worked with Tourism North East to produce a Draft Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan. In August 2017, Council adopted the Draft Plan in principle. Following such, Council formed the Towong Shire Hunting Tourism (stakeholder) Steering Group to undertake a community and stakeholder engagement process and deliver a revised plan. Following the formation of the Steering Group, a comprehensive engagement process was conducted during April and May of 2018. The engagement process sought to receive feedback on the Draft Plan from stakeholders via a survey (both on-line and in hard copy), community information sessions, and a call for submissions. The engagement process was promoted widely through community groups, social media, advertising and media engagement. 23 submissions were received from 14 residents and 1 organisation. 159 surveys were completed and the average participation rate at the three information sessions was 35. Social media also provided insight into stakeholders’ perceptions of the Draft Plan. Feedback received through submissions and the information sessions was predominantly from landholders within the Shire. It was made clear that farmers in Towong Shire have a problem with deer numbers, however equally face issues presented by illegal hunting. Such issues include cattle being shot, fences being cut, and trespassers entering private property. The vast majority of feedback received from residents suggests that the community is not in favour of the Plan being pursued in its current form. Concern mainly related to the potential increase in hunters, particularly irresponsible hunters, which many community members believed would occur as a result of the Plan and specifically the marketing and promotion of the region as a hunting destination. Strategies for potential inclusion in a Plan were also identified. Recurrent suggested strategies included the creation of informative material (brochures/websites) which allowed hunters to be better informed on hunting expectations, locations and opportunities within the Shire, and advocacy from Council for more resources to be allocated to the policing of illegal hunting. Upon reviewing all feedback received, the Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Steering Group recommends that Council does not pursue the development of a Hunting Tourism Action Plan. However, Council has an opportunity to advocate on behalf of Towong residents; advocate for improving resources and communication addressing illegal hunting, and for facilitating economic development opportunities.

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INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND Towong Shire is home to a range of pest animals including foxes, rabbits and wild dogs. In addition, there is an abundance of game deer. The pest animals and deer have a serious impact on local natural flora and fauna, and affect farming properties where they destroy fences, consume fodder and graze paddocks intended for domestic livestock. The quantity and quality of deer in particular has made Towong Shire a popular destination for recreational hunters. Hunting tourism was identified in the Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan as an activity with strong potential, capable of leveraging the Shire’s abundant deer population and scenic natural environment. Hunting tourism was recognised as having potential to significantly boost visitation to the region. The Mitta Valley community has also identified hunting tourism as a potential tourism opportunity, with a small number of operators already active in this space. Opportunities include guided hunting, accommodation tailored to hunters, and facilitated access to private land populated with deer. In addition, various auxiliary services have the potential to benefit.

THE DRAFT HUNTING TOURISM ACTION PLAN To explore the options for recreational hunting in Towong Shire and the opportunity that this presents for tourism, Tourism North East (TNE) collaborated with Towong Shire Council to prepare a Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan. The Draft Plan was developed following consultation with Council, TNE, Game Management Authority, North East Catchment Management Authority, Australian Deer Association, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and local industry that are active in the hunting tourism space. The Draft Plan was presented at an Ordinary Council Meeting in August 2017, where Council provided in principle support and authorisation to seek feedback from key stakeholders and the broader Towong Shire community.

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HUNTING TOURISM STEERING GROUP Following the decision by Council to provide in principle support to the Draft Plan and release it for feedback from the community, a Hunting Tourism Steering Group was established. The Steering Group included representatives from:

• Agriculture Victoria • Community members • Hancock Victorian Plantations • Landcare • North East Catchment Management

Authority • NSW Department of Industry • Parks Victoria • Tourism North East

• Towong Shire Council • Upper Murray Business Inc. • Victorian Department of Economic

Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

• Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

• Victoria Police. A key objective of the Steering Group was to facilitate the community and stakeholder engagement process.

COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN The Steering Group developed a Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (Appendix 1) to gather feedback from key stakeholders and community members on the content of the Draft Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan. The core purpose of the engagement process was to ensure the final Plan considered the broad range of opportunities and issues surrounding hunting in the Shire. In producing the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan, the Steering Group adopted the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) engagement model. The engagement process aimed to meet the following five principles:

1. Key stakeholders and community members will be provided with balanced and objective information: Information provided will assist key stakeholders and community members understand the issues surrounding hunting in the region, and how the Plan will seek to address those issues. The information provided will be supported with evidence and will reflect a range of viewpoints.

2. There will be sufficient opportunities for high quality feedback: Key stakeholders and community members will be given a variety of opportunities to be accurately informed and to provide feedback into the process. These opportunities will include being able to communicate directly with members of the Steering Group.

3. The process for seeking feedback will be fair and equitable: Some key stakeholders and

community members will be directly impacted by the Draft Plan, while others will have an indirect interest. All key stakeholders and community members will have an opportunity to be heard and provide input.

4. Feedback opportunities will reach a diverse range of key stakeholders and community

members: In addition to the Plan affecting a broad geographical area, key stakeholders and

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community members represent a range of interests, industries and demographics. All key stakeholders and community members will have access to feedback opportunities.

5. All feedback will be considered: Key stakeholders and broader community members must

be confident that their feedback is being sought genuinely and that it will be taken seriously.

NEGOTIABLES AND NON-NEGOTIABLES The Steering Group reviewed the Draft Plan and developed a series of negotiables and non-negotiables (see Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan – Appendix 1). The Steering Group was working on the principle that elements of the Draft Plan were negotiable, not the Plan itself. However, following the first week of engagement, the Steering Group reconsidered its approach and the Plan in its entirety was deemed negotiable.

IDENTIFIED STAKEHOLDERS The following provides a list of the identified stakeholders. Stakeholders were informed of the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan and the engagement process being undertaken. Responses via submissions or the on-line survey were also invited from a majority of these stakeholders.

• Australian Deer Association • Bill Tilley MLA, Member for Benambra

(State) • Cathy McGowan MP, Member for Indi

(Federal) • Council Planning and Environmental

Health Departments • Farmers • Game Management Authority • Goulburn-Murray Water • Hancock Victorian Plantations • Hon Jaala Pulford, Minister for

Agriculture (Victoria), Minister for Regional Development

• Hunters • Individual businesses • Landcare • Local Visitor Information Centre • Man from Snowy River Tourism

Association

• Mitta Valley Inc. • North East Water • North East Catchment Management

Authority • NSW DPI • Parks Victoria • Ratepayers – non-resident • Ratepayers - resident • Regional Development Victoria Hume

Office • Tourism North East • Upper Murray Business Inc. • Victorian Department of Environment,

Land, Water and Planning • Victorian Department of Economic

Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources

• Victoria Police

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INFORMATION AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES A variety of engagement activities were undertaken to inform and consult with stakeholders and community members.

FACT SHEET Council Officers produced a fact sheet (Appendix 2) that summarised the purpose of developing a Hunting Tourism Action Plan, the feedback that Council was seeking, and the process that had been undertaken to date. The fact sheet was available to download from the Council website, in hard copy at the information sessions and at designated information locations within the Shire.

WEBSITE Towong Shire Council’s website promoted all aspects of the engagement process:

• The An overview of the Project • A link to the Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Draft Plan • Details of where the information sessions were being held and how residents could register

attendance • A link to the fact sheet • A link to the on-line survey • Information related to where residents could complete a hard copy of the survey

ADVERTISING AND MEDIA RELEASES The fact sheet, survey, information sessions and calls for submissions were promoted via:

• Council’s Facebook page o A total of 5 posts informed residents of the information sessions and/or directed

residents to the Council website to complete an on-line survey or find more information

o The first post alone received 21 shares and reached a total of 6,831 people • Advertisements in the Tallangatta Herald and Corryong Courier* • Media releases were distributed to local media, including the Tallangatta Herald and Corryong

Courier* • A direct email campaign to various community groups and government authorities requested

that details of the information sessions and survey opportunity be shared. *Content was also sought in the Bush ‘n’ Bulldust, however due to an early April release the deadline was not met.

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS Community information sessions were held at: Mitta Valley Sports Precinct – 7pm, Monday 16 April 2018 Corryong Lions Club – 7pm, Tuesday 17 April 2018 Tallangatta Recreation Reserve – 7pm, Wednesday 18 April 2018 Host: Towong Shire Council Facilitator: Michelle Kent, Enviroplan Representation at the three information sessions was as per the table below:

Total attendees recorded Stakeholder representation recorded Mitta Valley Sports Precinct

40 plus Steering Group and Council representatives

Landowner/property manager – 19 Community member – 13 Sporting Shooters Association Australia – 3 Ratepayer – 2 Visitor – 1 Hunter – 1 Not recorded – 2

Corryong Lions Club

27 plus Steering Group and Council representatives

Landowner/property manager – 12 Community member – 3 Hunter/ hunting-specific industry – 3 Hobby farmer – 1 Small business – 1 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – 1 Not recorded – 2

Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

39 plus Steering Group and Council representatives

Landowner/property manager – 20 Hunter – 9 Community member – 6 Government body – 2 Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party – 2 Hunting specific industry – 1

Information sessions were broken into two main sections:

Section One: Presentation The facilitator presented key information on the Draft Plan and the process that had been undertaken to date. Appendix 3 is a copy of the presentation delivered by the facilitator at all three sessions.

Section Two: Workshop The facilitator ran a workshop to identify the concerns, opportunities and benefits of having a Hunting Tourism Action Plan. The following table records the feedback received as part of that process. The original workshop report provided by the facilitator forms Appendix 4.

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Identified concerns

Number of times identified Mitta Valley Sports Precinct

Corryong Lions Club

Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

With Council process and involvement Deer numbers and their impacts on residents should be a focus of the Council, not deer hunting tourism, given that deer impacts were a focus of 2030 consultations. Deer hunting was ranked number 8 and was not a priority.

4

The Draft Plan was developed with no consultation with landholders or ratepayers.

4

Council contribution to the Draft Plan re-directs efforts that would be of greater benefit elsewhere.

3 3

Cost to ratepayers and/or taxpayers. 1 3 No opportunity for submissions. Survey does not allow for responses outside the designated survey questions and is unfair.

1 2

The Draft Plan is not supported by evidence including current numbers of hunters, proposed numbers of hunters, and expected economic benefit and economic costs to the community of actions in the plan.

1 2

The Draft Plan is already determined – actions are non-negotiable and the Draft Plan is a path the Council wants to take irrespective of resident wishes.

2

SWOT Analysis conducted for the implementation of the Draft Plan inadequately addresses risks and potential negative impacts.

2 1

The Draft Plan does not address negative impacts on residents.

2

Even without marketing actions, the Draft Plan still assists with marketing Towong Shire as a deer destination because of the assistance given to businesses that will then market themselves to hunters.

1

Council shouldn’t be funding building and promotion of businesses.

1

The Draft Plan has so many flaws and inconsistencies it should be thrown out.

1

The Steering Group does not include affected residents and/or landholders.

1

Council reception staff did not know locations and times of the meetings. Staff need to be briefed to inform the public.

1

FAQ sheet does not answer the questions identified. 1 Poor consultation process – time allocated in community sessions to public consultation is inadequate.

1

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Poor consultation process – not publicised adequately and the Draft Plan was developed without community input.

5

Greatest impact is on landholders who have not been adequately consulted.

2

Businesses who benefit from the Draft Plan should be the ones to promote their products. Landholders should chase options themselves. Council shouldn’t be playing a role.

2

Poor facilitation. 1 With potential for increased number of hunters and impacts on private land The Plan will mean more hunters, which will mean illegal shooting (shooting on private land without permission, spotlighting, and use of illegal firearms).

8 6

Increased threats (and costs) to landholders’ property and stock, and on-farm biodiversity, and increased demand on time to manage impacts of hunters.

9 10

4

Biosecurity and biodiversity risks from more hunters going through private property.

1

No compensation for stock shot either by accident or intentionally due to increased numbers of hunters. Council liable for loss of stock and fence damage if the Plan goes ahead.

3

Threats to public safety. Increased numbers of un-regulated and un-monitored hunting on public land leading to fatalities. People don’t feel safe in the bush anymore.

6 4

3

Confrontation with shooters and hunters. 3 Increased hunting activity will decrease peace and quiet lifestyle of Towong Shire. It goes against current livelihoods and focus of bringing families into the Shire.

4

Hunting dogs adding to the wild dog population and associated problems.

4

Creation of an open season period would lead to a high number of guns in a small area.

2

Safe work environment. - On farm boundaries with public land.

1 1

Increased hunting activity will decrease privacy. 1 1 Increased traffic on roads and 4WD tracks from additional hunters will require increased maintenance. Where is maintenance funding coming from?

2 1

Hunters with too many dogs resulting in disturbance to stock.

1

Availability of some private land areas to paying hunters will push illegal shooters and deer into other areas.

1

Marketing the area as a hunting destination will have impacts on landholders not involved in hunting tourism.

1

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Impacts on liability of landholders allowing access to hunters.

1

With indirect impacts on recreation, tourism and business Negative impacts on other tourism types, particularly recreational and nature-based tourism, resulting in decreased visitation and economic benefit in other tourism areas.

11 1 4

Marketing Towong Shire as a hunting destination will decrease options and access for honest, respectful, local hunters.

2

Concentrating on providing high-end accommodation will decrease availability of camping, which is what many hunters really want.

1

With policing of illegal shooting Under resourcing of police to respond to current concerns and problems with illegal shooting and threats to landholders. Increased purchases of firearms and ability of police to check licenses.

11 1 5

Interface of public and private land means trespassing occurs as people try to access public land and as 4WD tracks on public land cross into private land. How do farmers control boundaries?

1 4 1

With deer numbers The Plan will not result in decreased deer numbers. 3 4 Only 35% of 70% of land in the Shire is able to be hunted.

1

Sustainable hunting will mean an increase in deer numbers.

1

The Draft Plan suggests implementing a hunting ‘season’. This could inhibit culling of deer in the ‘off’ season.

1

With carcass management Carcass remnants left on-site will attract wild dogs and foxes.

4 3

Carcass remnants left on-site will attract wild dogs and foxes, are unsightly and deter other tourists.

2

Other concerns There are enough local hunters for landholders to access and the Plan may jeopardise local (responsible) hunters’ access to land to hunt on.

5

Current maps published are inaccurate and show farms as accessible properties, leading to issues for farmers.

1

Spread of weeds by deer, particularly blackberries. 1 Deer hunters from Melbourne do not spend locally. They buy all their supplies before leaving Melbourne.

1

Pushing illegal and irresponsible shooters to other areas is not a solution.

1

Unregulated free campers that are not subject to having licences checked and do not sign contracts are the problem.

1

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Benefits from the project will not be realised as the negatives will overwhelm the initiative.

1

Planning restrictions may limit the extent to which landholders are able to cater to hunters. E.g. many are unable to build a second dwelling.

1

Total number of concerns identified 87 34 80

Identified opportunities

Number of times identified Mitta Valley Sports Precinct

Corryong Lions Club

Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

There is an opportunity for farmers with deer problems to use local shooters.

2

Develop specific strategies to outlaw/de-incentivise illegal hunting and shooting and encourage legal/responsible hunting.

3

Opportunity to improve the profile of hunters by attracting good people.

1

Local employment and business opportunities including in farm-based guided hunting, cool room rental, stalking, bush walking and horseback hunting.

3

Opportunity to exercise some control over illegal shooters and change the demographic of hunters visiting the Shire.

2

Create a map identifying land areas where hunting is allowed with permissions and no-go zones. Only properties where hunting is permitted would have contact details attached.

1

Supplementary income streams for landholders and businesses.

1

Ability to keep young people in the Shire with more employment opportunities and career options.

2

Potential for hunting-related events. 1 A guiding industry will provide a more professional approach to hunting in general.

1

A landholder could invest in a meat chiller and charge hunters for the use of the chiller.

1

Growing development and demand for hunting opens opportunities for grant money to be sought.

1

Local area access fees for hunting in State Forests could cover costs of additional GMA and Police resources.

1

The GMA could develop a guide and a standardised accreditation process for hunters.

1

Creation of a standardised legal contract pro-forma for landholders to use to get hunters accessing their land to sign.

1

Reduction in illegal shooting. 1 Hunters are going to come and we are better off knowing who is on the property.

1

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GMA could develop a voluntary code of ethics that hunters agree to abide to. Include respect for property boundaries, respect for domestic stock, responsible disposal of carcasses.

1

Opportunity to have State Parks opened to hunters. Opportunity to have deer classified as a pest. Controlled campsites on controlled land with access fees will encourage economic growth.

1

The Draft Plan is an opportunity to create revenue from a situation that is not going away.

1

Total number of opportunities identified 12 10 5 Identified benefits

Number of times identified Mitta Valley Sports Precinct

Corryong Lions Club

Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

Sales for local food outlets, retail outlets, and accommodation are increased.

3 2

Feral animal control. 2 Gain Control over hoon activity. 2 Responsible hunters value hunting and receive benefits.

1

Diversify opportunities for farm businesses. 2 Reduced deer population. 1 Increased tourism. 1 Potential for guiding dollars. 1 Increased employment opportunities and retention of local community members.

1

Total number of benefits identified 8 7 1

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS AND GENERAL STATEMENTS Further to the feedback received as part of the workshops, attendees also made the following suggestions and general statements. Note that many of the below comments also take the form of a concern, opportunity or benefit, however the attendee did not present them as such in the workshop, rather opted to have them listed as suggestions. In relation to the process in developing the Draft Plan

Mitta Valley Sports Precinct • The Draft Plan needs to clarify meaning of non-negotiables. Re-release key messages on the

intent of the Draft Plan and commitment to consider community input. • A second round of ?? could be added to the Draft Plan development process that allows for

formal submissions. An FAQ should accompany any further consultation that responds to the concerns raised during initial community sessions.

Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

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• The Draft Plan needs considerable further consideration of additional policing and resources required.

• The Draft Plan needs to consider compensation to landholders for losses incurred by increased numbers of hunters.

In relation to further development of the Draft Plan and other opportunities for content

Mitta Valley Sports Precinct • Further development of the Draft Plan requires a full risk analysis in integration of action to

address risks. • Further development of the Draft Plan requires an evaluation and monitoring program to

monitor project outcomes and address unforeseen outcomes that may arise. • The Draft Plan needs to further consider avenues for policing and resourcing of policing of

illegal hunting and shooting activity and risk of increased hunter and illegal shooter numbers in the area.

• Include in the Draft Plan recognition that landowners could charge land-access fees for controlled camp-based hunting.

• The Draft Plan could include an action where Council offers controlled carcass dump points. • [Advocacy by Council for the] removal of barriers for game meat processing.

Corryong Lions Club

• [Advocacy by Council for] the creation of a full-time Wildlife Officer or Game Warden position with powers of arrest to police illegal shooting and camping.

• [Advocacy by Council for] an increase in areas available for hunting, keeping in mind other public land uses.

• [Advocacy by Council for] changes to legislation to reduce barriers for utilisation of game meat.

• [Advocacy by Council for] changes to legislation to improve levels of carcass removal from State Forests.

• [Advocacy by Council for] changes to legislation to include a 3km exclusion zone on public land around private land boundaries.

• [Advocacy by Council for] better regulation models for hunting (e.g. US legislation around hunting management as an example).

• Emphasise carcass management and avenues for carcass removal in the Draft Plan. • Development of a mechanism to register deer kills and use of meat so meat quality can be

measured. • Towong Shire Council form a partnership with pet food processors (Uncle Ben’s) to utilise

deer carcasses. • Offer free or subsidised courses in carcass management. • Ensure that discussion on packaging in the Draft Plan includes provision and encouragement

for provision of cool storage facilities for hunters to store processed meat while they are in the area.

• To reduce risk of increasing hunter numbers in the area the Draft Plan should avoid all actions that include a marketing and promotion of hunting element.

• Further consideration of avenues for policing and resourcing of policing of illegal hunting and shooting activity and risk of increased hunter and illegal shooter numbers in the area.

• Registration of hunters prior to admittance on private property. Two suggestions were made: That hunters accessing private property must show Sporting Shooters or Australian Deer Association membership; and that the Draft Plan could include provision for a member-based website where hunters can register (for a fee) and landholders can register. Only registered members can access the site. (Note this could be an action undertaken through a partnership approach with either the ADA or SSAA).

