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Minutes Tourism Advisory Committee
14 May 2013
1
ITEM: 1 PRESENT AND APOLOGIES Present: Clr Ross Higlett, Mrs Domino Holbrook-Cove, Mrs Margaret Edwards, Ms
Jennifer Menchin, Mrs Renee DiFranco, Mrs Helen Riley, Mrs Ally Shelton (representing Mr Roger Bailey)
Apologies: Clr Maree Statham, Mrs Barbara Bretherton, Mr Matthew Brewster, Mr
Roger Bailey Officers: Ms Kellie Barrow Declaration of Interests: Nil ITEM: 2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes were endorsed by Mrs Renee DiFranco, Mrs Domino Houlbrook-Cove and Mrs Margaret Edwards. The minutes will be presented to the Council on Monday 27 May 2013. COMMITTEE ACTION THAT the committee: Notes the minutes of the meeting of Tuesday 14 April 2013 be taken as read and confirmed. MOVED: Mrs Renee DiFranco SECONDED: Mrs Domino Houlbrook-Cove ITEM: 3 BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
Mrs Ally Shelton raised she had written to the owner of Ambermere Rose and requested that she contact Ms Kellie Barrow to arrange a meeting. To date the owner has not contacted Ms Kellie Barrow
ITEM: 4 LED SIGNAGE REPORT SUMMARY As per a request from the April meeting a number of quotations were sought to ascertain the cost of purchasing and erecting an LED sign on the Highway facing exterior wall of Lithgow Visitor Information Centre.
Minutes Tourism Advisory Committee
14 May 2013
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COMMENTARY Four companies were contacted and provided quotations for similar signs. The stipulation given for the sign was that it needed to be big enough to be seen and to display messages clearly, without being a distraction to people on the highway. It also needs to be visible from a reasonable distance and to not look out of place in the large space that is the back wall of the Visitor Information Centre. A breakdown of the quotes is listed below, for further information see the printout attached. Company Size Red, Yellow or Tri
Colour Full Colour
LED Signs 2066mmL x 786mmH $7540+GST $9477+GST LED Signs 2546mmL x 946mmH $10501+GST $12775+GST Screen Tech 2500mmLx1500mmH $11555+GST + Freight $12670+GST + Freight Signtronics 4864 x 640 x approx
200mm $8900 + GST + Freight $10250 + GST + Freight (tricolour)
$12250 + GST + Freight
Danthonia 3200mm x 640mm $15344 (White) All prices are supply only except Danthonia mentions that they will organise installation. It is also worth noting that the fine details such as pixels per inch need to be compared to make a proper judgement of what is the best value. The Committee were presented with the different versions and selected the second quote from LED sign at a cost of $12,775 plus GST RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL THAT Council allocate $20,000 from the current tourism signage budget for purchase and installation of the LED sign on the wall facing the Great Western Hwy of the Visitor Information Centre.
MOVED: Clr Ross Higlett SECONDED: Mrs Renee DiFranco ITEM: 5 DRAFT TOURISM STRATEGY/DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN The Draft Tourism Strategy/Destination Management Plan (DMP) was placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days. Thirteen submissions were received. The submissions and officer responses form the attachment to this report. COMMENTARY As per attachment
Minutes Tourism Advisory Committee
14 May 2013
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RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL THAT Council:
1. Notes the receipt of 13 written submissions received prior to the closing date of 10 May 2013 and. 2. Adopts the Draft Tourism Strategy/Destination Management Plan as approved by Tourism Advisory Committee.