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Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

• Council to advocate to State Government for extra police resources and compliance officers. • More parks opened up for hunting. • Development and distribution of information on liability of landholders allowing paid access

to hunters and on insurance. • Development of a network private landholders to access responsible hunters. • The Draft Plan should include provision for local hunters working with local farmers. • The Draft Plan should be broadened to support all private tourism enterprises. • The Draft Plan should include avenues for local hunters to access training to become a

professional shooter. • The Draft Plan should require hunters to have a permit from DELWP to be in parks hunting,

for example near Pilot Hill near Batlow. • The Draft Plan should not include any activity around marketing and promotion of the region

as a hunting destination. Other general statements and observations

Mitta Valley Sports Precinct • With new infrared technology, poachers will be able to access and hunt on private property

without lights and without anyone knowing they are there. • “It is great to see a pro-active approach to a complex issue. Congratulations Towong.”

Corryong Lions Club

• Use of venison, as evidenced across the border in NSW, is lucrative as venison is expensive. Tallangatta Recreation Reserve

• Attendees overwhelmingly did not support the Draft Plan and majority voted they did not want a Hunting Tourism Action Plan at all.

• One attendee submitted results of an informal Facebook poll conducted on a motorhome page, indicating that 66% of respondents would avoid the area if it was a deer-hunting destination. 33% would still come.

• Many attendees indicated that, should the Hunting Tourism Action Plan development continue, they wanted a second Draft Plan to be released for consultation. However, there was some opposition to the additional cost to ratepayers that this would entail.

INFORMATION SESSIONS FACILITATION PROCESS There were a number of concerns expressed in regard to the facilitation process:

• The facilitator answered queries and defended the Draft Plan on occasion at the information sessions; thus was perceived by some attendees as biased.

• The format the facilitator ran the three sessions was not consistent.

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SUBMISSIONS Submissions were sought and received from the Towong Shire community. In addition, key stakeholder groups were approached via email to provide a submission. Whilst the community response to the call for submissions was considered reasonable, the targeted stakeholder groups’ response rate was low. A total of 23 submissions were received from 14 individuals and 1 organisation. For a full list of submissions received, refer to Appendix 5). KEY MESSAGES Below are some common messages raised in submissions. The implementation of a Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan goes against the clean and pure image that Council has invested in to date. “Over the years Council has spent copious amounts of money on the Shire attributes – clean and pure with its bushwalking, camping, horse riding, fishing, 4WD driving, rail trails walking or cycling”. “The ideas of this Shire being promoted as a ‘hunting destination’ really flies in the face of the Shire’s ‘pure’ tagline.” “The adoption of such a strategy as has been proposed will only position Towong Shire as a ‘red neck, gun toting, animal killing destination’. Is this what we really want? I do not want this.” “Towong Shire promotes itself with the words ‘pure’ and ‘serenity’. Deer hunting strongly contradicts this image.” The Draft Plan lacks validation. “The Draft Plan bases many premises on anecdotal data, which renders it fundamentally flawed while it fails to provide hard data, reference and facts. The Draft Plan trades the validity of its ideas on quite a deal of guesswork.” An increase in hunters is not going to make a positive impact on local economies. “Hunters with disposable income may be more likely to stop off in towns, take meals at a hotel or sleep in provided accommodation, however their numbers in an increased hunter paradigm, are more likely to be less than, the number of budget hunters or those wanting to do the bush living and camping experience.” “I don’t think this type of tourism strategy will result in money being spent in the Shire as hunters bring their food, fuel and like to sleep in the bush for obvious reasons.”

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Becoming a hunting destination will have a negative impact on other tourism and recreational activities undertaken within the Shire. “The Draft Plan failed to account for any negative costs associated with a drop off in tourism from other parts of the tourist market, as a result of the real (or perceived) fears of using bushland where there were hunters, dogs, guns and bullets that didn’t know about.” “The Shire of Towong has for years promoted our area as pristine clean and green for tourists to enjoy, whether young families riding bikes, walking or seeing wildlife, or older people wanting a quiet and peaceful holiday. I believe they will be put off coming to, or stopping in our Shire knowing that hunting is promoted.” “I believe that the general and public promotion of Towong Shire as a ‘Deer Hunting Destination’ will create an adverse image (perceived or genuine) of the Shire as a tourism destination for other potential visitors and tourists to the region.” “We are very much against your proposed deer hunting idea. We run [local tourism businesses] and neither of these businesses will benefit from deer hunting. Our target market is families, reunions, get together s and weddings. Whenever our guests hear gunshots at night or see spotlights at night they are frightened. We are happy with the success of our current marketing and increase in clients and only see negative effects from deer hunting.” “The draft proposal does not consider the potential economic cost to existing or potential tourism strategies and promotions, such as bushwalking, fishing and the rail trail, to name a few, should the Shire gain a reputation of being a hunting mecca and other tourists become reluctant to visit.” An increase in any hunters will create an even more unsafe environment for the community. “I want a safe environment so I can go about my duties when mustering or fixing fences along the bush line without attracting a stray bullet. I think the Towong Shire has a duty of care to all ratepayers, residents and visitors to our area to provide a safe and pleasant environment to work and visit.” “Deer shooting is already nearly out of control on public roads and public land.” “If more hunters are encouraged to come here and shoot deer, then more irresponsible hunters will come here with an increase in the problems they create.” “Why has the focus of the deer hunting Tourism Plan been on the supposed economic benefits? Why is there no discussion of the non-economic issues such as the social and psychological effects of the proposed increase in deer hunters? Numbers of farmers and other ratepayers who use the bush, are already not feeling safe, to fence in the back paddock or walk in the bush.” “I believe my safety will be compromised when I go about my daily work with my husband when we are in close proximity to the bush on our property. It will be only a matter of time before someone is injured or killed by a bullet fired by a deer hunter without awareness of what’s around.” “I do not believe it is possible to encourage only responsible hunters without encouraging irresponsible hunters.” “The Shire needs to be a great place to live – for all its residents - not just a nice place to visit.”

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“Already some horse-riders and walkers are not using the bush, as they fear being shot by hunters.” “With an ‘open all season’ approach, I believe numbers of shooters will naturally increase and safety to shooters, landowners and livestock will be jeopardised.” Community members have concern with the expense Council has spent on the project to date. “I’m appalled at the cost presented, for three meetings and a little preparation time $4285 and all the associated costs not presented e.g. other working party costs?” “Towong Shire has repeatedly told its ratepayers and residents that it is strapped for cash. Funding this strategy is not a worthwhile use of ratepayers’ money.” Council is not going to compensate negatively impacted residents. “The Council is not going to compensate me for the losses and the stress of spot lighters, poachers on our property that I have incurred after the August press release inferring that hunters come to Towong Shire and hunt deer.” “The draft is a wish list and does not address in any way the negatives of a Hunting Tourism Strategy.” “If other businesses suffer a financial loss due [to] the area becoming a ‘hunting destination’ being promoted by Towong Shire Council, will Towong Shire Council reimburse those businesses for their loss?” “I will consider the Towong Shire Council responsible for any loss of livestock or damage to property by trespassers in areas of deer populations.” “A big concern for us [as an ethical hunting family] with the current plan and community’s current response is that we as local hunters will face backlash and be categorised negatively along with those ‘hunters’ [that] choose to engage in disrespectful, unethical and illegal practices.” “What happens if a farmer loses livestock, i.e.: shot – how is that farmer to be compensated or does it just become collateral damage?” The process undertaken in producing the Draft Plan was inadequate and unreasonable. “There has been no cost-benefit analysis. Why not?” “While the survey sought to gain feedback from the community, the questions were phased in such a way as to lead the respondent to believe that the plan as a certainty and that deer hunting tourism in Towong Shire was a foregone conclusion.” “The plan itself was revealed at the Tallangatta Community Consultation to be 2 years out of date and not in-line with the current views of those working to get this Action Plan into action.” “I believe that if a different approach were taken initially in putting forward this proposal that the community would have received it in a more positive manner and be less up in arms about it.” “The lack of initial consultancy with the landholders and ratepayers creating further divide between the Council and its community.”

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“The shire missed the first step of good governess (governance), with no consultative process with its ratepayers. This was very disappointing.” There is very little community support for a Hunting Tourism Action Plan. “Strong community support, as cited numerous times in the Draft has been gauged from where? I do not believe this to be true.” “As was seen at the community meetings, there is not widespread community support for this Plan.” “Landholders want the total eradications of deer, encouraging development of business to cater for sustainable harvest and long-term continuance of the hunting industry is diametrically opposed to the objectives of landholders. Maintaining and supporting a ‘never to be stopped but ever-growing service industry for increasing numbers of deer hunters’ is not the direction that the majority of landholders would like the Council to take.” “One of the critical success factors is ‘Strong community support for recreational hunting’. To date this seems to have not been met.” “Why are only a few people who stand to gain financially being considered over a majority of landholders?” Concern related to the engagement process. “A document called ‘Negotiables and non-negotiables’ was prepared by Towong Shire Council staff which it appears was way out of line and beyond their brief.” “The Deer Hunting Survey was a biased survey and did not allow the exploration or assessment of the negative aspects of this proposal. The survey did not assess whether the proposal was supported or not by the wider community.” “No equal time was allowed by the [information sessions] meeting organiser/s for a presentation by those against this proposal.” “The [information sessions] ‘facilitator’ hired by Towong Shire Council, at great cost, was not neutral and did not facilitate in the true sense of the term.” “The worst aspect was her [the facilitator’s] inability to project and command proceedings.” “The publicity around the survey has been very poor.” “No provision was made to lodge objections. You should have treated this as you would have treated a Town Planning application, with proper regard to your dominion.” “I was appalled at the blatantly biased online feedback survey for the deer hunting proposal. I found it to be structured in such a way that is was already assumed there was full support for the strategy and the survey was merely looking at how to tweak it to improve it.” An increase in hunters will require an increase in policing/governing resources. “Who will pay for this increased need for policing, control and surveillance?”

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“Why is the Shire promoting a strategy that will encourage visitors who require greater surveillance and police input to keep them honest? Ratepayers may question the Shire’s commitment to their needs.” “Why would a Shire actively promote a policy that will need extra police numbers to keep law and order on weekends and public holidays, just to protect their rate payers?” Individual businesses who wish to pursue hunting activities as an income stream should be exploring the potential at their own expense. “If businesses and individuals see the opportunities for increasing the deer hunting as worthwhile, shouldn’t they be exploring this at their expense?” “If private business and land owners want to tap into the hunting tourist dollar, then that is fantastic and credit to them for the initiative, but to have it as a shire wide strategy supported by rate payer dollars is wrong.” “I do support local businesses and land holders tapping into the deer hunting market in a private capacity.” Council should consider lobbying government to assist with the current deer population numbers. “Deer are a feral, pest animal. Tagging them as a game species is disingenuous. Maybe Towong Shire could lobby to have deer reclassified as a pest feral species.” “I do support Towong Shire viewing deer as a massive pest problem (not a game species or hunting tourism draw card) and actively working towards a solution to substantially reduce their numbers in the Shire.” “Time and resources would be better spent lobbying the State Government to address the escalating deer numbers and the rogue hunters – both of which are an increasing problem and concern to landholders, especially those that have a private/public interface.” Hunting tourism in Towong Shire has economic development potential. “Having a FOCUSED hunting initiative could have been a real boom for the shire and for economic development.” “Part of what the Shire Council is to do is attract new business, new development and it’s not easy in a Shire like ours!” “I hope my involvement as a landowner/tourism operator will eventually bring additional visitations to my venue, obviously providing added dollars to the Upper Murray economy.” A hunting plan has the potential to address some deer related land management issues. “Encourage, facilitate and support a local hunter and farmer relationship or develop a register that enables farmer to access a contact list of local hunters and invite them to their property to eradicate the feral deer impeding on their farm."

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Redirect funds towards other tourism and recreational activities. “Expend more energy on developing (bush) tracks, huts, riding, school camps etc.; cater for more genuine tourists and not the rabble you are enticing. This Shire has beauty, many stories and a fascinating history. Promote that and back up these ‘Pure Serenity’ and similar signs.” “Other tourism groups that could, and should, be explored include: motorhome/caravan/grey nomad touring, horse riding, mountain biking, 4wd touring, motorbike touring (sealed and unsealed roads), canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hang-gliding (Corryong is a world class site for this activity), recreational aviation, triathlons, rail trail activities, hiking, art/photography nature/yoga/meditation/health retreats and weekends.” “There are many other ways that Towong Shire can entice more tourism to this area that are user friendly to many more people. Grey nomads (advertise free camping sites and attractions to this area). Rail trail (encourage businesses to utilise the rail trail by setting up refreshments along the trail such as coffee, small meals, even boutique wineries etc.), advertise the pure air etc. to entice more families into the area are just a few.” Council should be putting its efforts into advocating for change to current legislation. “If the Shire generally wants to improve the economy, returns and bottom line for its ratepayers it could put its energy into removing impediments and encouraging professional commercial unitization of the deer population. While the Shire cannot do this of itself it could seek change at the State political level and with the regulatory authorities.” An increase in hunters to Towong Shire will impede on agricultural biosecurity measures. “Biosecurity on farm is now considered of National importance. How can farmers guarantee their farms biosecurity when they have hunters and dogs trespassing on their land?” “Illegal incursions by hunters onto private freehold land already occurs and jeopardises the integrity of industry systems, e.g. LPA, and can lead to loss of market access.” Other comments. “My proposal to you all is that you refocus your purpose, direction and the way you approach this action plan going forward in the hope that more community support will follow.” “In closing the feeling is that the farming community is really being forgotten about as tourism becomes the prime focus for Council. I think it is an insult to the farming communities’ shrewdie to continue with the Hunting Tourism Action Plan when Council should be supporting local farmers and shooters. After all Towong Shire is a farming community and has been for generations.” “The Deer Hunting Tourism Strategy Plan needs to be stopped immediately and Council needs to publicly declare the draft as not being endorsed by the general public and that the general public is against more rogue deer hunters.”

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SURVEY (ON-LINE AND HARD COPY) An on-line survey (Appendix 6) using Survey Monkey ran for a six-week period from the start of April to mid-May. Links to the Survey were available from the Towong Shire Council website, social media and email direct email campaigns. Links were well shared by community organisations. The on-line survey was opened 159 times, with a completion rate of 59%. An additional 14 hard copy surveys were completed. Copies of the survey in a hard copy were available from the Tallangatta Library, Murray Goulburn in Eskdale and the Corryong Library. On-line respondents typically spent 6 minutes completing a survey. Question 1: Have you read the Draft Hunting Tourism Acton Plan?

Answered: 159 Skipped: 0

No (15%)

Yes (85%)

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Customising accommodation facilities to attract hunters

Secondary product development

Development and potential accreditation of hunting guides

Managing land access

Addressing restrictions to game meat processing

Exploring the potential of an annual deer hunting season

Marketing

Promotional partnerships and product packaging

Deer hunting outfitter partnerships

Question 2: How importantly do you rate the following strategies within the current Draft Plan?

Answered: 119 Skipped: 40

Question 3: Do you have additional ideas or strategies that could be included in the Plan? If

so, please tell us about your idea?

Answered: 67 Skipped: 92

Below are representative responses only; refer to Appendix 7 for the complete list. Many respondents took the opportunity to respond to this open-ended question to express their lack of support for the Draft Plan and/or process. Some of the identified additional ideas or strategies that could be included in the Plan were:

• Tailoring businesses to better accommodate hunters; provide firearm lockup, dog kennels, meat processing/cleaning facilities

• Better access to hunting land, especially fringe country with permission of landholders would do wonders to ensure a vehicle can be utilised within minutes of a clean kill and thus

ensure some sort of stable quality. Any deer that do not meet the requirements can still be eaten and shared with family and friends

• Open more public land to licensed hunters

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• Registration of who is hunting where, for safety, better policing of illegal hunting activities

• Keep designated deer hunting areas at least 1km from boundaries of private property

• [Lobby for] heavier penalties for illegal hunting

• [Lobby for] sufficient game management personel to ensure compliance with hunting regulations

• A local farmer/hunter register to address the deer issue in the Shire

• The hunting areas could be managed like the NSW R licence, where bookings for certain areas are made to ensure the safety of other hunters if the areas are not as large as the alpine park

• More campgrounds in the area

• Hunting information package, including maps and camps, new campsites

• ‘Hunter friendly’ local businesses

• Multi-function outfitters offering fishing and hunting options

• Coolrooms for hunters to tag and hang their meat rather than relying on eskys

• Hunting expos.... such a big drawcard for a variety of possible events and expertise in the area.

• Taxidermy

• Retail /online camping store set up as a physical place to book meet and purchase gear

• Clear mapping to provide to hunters of designated hunting areas, access conditions and define properties and no go zones to protect livestock/fencing from trespass and over-shots. Coordination with police and rangers to restrict and penalise non accredited/licensed hunters or those that break the code

• Maybe focus on local hunting community and help them make a living from the deer

• I believe for the safety of YOUR ratepayers more consideration must be given to those

living on the bush lines. Exclusion zones need to be enforced. Who do we contact when living remotely we have issues with these hunters on or near our land. Perhaps hunters must register their movements so if there is any trouble they can be identified. Therefore landholders would know who and how many are in their area. Also as often there is no mobile service in these areas it would also assist in the event of an accident

• Commercial deer processing plant to turn the carcasses into a useful by-product such as pet food and fertilizer. This comment recognises the significant hurdles that must be overcome in order to make the meat available for human consumption

• Commercially licensed hunters to cull deer

• No promotion from Council avenues - Council can be an enabler but shouldn’t be seen as a promoter

• Property that joins state park be fully deer fenced as to draw a straight line as to where they can and can’t go

• Providing clear access "hunting maps" to registered deer hunting clubs and associations so that their members know what is available and are encouraged to attend this area.

• "Accrediting" deer hunters through a registration and badging process so that those who are hunting in our area can be clearly identified as passing the muster and are OK.

• Entering into a commercial partnership with carriers and processors (e.g. Uncle Bens in Wodonga) to provide well publicised pick up points for deer carcasses in the Shire, so as to encourage deer hunters to NOT leave carcasses in the bush for wild dogs to feed on.

• Encourage local tourism accommodation suppliers to welcome accredited deer hunters.

• Obtaining the approval of the local Farmers Federation people to endorse accredited hunters.

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Question 4: If you rated any of the draft strategies as ‘Not at all important’, please tell us why?

Answered: 56 Skipped: 103

Below are representative responses only; refer to Appendix 8 for the complete list. In response to customising accommodation facilities to attract hunters “Accommodation I believe in pubs etc. could become an issue with alcohol and firearms. Designated camping areas within the hunting areas and also designated accommodation within the town that has the suitable requirements for hunters like areas to hang wet clothing, hang meat without being offensive, stainless steel bench tops to clean up skins or trophies again without being offensive to the public or in plain view. As we all know not everyone likes hunting deer and I believe it’s best to keep the butchering and trophy prep away from the public eye if there are people that find it offensive.” In response to exploring the potential of an annual deer hunting season “Annual Deer hunting season - the status quo should be sufficient.” “A restricted season on Game will reduce hunting opportunities and thus reduce the revenue opportunity.” “Deer may be hunted year round in VIC, formalising a hunting season could restrict impact management.” In response to addressing restrictions to game meat processing “Unsure about lifting restrictions on deer for processing as it would need to be heavily tested to ensure it was clean of any diseases for processing. I understand a lot of hunters feed their families pets and friend with what they hunt but turning it into a commercial process where food regulations are so strong to prevent mass contamination is high risk.” Generalised responses The respondents of the comments below responded “not at all important” to four or more listed strategies. Below are representative responses only; refer to Appendix 8 for the complete list. “I strongly believe this is not a worthwhile project for our Shire. The money spent on this could be much better spent on more pressing problems e.g. road maintenance, recycling, youth activities, health & wellbeing. I don’t believe a vast majority of ratepayers and businesses will not benefit from these hunters coming to our area. All hunters I know come up and head bush to camp. Many do not access any services you list. Also, will campsites and areas be policed? If yes by who, the local police do not have the resources to go around ensuring all hunters are doing “the right thing” e.g. storing firearms and ammunition correctly, only hunting in approved areas, ensuring if animals are shot are they being killed humanely or are they left wounded.“ “I live on a farm and I am aware of the problem of deer on local farms and in the Forrest I think deer are best managed by local shooters and farmers. Does Towong Shire wish to be known as a shooters mecca? We have much better attributes to promote than encouraging more shooters into the area. I find it quite disturbing. We certainly don’t want shooters and we don’t want hunting dogs. We have a serious wild dog problem now.”

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“Would not answer any of them because any reply would endorse your collective thought bubble. Here is my story:- 12 ac, spotlight within 40m of house 1 deer shot on my place - 3 voices against mine 2 wombats I know of - one I had to put down, shot in the neck, starving (good photo!) Gun-shy dog wakes me up at all hours Bullet hole in caravan (which is on the block) One group uses "my" UHF channel One local (breeder??) looking for three lost hunting dogs Two cowboys walked up to a semi tame deer, shot, missed, run it down in car on property where they were told not to go.” “Our accommodation is doing well without hunters. We have trouble maintaining a peaceful and tranquil environment already without extra gun shots nearby at all hours of the night. Duck hunting is a bloody nightmare with shooting starting well before dawn - why would anyone suggestion adding to our misery. The hunters I know sleep in a swag during the day and hunt at night - they don't want to spend money.” “Deer should be designated a pest species and farmers should be allowed to hunt anytime but most importantly Government needs to clean up its land - feral animals and plants out of control and impacting on farmers. None of this needs Shire funding. This is all to benefit private enterprise. Deer control is important but this is a problem of the government making. Why are deer a protected species? What other non-native animal has this status? The government has allowed, actually encouraged, the spread of deer on Crown Land because they have been too slow to perceive the huge and rapid population explosion as a threat. They have allowed shooting bodies to take over control of the whole issues because they have no will to do anything about it. Firstly, change the law to make deer a pest animal, not a protected one. Change the law in Victoria to be able to use deer meat for human consumption and pet food and encourage it. What a waste of good meat when shooters take the antlers and leave the carcasses further feeding wild dogs and creating more problems.” “Need to spend Council and Government money on better roads, lower rates and better services to your Community.” “Think you need to build the infrastructure and market it well, it’s untapped at the moment.” “Not in favour of bring in hunters.” “The local community will make minimal money from hunters as they come completely prepared. Guns, ammo, tents, fully equipped 4wd, dogs, knives, food and drink they have it all ready before they hit the Shire.” “I find the plan is off topic to the real issues at hand.” “Because you shouldn’t be inviting the country to come here and start shooting everything.” “I don't believe the Draft Plan to be something that will benefit the Towong Shire.” “Deer hunting season is asking for trouble, marketing hunting in the area is also asking for trouble and not what our community want bring money in, in other safer ways that aren't risking people's lives.”

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Question 5: What do you see as the biggest barrier to the success of the Plan and why?

Answered: 78 Skipped: 81

Below are representative responses only; refer to Appendix 9 for the complete list. “Illegal hunting and policing it. Resources.” “People feel hunting is wrong and won’t see long term economic gain from it. People are too small minded.” “People don’t like hunting and would see Council involvement as a waste of money.” “The Greens and the notion of locking up the bush and leaving it, etc.” “One difficulty is the amount of illegal hunting activities taking place. If this cannot be regulated properly then neither could an increase in hunting traffic.” “Anti-hunting agenda pushing in the opposite direction.” “Getting community support.” “The community. I don’t think the engagement has been strong enough. A lot of people are not happy about this concept. Farmers, local hunters, residence. I mean how does it actually benefit the people that live here. Who wants to live next to a dog kennel for hunting dogs? That has to be the worst idea of the lot.” “The lack of commercial intellect and sound commercial statistics that would put paid to this nonsense. This is not a strategy it is childish and wishful thinking. Show me the cost benefit analysis, show me the percentage of shooters who hire guides, hire vehicles, stay in accommodation of any type rather than 'under canvas' show me the viable industry figures from anywhere in Australia that support this garbage. Show me the figures for when the majority of shooters arrive, day of week, time of day, how they would access 'these businesses' set up to service the industry... How do these businesses remain viable out of season or on other days?” “The red-neck element who illegally spotlight, poach and ignore land owners rights. Unfortunately, this element does a great deal of damage to the sport and steps must be taken to bring them to account, otherwise non-hunting people have the misconception that all hunters just want to shoot animals and disrespect the rule of law.” “This question implies that the plan can be a success – yes it will be for a few – but not for everyone!! The plan does not adequately address the concerns of the majority of residents and ratepayers who will be impacted by it. The plan can never address the concerns of landholders regarding compliance of hunters to their legal obligations. The plan can never adequately address – for landholders the issues regarding their own safety/trespassing/poaching/illegal entrance etc… because it is not in the Shires sphere to make legislative changes that would put some monitoring and regulating of hunting within the Shires public land, in place.”

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Question 6: What do you see as the greatest opportunity in relation to developing Hunting Tourism in Towong Shire?

Answered: 79 Skipped: 80

Below are representative responses only; refer to Appendix 10 for the complete list.

Many respondents took the opportunity to respond to this open-ended question to express their lack of support for the Draft Plan and/or process. Opportunities identified inlcuded: “A local Game abattoir. Improved access for hunters.” “There are great opportunities to lobby state government to have deer declared vermin and get funding for a control/eradication program like the wild dog program.” “Provide a point of difference to other hunting destinations.” “Good for farmers as an additional stream of income.” “Getting funding.” “Retail outlets including Food, Fuel, Accommodation and Associated hunting gear outlets would realise the greatest opportunities. Also add on income for farmers who allow access to their land.” “National ad campaigns.” “Guided hunting tours and accommodation.” “Additional visitation. More visitors to our accommodation providers and shops in towns. It’s exciting.” “Local employment. Butchers, taxidermy, land access, accommodation. All working together to see what is a natural resource like any other tourism activity.” “I’d like to see a pest control part in place for the farmers as well so they can either make a second income off the meat etc. or engage legal registered hunters too do it and maybe they get a fee for letting them harvest the meat etc.” “Addressing the issue of large numbers of the introduced species.” “Greater visitor numbers. More suitable accommodation options may see more people accompanying a hunter, not hunting themselves, using other activities etc.” “The promotion of the use of venison as a regular addition to people’s diets and the offal/offcuts as feed for dogs.” “Sell the hunting experience, not trophies - it has the broadest impact on deer populations, the greatest value to the most people, and carries the least liability and admin burden.”

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Question 7: Please indicate your age.

Answered: 91 Skipped: 68

Question 8: Please tell us your gender.

Answered: 91 Skipped: 68

25-34 (24.18%)

18-24 (1.10%)

Rather not say

65 plus (13.9%) 55-64 (17.58%)

45-54 (18.68%)

35-44 (20.88%)

Male (58.24%)

Female (35.16%)

Rather not say (6.59%)

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Question 9: Please tell us where you live.

Answered: 90 Skipped: 69

Responses received:

Location No. Percentage Bellbridge 1 1.11% Bethanga 2 2.22% Biggara 2 2.22% Burrowye 1 1.11% Colac Cola 2 2.22% Corryong 9 10.00% Cudgewa 2 2.22% Dartmouth 1 1.11% Eskdale 7 7.78% Guys Forest 1 1.11% Jarvis Creek 1 1.11% Koetong 1 1.11% Mitta Mitta 6 6.67% Nariel Valley 4 4.44% Old Tallangatta 1 1.11% Tallangatta 13 14.44% Tallangatta Valley 8 8.89% Towong 1 1.11% Other 27 30.00%

Question 10: Which best describes your current occupation?

Answered: 68 Skipped: 91

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

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Question 11: How did you hear about the Hunting Tourism Action Plan consultation?

Answered: 68 Skipped: 91

Those that indicated ‘other’ mostly listed social media, ABC Radio or ‘word of mouth’ as their source.

SOCIAL MEDIA Council’s Facebook page was a key tool in promoting the community engagement process and provided a channel to receive feedback. Council’s hunting tourism call to action posts were shared to various public pages from which feedback/comments were noted. Feedback related to both the Draft Plan and elements of the engagement process: See below a selection of random comments made on Facebook. Tallangatta Village Voice: “Local Police are not in favour of this proposal. Hope they are allowed to express their concerns and thoughts. Have they been invited?” “I'm a local Hunter/Shooter, I can see the pros and cons to this but unfortunately the cons will out way the pros the Tallangatta and surrounding area already has its fair share of so called hunters consistently doing the wrong thing and also some so called Guides as well might I add. The poaching around this area is already bad enough some locals some blow-ins. Unfortunately it's the same old story you may have 8 out for 10 people do the correct thing but the other 2 will ruin it. I hunt a fair few local farmer’s property that's private land and some of it is consistently pouched by people trespassing. All I can see if this proposal passes is more and more land getting pouched more gates getting ripped off there hinges and more stock getting shot it's the nature of the beast that's just my opinion but it's that of a local hunter.”

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%

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“We are not America... our gun laws are different. The tourism report isn’t about making our area unsafe because we have hunting grounds it’s about encouraging businesses to open and thrive. Any taxidermists out there looking to start a business in the area? Camping and supply shop? Ways to bring in extra economy to help the shire grow not encourage rogue and dangerous shooting. It may not happen, it may be ruled out as not feasible but if we don’t investigate the opportunities of an obvious practice that is happening in our back yard how can you assume the worst-case scenario will come from it??? Having a focused hunting tourism action plan helps uncover all risks involved to help the shire and its residents make informed decisions... adding fear to the process isn't helpful. In 2013 Victoria govt. Carried out Victoria’s economic impact of hunting report, and it was found that the total economic impact came to a total of 439 million dollars and supported almost 3,500 full time equivalent jobs directly and indirectly across Victoria. 40% of this spending occurs in Melbourne and 60% from regional Victoria....” Daniel Young, Victorian MP for Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party: “Some of those complaining seem totally unaware that we have been hunting those hills, legally and without problems, for decades. If they think that hunting will detract from other tourism ventures, they should be reminded that towns like Bright, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Wandiligong are located in some of the highest-profile hunting areas in NE Victoria, and suffer no shortage of tourists.” Australian Deer Association: “Why can’t SA do this? Deer are being slaughtered at taxpayers’ expense and left to rot. Wake up government.” WIN News Albury: “The irony here is that it wasn’t that long ago that people were complaining about hunters not doing enough to reduce the number of deer. As usual, people will complain about one thing but don’t want it in their backyard. Encourage & welcome hunters because poachers will always be willing to go onto others property & illegally shot & destroy property.” “I hunt down there. What is wrong with me spending my money in the shire? I would spend more money in 5 days down there than most of the locals would spend in a month. Sometimes accommodation if not camping, Heaps of fuel, pub feeds and buying food in the shops. I also take the family with me on some trips, so add 3 other mouths to that. I love the Towong Shire, this anti-hunting sort of crap is not news.” “Very happy for hunters to hunt legally, but when fences are continually being cut by illegal hunters, bio security of farming property is threatened and livestock shot dead regularly, it's not ok. Not a one sided argument. Just genuine concerns being raised by landholder already dealing with the negative impacts.” WIN News also conducted a public poll on its Facebook page, asking the question “Do you think deer hunting should be used to boost tourism numbers?” The poll generated more than 3,500 votes, with the following result:

No – 21% Yes – 79%

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RECOMMENDATION In reviewing feedback received from the community and stakeholders throughout the engagement process, the Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Steering Group recommends:

1. Towong Shire Council does not pursue the development of a Hunting Tourism Action Plan.

2. Council considers: − Advocating to State Government and relevant authorities to gain support in addressing

the communities’ issues with illegal hunters Promoting current support available for residents facing issues with illegal hunters (Rural Watch, Neighbourhood Watch etc.)

− Supporting relevant economic developments that arise organically (new business development or business growth/diversification)

− Advocating for a communication plan be developed by Government Agencies And supporting the proposed plan’s activities

− Contributing to and supporting relevant State Government policy development/change − Working with MAV to consult and advocate action through the State Government’s Deer

Management Strategy − Facilitating the development of a local deer management group.

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APPENDIX 1 COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN

Hunting Tourism Action Plan

Community and Stakeholder

Engagement Plan

March 2018

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

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Contents

Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Engagement principles .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Decision/ project scope ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Community profile ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Key messages ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Key contacts and spokespersons .................................................................................................................... 12

Stakeholder identification and analysis ........................................................................................................ 13

Engagement activities ......................................................................................................................................... 19

Community engagement action plan............................................................................................................ 20

Evaluation plan ....................................................................................................................................................... 22

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 3 of 22

Introduction

Background

Towong Shire is home to a range of pest animals including foxes, rabbits and wild dogs. In addition,

there is an abundance of game deer.

The pest animals and deer have a serious impact on local natural flora and fauna, as well as impacting

on farming properties where they destroy fences, consume fodder and graze paddocks intended for

domestic livestock.

The quantity and quality of deer in particular has made Towong Shire a popular destination for

recreational hunters.

Hunting tourism was identified in the Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan as an activity with strong

potential, capable of leveraging the Shire’s abundant deer population and scenic natural environment.

Hunting tourism was recognised as having potential to significantly boost visitation to the region.

The Mitta Valley community has also identified hunting tourism as a potential tourism opportunity,

with a small number of operators already active in this space.

Opportunities include guided hunting, accommodation tailored to hunters, and facilitated access to

private land populated with deer. In addition, various auxiliary services have the potential to benefit.

Development of the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan

To explore the options for recreational hunting in Towong Shire and the opportunity that this presents

for tourism, Tourism North East (TNE) collaborated with Towong Shire Council (TSC) to prepare a Draft

Hunting Tourism Action Plan.

The Draft Plan was developed following consultation with TSC, TNE, Game Management Authority,

North East Catchment Management Authority, Australian Deer Association, Department of

Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and local industry that are active in the hunting tourism

space.

The Draft Plan was presented at an Ordinary Council Meeting in August 2017, where Councillors

provided in principle support and authorisation to seek feedback on the Draft Plan from key

stakeholders and the broader Towong Shire community.

Hunting Tourism Steering Group

Following the decision by Councillors to provide in principle support to the Draft Plan and release it

for consultation, a Hunting Tourism Steering Group was established.

The objectives of the Steering Group are to:

Review and resolve the Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan

Advocate the Towong Shire Council Hunting Tourism Action Plan

Facilitate community consultation

Prioritise and seek implementation of actions identified within the final Towong Shire

Hunting Tourism Action Plan

Monitor delivery of all actions

Periodically review the outcomes of actions implemented.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 4 of 22

The Steering Group includes representatives from:

Agriculture Victoria

Community members

Hancock Victorian Plantations

Landcare

North East Catchment Management Authority

NSW Department of Industry

Parks Victoria

Tourism North East

Towong Shire Council

Upper Murray Business Inc.

Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Victoria Police.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 5 of 22

Engagement principles

The purpose of this Engagement Plan is to gather feedback from key stakeholders and community

members to ensure the final Tourism Hunting Action Plan considers and addresses the broad range of

opportunities and issues surrounding hunting in the Shire.

The consultation program will meet the following five principles:

1. Key stakeholders and community members will be provided with balanced and

objective information: Information provided will assist key stakeholders and community

members understand the issues surrounding hunting in the region, and how the Plan will

seek to address those issues. The information provided will be supported with evidence and

will reflect a range of viewpoints.

2. There will be sufficient opportunities for high quality feedback: Key stakeholders and

community members will be given a variety of opportunities to be accurately informed and

to provide feedback into the process. These opportunities will include being able to

communicate directly with members of the Steering Group.

3. The process for seeking feedback will be fair and equitable: Some key stakeholders and

community members will be directly impacted by the Draft Plan, while others will have an

indirect interest. All key stakeholders and community members will have an opportunity to

be heard and provide input.

4. Feedback opportunities will reach a diverse range of key stakeholders and community

members: In addition to the Plan affecting a broad geographical area, key stakeholders and

community members represent a range of interests, industries and demographics. All key

stakeholders and community members will have access to feedback opportunities.

5. All feedback will be considered: Key stakeholders and broader community members must

be confident that their feedback is being sought genuinely and that it will be taken seriously.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

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Decision/ project scope

Purpose: To identify stakeholders’ influence in the development of the revised and final Towong Shire

Council Hunting Tourism Action Plan.

The table below list aspects that are either negotiable or non-negotiable in relation to developing the

final Plan. It does not relate to the implementation of strategies identified within the Plan.

Item Negotiable Not Negotiable

GENERAL

1.1 Community representation on Steering

Group

1.2 Requirement for a Plan

1.3 Title of the Plan

1.4 Timeframe for the development of the Plan

HUNTING TOURISM PLAN CONTENT

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Strategic Context

2.3 Victorian Hunting Industry

2.4 Game Hunter Profile

2.5 Competitive Landscape

2.6 Towong Shire Situation Analysis

2.7 Hunting Tourism Plan Objectives

2.8 Hunting Tourism Objectives

2.9 Promotional Opportunities

2.10 Funding

2.11 Next Steps

HUNTING TOURISM PLAN ACTION CONTENT

Addition of actions

Work with the Australian Deer Association to

survey its database to better understand and

prioritise the facilities/services that it would

most value in a ‘hunting friendly business’.

Using the above survey, determine criteria

for a ‘hunting friendly business’ program and

any associated processes and controls. How

the survey results are used is negotiable.

Identify Towong Shire based

accommodation operators that have an

interest in attracting hunting tourists, and

also have capacity to diversify their offering.

Work with these businesses to meet the

identified criteria.

Scope the potential for a group buy of

storage cool rooms/meat storage and gun

storage within the context of the hunting

friendly business program.

If potential exists, consider government

funding that might be available to subsidise

a group buy if required.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

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Advocate for standardised guide

accreditation with particular consideration

given to leveraging State Government focus

on improving hunting opportunities and

promoting responsible hunting.

Formally approach the Game Management

Authority about trialling a guiding

accreditation program in Towong Shire.

Scope what Towong Shire Council’s role

could be within a guide pilot program with

assistance from existing local guides, with

consideration for how a partnership with

HVP could assist with the process.

Identify ways in which to grow and enhance

the guide offering in Towong Shire, including

developing a view of how the industry could

support career pathways for local youth and

support entrepreneurial efforts for

businesses interested in this space.

Determine and implement a model to

facilitate both immediate and long-term

access to greater amounts of private land for

hunting tourism.

Unify and promote private land hunting

access network as part of a concerted

marketing effort, looking at how it can be

positioned as a destination strength for

Towong Shire.

Develop a three-year scalable event plan to

officially launch and celebrate the start of the

proposed season.

Leverage State Government’s commitment

to using social media and other technology

to promote seasonal hunting arrangements.

Work with peak industry bodies and

Government (as per its Sustainable Hunting

Action Plan) to advocate for the facilitation

of local game meat processing.

If legislation changes, look to take the lead in

developing meat processing as supporting

hunting tourism services. And consider how

Towong Shire Council and operators can

leverage broader regional efforts and their

focus on the food and wine sector.

Following product development, develop a

three-year marketing and communications

strategy to take the offering to market. This

strategy should consider the targeting of

messages and products in line with the

hunting tourist profiles outlined in Section 4

of the Hunting Tourism Action Plan.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

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Leverage any State Government initiatives

associated with its Sustainable Hunting

Action Plan that support improving hunting

information (including mapping), driving

awareness of hunting locations, and

promoting regional hunting opportunities

through targeted communication.

Identify a network of existing operators who

have complementary product for the hunting

tourists.

Work with Tourism North East to deliver

packaging workshops to assist businesses in

developing product in the hunting space.

Determine the potential for the development

of a single call to action for packaging, which

could be managed in-region, online or via a

partnership with an established outfitter or

tourism operator.

Bring new operators into the marketing and

promotions space as product development

comes to fruition.

Identify the top outfitters servicing the

Victorian market and work with them to

ensure that the Towong Shire hunting

tourism offering is included and well

represented within their portfolio.

Consider an incentive program designed to

encourage outfitters with a multi-destination

portfolio to prioritise visitation to the

Towong Shire.

Towong Shire Council develop a Hunting

Tourism Steering Group to review and

endorse the recommendations of this

strategy.

The Steering Group should develop a

supporting business plan that prioritises and

timelines the actions highlighted in this

document, as well as identifying key action

proponents.

The proponents should then properly scope

and cost each action, and report back to the

Steering Group.

Steering Group should then lead efforts to

secure budget and support for prioritised

actions.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 9 of 22

Community profile

Mitta Valley - Mitta Mitta, Eskdale and Dartmouth

The alpine landscape of the upper reaches of the valley experience snow most years and give way to

forested ranges and valleys. The Mitta Mitta River traverses the valley and feeds into Dartmouth Dam.

Together, the River and Dam are 2 of 8 nationally important wetlands in the area. Below the Dam, the

River meanders through extensively cleared floodplains and rolling hills. The landscape in the lower

reaches of the valley supports dairy farms, mixed farms, cropping and alternative enterprises such as

hazelnuts and hops.

The total population of the Mitta Valley is 517, down from 591 in 2006. A relatively even split between

females and males, 8.7% were born outside of Australia, and 1.1% identify as having an Indigenous

heritage.

The median age is 47 with 49% of the population over the age of 55. The vast majority of the

population entered the workforce following school with 62% now employed in the agriculture,

forestry and fishing industries. 54% work full-time whilst 32% work in a part-time capacity.