MOVED: Mrs Helen Riley SECONDED: Mrs Margaret Edwards ITEM: 6 TOURISM MANAGER’S REPORT SUMMARY Update on operations at the Lithgow Visitor Information Centre COMMENTARY Visitation Statistics Month 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Jul 3667 3991 3331 Aug 3782 3283 2821 Sept 4094 4020 3821 Oct 4346 4545 4384 Nov 3713 3647 3347 Dec 4004 4017 3780 Jan 4701 4361 3786 Feb 3784 3217 2068 Mar 4475 3679 4133 Apr 6084 5597 May 3515 3228 June 3209 2712
Total Visitation
49348 46297 31,471
Accommodation Commission Statistics
Month Total Price for Accommodation
Total Commission
No. of Visitor Nights
Total no. of bookings for the
month Jul-12 $600.00 $60.00 6 2 Aug-12 $420.00 $42.00 4 4 Sep -12 $160.00 $16.00 2 1 Oct - 12 $770.00 $77.00 6 6 Nov -12 $1880.00 $188.00 14 7
Minutes Tourism Advisory Committee
14 May 2013
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Dec –12 $130.00 $13.00 1 1 Jan - 13 $295.00 $29.50 2 2 Feb – 13 $310.00 $31.00 2 1 Mar – 13 $130.00 $13.00 1 1 Apr – 13 $1910.00 $191.00 12 9 May – 13 Jun - 13
Phone and Email Enquiries
Month Phone Email Jul 2411 1001 Aug 2977 896 Sept 3154 1123 Oct 3097 1307 Nov 2848 911 Dec 3291 1079 Jan 3175 1115 Feb 3420 1026 Mar 3089 992 Apr 2923 1056 May June Total 30,385 10,506
Retail Sales
Month 2011/2012 2012 / 2013 Jul $3613.95 $4378.65 Aug $4273.40 $4452.10 Sept $5863.15 $5283.55 Oct $5500.10 $5754.60 Nov $4242.55 $4119.90 Dec $4720.70 $4703.55 Jan $4538.90 $4511.30 Feb $5880.85 $3331.00 Mar $2943.00 $3883.40 Apr $6969.35 $4942.80 May $3319.75 June $3465.15 Total $55,330.85 $45,360.85
Website Stats
Visits Pg Views New Visitors July 3092 9422 75.91% Aug 2568 7136 74.03% Sep 2986 8306 76.32% Oct 3024 8627 74.74% Nov 2661 7246 76.32%
Minutes Tourism Advisory Committee
14 May 2013
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Dec 2812 7764 76% Jan 3504 10001 77.63% Feb 2871 8124 75.24% Mar 4046 10828 75.04% Apr 3883 10473 75.77% Staff Product Famils Staff Famils were conducted to the following: Lithgow Apartments on Padley Eagleview Escape Lockyers Campground Eskbank House Museum Glow Worm Tunnel
COMMITTEE ACTION THAT the committee notes the Tourism Managers Report MOVED: Mrs Domino Holbrook-Cove SECONDED: Mrs Margaret Edwards ITEM: 8 GENERAL BUSINESS
Ms Jennifer Menchin raised on behalf of Wallerawang/Lidsdale Progress Association their objection to the proposed privatization the Visitor Information Centre. Ms Menchin was advised a further report will be coming back to the Committee in the near future.
Mrs Ally Shelton advised Council has updated the lease agreement with
Delta Electricity to allow camping at Lake Wallace and Council will now begin the processes of establishing Lake Wallace and Wallerawang as an RV Friendly destination.
Mrs Ally Shelton advised the Committee the work had commenced on the
upgrade of Pearsons Lookout at Capertee. RMS is currently completing the car park and left in left out access from the north. Council will now proceed with additional works as per priorities identified through community consultative process previously undertaken.
Mrs Ally Shelton advised the Committee Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal
Corporation have received funding thru the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Authority to place interpretative signage and remote supervision signage at Mayiny-gumarra-gu (formerly known as Blackfellows Hands)
Mrs Margaret Edwards advised Arts out West will be hosting their AGM on
Sunday 19 May at Hartley Historic Site. Hartley Historic Site is managed
Minutes Tourism Advisory Committee
14 May 2013
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by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and will soon be the home to a gallery space dedicated to showing work of the region’s Aboriginal artists. Arts OutWest has signed a memorandum of understanding with NPWS and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage which will see NPWS run the gallery space with artworks curated by Arts OutWest. Arts OutWest will use it as an opportunity to showcase the work of Aboriginal artists from right across the NSW Central West, work it has been undertaking for the past three years through their Aboriginal Arts Development program. The new Aboriginal arts gallery space will be officially opened by the NSW Governor Marie Bashir on Saturday June 1.