Tallangatta - Including Tallangatta Valley

Tallangatta lies on the banks of the Mitta arm of Lake Hume, approximately 38kms southeast of

Wodonga along the Murray Valley Highway. The current location of the town was established in the

1950s; the town being required to move from 8km east to allow the expansion of Lake Hume.

The agricultural community of the Tallangatta Valley extends from the Murray Valley Highway south

along the length of Tallangatta Creek Road.

The total population of Tallangatta and Tallangatta Valley is 1137, down from 1290 in 2006. A

relatively even split between females and males, 9.2% were born outside of Australia and 1.8% identify

as having an Indigenous heritage.

The median age is 46, with 40% of the population being 55 years of age or older. 40% of the

population achieved an advanced diploma or higher in schooling. Employment is across a spread of

industries, primarily health and agriculture (beef). 54% work full-time, whilst 31% work in a part-time

capacity.

Upper Murray – Corryong and surrounds

The Upper Murray area of Towong Shire is located at the headwaters of the Murray River and the foot

of the Australian Alps. The area is known for its rugged mountain peaks, rocky outcrops and rich

pastoral lands. The river plains and undulating pastures support a strong agricultural and forestry

industry.

The population of the largest town, Corryong, is approximately 1200 and the catchment area’s total

population is approximately 2015. A relatively even split between females and males, 1.3% were born

outside of Australia and 1.4% identify as having an Indigenous heritage.

The median age is 53, a significant rise from 48 in 2011. 43% of the population is 55 years of age or

older. 17% of the total population achieved an advanced diploma or higher in schooling with 42%

currently working in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 10 of 22

Key messages

Why do we need the Hunting Tourism Action Plan?

Pests and game, particularly deer, are creating management issues for farmers and

landowners in Towong Shire.

Because of the strong number of deer, hunters are increasingly coming to Towong Shire.

Conflict exist between farmers and some hunters over issues such as the unauthorised use of

private land, hunting ethics, safety and liability; there is need for stronger governance.

Hunters travelling to the region have limited access to suitable accommodation and niche

hunting tourism products such as guiding.

Hunting tourism has been identified by the Upper Murray and Mitta Valley communities as

having strong potential for growth.

What will the Hunting Tourism Action Plan do?

TSC wants to establish the Towong Shire region as a destination that supports a thriving

hunting tourism industry, and deliver resultant positive social and economic outcomes for the

community

The Plan will meet four objectives:

o Increase visitation and yield opportunities associated with recreational hunting

o Grow employment opportunities associated with hunting tourism, including the

development of career pathways

o Build community satisfaction and town pride off the back of a strong hunting tourism

market

o Develop a safe framework and environment for hunting activity to occur.

What evidence is there that hunting tourism is successful elsewhere?

In Australia, Bob and Kay Penfold in South Australia successfully implemented a business plan

to develop Hunt Australia. Hunt Australia caters exclusively for international hunters and

sportspersons wishing to experience high quality hunting. Hunting is guided, with properties

in Australia (predominantly deer on a SA property), New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Carmor Wildlife Reserve in the Northern Territory offers a broad range of hunting experiences

including guided hunts of feral water buffalo and goats. Additional economic stimulus is

created through auxiliary services including trophy preparation (ready for taxidermist), sealed

cool room, and rifle rental. A self-contained lodge is a key component of their packaging.

Inland Hunting Properties (IHP) is a successful small business leveraging off hunting across

the eastern states. A family run business, IHP matches reputable, highly rated hunters and

their needs (camping, accommodation etc.) with rural properties. Through the IHP program,

hunters pay a fee to hunt and/or camp on the property. Participating properties receive a

minimum of $300 cash at the gate per booking and all other administration and vetting is

undertaken by IHP.

Local business, Red Oak Farmstay, is successfully operating in the hunting space. A fully

operational dairy farm with a ‘farm-stay’ accommodation house; the business owners had

issues with hunters illegally accessing the property. By leveraging their already established

asset (the farmstay), they set about directly targeting the hunting market. Since, the business

owners have seen a significant increase in their accommodation occupancy; 60% of their

accommodation income is now derived from hunting, and the average length of stay has

increased by 50%. Additionally, illegal hunting on the property has significantly decreased.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 11 of 22

Offering a high standard accommodation house at a reasonable price, the Red Oak Farmstay

case study is an example of how businesses can utilise (what are often) unused assets on

farms, to create additional income streams for the farm’s core business.

If farmers are already having issues with hunters, why do we want to encourage more to come

to the region?

Increasing the number of hunters coming to the region provides opportunities for farmers to

cost-effectively address their pest management issues.

The concerns that have been raised by farmers have been addressed in the Draft Plan and will

be given stronger recognition in the Final Plan.

The implementation of strategies such as creating more formal opportunities for hunters to

access private land (through agreements with farmers), and growing the number of guides in

the area will lessen the likelihood of issues recurring.

What are the benefits for the wider community?

There are more than 50,000 licensed game hunters in Victoria, up 186% in the last decade.

Game hunting is worth more than $282 million each year to the Victorian economy.

More than $138 million alone is spent annually on deer hunting.

Of the $138 million spent, 40 per cent is spent while on their hunting trip on purchases such

as transport, ammunition, accommodation, meals and tours.

Deer hunters spend the most days per year hunting (6.4 compared to 3.7 for ducks)

The increasing number of hunters (particularly those with a higher disposable income), the

amount they spend on hunting trips and the length of time they spend hunting all create

significant opportunities for creating new businesses to cater to this market.

Hunters have a strong connection with the land and the environment, and often undertake

other outdoors activities while on a hunting trip, benefiting existing operators.

Hunters’ connection to the land and interest in outdoor activities presents an opportunity to

invoke return visitation to partake in other outdoor pursuits.

Why didn’t we get a say in putting together the Hunting Tourism Action Plan?

The current Plan is a draft.

It was developed based on consultation with TSC, Tourism North East, Game Management

Authority, North East Catchment Management Authority, Australian Deer Association,

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and local industry that are active in

the hunting tourism space

The Plan isn’t final – TSC wants to hear feedback on the Plan from ALL community members

All of the feedback received will be considered when finalising the Plan.

What happens after the plan is finalised?

The final Hunting Tourism Action Plan will be developed and presented to TSC for adoption.

Following adoption of the Plan, a business plan will be developed which will cost the actions

from the plan and assign timeframes and responsibilities.

Once the Plan has been approved, the Steering Group will oversee its implementation.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 12 of 22

Key contacts and spokespersons

Media spokesperson Cr Aaron Scales, Mayor

Technical issues Jim de Hennin, Steering Group Chair

General community/ stakeholder contact person Kerissa Heritage

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 13 of 22

Stakeholder identification and analysis

The following provides a list of the identified stakeholders that need to be engaged with during the engagement process.

The level of engagement is described in the following table:

Inform Consult Involve Collaborate Empower

Promise:

We will keep you informed.

Promise:

We will keep you informed,

listen to and acknowledge

concerns and provide

feedback on how your input

influenced the decision.

Promise:

We will work with you to

ensure that your concerns

and aspirations are directly

reflected in the alternatives

developed and provide

feedback on how your input

influenced the decision.

Promise:

We will look to you for direct

advice and innovation in

formulating solutions and

incorporate your advice and

recommendations into the

decisions to the maximum

extent possible.

Promise:

We will implement what you

decide.

Stakeholder Level of

engagement

Reason for engagement Issues and risks Tool/ activity

NSW DPI Inform Proximity of land governance to

TSC’s borders

Compatibility of policies and

planning

Fact sheet

North East Water Inform Interested Party Becoming ill-informed

Compatibility with policies

and planning

Lack of support

Fact sheet

Hon Jaala Pulford

Minister for Agriculture

(State)

Minister for Regional

Development (State)

Inform Keep factually informed

Potential to assist identify

funding opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Need to respond to media

and/or community concerns

Lobbying Minister by group/s

adverse to the Plan’s

development

Fact sheet

Local Visitor Information

Centres

Inform Empower to accurately respond

to external queries

Incorrect messaging to public

Fact sheet

Media releases

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 14 of 22

Game Management

Authority

Inform Keep factually informed

Potential for future partnerships

Advocate Plan

Becoming ill-informed

Compatibility with policies

and planning

Lack of support

Fact sheet

Media releases

Bill Tilley MLA

Member for Benambra

(State)

Inform Keep factually informed

Potential to assist identify

funding opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Need to respond to media

and/or community concerns

Fact sheet

Cathy McGowan MP

Member for Indi (Federal)

Inform Keep factually informed

Potential to assist identify

funding opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Need to respond to media

and/or community concerns

Fact sheet

RDV Hume Office Inform Keep factually informed

Assist identify funding

opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Plan’s actions meeting RDV’s

requirements to seek funding

Fact sheet

Hancock Victorian

Plantations

Consult Keep factually informed

Land ownership

Demonstrate opportunities for

the party to become

engaged/active in the hunting

space

Missed identification of

opportunities

Fact sheet

Submission

Goulburn-Murray Water Consult Adjoining land ownership

Potential opportunities and

impacts

Becoming ill-informed

Compatibility with policies

and planning

Lack of support

Submission

Man from Snowy River

Tourism Association

Involve Keep factually informed

Identify opportunities for the

Association to express interest

in assisting with potential

projects

Lack of support/community

buy-in

Credibility

Fact sheet

Website

Australian Deer Association Involve Interested party

Future partnership

opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Poor relationship and lack of

support

Fact sheet

Feedback forms

Website

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 15 of 22

Potential for party to advocate

Plan

Duplication of Plan activities

Mitta Valley Tourism

Association

Involve Identify opportunities for the

Association to become

engaged/active in

driving/assisting with potential

projects

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Lack of understanding how

the Shire can benefit from

hunting tourism

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Fact sheet

Website

Mitta Valley Inc. Involve Identify opportunities for the

Association to become

engaged/active in

driving/assisting with potential

projects

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Lack of understanding how

the Shire can benefit from

hunting tourism

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Fact sheet

Website

Victoria Police Involve Current and potential impact

hunting has on Victoria Police

resources

Access intel

Lack of support

Plan actions being non-

compliant

Both parties being poorly

informed

Fact sheet

Website

Recreational users Involve Joint land user Conflict of interest in land use

Becoming ill-informed

Fact sheet

Website

Ratepayers – non-resident Involve In-line with informing

ratepayers of Council’s

investment and activity

Potential impact and

opportunities of land use

Becoming ill-informed

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Missed identification of

opportunities

Fact sheet

Website

Online survey

Facebook

Media releases

Ratepayers - resident Involve In-line with informing

ratepayers of Council’s

investment and activity

Express business opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Missed identification of

opportunities

Fact sheet

Website

Online survey

Facebook

Media releases

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 16 of 22

Lack of understanding how

the Shire can benefit from

hunting tourism

Ratepayers not taking up

opportunities to develop

businesses

Information displays

Feedback forms

Farmers Involve In-line with informing

ratepayers of Council’s

investment and activity

Potential impact and

opportunities of land use

Shared desire to control deer

population

Becoming ill-informed

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Lack of understanding how

farmers can leverage from

hunting tourism

Missed identification of

opportunities

Fact sheet

Website

Online survey

Facebook

Media releases

Information displays

Feedback forms

Tourism North East Involve Knowledge base

Shared interest/desired

objectives

Potential future partnerships

Support funding opportunities

Becoming ill-informed

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Actions not having an

economic/tourism aim and

therefore not relevant to

organisation

Fact sheet

Submission

Landcare Involve Experience

Knowledge base

Potential future partnerships

Network

Support funding opportunities

Shared desire to control deer

population

Becoming ill-informed

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Fact sheet

Submission

Hunters Involve Key stakeholder

Target market of Plan’s actions

Knowledge base

Becoming ill-informed

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Fact sheet

Website

Online survey

Facebook

Media releases

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 17 of 22

Information displays

Feedback forms

Council Planning and

Environmental Health

Departments

Involve Plan’s actions meeting

compliance

Involvement with current and

future land zoning

Knowledge base

Adopted actions not being

feasible

Fact sheet

Individual businesses Involve Potential to grow/expand

business to meet hunter

demands

Becoming ill-informed

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Lack of understanding of how

businesses can benefit from

hunting tourism

Missed identification of

opportunities

Fact sheet

Website

Online survey

Facebook

Media releases

Information displays

Feedback forms

Upper Murray Business Inc. Involve Identify opportunities for the

party to become

engaged/active in

driving/assisting with potential

projects.

Generating aversion to the

Plan’s development

Lack of understanding how

the Shire can benefit from

hunting tourism

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Fact sheet

Website

North East Catchment

Management Authority

Collaborate Knowledge base

Involvement with current and

future land management

Networks

Support for funding

Networks

Support for funding

applications

Becoming ill-informed

Compatibility of actions with

party’s policies and planning

Fact sheet

Submission

Parks Victoria Collaborate Landownership

Knowledge base

Access to user-groups

Compatibility with policies

and planning

Fact sheet

Submission

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 18 of 22

Networks

Support for funding

applications

Shared desire to control deer

population

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Department of

Environment, Land, Water

and Planning

Collaborate Landownership

Knowledge base

Access to user-groups

Networks

Shared desire to control deer

population

Compatibility with policies

and planning

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Fact sheet

Submission

Department of Economic

Development, Jobs,

Transport & Resources

Collaborate Shared objectives

Knowledge base

Funding opportunities

Compatibility with policies

and planning

Lack of support – credibility

damage

Missed opportunties

Fact sheet

Submission

Towong Shire Councillors Empower Driving and funding Plan

development

Representing wider community

Governing future funding

applications

Change in Council

Change in policy direction

Impacted by lobbying against

Plan development

Workshop

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 19 of 22

Engagement activities

A variety of engagement activities will be undertaken to inform and consult with key stakeholders and

community members. These same activities, along with others, will be used to promote the Draft Plan

and the opportunities to provide feedback.

Public

consultation

meetings

Information sessions will be held in the Mitta Valley, Upper Murray and

Tallangatta. The sessions will be facilitated by Michelle Kent, and will provide a

mix of information and discussion. Fact sheets and feedback forms will

available at the information sessions.

Fact sheet

The fact sheet will provide information on the Draft Plan, as well as details on

the information sessions, information displays and online survey.

Feedback forms

The feedback forms will give key stakeholders and community members the

opportunity to answer specific questions on the Draft Plan, as well as to

provide detailed feedback on their views. The fact sheet will be available at

information sessions, information displays and on the TSC website.

Online survey The online survey will contain the same questions as the feedback form. The

survey will be hosted on Survey Monkey and promoted on the TSC website,

social media, fact sheets and information displays.

Information

displays

The information displays will feature the fact sheet, feedback form and a

lodgement box and will be installed at the Tallangatta Library, Corryong

Library, and Murray Goulburn in Eskdale.

Submissions

Specific key stakeholders will be invited to provide a submission on the Draft

Plan. A letter with a link to the online survey, as well as a copy of the feedback

form, will be sent to all identified key stakeholders.

Social media

The TSC Facebook page will be used to promote the information sessions and

information displays. It will also link to the TSC website so people can

download a copy of the fact sheet and feedback form, as well as the online

survey. Comments on posts related to the Draft Plan, and any messages

received, will be recorded.

TSC website The fact sheet and feedback form will be uploaded to the website. The link to

the online survey, details regarding the information sessions and information

displays will also be made available on the website.

Advertising and

media releases

Information sessions, information displays, the feedback forms and online

survey will be promoted through advertising (general and public notice) and

media releases.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 20 of 22

Community engagement action plan

General action plan:

Activity Responsibility Completion

date

Active date/s

Coordinate public Information Sessions

Manage delivery of community

information sessions schedule of

activities (see below).

Book facilities

Catering

Guest speaker

Facilitator

Kerissa Heritage W/C 9 April Confirmation of bookings required prior to advertising of

information sessions commencing.

Running sheet required one week out from information sessions

commencing.

Write and distribute media releases Kerissa Heritage

Bridie Edwards

19 March Various, depending on local paper publication dates.

Need to complete press release prior to 1/4 to have it included in

Mitta Valley Bush and Bulldust.

Write and produce fact sheet

Tracey Farrant 19 March Throughout consultation process 19 March - 3 May.

Produce feedback forms Tracey Farrant 19 March Throughout consultation process 19 March - 3 May.

Produce online survey Tracey Farrant Throughout consultation process 19 March - 3 May.

Load fact sheet and link to survey monkey on

TSC website

Tracey Farrant

Bridie Edwards

19 March Throughout consultation process 19 March - 3 May.

Set-up information displays Tracey Farrant 19 March Throughout consultation process 19 March - 3 May.

Write and distribute letters requesting

submissions

Kerissa Heritage 6 April 26 March – 6 April

Write TSC Facebook posts and provide to

communications team with appropriate

imagery.

Kerissa Heritage

Bridie Edwards

Various dates throughout consultation process.

Advertising Tracey Farrant

Bridie Edwards

Various, depending on local paper publication dates.

Need to submit advert prior to 1/4 to have it included in Mitta

Valley Bush and Bulldust.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 21 of 22

Community information sessions schedule of activities:

Activity W/C

19/3

W/C

26/3

W/C

2/4

W/C

9/4

WC 16/3 W/C

23/4

W/C

30/4

16/4

17/4

18/4

Consultation commences

Media release announcing commencement of

consultation

Facebook post announcing commencement of

consultation

Advertisement announcing commencement of

consultation

Letters requesting submissions distributed

Information on website

Information displays

Online survey

Media release promoting information sessions B&B

Advertisement promoting information sessions B&B

Facebook post promoting information

sessions

Mitta Valley Information session held

Upper Murray Information Session held

Tallangatta Information Session held

Media release advising when consultation

concludes

Facebook post advising when consultation

concludes

Advertisement advising when consultation

concludes

Consultation concludes

Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Engagement Plan

Page 22 of 22

Evaluation plan

Evaluation of

what?

Key evaluation

questions

Who is interested

in the answers?

Sources of

evidence

Methods of

measurement

Who is

responsible?

When?

The process

undertaken

Was the target

audience well informed

of the consultation

process?

TSC

Steering Group.

Response rate to

online survey,

feedback forms

and participation

at information

cessions

Measurement of

responses received and

number of participants

at information sessions.

Tracey Farrant At the completion

of the consultation

process.

Participation at

information sessions.

Tracey Farrant At the completion

of the consultation

process.

Engagement of

social media.

Social media reach. Tracey Farrant Ongoing

Did the information

sessions run smoothly

and to schedule?

TSC Anecdotal.

Observation by

organisers

Feedback forms from

participants at

information session.

Facilitator At the completion

of information

sessions.

The outcome of

the process

Did the Steering Group

receive sufficient

input/feedback from

the community?

Steering Group Quantity and

variation of

feedback

received.

Facilitator’s report.

Facilitator

At the completion

of the consultation

process.

Feedback received from

online survey and

feedback forms.

Tracey Farrant

Did participants of the

information sessions

leave with a feeling

they were adequately

informed of the Plan’s

development.

TSC Feedback from

information

session

participants.

Feedback forms from

participants at

information session.

Facilitator At the completion

of information

sessions.

Page 35 of 44

APPENDIX 2 TOWONG SHIRE HUNTING TOURISM ACTION PLAN FACT SHEET

Page 1

Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan – Fact Sheet

What is the Hunting Tourism Action Plan?

Licensed game hunters spend approximately $1.5million in our Shire each year. The Action Plan identifies opportunities for our tourism operators and farmers to capitalise on the deer population and create a new, managed and well-controlled hunting tourism product. The Action Plan will also go some way toward reducing the number of pest deer negatively impacting on our environment and our farming businesses.

Why do we need a Hunting Tourism Plan?

Because of the strong number of deer across the region, hunters are increasingly coming to Towong Shire. Deer are creating management issues for farmers and landowners. Conflict exist between farmers and some hunters over issues such as the unauthorised use of private land, hunting ethics, safety and liability; there is need for stronger governance.

Hunting tourism has been identified by the Upper Murray and Mitta Valley communities as having strong potential for creating economic growth in the area as well as providing the a means to positively influence hunter behaviour.

At present, hunters travelling to the region have limited access to suitable accommodation and niche hunting tourism products such as guiding.

What will the Hunting Tourism Action Plan do?

The finalised Plan will meet four objectives:

• Establish the Towong Shire region as a destination that supports a thriving hunting tourism industry, and deliver resultant positive social and economic outcomes for Increase visitation and yield opportunities associated with recreational hunting

• Grow employment opportunities associated with hunting tourism, including the development of career pathways

• Build community satisfaction and town pride off the back of a strong hunting tourism market

• Develop a safe framework and environment for hunting activity to occur.

Page 2

What evidence is there that hunting tourism is successful elsewhere?