Mrs Margaret Edwards made note in the Strategy on page 221 it should produced in Kanimbla Valley not Tarana for Lithgow Free Range Meats.
Next meeting of the Tourism Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday 4th June 2013
at 5pm at the Lithgow City Council Committee Room
Submission By
Request/Comment Officers Recommendations
Community 1 Out of date reference to Mt Lambie Petrol Station
Removed references to Mt Lambie Petrol Station
The need for public toilets has been highlighted on pgs 157 & 224.
Council has previously allocated $50,000, with approximately $3,000 expended for a Geotechnical report with no allocation for further funding. Estimates for the purchase of the land are $70,000 and construction of a facility similar to that at Cullen Bullen between $60,000 and $80,000 however the Rydal Village Progress Association has indicated they would fund/build the facility
Supports recommendations for signage improvements
Noted.
Need for Council to lobby appropriate authorities to improve mobile phone coverage, broadband coverage and public telephones.
Outside the scope of the Tourism strategy however Council does advocacy on behalf of LGA on telecommunication matters with relevant Telcos.
Community 2 Negative statements regarding a number of properties should be removed.
Have removed negative comments towards named properties.
Community 3 Needs to be noted that as of March 7 2013 at 9:45am Lithgow has 643 sites listed on AHIMS.
Removed statement that Mayiny‐gumarra‐gu is the only site listed on AHIMS, and replaced with reference to 643 sites, however it is the only Aboriginal place within the LGA that is listed on AHIMS.
Each year Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal corporation host two events in Lithgow – Naidoc week in September & Sorry Day in May.
Changed examples to include NAIDOC and Sorry day.
When the gateway signage is designed, acknowledge that the traditional custodians of the area are the Wiradjuri people.
Noted request
Community 4 Place larger posters in the window or on a notice board of the properties in the visitor centre to increase the accommodation sales.
Limited space and lack of suitable window space. After hours customers can access Data Trax system for accommodation and QR code linking to website.
Community 5 Need to focus on historical attractions as Lithgow cannot compete against neighbours.
Tourism strategy already identifies the need to develop a market for our industrial heritage, however this is only one key area identified.
Community 6 First 64 pages could be left out Analysis (pgs 107‐295) forms heart of
Executive summary essential part of all large reports/strategies Refers to the audit section
document Strategies (pgs 296‐351) form useful guide to get things done
Noted
Community 7 Love to see even greater focus in the plan on how Lithgow is going to win funding to build the infrastructure it needs. Massive need for new campsites and shelter sheds in National Parks and State Forests
Identification as a need in the DMP allows for access to fund RVIF for all operators
Great potential that Marrangaroo NP.Roads need upgrading, the campsites need facilities and the park itself needs a plan of management.
NPWS matter
Campaign for the lifting of General Trout Stream Regulations on Cox’s River
Noted
Suggestions for events and activities Noted
Council does not have a commercial licensing system for tour operators who wish to use the land it manages
Noted. Council currently developing Generic Community Lands POM with specific lands such as Hassans Walls reserve to follow.
Recently advised that State Forest does not permit roping activities such as climbing, abseiling and canyoning in State Forest.
This section of the plan was not identified as a problem by FCNSW
Forestry Corporation of NSW
Change of name from Forests NSW to Forestry Corporation of NSW
Updated references.
Sec 4.2 Key players update as per submission
Section updates as per request
Does Pg 10 & 163 sentence ‘do more’ in the National Parks refer to State Forests around Lithgow
No, the comparison is between Blue Mountains National Park and the other National Parks within the LGA.
What do quotation marks around phrases such as “do more” “reinventing” and “overshadowed”
Quotation marks emphasise commonly used phrases.
Remove reference to fire trails and 4wd trails in Sunny Corner forest pg 143
Removed reference to 4wd trails however left reference to fire trails because of following sentence.
Remove references to Bungleboori picnic area
All references identify area, anddo not refer to camping or picnic area.
Forestry Corporation of NSW (cont)
Remove references to Mary’s Peak, Sunny Corner and Jenolan camping areas
No references located in document
Update any references to Black Fellows hands road to Mayiny‐gu Marra‐gu
Road name has not been changed (Source LPI)
Pg 143 Change reference to “The Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club seek permission to hold an annual event in Sunny Corner State Forest (September).”