In Australia, Bob and Kay Penfold in South Australia successfully implemented a business plan to develop Hunt Australia. Hunt Australia caters exclusively for international hunters and sportspersons wishing to experience high quality hunting. Hunting is guided, with properties in Australia (predominantly deer on a SA property), New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Carmor Wildlife Reserve in the Northern Territory offers a broad range of hunting experiences including guided hunts of feral water buffalo and goats. Additional economic stimulus is created through auxiliary services including trophy preparation (ready for taxidermist), sealed cool room, and rifle rental. A self-contained lodge is a key component of their packaging.

Inland Hunting Properties (IHP) is a successful small business leveraging off hunting across the eastern states. A family run business, IHP matches reputable, highly rated hunters and their needs (camping, accommodation etc.) with rural properties. Through the IHP program, hunters pay a fee to hunt and/or camp on the property. Participating properties receive a minimum of $300 cash at the gate per booking and all other administration and vetting is undertaken by IHP.

Local business, Red Oak Farmstay, is successfully operating in the hunting space. A fully operational dairy farm with a ‘farm-stay’ accommodation house; the business owners had issues with hunters illegally accessing the property. By leveraging their already established asset (the farmstay), they set about directly targeting the hunting market. Since, the business owners have seen a significant increase in their accommodation occupancy; 60% of their accommodation income is now derived from hunting, and the average length of stay has increased by 50%. Additionally, illegal hunting on the property has significantly decreased. Offering a high standard accommodation house at a reasonable price, the Red Oak Farmstay case study is an example of how businesses can utilise (what are often) unused assets on farms, to create additional income streams for the farm’s core business.

Why are deer being targeted?

The population of deer in the Shire has increased alarmingly in recent decades, causing serious problems. The sheer number of deer in the region are having a destructive impact on biodiversity, including on native fauna, aquatic ecosystems, and macro invertebrate specie. They are negatively affecting waterways and endangered peatlands through rutting, wallowing, pugging and erosion.

Page 3

Deer are heavy grazers or browsers, reducing plant diversity and competing with other native animals. They cause physical damage through trampling, erosion and wallowing, and spread weeds and diseases. Deer create extensive tracks through moist gullies, removing ground cover and assisting the movement of other feral animals.

Deer graze and browse crops, fruit trees and grassy paddocks meant for livestock as well as destroy fencing, causing thousands of dollars damage.

Deer hunting is already popular in the region and one the few options available to farmers for managing deer numbers. The Action Plan looks for ways to meet the need to manage deer numbers with creating positive economic opportunities. The flow-on effect will assist not only primary businesses such as guiding services, farms which allow hunting and provide accommodation, but also auxiliary services to grow and develop (such as petrol stations, food operators etc).

If farmers are already having issues with hunters, why do we want to encourage more to come to the region? Increasing the number of hunters coming to the region provides opportunities for farmers to cost-effectively address their pest management issues. The concerns that have been raised by farmers have been addressed in the Draft Plan and will be given stronger recognition in the Final Plan.

The implementation of strategies such as creating more formal opportunities for hunters to access private land (through agreements with farmers), and growing the number of guides in the area will lessen the likelihood of issues recurring.

The more formalised approach to deer hunting plus the increase in number of responsible, well-prepared hunters is very likely to push any reckless and irresponsible hunters to other areas.

What are the benefits for the wider community? There are more than 50,000 licensed game hunters in Victoria, up 186% in the last decade. Game hunting is worth more than $282 million each year to the Victorian economy.

More than $138 million alone is spent annually on deer hunting. Of the $138 million spent, 40 per cent is spent while on their hunting trip on purchases such as transport, ammunition, accommodation, meals and tours.

Page 4

Deer hunters spend the most days per year hunting (6.4 compared to 3.7 for ducks). The increasing number of hunters (particularly those with a higher disposable income), the amount they spend on hunting trips and the length of time they spend hunting all create significant opportunities for creating new businesses to cater to this market.

Hunters have a strong connection with the land and the environment, and often undertake other outdoors activities while on a hunting trip, benefiting existing operators. Hunters’ connection to the land and interest in outdoor activities presents an opportunity to invoke return visitation to partake in other outdoor pursuits.

What has happened so far?

In 2017, Council commissioned the development of a Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan based on a facilitated workshop with key government agencies, local farmers and hunting tourism operators, hunting groups and other key stakeholders. The Draft Plan was presented to Towong Shire Councillors in August 2017, where they provided in principle support and authorisation to seek feedback on the Draft Plan from key stakeholders and the broader Towong Shire community.

Council established a stakeholder Steering Group to review and finalise the Action Plan. This includes engaging the community in revising the plan to ensure that it captures all feasible opportunities.

Where is the Action Plan up to?

The Steering Group has developed a comprehensive Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan to ensure that the final Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan takes advantage of local knowledge, experience and ideas. The Group has appointed an independent consultant to facilitate three public information sessions.

Once the engagement phase is completed, the document will be revised and submitted to Council for final adoption.

How will the community be consulted?

The Engagement Plan includes, but is not limited to, public consultation meetings, online and hard copy surveys, and the invitation for submissions. Feedback gained will assist in fine-tuning the Action Plan.

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Consultation activities will be advertised in local newspapers and through social media. The Steering Group will also organise information displays and make the Draft Plan available on Council’s website.

Public consultation will begin in March, and conclude at the end of April.

What is the community being consulted about?

Council has ascertained that development of a Hunting Tourism Action Plan is in the best interests of the Shire. Council will adopt the final Action Plan at a future council meeting.

The strategies and actions within the Plan have not been finalised and this is where the Steering Group is seeking community input. Success of the Plan is dependent on community involvement and support.

Why didn’t we get a say in putting together the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan?

The Draft Plan was developed based on consultation with Towong Shire Council, Tourism North East, Game Management Authority, North East Catchment Management Authority, Australian Deer Association, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and local industry that are active in the hunting tourism space.

The Draft Plan provides a comprehensive starting place to identifying existing assets and future opportunities that can create economic benefit from the local pest deer population.

It is essential to gain community input into revising the Plan to ensure practicality, efficiency, effectiveness and local relevance.

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Who are the Steering Group?

The Steering Group includes representatives from:

• Community members • Towong Shire Council • Hancock Victorian Plantations • Upper Murray Business Inc.

• Hunters • Landcare

• Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

• Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

• Tourism North East • Parks Victoria

• NSW Department of Industry • Victoria Police

• North East Catchment Management Authority

What happens after the plan is finalised?

Towong Shire Council will be presented the finalised Hunting Action Plan for adoption. Following adoption of the Plan, a business plan will be developed which will detail the actions from the plan and assign budgets, timeframes and responsibilities. On approval of the Plan, the Hunting Steering Group will oversee its implementation.

How do I find out more?

Information on the Hunting Tourism Action Plan can be found on Council’s website: www.towong.vic.gov.au

For further information, contact Towong Shire Council’s Economic Development Officer, Kerissa Heritage on 02 6071 5100 or via [email protected]

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APPENDIX 3 INFORMATION SESSIONS PRESENTATION

Hunting Tourism Action PlanTowong Shire Council

Purpose of the Plan

The Plan will put in place mechanisms that will allow the community to derive economic benefit from hunting.

The Plan will not replace deer management approaches to reduce impacts of deer.

The Plan could result in other benefits for individual landholders and the broader community

Economic Development Plan – to be implemented via partnerships and grants

Hunting in Towong and Business Opportunities

50,000 registered hunters in Victoria

$138 million spent annually on deer hunting

$1.5 million spent in Towong Shire (13th LGA)

On-trip spend (40%) includes accommodation, food, tours, meals, other products

Hunters chiefly hunting for food and to connect with the outdoors and with friends.

Hunting Tourism Action Plan Development

Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan and Our Valley Our Future

Council commitment to deliver

Developed by Tourism North East with input from a Steering Group

Strategic approach to support and enable business to interact with the hunting community to their advantage

Resources

Costs:

Facilitator - $4,285

Advertising - $332.17

Venue Hire - $450

Catering - $600

Total committed expenditure - $5,667.17

Total staff time expected – 125 hours

Hunting Tourism Action Plan

The Plan is an approach to enable people to benefit from hunting tourism.

Objectives: To increase opportunities associated with

recreational hunting To grow employment opportunities associated

with hunting tourism To build community satisfaction off the back of

strong hunting tourism To develop a safe framework and environment for

hunting activity to occur

Consultation

Consultation and Engagement Plan

Steering Committee established with broad representation

Community sessions to inform and gather feedback on the draft

Opportunity to give feedback in a community survey

Feedback will be considered by the Steering Group and the Plan will be finalised by Council.

Implementation will be overseen by the Steering Group

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APPENDIX 4 INFORMATION SESSIONS WORKSHOP REPORT

DRAFT HUNTING TOURISM 

ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY 

INFORMATION SESSIONS Report prepared for Towong Shire Council by 

Michelle Kent 

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Contents 

CONTENTS  2 

BACKGROUND  3 

ESKDALE  3 

SUGGESTIONS IDENTIFIED AT THE INFORMATION SESSION  6 OBSERVATIONS AND GENERAL STATEMENTS  6 

CORRYONG  7 

SUGGESTIONS IDENTIFIED AT THE INFORMATION SESSION  8 OBSERVATIONS AND GENERAL STATEMENTS  9 

TALLANGATTA  10 

SUGGESTIONS IDENTIFIED AT THE INFORMATION SESSION  12 OBSERVATIONS AND GENERAL STATEMENTS  12 

APPENDIX 1: INFORMATION SESSION AGENDA  14 

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Background To explore the options for recreational hunting in Towong Shire and the opportunity that this presents for tourism, Tourism North East (TNE) partnered with Towong Shire Council (TSC) to prepare a Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan. 

The Draft Plan was developed following consultation with TSC, TNE, Game Management Authority, North East Catchment Management Authority, Australian Deer Association, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and local industry that are active in the hunting tourism space. 

The Draft Plan was presented to Towong Shire Councillors in August 2017, where they provided in principle support and authorisation to seek feedback on the draft plan from key stakeholders and the broader Towong Shire community. 

In April 2018 three Information Sessions were held in Eskdale, Corryong and Tallangatta to inform the community about the Draft Plan and to gather suggestions on the Plan from the community.  This report summarises outcomes of the three sessions. 

Each Information Session began with a presentation from a local farm business benefiting from hunting tourism followed by a presentation on the Draft Plan.  Participants were then invited to provide feedback on concerns they had and benefits and opportunities they saw.  The Information Sessions ended with discussion on how to turn identified concerns, benefits and opportunities into suggestions for the Draft Plan.  An Information Session agenda is attached in Appendix 1. 

Eskdale Date: 16 April 2018 

Time: 7PM – 9:30PM 

Location: Mitta Valley Sports Precinct 

Number of attendees: 40 Plus Steering Group and Council Representatives 

Forty people attended the Session at the Mitta Valley Sports prescient.  The following tables outline concerns attendees raised, along with the potential opportunities and benefits identified.   

CONCERNS  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

With potential for increased number of hunters   Increased threats to landholders’ lives, stock and property from increased numbers of hunters and increased surveillance and security costs. 

9 

The Draft Plan will mean more hunters, which will mean more illegal shooting (shooting on private land without permission, spotlighting, and use of illegal firearms). 

8 

Threats to public safety. Increased numbers of un‐regulated and un‐monitored hunting on public land leading to fatalities.  People don’t feel safe in the bush anymore. 

6 

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Increased hunting activity will decrease peace and quiet lifestyle of Towong Shire.  It goes against current livelihoods and focus on bringing families into the Shire. 

6 

Hunters with too many dogs insufficiently supervised resulting in loss of hunting dogs and increased wild dogs. 

4 

Increased traffic on roads and 4WD tracks from additional hunters will require increased maintenance.  Where is maintenance funding coming from? 

2  

Availability of some private land areas to paying hunters will push illegal shooters and deer into other areas. 

1 

Marketing the area as a hunting destination will have impacts on landholders not involved in hunting tourism. 

1 

With indirect impacts on recreation, tourism, and business   Negative impacts on other tourism types, particularly recreational and nature‐based tourism, resulting in decreased visitation and economic benefit in other tourism areas. 

11 

Marketing Towong as a hunting destination will decrease options and access for honest, respectful, local hunters.   

2 

Concentrating on providing high‐end accommodation will decrease availability of camping, which is what many hunters really want. 

1 

With policing of illegal shooting   Under‐resourcing of police to respond to current concerns and problems with illegal shooting and threats to landholders, let alone any increase. 

11 

Interface of public and private land means trespassing occurs as people try to access public land and as 4WD tracks on public land cross into private land. 

1 

With Council process and involvement   Poor consultation process – not publicised adequately and the Draft Plan was developed without community input. 

5 

Shire contribution to the Draft Plan re‐directs efforts that would be of greater benefit elsewhere. 

3 

The Draft Plan is already determined – actions are non‐negotiable and the Draft Plan is a path the Shire wants to take irrespective of resident wishes. 

2 

SWOT Analysis conducted for the implementation of the Draft Plan inadequately addresses risks and potential negative impacts. 

2 

Greatest impact is on landholders and landholders have not been adequately consulted. 

2 

Businesses who benefit from the Draft Plan should be the ones to promote their products.  Landholders should chase options themselves.  Council shouldn’t be playing a role. 

2 

No opportunity for submissions.  Survey does not allow for responses outside the designated survey questions. 

1 

The Draft Plan is not supported by evidence including current numbers of hunters, proposed numbers of hunters, and expected economic benefit to the community. 

1 

With deer numbers   

The Draft Plan will not result in decreased deer numbers.  3 Sustainable hunting will mean an increase in deer numbers.  1 The Draft Plan suggests implementing a hunting ‘season’.  This could inhibit culling of deer in the ‘off’ season. 

1 

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With carcass management   Carcass remnants left on‐site will attract wild dogs and foxes, are unsightly and deter other tourists. 

2 

Other concerns   Benefits from the project will not be realised as the negatives will overwhelm the initiative. 

1 

Total number of concerns identified  89  

OPPORTUNITIES  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

Develop specific strategies to outlaw/de‐incentivise illegal hunting and shooting and encourage legal/responsible hunting. 

3 

Create a map identifying land areas where hunting is allowed with permissions and no‐go zones.  Only properties where hunting is permitted would have contact details attached. 

1 

A guiding industry will provide a more professional approach to hunting in general.   

1 

A landholder could invest in a meat chiller and charge hunters for the use of the chiller. 

1 

Growing development and demand for hunting opens opportunities for grant money to be sought. 

1 

Local area access fees for hunting in State Forests could cover costs of additional GMA and Police resources. 

1 

The GMA could develop a guide and a standardised accreditation process for hunters. 

1 

Creation of a standardised legal contract pro‐forma for landholders to use to get hunters accessing their land to sign. 

1 

GMA could develop a voluntary code of ethics that hunters agree to abide to.  Include respect for property boundaries; respect for domestic stock; responsible disposal of carcasses. 

1 

Controlled camp‐sites on controlled land with access fees will encourage economic growth. 

1 

Total number of opportunities identified  12  

BENEFITS OF HUNTING  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

Sales for local food outlets, retail outlets, and accommodation are increased. 

3 

Feral animal control.  2 Responsible hunters value hunting and receive benefits.  1 Increased tourism.  1 Increased employment opportunities and retention of local community members. 

1 

Total number of benefits identified  8  

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Suggestions Identified at the Information Session The following suggestions for changes to the Draft Plan were made at the Information Sessions during discussions on concerns, opportunities and benefits.   

Suggestions on Improving the Development Process of the Draft Plan 

1. The Draft Plan needs to clarify meaning of non‐negotiables. Re‐release key messages on the intent of the Draft Plan and commitment to consider community input. 

2. A second round of consultation could be added to the Draft Plan development process that allows for formal submissions. A FAQ should accompany any further consultation that responds to the concerns raised during initial community sessions. 

Suggestions to Mitigate Risks Present in the Draft Plan 

1. Further development of the Draft Plan requires a full risk analysis in integration of action to address risks. 

2. Further development of the Draft Plan requires an evaluation and monitoring program to monitor project outcomes and address unforeseen outcomes that may arise. 

3. The Draft Plan needs to further consider avenues for policing and resourcing of policing of illegal hunting and shooting activity and risk of increased hunter and illegal shooter numbers in the area. 

4. Include in the Draft Plan recognition that land‐owners could charge land‐access fees for controlled camp‐based hunting. 

5. The Draft Plan could include an action where Council offers controlled carcass dump points. 

Suggestions around Council Advocacy to be Included in the Draft Plan 

1. Removal of barriers for game meat processing. 

Observations and General Statements The following observations and general statements were made at the Information Session during discussion on concerns, opportunities and benefits.  

2. With new infra‐red technology poachers will be able to access and hunt on private property without lights and without anyone knowing they are there. 

3.  “It is great to see a pro‐active approach to a complex issue.  Congratulations Towong.” 

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Corryong Date: 17 April 2018 

Time: 7PM – 9:30PM 

Location: Lions Club Hall 

Number of attendees: 27 Plus Steering Group and Council Representatives 

Thirty people attended the Information Session in Corryong at the Lions Club Hall.  The following tables outline concerns attendees raised, along with the potential opportunities and benefits identified.   

CONCERNS  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

With potential for increased number of hunters and impacts on private land 

Increased threats to landholders’ property and stock, and on‐farm biodiversity, and increased demand on time to manage impacts of hunters. 

10 

Threats to public safety. Increased numbers of un‐regulated and un‐monitored hunting on public land leading to fatalities.  

4 

Confrontations with shooters and hunters.  3 Safe work environment on farm boundaries with public land.  1 Increased hunting activity will decrease privacy.  1 Biosecurity and biodiversity risks from more hunters going through private property. 

1 

Impacts on liability of landholders allowing access to hunters.  1 With policing of illegal shooting   Interface of public and private land means trespassing occurs as people try to access public land and as 4WD tracks on public land cross into private land.  How do farmers control boundaries? 

4 

Under‐resourcing of police to respond to current concerns and problems with illegal shooting and threats to landholders.  Increased purchases of fire‐arms and ability of police to check licenses. 

1 

With carcass management   Carcass remnants left on‐site will attract wild dogs and foxes.   4 With Council process and involvement   Cost to rate payers.  1 SWOT Analysis inaccurately represents risks.  1 With indirect impacts on recreation, tourism, and business   Negative impacts on other tourism types, particularly recreational and nature‐based tourism, resulting in decreased visitation and economic benefit in other tourism areas. 

1 

Other concerns   Planning restrictions may limit the extent to which landholders are able to cater to hunters.  Eg: many are unable to build a second dwelling. 

1 

Total number of concerns identified  34 

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OPPORTUNITIES  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

Local employment and business opportunities including in farm‐based guided hunting, cool room rental, stalking, bush walking and horseback hunting. 

3 

Opportunity to exercise some control over illegal shooters and change the demographic of hunters visiting the Shire. 

2 

Supplementary income streams for landholders and businesses.  1 Ability to keep young people in the Shire with more employment opportunities and career options. 

1  

Potential for hunting‐related events.  1 The Draft Plan is an opportunity to create revenue from a situation that is not going away. 

1 

Total number of opportunities identified  9 

BENEFITS OF HUNTING  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

Sales for local food outlets, retail outlets, and accommodation are increased. 

2 

Gain control over hoon activity.  2 Diversity opportunities for farm businesses.  2 Reduced deer population.  1 Total number of benefits identified  7 

Suggestions Identified at the Information Session The following suggestions for changes to the Draft Plan were made at the Information Sessions during discussions on concerns, opportunities and benefits.   

Suggestions around Council Advocacy to be Included in the Draft Plan 

1. The creation of a full‐time Wildlife Officer or Game Warden position with powers of arrest to police illegal shooting and camping. 

2. An increase in areas available for hunting, keeping in mind other public land uses. 3. Changes to legislation to reduce barriers for utilisation of game meat. 4. Changes to legislation to improve levels of carcass removal from State Forests 5. Changes to legislation to include a 3km exclusion zone on public land around private land 

boundaries. 6. Better regulation models for hunting (eg: US legislation around hunting management as an 

example) 

Suggestions on Information and Pro‐formas the Draft Plan Should Provide for 

1. Information compiled on liability of landholders allowing paid access to hunters 2. Development of a Pro‐forma on registration personal details and medical details that guides 

and landholders should be collecting. 3. Development of a Pro‐forma of contract to sign by hunters accessing private land. 4. Information compiled on legislation around hunting and use of game‐meat. 5. Education on respectful and ethical hunting practices for guide what landholders can expect 

from hunters. 

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6. Development and distribution of better information on recreational activities that are allowed and those that are not allowed in different areas and at different times of the year. 

Suggestions on Carcass Management  

1. Emphasise carcass management and avenues for carcass removal in the Draft Plan. 2. Development of a mechanism to register deer kills and use of meat so meat quality can be 

measured. 3. Towong Shire Council form a partnership with pet food processors (Uncle Ben’s) to utilise 

deer carcasses. 4. Offer free or subsidised courses in carcass management. 

Suggestions on Business development 

1. Ensure that discussion on packaging in the Draft Plan includes provision and encouragement for provision of cool storage facilities for hunters to store processed meat while they are in the area.  

Suggestions to Mitigate Risks Present in the Draft Plan 

1. To reduce risk of increasing hunter numbers in the area the Draft Plan should avoid all actions that include a marketing and promotion of hunting element. 

2. Further consideration of avenues for policing and resourcing of policing of illegal hunting and shooting activity and risk of increased hunter and illegal shooter numbers in the area. 

3. Registration of hunters prior to admittance on private property.  Two suggestions were made: That hunters accessing private property must show Sporting Shooters or Australian Deer Association membership; and that the Draft Plan could include provision for a member‐based website where hunters can register (for a fee) and landholders can register.  Only registered members can access the site. (Note this could be an action undertaken through a partnership approach with either the ADA or SSAA). 

Observations and General Statements The following observations and general statements were made at the Information Session during discussion on concerns, opportunities and benefits.  

1. Use of venison, as evidenced across the border in NSW, is lucrative as venison is expensive. 

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Tallangatta Date: 18 April 2018 

Time: 7PM – 9:30PM 

Location: Tallangatta Sports Club 

Number of attendees: 39 Plus Steering Group and Council Representatives 

Forty people attended the Information Session in Tallangatta at the Tallangatta Sports Club.  The following tables outline concerns attendees raised, along with the potential opportunities and benefits identified.   

CONCERNS  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

With Council process and involvement   Deer numbers and their impacts on residents should be a focus of the Shire, not deer hunting tourism, given that deer impacts were a focus of 2030 consultations.  Deer hunting was ranked number 8 and was not a priority. 

4 

The Draft Plan was developed with no consultation with landholders or ratepayers. 

4 

Shire contribution to the Draft Plan re‐directs efforts that would be of greater benefit elsewhere. 

3 

Cost to rate payers and/or taxpayers.  3 No opportunity for submissions.  Survey does not allow for responses outside the designated survey questions and is unfair. 

2 

The Draft Plan is not supported by evidence including current numbers of hunters, proposed numbers of hunters, and expected economic benefit and economic costs to the community of actions in the plan. 

2 

The Draft Plan does not address negative impacts on residents.  2 Even without marketing actions the Draft Plan still assists with marketing Towong as a deer destination because of the assistance given to businesses that will then market themselves to hunters. 

1 

The Shire shouldn’t be funding building and promotion of businesses.  1 The Draft Plan has so many flaws and inconsistencies it should be thrown out. 

1 

The Steering Committee does not include affected residents and/or landholders. 

1 

Council reception staff did not know locations and times of the meetings.  Staff need to be briefed to inform the public. 

1 

FAQ Sheet does not answer the questions identified.  1 Poor consultation process – time allocated in community sessions to public consultation is inadequate. 

1 

Poor facilitation.  1 With potential for increased number of hunters and impacts on private land 

The plan will mean more hunters, which will mean more illegal shooting (shooting on private land without permission, spotlighting, and use of illegal firearms). 

6 

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Increased threats (and costs) to landholders’ property and stock, and on‐farm biodiversity, and increased demand on time to manage impacts of hunters. 

4 

No compensation for stock shot either by accident or intentionally due to increased numbers of hunters. Council liable for loss of stock and fence damage if the Plan goes ahead. 

3 

Threats to public safety. Increased numbers of un‐regulated and un‐monitored hunting on public land leading to fatalities.  

3 

Creation of an open season period would lead to a high number of guns in a small area. 

2 

Safe work environment.  1 Increased hunting activity will decrease privacy.  1 Increased traffic on roads and 4WD tracks from additional hunters will require increased maintenance.  Where is maintenance funding coming from? 

1  

Hunters with too many dogs resulting in disturbance to stock.  1 With policing of illegal shooting   Under‐resourcing of police to respond to current concerns and problems with illegal shooting and threats to landholders.  Increased purchases of fire‐arms and ability of police to check licenses. 

5 

How do farmers control boundaries?  1 With deer numbers   

The Plan will not result in decreased deer numbers.  4 Only 35% of 70% of land in the Shire is able to be hunted.  1 With indirect impacts on recreation, tourism, and business   Negative impacts on other tourism types, particularly recreational and nature‐based tourism, resulting in decreased visitation and economic benefit in other tourism areas. 

4 

With carcass management   Carcass remnants left on‐site will attract wild dogs and foxes.   3 Other concerns   There are enough local hunters for landholders to access and the Plan may jeopardise local (responsible) hunters’ access to land to hunt on. 

5 

Current maps published are inaccurate and show farms as accessible properties, leading to issues for farmers. 

1 

Spread of weeds by deer, particularly blackberries.  1 Deer hunters from Melbourne do not spend locally.  They buy all their supplies before leaving Melbourne. 

1 

Pushing illegal and irresponsible shooters to other areas is not a solution.  1 Unregulated free campers that are not subject to having licences checked and do not sign contracts are the problem. 

1 

Total number of concerns identified  78 

OPPORTUNITIES   NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

There is an opportunity for farmers with deer problems to use local shooters. 

2 

Reduction in illegal shooting.  1 Opportunity to improve the profile of hunters by attracting good people.  1 

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Hunters are going to come and we are better off knowing who is on the property. 

1 

Opportunity for State Parks to be opened to hunters.  1 There is an opportunity for deer to be classified as a pest.  1 

 Total number of opportunities identified  7 

BENEFITS OF HUNTING  NUMBER OF TIMES IDENTIFIED 

Potential for guiding dollars.  1  

Suggestions Identified at the Information Session The following suggestions for changes to the Draft Plan were made at the Information Sessions during discussions on concerns, opportunities and benefits.   

Suggestions around Council Advocacy to be Included in the Draft Plan 

1. Council to advocate to State Government for extra police resources and compliance officers. 2. More parks opened up for hunting. 

Suggestions on Information and Pro‐formas the Draft Plan Should Provide for 

1. Development and distribution of information on liability of landholders allowing paid access to hunters and on insurance. 

2. Development of a network private landholders to access responsible hunters. 

Suggestions on Business development 

1. The Draft Plan should include provision for local hunters working with local farmers. 2. The Draft Plan should be broadened to support all private tourism enterprises. 3. The Draft Plan should include avenues for local hunters to access training to become a 

professional shooter. 

Suggestions to Mitigate Risks Present in the Draft Plan 

1. The Draft Plan should require hunters to have a permit from DELWP to be in parks hunting, for example near Pilot Hill near Batlow. 

2. The Draft Plan needs considerable further consideration of additional policing and resources required. 

3. The Draft Plan should not include any activity around marketing and promotion of the region as a hunting destination. 

4. The Draft Plan needs to consider compensation to landholders for losses incurred by increased numbers of hunters. 

Observations and General Statements The following observations and general statements were made at the Information Session during discussion on concerns, opportunities and benefits.  

1. Attendees overwhelmingly did not support the Draft Plan and majority voted they did not want a Hunting Tourism Action Plan at all. 

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2. One attendee submitted results of an informal Facebook poll conducted on a Motorhome page, indicating that 66% of respondents would avoid the area if it was a deer hunting destination. 33% would still come. 

3. Many attendees indicated that, should the Hunting Tourism Action Plan development continue, they wanted a second Draft Plan to be released for consultation.  However, there was some opposition to the additional cost to ratepayers that this would entail. 

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Appendix 1: Information Session Agenda  

Agenda  

Mayor Welcome Introduction Presentation – Karen Moroney Presentation – Introduction and background to the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan Feedback Session Part 1:  - Concerns - Benefits - Opportunities  

Refreshment break Feedback Session Part 2:  - Suggestions for changes 

Where to from here Mayor close  

7PM 7:10 7:20 7:40  8:05    8:30 8:45  9:20 9:25 

Page 38 of 44

APPENDIX 5 SUBMISSIONS

Page 39 of 44

APPENDIX 6 TOWONG SHIRE HUNTING TOURISM SURVEY

This survey seeks your feedback on the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan and will takeapproximately 10 minutes to complete.

To understand and capitalise on opportunities associated with deer hunting in Towong Shire,Council initiated the development of the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan. The DRAFT Plan wasdeveloped following consultation with Tourism North East, Game Management Authority, NorthEast Catchment Management Authority, Australian Deer Association, Department of Environment,Land, Water and Planning, local landholders and businesses active in the hunting tourism space.

The Draft Plan has been developed to initiate discussion that will underpin the development of afinal Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Action Plan.

The Draft Plan contains the following strategic approaches. Please note that the draft strategieshave been provided as a starting place for discussion.

Accommodation Customisation - Accommodating hunters in pubs, hotels and lodges will make themost of our existing businesses and potentially support growth of new commercial opportunitieslike packaging of accommodation with food hampers, meals, alcohol and other services.

Secondary Product Development – for example: hunting supplies, taxidermy, kennels for huntingdogs, 4WD hire.

Development and potential accreditation of hunting guides - In addition to supplying hunting tours,guides could offer tours associated with wildlife observation, photography and environmentaleducation.

Managing land access - Managing land access could ensure greater opportunity and choice forhunting tourists and has the potential to mitigate current issues associated with illegal land access.

Exploring the potential of an annual deer hunting season - While deer, particular Sambar Deer,enjoys a year-round hunting season, the peak offering is available between late March and October.An official season opening could mark the start of the peak hunting period and provide increasedmarketing opportunities.

Addressing restrictions to game meat processing - If local suppliers in Towong Shire were able totake the game captured by visitors and convert it into food by-products, a new range ifopportunities would present themselves.

Marketing – Development of a comprehensive hunting tourism product will promote Towong Shire’sunique offering as well as differentiate the Shire as a destination from competing and often moreestablished hunting destinations

Introduction

Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

Promotional partnerships and product packaging - Packaging is the grouping of tourism productsand experiences to sell them to customers as a single purchase item.

Deer hunting outfitter partnerships - there are existing outfitters who advertise commercial huntingthroughout Australia. Towong Shire Council and relevant operators should look to engage theseoperators with a view to ensuring that the destination’s hunting tourism offering is available andbeing sold by organisations that are active and recognised by the market.

1. Have you read the Draft Hunting Tourism Action Plan? *

Yes

No

Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

Very important Important Not very important Not at all important Don't know

Customisingaccommodation facilitiesto attract hunters

Secondary productdevelopment

Development andpotential accreditation ofhunting guides

Managing land access

Exploring the potential ofan annual deer huntingseason

Addressing restrictionsto game meatprocessing

Marketing

Promotionalpartnerships andproduct packaging

Deer hunting outfitterpartnerships

2. How importantly do you rate the following strategies within the current draft Plan?

Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

3. Do you have additional ideas or strategies that could be included in the Plan? if so, please tell us aboutyour idea.

4. If you rated any of the draft strategies as "Not at all important", please tell us why.

5. What do you see as the biggest barrier to the success of the Plan and why?

6. What do you see as the greatest opportunity in relation to developing Hunting Tourism in Towong Shire?

Let's start by find out a little about you. This will help us to understand who is most interested inthe subject of Hunting Tourism in our Shire.

About you

Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

7. Please indicate your age

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

Would rather not say

8. Please tell us your gender.

Male

Female

Would rather not say

Other (please specify)

9. Please tell us where you live.

Bellbridge

Berringama

Bethanga

Biggara

Burrowye

Colac Cola

Corryong

Cudgewa

Dartmouth

Eskdale

Guys Forest

Jarvis Creek

Koetong

Lucyvale

Mitta Mitta

Nariel Valley

Old Tallangatta

Pine Mountain

Shelley

Tallangatta

Tallangatta Valley

Towong

Other (please specify)

10. Which best describes your current occupation?

Farming

Forestry

Retail

Transport and logistics

Education and Training

Health and community services

Government

Office administration

Utility services

Retired

Not currently working

11. How did you hear about the Hunting Tourism Action Plan consultation?

Newspaper advertisement

Poster

Email from a community group or network

Email from a friend/community member

Internet

Newsletter

Word of mouth

Other (please specify)

Thank you for participating in the survey. Your input will provide valuable data in the development of a final Towong Shire HuntingTourism Action Plan.

Please encourage your friends, family and other contacts to participate in the survey. A link to the survey can be found on Council'swebsite: www.towong.vic.gov.au

12. If you would like to be kept updated on progress of the development of the Action Plan, please enteryour email below.

Page 40 of 44

APPENDIX 7 TOWONG SHIRE HUNTING TOURISM SURVEY

QUESTION 3 RESPONSES

Q3 Do you have additional ideas or strategies that could be included inthe Plan? if so, please tell us about your idea.

Answered: 67 Skipped: 92

# RESPONSES DATE

1 Helping small secondary businesses to start up. 6/5/2018 4:00 PM

2 Encourage fishing hiking or bird watching. There is a very Gung Ho element among someshooters and I certainly dont want them hunting deer out of the bush with their dogs ontoanyones private property.

6/5/2018 3:56 PM

3 Mayor and Councillors. I strongly object to this 'PLAN" particularly the way it has been handled.Like any town planning procedure it should have been submitted to those who are affectedmost. I believe this imposition is a serious breach of your vision and mission statements.Therefore regard this as a formal complaint and log it as such.Your AQ auditors should dealwith it. At this stage I regard your actions as insensitive, arrogant, underhanded andopportunistic. Initial research might have been more prudent. DROP IT! And let people live in"pure serenity". You might redeem at least a little respect. Let farmers make their ownarrangements and don't usurp your imagined power.

5/29/2018 5:22 PM

4 The best thing would be to shelve the plan. Why are these surveys not available at shoppingcentres in Corryong and Tallangatta?

5/29/2018 4:45 PM

5 I am very against the Shire being promoted as a hunting destination. We have enough troublealready with shooters. This whole plan is a grab for money for accommodation providers. Mostfarmers are happy to allow hunters who are known to be good and ethical on their property butthe draft report is very vague about safeguards for landholders. Our Shire has so manybeautiful features we really don't need to rely on attracting hunters

5/29/2018 12:57 PM

6 Dont do it, get on with basics, this is not a priority 5/29/2018 11:14 AM

7 No 5/29/2018 10:06 AM

8 Its all important, need to get existing businesses on board too. 5/29/2018 9:59 AM

9 How about focusing on environmental impact more. 5/29/2018 9:48 AM

10 Havent read it 5/29/2018 9:44 AM

11 Would like to know more about promotions of hunting activities and who pays for it. 5/29/2018 9:40 AM

12 Would like to know more about promotions of hunting activities and who pays for it 5/29/2018 9:39 AM

13 No 5/29/2018 9:25 AM

14 As a Farmer I am not interested in this as I have property that adjoins State Forrest and a Firetrack at the back of the property. I have had cattle shot by other shooters. I feel it would be veryhard to control this venture.

5/29/2018 9:19 AM

15 Get deer allowed to be used for pet food 5/10/2018 10:29 PM

16 As a farmer I am not interested in this as I have property that adjoins the state forest and a firetrack at the back of the property. I have had cattle shot by other shooters. I feel it would be veryhard to control this venture.

5/9/2018 11:21 AM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

17 In regards to tailoring businesses, firearm lockup and perhaps dog kennels and some sort ofmeat processing / cleaning facilities would go a long way. But hunters will find somewhere tocamp regardless. Meat processing is a big one especially with large bodied deer like sambar.Although restrictions as to ensuring a consistent quality is hard, if they can do it with roos theycan do it with deer. Carrying out sambar meat is where contamination happens as it is usually atime consuming activity. Better access to hunting land, especially fringe country with permisiionof landholders would do wonders to ensure a vehicle can be utilised within minutes of a cleankill and thus ensure some sort of stable quality. Any deer that do not meet the requirements canstill be eaten and shared with family and friends.

they used highland ponies to transport deer back to a vehicle and then back to theestates processing facilities (essentially a chiller). They were processed and left to hang for 3 or4 days and once a week a meat truck would come and pickup for further processing elsewhere.They managed the game animals (red deer etc) while providing meat and pulling top dollar foreco tourism. Obviously Australia is a different country but their system is worth a look in thisregard. Hunting should not be demonised but seen as a beneficial socio-economic resource. Wecan also assist in Rural Watch etc and be the eyes and ears in the wonderful Australian bush.Cheers.

5/8/2018 12:33 PM

18 Open more public land to licensed hunters 5/8/2018 6:24 AM

19 Registration of who is hunting where, for safety, better policing of illegal hunting activities. 5/6/2018 2:40 PM

20 Do not allow deer hunters into the area, they camp and do not spend any money, they leaverubbish in the bush, miss use land and do not adhere to rules.

5/5/2018 3:19 PM

21 Keep designated dear hunting areas at least one Kilometer from boundaries of private property.No shooting on private property.Heavier penalties for illegal hunting.

5/4/2018 9:36 AM

22 Sufficient game management personel to ensure compliance with hunting regulations. 5/4/2018 6:53 AM

23 Some defense against unlawful protest and boycotts 5/4/2018 12:56 AM

24 No 5/3/2018 9:09 PM

25 Maybe get the ssaa involved as they do this all the time help the farmers with pest control 5/3/2018 8:16 PM

26 I think this needs to very carefully thought through and much more consultation needs tohappen

5/3/2018 8:07 PM

27 A local farmer/hunter register to address the deer issue in the Shire. 5/3/2018 8:03 PM

28 No 5/3/2018 7:07 PM

29 Not going through with it at all would be the best idea had to many problems in the past withthem just shooting anything thats eyes glow for example cattle and horses

5/3/2018 12:20 PM

30 The hunting areas could be managed like the nsw r licence, where bookings for certain areasare made to ensure the safety of other hunters if the areas are not as large as the alpine park.

5/3/2018 9:48 AM

31 Policing illegal hunting on public land outside of hunting hours (ie; spotlighting) 5/3/2018 9:20 AM

32 more campgrounds in the area 5/3/2018 9:11 AM

33 Hunting information package, including maps and camps, New campsites 5/3/2018 8:38 AM

34 Access and ‘hunter friendly’ local businesses 5/3/2018 8:14 AM

35 N/A 5/2/2018 8:03 PM

36 Multi function outfitters offering fishing and hunting options 5/2/2018 5:17 PM

37 The plan has been developed on a false premise - that the residents of the Shire are supportiveof deer hunting tourism. This is not the case - as the plan states recreational hunting is notseem in a positive light by a lot of people. A large proportion of residents and ratepayers are notat all supportive of increased hunting in the Shire. The plan states that it relates to the Vic GovSustainable Hunting Action Plan, yet that plan does not provide any role for local governmentwithin it's strategies. The Upper Murray 2030 plan identifies a range of tourism opportunities -have these been comparatively investigated? Why focus on deer hunting rather than othertourism opportunities? The Our Valley Our Future plan doesn't mention deer hunting at all - thisis misleading in the TSHTAP draft. Towong Shire has a good opportunity to further developnature based tourism, please focus on this, instead of wasting money on promoting deer-hunting.

5/2/2018 2:43 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

38 Scrap bringing in outside hunters , there are enough local hunters that will help someone out ifthey want deer shot , put your time into helping farmers with their deer problem rather thanencouraging them to make money , if the deer numbers are controlled they will then in turnmake money anyway . Local hunters have more respect for our land and our farms and knowthe area better. I am a local beef farmer and hunter and we already have an issue with illegalhunters and 30 cars going up our lane a week to get to the state forest.

5/2/2018 2:40 PM

39 I am against hunting and tourism 5/2/2018 1:00 PM

40 Coolrooms for hunters to tag and hang their meat rathet than relying on eskys. Campfirecooking with game meat... hunting expos.... such a big drawcard for a variety of possible eventsand expertise in the area. Taxidermy . Retail /online camping store set up as a physical place tobook meet and purchase gear...

5/2/2018 12:58 PM

41 Clear mapping to provide to hunters of designated hunting areas, access conditions and defineproperties and no go zones to protect livestock/fencing from trespass and over-shots.Coordination with police and rangers to restrict and penalise non accredited/licensed hunters orthose that break the code.

5/2/2018 12:50 PM

42 As I do not think the plan is beneficial or value added , or well thought out , I cannot add to thisdraft in this form

4/30/2018 9:37 PM

43 Maybe focus on local hunting community and help them make a living from the deer. 4/30/2018 8:38 PM

44 A more serious strategy would be to give up this action plan in order to protect the alwaysgrowing number of tourists coming in the valley to enjoy bush walks, local products and quiettime. It would also provide a much safer life for the farmers and their families.

4/30/2018 3:25 PM

45 What about a general tourism plan. We have fishermen, Bush walkers and people Ike that whoare becoming terrified or the high powered rifles being fired around them along walking tracks .

4/30/2018 11:45 AM

46 I believe for the safety of YOUR ratepayers more consideration must be given to those living onthe bush lines. Exclusion zones need to be enforced. Who do we contact when living remotelywe have issues with these hunters on or near our land. Perhaps hunters must register theirmovements so if there is any trouble they can be identified. Therefore landholders would knowwho and how many are in their area. Also as often there is no mobile service in these areas itwould also assist in the event of an accident.

4/29/2018 1:50 PM

47 I have already filled out a hard copy but would like to add the following. Towong already hasmany tourism opportunities without the blood sport of deer hunting necessary.The Mitta Valleyis becoming a food destination with it;s promotion of Mitta Valley Food and its many eatingplaces. Corryong has established itself as' The man from Snowy River Country" . The BethangaPeninsular can be the ideal "rural living" destination, and Tallangatta is buzzing , it is great todrive in to town and struggle to find a place to park. Well done Towong Shire, with the MurrayRiver Road promotion we don't need the hunters. The State should be controlling the feralpests and the landholders will be able to do their bit.

4/27/2018 3:08 PM

48 I can't see at all why the Council would drive this. it is a matter for private enterprise. 4/25/2018 12:34 PM

49 Stop this foolishness now. The premise upon which this flawed strategy is not supported by anyrobust or other business case. No lending institution will outlay funds to any business reliantupon this or the deer hunting fraternity. That in and of itself is telling beyond any other purportedpie in the sky nonsense touted by vested interests.

4/25/2018 9:52 AM

50 Commercial deer processing plant to turn the carcasses into a useful by-product such as petfood and fertilizer. This comment recognises the significant hurdles that must be overcome inorder to make the meat available for human consumption.

4/21/2018 9:08 PM

51 All year hunting 4/21/2018 8:33 AM

52 Scrap the plan, no way to secure ideas listed safely 4/21/2018 7:29 AM

53 No 4/20/2018 7:57 AM

54 This is a terrible idea to encourage slaughtering of these animals in such an inhumane way. Ifdeers are such an issue rather than cowboys taking aim it should be left to professionals. Thisfurther encourages the gun culture. I,m very disappointed to hear of this idea. My ancestors whowere responsible for settling this district would be horrified ,

4/20/2018 7:46 AM

55 Commercially licensed hunters to cull deer, carcass utilisation, greater resourcing for policing ofillegal behaviours. No promotion from Council avenues - Council can be an enabler butshouldn’t be seen as a promoter

4/18/2018 8:23 AM

56 Hunters notifying police of there hunting activity so police can identify rogue activity . 4/17/2018 11:28 PM

3 / 4

Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

57 The plan does not address the very real impact of poachers and illegal trespassers on privateland and the damage they do. This needs to be included in the plan The SWAT analysis andeconomic considerations in the plan need to be improved to include a proper list of thenegatives - such as reduction in family and other recreational use as guns, dogs and bulletsdon't mix with other users of private and public land. The plan then needs to consider how thenegatives are to be dealt with

4/17/2018 5:37 PM

58 Secure all properties that are adjacent to the state park where you will be offering these huntersto go to.

4/17/2018 5:26 PM

59 Property that joins state park be full deer fenced as to draw a straight line as to where they canan can’t go

4/17/2018 5:23 PM

60 The plan itself is well thought out however our main concern should be to ensure not to attractthe wrong crowd into the area and create more problems. I am talking about recent arrests inMansfiled/Jamieson area for the problem that has been spanning for decades, withirresponsible gun owners/hunters coming to the area.

4/17/2018 10:55 AM

61 Providing clear access "hunting maps" to registered deer hunting clubs and associations so thattheir members know what is available and are encouraged to attend this area. "Accrediting"deer hunters through a registration and badging process so that those who are hunting in ourarea can be clearly identified as passing the muster and are OK. Entering into a commercialpartnership with carriers and processors (e.g. Uncle Bens in Wodonga) to provide wellpublicised pick up points for deer carcasses in the Shire, so as to encourage deer hunters toNOT leave carcasses in the bush for wild dogs to feed on. Encourage local tourismaccommodation suppliers to welcome accredited deer hunters. Selling the general population ofTowong Shire as to the benefits of having deer hunters active in the Shire. Obtaining theapproval of the local Farmers Federation people to endorse accredited hunters.

4/15/2018 2:00 PM

62 How do you stop idiots poaching, non locals getting lost, are we going to be putting up withheros with guns?

4/14/2018 8:15 PM

63 Do not promote the activity at all. Why is everything commercially bound. Residents in theseareas do not get any benefit only HARRASSMENT and inconvenience by a few shooters andtheir dogs

4/3/2018 11:31 AM

64 getting laws changed to process the venison and sell it to the community 3/30/2018 8:53 AM

65 DO NOT DO IT 3/27/2018 4:09 PM

66 Target marketing to nsw hunting clubs provide group accommodation 3/21/2018 11:54 PM

67 Inclusions for interstate hunters in the wild dog bounty and provisions for farms/property ownerswho wish to be contacted by reputable hunters.

3/21/2018 5:07 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

Page 41 of 44

APPENDIX 8 TOWONG SHIRE HUNTING TOURISM SURVEY

QUESTION 4 RESPONSES

Q4 If you rated any of the draft strategies as "Not at all important",please tell us why.

Answered: 56 Skipped: 103

# RESPONSES DATE

1 I live on a farm and I am aware of the problem of deer on local farms and in the Forrest I thinkdeer are best managed by local shooters and farmers.Does Towong Shire wish to be known asa shooters mecca? We have much better attributes to promote than encouraging more shootersinto the area.I find it quite disturbing. We certainly dont want shooters and we dont want huntingdogs. We have a serious wild dog problem now.

6/5/2018 3:56 PM

2 Would not answer any of them because any reply would endorse your collective thoughtbubble. Here is my story:- spotlight within 40m of house 1 deer shot on my place - 3voices against mine 2 wombats I know of - one I had to put down, shot in the neck, starving(good photo!) Gun-shy dog wakes me up at all hours Bullet hole in caravan (which is on theblock) One group uses "my" UHF channel One local (breeder??) looking for three lost huntingdogs Two cowboys walked up to a semi tame deer, shot, missed, run it down in car on propertywhere they were told not to go

5/29/2018 5:22 PM

3 s doing well without hunters. We have trouble maintaining a peaceful andtranquil environment already without extra gun shots nearby at all hours of the night. Duckhunting is a bloody nightmare with shooting starting well before dawn - why would anyonesuggestion adding to our misery. The hunters I know sleep in a swag during the day and hunt atnight - they don't want to spend money.

5/29/2018 4:45 PM

4 Deer should be designated a pest species and farmers should be allowed to hunt anytime butmost importantly Government needs to clean up its land - feral animals and plants out of controland impacting on farmers. None of this needs Shire funding. This is all to benefit privateenterprise. Deer control is important but his is a problem of the government making. Why aredeer a protected species? What other non native animal has this status? The government hasallowed, actually encouraged, the spread of deer on Crown Land because they have been tooslow to perceive the huge and rapid population explosion as a threat. They have allowedshooting bodies to take over control of the whole issues because they have no will to doanything about it. Firstly, change the law to make deer a pest animal, not a protected one.change the law in Victoria to be able to use deer meat for human consumption and pet food andencourage it. What a waste of good meat when shooters take the antlers and leave thecarcasses further feeding wild dogs and creating more problems

5/29/2018 12:57 PM

5 Need to spend Council and Government money on better roads, lower rates and better servicesto your Community

5/29/2018 11:14 AM

6 Think you need to build the infrastructure and market it well, its untapped at the moment. 5/29/2018 10:06 AM

7 They are all important, just make sure you do it well. 5/29/2018 9:59 AM

8 Its a waste of time and money dont agree with hunting in any shape or form. 5/29/2018 9:48 AM

9 N/A 5/29/2018 9:44 AM

10 Not a big focus area for me 5/29/2018 9:39 AM

11 No 5/29/2018 9:25 AM

12 Not in favor of bringing in Hunters 5/29/2018 9:19 AM

13 Not in favor of bringing in hunters. 5/9/2018 11:21 AM

14 you should be encouraging tourism of people who are not toting guns around. 5/7/2018 7:08 AM

15 No deer hunters 5/5/2018 3:19 PM

16 The local community will make minimal money from hunters as they come completely prepared.Guns, ammo, tents, fully equipped 4wd, dogs, knives, food and drink they have it all readybefore they hit the shire.

5/4/2018 8:23 PM

17 Please refer to paragraph 3 5/4/2018 9:36 AM

18 Don't want to see a situation where certain individuals have exclusive rights on public land. 5/4/2018 6:53 AM

19 None 5/4/2018 12:56 AM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

20 N/A 5/3/2018 9:09 PM

21 Its all extremely important 5/3/2018 8:07 PM

22 I find the plan is off topic to the real issues at hand. 5/3/2018 8:03 PM

23 Annual Deer hunting season - the status quo should be sufficient 5/3/2018 7:07 PM

24 A restricted season on Game will reduce hunting opportunities and thus reduce the revenueopportunity.

5/3/2018 12:25 PM

25 Because you shouldnt be inviting the country to come here and start shooting everything 5/3/2018 12:20 PM

26 Accomodation I believe in pubs etc could become an issue with alcohol and firearms.Designated camping areas within the hunting areas and also designated accomodation withinthe town that has the suitable requirements for hunters like areas to hang wet clothing, hangmeat without being offensive, stainless steel bench tops to clean up skins or trophies againwithout being offensive to the public or in plain view. As we all know not everyone likes huntingdeer and I believe it’s best to keep the butchering and trophy prep away from the public eye ifthere are people that find it offensive.

5/3/2018 9:48 AM

27 No 5/3/2018 8:38 AM

28 I don't believe the draft plan to be something that will benefit the Towong Shire. 5/2/2018 8:03 PM

29 Deer hunting season is asking for trouble , marketing hunting in the area is also asking fortrouble and not what our community want , bring money in ,in other safer ways that aren'trisking people's lives

5/2/2018 2:40 PM

30 I don’t want the area to be promoted as a hunting tourism 5/2/2018 1:00 PM

31 Unsure about lifting restrictions on deer for processing as it would need to bw heavily tested toensure it was clean of any diseases for processing. I understand alot of hunters feed theirfamilies pets and friend with what they hunt but turning it into a commercial process where foodregulations are so strong to prevent mass contamination is high risk .

5/2/2018 12:58 PM

32 N/A 5/2/2018 12:50 PM

33 I don’t think that the questions asked gave enough scope . There seems to be a great spacebetween this idea of the council , what the townsfolk , farmers and hunters want . Who want tobe known as Target Towong. It is a very short sighted plan that has latched onto a much largerproblem!

4/30/2018 9:37 PM

34 I dont agree with the area becoming s hunting tourism destinstion. The key demograghic is notbroad enough. 30 to 40 year old males with guns. To br honest this does not sound like themost friendly environment to visit.

4/30/2018 8:38 PM

35 I absolutely don't believe that hunting tourism will be any good for the economy. They come withall their food and equipment and camp in the bush, sometimes on private properties without anypermission. It will however scare away any other holiday makers. Creating a hunting seasonwould concentrate the pressure created by hunters and potentially be more dangerous.Marketing and packaging : spending money on marketing something that I believe willadversely impact our community is obviously a bad idea.

4/30/2018 3:25 PM

36 Because there should be these pans for all the tourists we try to attract not just people withguns who are the last ones we want to encourage even though they will still come anyway.

4/30/2018 11:45 AM

37 I strongly believe this is not a worthwhile project for our shire. The money spent on this could bemuch better spent on more pressing problems eg: road maintenance, recycling, youth activities,health & wellbeing. I don’t believe a vast majority of rate payers and businesses will not benefitfrom these hunters coming to our area. All hunters I know come up and head bush to camp.Many do not access any services you list. Also will campsites and areas be policed? If yes bywho, the local police do not have the resources to go around ensuring all hunters are doing “theright thing” eg storing firearms and ammunition correctly, only hunting in approved areas,ensuring if animals are shot are they being killed humanely or are they left wounded.

4/29/2018 1:50 PM

38 they are not important for Council to be involved in. there are plenty of hunters here already andmore will come. Business should respond to the demand when there is one.

4/25/2018 12:34 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

39 See earlier point. The strategy is fatally flawed and not addressing any of the short medium orlong term issues affecting economic growth and sustainability in the shire. Any person with amodicum of intelligence and commercial experience knows the deer shooter is almost entirelyself sufficient, bringing with them camping gear, food and all other equipment to avoid 'regionalcost' add and risk of lack of local availability. Factor that most shoot over weekends and arrivelate out of normal business hours and are established on the 'stalk' next day with a clearreluctance to travel other than when leaving the strategy is palpable nonsense dreamt up bycertifiable fools. Who one must ask are almost to a person in charge of failed or failingbusinesses and looking for the most desperate of 'pie in the sky' initiatives to prolong theiralready lack of commercial viability

4/25/2018 9:52 AM

40 Deer may be hunted year round in VIC, formalising a hunting season could restrict impactmanagement

4/24/2018 6:15 AM

41 I do not believe that the type of hunting that attracts deer hunters to the Shire is aligned or linkedwith commercial tourism; they are simply self sufficient outdoor types who prefer to campoutdoors and are not looking for homestead or BnB type accommodation.

4/21/2018 9:08 PM

42 Hospitality opportunities really only benefit pubs etc. The residents directly affected generally donot want hunting stuff in their homes, if BandB type accomodation is considered. The deer needcontrolling but not by people who could not be regulated properly. Also many land owners justdon't want this element on or around their properties.

4/21/2018 7:29 AM

43 Nil 4/20/2018 7:57 AM

44 Just a very poor idea and lacking value 4/20/2018 7:46 AM

45 Council shouldn’t promote and market hunting instead it should give landowners and touristoperators the tools to greater enable the attraction of legal hunters

4/18/2018 8:23 AM

46 I do not believe that that the majority of individual lifestyles and community values will beenhanced in Towong Shire by encouraging more hunters into the area. Landholders alreadyhave enough problems with illegal trespassers who have no respect for them or their propertyThe quiet serenity and bushland of Towong Shire are its strength and point of difference - it doesnot need to become the mecca for the Australian Deer Hunter. Those businesses that arebenefiting from hunters are generating their own momentum and should not be dragging therest of the Shire - particularly those who will be adversely affected by their personal businessespublicity – into a situation where it is more difficult to conduct normal business

4/17/2018 5:37 PM

47 I don't agree with the proposed draft as a whole. I believe the safety of those living in the areahave not been considered.

4/17/2018 5:26 PM

48 I don’t think that this is a good idea at all not got my vote 4/17/2018 5:23 PM

49 The only important parts of this strategy is to stop idiots poaching and shooting stock, cuttingfences and getting lost

4/14/2018 8:15 PM

50 Annual deer hunting season: creating an artificial season for the sake of marketing andpromotion is the kind of thing that hunters will see through quickly.

4/4/2018 12:57 PM

51 This is purely a commercial activity that does not benefit the majority of people who only want toenjoy the natural surrounds

4/3/2018 11:31 AM

52 Why give the profits of our game meat to an outside organisation. 3/30/2018 8:53 AM

53 WE HAVE ENOUGH TROUBLES WITH DEER HUNTER, WHY IN HELL WOULD WE WANTMORE OF THEM, IF YOU THINK YOU CAN KEEP THEM UNDER CONTROL, WELL I WILLSELL YOU THE SYDNEY HARBOR BRIDGE FOR $50.00

3/27/2018 4:09 PM

54 Drawing the wrong crowd to a small community, will only cause further illegal hunting activitiesin the area if it is made well known for its deer population.

3/22/2018 6:07 AM

55 most hunters like to camp in the bush, most hunters do not need guides and are self relient 3/21/2018 4:24 PM

56 Because Hunting Tourism is a poorly conceived idea that will cause many more problems thanit will solve. There are much better tourism potential projects that could be explored andimplemented

3/21/2018 2:05 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

Page 42 of 44

APPENDIX 9 TOWONG SHIRE HUNTING TOURISM SURVEY

QUESTION 5 RESPONSES

Q5 What do you see as the biggest barrier to the success of the Planand why?

Answered: 78 Skipped: 81

# RESPONSES DATE

1 Illegal hunting and policing it. Resources. 6/5/2018 4:00 PM

2 Farmer concern. Lack of ability to control shooters and where they will go. 6/5/2018 3:56 PM

3 a) publicity - sooner or later someone will Facebook dogs bringing down a deer b) (reported)rubbish left at camp sites c) cost of changing fuzzy "pure serenity" signs d) more cowboys spotlighting along road - irresponsible shooting, livestock, other animals (brumbies at Benambra!!),street furniture etc e) dogs left behind f) until recently, target (weekends) practice nearby g)potential conflict, injury. there are always more than one, thus proving anything is difficult h)traffic, recent 9 4WDs, 11pm, burning up the road

5/29/2018 5:22 PM

4 There is total opposition to the plan amongst farmers I have spoken to. Farmers don't needpushy hunters that are looking for places to hunt. Most people already have a coupe of huntersthat they trust to cull deer.

5/29/2018 4:45 PM

5 The backlash from rate payers seeing their already exhortation rates being wasted on yetanother non core shire issue. It looks like our rates will be going to support private enterprise.the shooters association have such power and are saying that they spend so much money thatthe government gets excited that this is yet another way to fill their coffers and let theseassociations take control of what should clearly be a government solution to a governmentproblem

5/29/2018 12:57 PM

6 Its not a priority 5/29/2018 11:14 AM

7 people feel hunting is wrong and wont see long term economic gain from it. People are toosmall minded.

5/29/2018 10:06 AM

8 Youre existing businesses, they dont think broadly enough. 5/29/2018 9:59 AM

9 Environmentalists like me wont let it happen. 5/29/2018 9:48 AM

10 people dont like hunting and would see Council involvement as a waste of money 5/29/2018 9:44 AM

11 Public opinions and money 5/29/2018 9:39 AM

12 Money - Council has none and Community wont pay neither will businesses. 5/29/2018 9:25 AM

13 There is enough shooting in the country even in Corryong Without bringing in shooting groups. 5/29/2018 9:19 AM

14 Community opposition, As there is lots of bad anecdotal evidence which supports communityconcerns

5/9/2018 10:45 AM

15 The Greens and the notion of locking up the bush and leaving it, etc 5/8/2018 12:33 PM

16 lack of control in regards to compliance. cant control the hunters now. dont encourage more 5/7/2018 7:08 AM

17 One difficulty is the amount of illegal hunting activities taking place. If this cannot be regulatedproperly then neither could an increase in hunting traffic. One other big difficulty is that mostoften hunting occurs in shared use forests/parks where people are camping, fishing, bushwalking and bike riding. If not managed properly hunting could deter this large market segmentwe already have from coming. Safety of all users should be top priority. Also the plan is toosuccessful then it will not be feasible at all, as whilst deer numbers are currently high, there areonly a finite number. If we had 5 years of heavy hunting traffic then we may no longer haveanything to promote.

5/6/2018 2:40 PM

18 Deer hunters do not respect rules 5/5/2018 3:19 PM

19 There are some sections of the community who are against hunting at all costs. I think this planstrikes a very good balance and seeks to implement hunting tourism in a balanced and safeway. If people can be educated a lot of the noise will die away.

5/5/2018 1:04 AM

20 The local residents. We don't want dickheads with guns roaming around the valley. 5/4/2018 8:23 PM

21 As a hunter I do not want this activity promoted as I am inundated with requests to hunt on myproperty and some don't ask.

5/4/2018 9:36 AM

22 The current push to have deer declared a pest and lose their current status of Game Animal. 5/4/2018 6:53 AM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

23 Animal liberation types who may influence city elected representative who don’t understand ruralareas

5/4/2018 12:56 AM

24 Corryong is the victim of its geographical location. We could possibly only attract hunters fromrelatively local areas.

5/3/2018 9:09 PM

25 Selling it too the ones that have had a gut full of the rogue hunters 5/3/2018 8:16 PM

26 Lack of good planning and communication 5/3/2018 8:07 PM

27 The lack of education in the community causing huge divides between the local hunters 5/3/2018 8:03 PM

28 Land owners not being happy with hunters on their properties 5/3/2018 7:17 PM

29 Anti hunting agenda pushing in the opposite direction. 5/3/2018 7:07 PM

30 With an increase in traffic will come Illegal hunting. This is not currently being policedeffectively.

5/3/2018 12:25 PM

31 Far to difficult to regulate 5/3/2018 12:20 PM

32 The public’s fear/hatred of hunting deer and other animals. They are a resource and should betreated as such. Having a season and having hunters take animals only during that season is agreat way for game management and also promoting the use of lean organic meat for theirfriends and families.

5/3/2018 9:48 AM

33 The greens and legal access to public land (parts of the Alpine NP) 5/3/2018 9:20 AM

34 getting community support 5/3/2018 9:11 AM

35 No reason a sound plan executed with integrity won't be able to capitalise in the market. 5/3/2018 8:38 AM

36 Hunter compliance 5/2/2018 10:55 PM

37 I don't want tourists coming and slaughtering deer with spotlights. Local deer hunters who do itfor a hobby and who actually make good use of the meat have a hard enough time gettingaccess to land to deer hunt. It is unfair to those local hunters

5/2/2018 8:03 PM

38 Clear benefit risk assessment well communicated 5/2/2018 5:17 PM

39 I don't believe developing this plan is a sound use of rate-payers money. The focus is on abusiness enterprise that may benefit a few, but cause concern and havoc for more people. TheShire needs to take a broader look at nature-based tourism..

5/2/2018 2:43 PM

40 No local or farmer is going to be for a loan that will potentially encourage people with highpowered rifles to our area , we dont know who they may be or whether they are competent witha gun , and it's to big or a risk .

5/2/2018 2:40 PM

41 Uneducated locals because of fear 5/2/2018 1:34 PM

42 Illegal shooters and spotlighters being attracted to our area and creating havoc with theirunregulated activities. It is silly to suggest that current enforcement is anwhere near adequate.When I last phoned police regarding illegal spotlighting on our public road outside our house Iwas told there was nothing they could do as the nearest police were in Wodonga.

5/2/2018 1:07 PM

43 Renegade hunters 5/2/2018 1:00 PM

44 The small minded attitude of the community trying to keep the town from moving forward. Onlypromoting activities that they think are good for the town based on thier personal interests. Thecommunity needs education and reassurance that this is not about attracting poachers andcriminals to the area. Hunting in every level is performed by everyday people just like us all.

5/2/2018 12:58 PM

45 If the restrictions on use of carcasses for human consumption or pet food are not amended thenthere will be a conflict between wild dog control and hunters as carcasses are left to feed dogs.

5/2/2018 12:50 PM

46 The Plan is the biggest barrier, full of Jargon and speculation. Not really caring about the greatercommunity.

4/30/2018 9:37 PM

47 The community. I dont think the engagement has been strong enough. Alot of people a nothappy anout this concept. Farmers, local hunters, residence. I mean how does it actually benifitthe people thst live here. Who wants to live next to a dog kennel for huntimg dogs. That has tone the worst idea of the lot.

4/30/2018 8:38 PM

48 An overwhelming community opposition against a full hardy proposal. That would not benefit thecommunity.

4/30/2018 3:25 PM

49 Opposition from the ratepayers. What’s it got to do with Council and the use of our rates if wepeople want to encourage hunters and put them up.

4/30/2018 11:45 AM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

50 Lack of resources to ensure everyone plays the game in the manner in which you have set up.There will always be “rouge” hunters who will jeopardise the program and safety of others. Ibelieve Towong Shire should not be known as the place to come to shoot randomly with littleconsequence. I believe the ratepayers are not being valued. Your happy to take our money forrates but don’t care about our feelings towards our land and our lives

4/29/2018 1:50 PM

51 Community and ratepayer opposition. The amount of time and effort already being taken uptrying to manage illegal hunting and control dangerous behaviour. That should be a wakeup callfor Council or do they expect people and farmers to manage it,

4/25/2018 12:34 PM

52 See earlier comments. Driven by vested interests (shooting organisations who've worn out theirwelcome elsewhere) with no commercial acumen or understanding of the real lack of 'economy'for local business from almost entirely 'drive in drive out' itinerant shooters. The anti social andstupid behaviour of so many of this fraternity threaten the very reason Towong touts 'pure'. Onlythis week a local found one of these fools 'stalking' a red deer in a bush block behind theirproperty. Mustering cattle that had escaped into the block they were almost shot by this foolstalking a Hereford calf! Biggest barrier? The lack of commercial intellect and sound commercialstatistics that would put paid to this nonsense. This is not a strategy it is childish and wishfulthinking. Show me the cost benefit analysis, show me the percentage of shooters who hireguides, hire vehicles, stay in accommodation of any type rather than 'under canvas' show methe viable industry figures from anywhere in Australia that support this garbage. Show me thefigures for when the majority of shooters arrive, day of week, time of day, how they wouldaccess 'these businesses' set up to service the industry... How do these business remain viableout of season or on other days? Is this a cottage industry? Puerile nonsense.

4/25/2018 9:52 AM

53 1. Matching landholder needs with hunter expectations. Those providers who sell an experienceare doing well now because they are pioneers, and perhaps because they have bush on theirproperty. Many farms in the shire are only attractive to hunters because they have a huntablepublic land boundary. How will such farms de-conflict hunter access and provide safety andexclusivity for clients? How will two neighboring properties de-conflict access - who will beliable? People will pay for good accommodation and exclusive access, but cannot charge foraccess to public land, nor advertise exclusive access to public land behind the private land.Properties with public land access tracks through or behind their boundaries will continue tohave illegal hunting, and will have increased hunter traffic passing through to public land. 2.Trophy hunting, and managing trophy deer herds. Few hunters will pay to shoot female deer, sothe focus will be on trophy stags. The landholder will still need to cull female deer to reduceimpacts, but with the additional burden of not shooting stags that may be future trophies, andpreventing illegal hunting. Properties such as Water Valley in SA (100km2) are fenced yet theystill cant keep their deer in and poachers out. Given that we need the fire trail network in thepublic land - how will Towong farmers do it?.

4/24/2018 6:15 AM

54 Towong Council because they have no experience or understanding of the problem thatlandholders want to address in terms of deer; it's about control and reduction in the feral deerpopulation.

4/21/2018 9:08 PM

55 Beaurocracy 4/21/2018 8:33 AM

56 Hunters are independent people who won't conform to regulations, many would flaunt anymethod of control

4/21/2018 7:29 AM

57 The red-neck element who illegally spotlight, poach and ignore land owners rights.Unfortunately, this element does a great deal of damage to the sport and steps must be taken tobring them to account, otherwise non-hunting people have the misconception that all huntersjust want to shoot animals and disrespect the rule of law. In addition, it is my experience truehunters are deeply concerned about the environment and the animal they hunt, they arerespectful to land owners and the law. These “good” hunters must be promoted so that othershear the good news stories about what a great sport hunting is.

4/20/2018 7:57 AM

58 Lack of humanity 4/20/2018 7:46 AM

59 Little to no understanding of the concept of the plan, negative attitudes limiting discussion frompositive people. Load and outspoken negative people utilising social media to portray the planin a negative fashion

4/18/2018 8:23 AM

60 Deer utilisation and carcass removal 4/17/2018 11:28 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

61 This question implies that the plan can be a success – yes it will be for a few – but not foreveryone!! The plan does not adequately address the concerns of the majority of residents andrate payers who will be impacted by it. The plan can never address the concerns of landholdersregarding compliance of hunters to their legal obligations. The plan can never adequatelyaddress – for landholders the issues regarding their own safety/trespassing/poaching/illegalentrance etc… because it is not in the Shires sphere to make legislative changes that would putsome monitoring and regulating of hunting within the Shires public land, in place There are a lotof people in the community who do not know of this plan to attract more hunters to TowongShire and if they did they are likely to not support it – as most people do not want to provide anopportunity for guns, dogs and camouflage dressed hunters acting irresponsibly in theirneighbourhood and this can never be regulated or monitored. The majority of supporters of theplan are those who will benefit directly in the service industry (accommodation, food…) and theirsupporters who have not considered or are not aware of the many broad range of negativesassociated with the plan. may have eliminated their yahoo 40 hunters,all they have done is move them on to another location – whether private or public land – andno one is talking about that!!

4/17/2018 5:37 PM

62 The safety of the community. The consideration of those who will have to put up with thesepeople letting off their gun shots, noisy vehicles, general noisiness all hours of the day andnight. People don't live in the country to put up hooligans and have constant fear for their safety.

4/17/2018 5:26 PM

63 Red necks drunk an high on god only knows what all running in the bush with high power riflesin area they not familiar with

4/17/2018 5:23 PM

64 I explained under #3, irresponsible gun owners/hunters, spot-lighting at night, destroyingfarmers' property and livestock. Unfortunately, our Laws and regulations are often not followedas strictly as they should be when guns are concerned.

4/17/2018 10:55 AM

65 To me the biggest barrier is getting rid of carcasses. If facilities are not available to do this thenthere is no incentive for removal of carcasses and no incentive for hunters to cull more than onedeer each. The population of deer is ballooning to such a degree that it needs positive andeffective management of the issue of how many deer hunters can kill and of the disposal ofcarcasses.

4/15/2018 2:00 PM

66 Idiots with guns who do not know the area 4/14/2018 8:15 PM

67 Not enough access to land to hunt. 4/4/2018 12:57 PM

68 Hopefully people will actively rally against the proposition 4/3/2018 11:31 AM

69 too much red tape 3/30/2018 8:53 AM

70 IF YOU THINK YOU WILL ONLY ATTRACT THE RESPONSIBLE HUNTERS-- YOURDREAMING, YOU WILL ENCOURAGE ALL THE RAT BAGS

3/27/2018 4:09 PM

71 Finance issues 3/27/2018 2:30 PM

72 You will always have "groups" that don't agree with hunting that may protest against it 3/22/2018 2:31 PM

73 Poachers 3/22/2018 6:07 AM

74 Organised opposition from animal rights groups. They are social media savvy and know how toappear larger than they are. Press on regardless... the hunting community outnumbers themeasily, and will reward your shire with their visits.

3/22/2018 5:33 AM

75 Green minority's influencing gov decision making 3/21/2018 11:54 PM

76 Anti hunting sentiment and illegal/poaching hunting 3/21/2018 5:07 PM

77 Encouraging and advertising Towong Shire as a hunting Mecca will encourage rogue huntersinto the area. We already have huge issues with people illegally hunting on our property. ThisPlan will encourage some responsible hunters but will also advertise to irresponsible people thatthey can hunt in the Towong Shire.

3/21/2018 3:08 PM

78 Guns and hunting and the negative impacts on other people in the shire - residents and visitorsalike.

3/21/2018 2:05 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

Page 43 of 44

APPENDIX 10 TOWONG SHIRE HUNTING TOURISM SURVEY

QUESTION 6 RESPONSES

Q6 What do you see as the greatest opportunity in relation todeveloping Hunting Tourism in Towong Shire?

Answered: 79 Skipped: 80

# RESPONSES DATE

1 A local Game abattoir. Improved access for hunters 6/5/2018 4:00 PM

2 Nothing 6/5/2018 3:56 PM

3 None! Except for a few who were at the right place at the right time! (Ho-hum to that one).Benefit for the community? Where is the research? That spurious article in the weekly times is acon!. How much of every tourist dollar is/was attributed to hunting? Locals, sight seers, snowtraffic. A different geography, I have seen them driving in t 5-6am on weekends. Who.what isopen in town at that time? Except maybe accommodation. but then, most are campers.

5/29/2018 5:22 PM

4 There is no opportunities - only negatives. There are great opportunities to lobby stategovernment to have deer declared vermin and get funding for a control/eradication program likethe wild dog program.

5/29/2018 4:45 PM

5 If there are deer, hunters will come. Word of mouth is enough. Do not spend money that theShire doesn't have on this issue. IN PARTICULAR DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON SIGNAGE.This shire heeds to reduce signage ad strengthen laws about the proliferation of signs advertingbusinesses that are popping up in paddocks.

5/29/2018 12:57 PM

6 Dont do it. 5/29/2018 11:14 AM

7 provide a point of difference to other hunting destinations. 5/29/2018 10:06 AM

8 Your businesses 5/29/2018 9:59 AM

9 Become an environment tourism hub instead. 5/29/2018 9:48 AM

10 Good for farmers as an additional stream of income 5/29/2018 9:44 AM

11 Think its good youre after public opinion 5/29/2018 9:39 AM

12 Getting funding 5/29/2018 9:25 AM

13 I dont see any great opportunity in Tourism through this venture. A very poor way to get tourisminto the area.

5/29/2018 9:19 AM

14 There is enough shooting in the country, even in Corryong, without bringing in shooting groups. 5/9/2018 11:21 AM

15 Retail outlets including Food, Fuel, Accommodation and Associated hunting gear outlets wouldrealise the greatest opportunities. Also add on income for farmers who allow access to theirland.

5/9/2018 10:45 AM

16 Well at the end of the day its bringing more visitors and dollars to regional and rural areas 5/8/2018 12:33 PM

17 National ad campaigns 5/8/2018 6:24 AM

18 greater opportunity of getting shot while out enjoying our bushland 5/7/2018 7:08 AM

19 Guided hunting tours and accomodation. 5/6/2018 2:40 PM

20 Deer Meat 5/5/2018 3:19 PM

21 Additional visitation. More visitors to our accommodation providers and shops in towns. It’sexciting.

5/5/2018 1:04 AM

22 Isn't the only real opportunity is the Shires Major getting more business for his family ownedaccommodation and pub in Dartmouth.

5/4/2018 8:23 PM

23 None, just more red tape. 5/4/2018 9:36 AM

24 Deer are the only plentiful large mammal that can be legally hunted by individuals where as allnative wildlife are protected and cannot be hunted.

5/4/2018 6:53 AM

25 Local employment. Butchers , taxidermy, land access , acomodation. All working together tosee what is a natural resource like any other tourism activity

5/4/2018 12:56 AM

26 If successful, the plan will bring additional revenue into the district. 5/3/2018 9:09 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

27 I’d like too see a pest control part in place for the farmers as well so they can either make asecond income off the meat etc or engage legal registered hunters too do it and maybe they geta fee for letting them harvest the meat etc.

5/3/2018 8:16 PM

28 Possibly bring people into our beautiful area but we need to do this very carefully and keep thelines of communication open for some time yet

5/3/2018 8:07 PM

29 I currently see no opportunity that will benefit the Shire. 5/3/2018 8:03 PM

30 Addressing the issue of large numbers of the introduced species. 5/3/2018 7:48 PM

31 Bringing a lot of new people to the area and also the financial benefits 5/3/2018 7:17 PM

32 Greater visitor numbers. More suitable accommodation options may see more peopleaccompanying a hunter, not hunting themselves, using other activities etc,

5/3/2018 7:07 PM

33 $ 5/3/2018 12:25 PM

34 Probably to upset the people who actually live in the shire 5/3/2018 12:20 PM

35 The promotion of the use of venison as a regular addition to people’s diets and the offal/offcutsas feed for dogs.

5/3/2018 9:48 AM

36 Financial gain for local economy 5/3/2018 9:20 AM

37 business for store owners 5/3/2018 9:11 AM

38 The fact hunters are welcomed publicly 5/3/2018 8:38 AM

39 More people into shire spending money 5/2/2018 10:55 PM

40 N/A 5/2/2018 8:03 PM

41 Expansion of business opportunities, income and employment 5/2/2018 5:17 PM

42 I don't see the development of hunting tourism as an ethical, environmentally sound, profitableor useful opportunity for Towong Shire.

5/2/2018 2:43 PM

43 Nil 5/2/2018 2:40 PM

44 Massive potential for business growth. 5/2/2018 1:34 PM

45 Nil 5/2/2018 1:00 PM

46 Showing a shire that is accepting of all visitors... boosting the visitors through the shire....becoming a area to visit for many reasons... love that the building art on walls project is creatingthat for art. Think its amazing that it can be done through promoting hunting aswell.

5/2/2018 12:58 PM

47 Reduction in deer population 5/2/2018 12:50 PM

48 Deer hunters are coming to the region, why not capitalise on this? 5/2/2018 11:49 AM

49 Upsetting the constituents or perhaps getting a few shot. The council has no implementation forthe rogue hunter now , let alone more coming in. Less deer maybe , but less holiday makers ,less quiet , less community, take a look at what is happening in Omeo .

4/30/2018 9:37 PM

50 The processing of meat that otherwise is just going to be left for to rot. 4/30/2018 8:38 PM

51 I honestly can't see any good coming out of it. I live with my partner on a beef cattle propertythat is our livelihood. We had numerous problems with hunters over the years and I Don'tbelieve that anything in the hunting tourism plan will improve this situation.

4/30/2018 3:25 PM

52 Letting it develop itself and people who want to setting up things to meet what they want to buyif anything. Most buy their stuff before they get here and just hunt.

4/30/2018 11:45 AM

53 NONE 4/29/2018 1:50 PM

54 Letting business do it .Then it is a business decision not being driven by an organisation outsideour Shire which doesn"t have to face any of the consequences

4/25/2018 12:34 PM

55 There is no opportunity and nothing but downside for landholders, residents and rate payersand law enforcement. Other than identifying the rampant stupidity resident in the council, and/or,perhaps, the possibility that one of the brain dead proponents (including councillors) of thisscheme is voted out of office next election by an enraged electorate suffering the consequencesof this 'strategy' or involved in a failed business enterprise that makes them pack up and leavethe area for ever! Heaven forbid that any one is injured through 'this opportunity'...

4/25/2018 9:52 AM

56 Sell the hunting experience, not trophies - it has the broadest impact on deer populations, thegreatest value to the most people, and carries the least liability and admin burden.

4/24/2018 6:15 AM

57 None 4/21/2018 9:08 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy

58 Reduce deer numbers 4/21/2018 8:33 AM

59 None, in fact this plan would put other tourists 'off' coming to holiday and visit this pristine area.Nobody wants to see crates of barking dogs and dead deer carcasses dripping over huntersvehicles as they park in towns. Also other visitors would fear the prospect of being shot at bythese hunters, as was experienced by a family member.

4/21/2018 7:29 AM

60 Promoting hunting as a sport and increasing the tourism dollar coming to the region. 4/20/2018 7:57 AM

61 Poor idea, lacking compassion for the animals, encouraging the wrong type of tourist. 4/20/2018 7:46 AM

62 By enabling landowners and tourism operators to cater for this market an economic benefit canbe achieved. As the good hunters come into the area the illegal hunters will be pushed out

4/18/2018 8:23 AM

63 More employment for local Small business 4/17/2018 11:28 PM

64 There are no ‘great opportunities in relation to developing Hunting Tourism in Towong Shire’and this question illustrates the fallacy of the assumed premise!! A few service providers willmake some $$$ and the rest of us will have our lifestyle compromised. How many of the Shiresresidents have actually been consulted regarding the Shire’s push for increased numbers oftourists anyway – getting to Albury Wodonga now takes longer as one crawls along behindcaravan conveys???

4/17/2018 5:37 PM

65 nothing 4/17/2018 5:26 PM

66 more jobs and opportunities for locals that will bring more money to the area 4/17/2018 10:55 AM

67 Increased visitation due to development of deer hunting accommodation and disposal facilitiesin the area, thus resulting in increased tourist $'s spent in our towns and outlying areas.

4/15/2018 2:00 PM

68 None 4/14/2018 8:15 PM

69 Exposure of the region to a broader audience 4/4/2018 12:57 PM

70 NONE 4/3/2018 11:31 AM

71 keeping deer numbers down 3/30/2018 8:53 AM

72 I ONLY SEE DOWNFALLS, PLEASE SHOW SOME COMMONSENSE AND THINK ABOUTTHE RATE PAYERS AND THERE SAFETY.

3/27/2018 4:09 PM

73 I dont see alot of opportunity, quite frankly i just want the deer gone they do so much damage. Ithink the shire should be spending money on maintainibg water in the hume instead

3/27/2018 2:30 PM

74 You will have the opportunity to establish regular visits from hunters and their families which willonly increase the revenue for the Towong Shire

3/22/2018 2:31 PM

75 There’s no way forward in this Avenue 3/22/2018 6:07 AM

76 The flow-on effect to businesses in the shire. Hunters come primarily to hunt, but will inevitablyspend money on non-hunting activities and services within the shire.

3/22/2018 5:33 AM

77 Increasing deer numbers 3/21/2018 5:07 PM

78 small busness will benefit,food and drink,fuel and supplies 3/21/2018 4:24 PM

79 There is none. Hunting and guns are very bogan and this is not a good look. 3/21/2018 2:05 PM

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Towong Shire Hunting Tourism Strategy