Changed as requested
Pg 168 Special interest table updated as per attachment
Table updated as per request
Pg 170 reference FCNSW as a public land Have included reference to
manager that develops POMs FCNSW.
(pg 175) Can this be rewritten to acknowledge that these ‘new tracks’ are unauthorised.
Words new removed and replaced with unauthorised
Pg 175 include land managers in grading of trails.
Added “with assistance of relevant land managers”
(pg 177) Can this be rewritten to acknowledge that this activity requires a permit.
Updated sentence to include (permit required)
Section 9.5.2 State Forests update as per submission
Updated as per request
Central tablelands Mountain Bike Club
Importance of mountain biking in area needs to be highlighted as a tourism asset
Updated section as requested to include dot point
The Lithgow area is renowned for mountain biking and attracts cycle tourists from around the world
9.4.5 comment “a few independent travellers” is erroneous
Updated to say “ an increasing number of independent travellers”
Table 9.9 walking trails in Mt York reserve should be referred to as shared trails Hassans Walls Reserve – 2 All mountain trails Change item about access back to Hassans Walls Rd to be shared trail not specific to downhill bikes.
Table updated as per request. Updated to state “There is no shared use trail around the base of the reserve to get back to Hassan’s Walls Road.”
Development of Newnes Rail Trail opportunity
Noted.
Capertee Valley Alliance Comments regarding Mayors statement Noted
Support of Executive summary Noted
Comments relating to marketing Noted
Comments relating to preamble Noted
Too many plans Employ Tourism director to manage the process of adopted strategy Comments relating to Privatisation Comments relating to structure of Tourism Board and tourism project sub committees
All listed plans were completed by Council to comply with legislative requirements. Role of Tourism Manager Is subject of upcoming report to TAC and Council. Role of TAC. EOI were sought at end of last year and done so Biannually.
Pg 22 Workshop notes not received Notes emailed to CVA on 21 Sept 2011. Council in recept of correspondence discussing content.
Pg 27 Aboriginal heritage sites in valley See community 3 comments
Pg 28 Land grants dated back to 1823 in Amended sentence regarding
valley early settlement to “the lands around Lithgow were being settled and villages established, with early land grants dating back to the 1820’s.”
Pg 30 Comments regarding GWH and future of Bells Line of Road
Noted
Pg 32 Comments relating to statistical information relating to postcode
Statistics are not based on postcodes. All rural north areas are included in LGA statistical information as shown on Council profile information on website
Pg 35 Comments relating to BMLOT Noted
Pg 35 Implications for tourism planning noted
Pg 35 Include rural north forests also State forest information updated as per requests from FCNSW
Pg 57 Tourism Route committee comment Noted
Pg 84 Identify bird tours as primary market Added bird tours as requested
Pg 88 comments regarding suitability of roads for coaches
Noted
Pg 108 Gateway signage comments Strategy identifies entrance signage as a high priority
Pg 130/32 inconsistency with Glen Alice and Glen Davis being names as villages and hamlets
Based on settlement hierarchy as per LUS, amended pg 32 to reflect Glen Alice and Glen Davis as villages
Pg 137 Tourist drive 2 comment Reference to Mt Marsden bush walking
Updated paragraph to include reference to alternate name Would need to be identified as official bushwalk and require permission of land holders.
Capertee Valley Alliance (cont)
Table 8.6 comments Bogee RFS bushwalk to activity list. Glen Davis campground to be added to facilities Find that bird and BM Birding to be added Capertee National park no longer proposed – is reality Bicentennial trail not listed Update Coorongooba Camp Ground information Update Glen Davis camp ground information
Noted Added Already listed Bird tours and birdwatching identified in table under tours and special interest. Removed wording “proposed” Was listed under attractions Removed reference to no toilets Updated with (showers & toilets)
Pg 139 Build relationship with Mudgee tourism
Noted ‐ Identified in Directions forward
Develop maps of Capertee Valley Council has previously developed
map with CVA of Valley (see Council website).
Pg 141 include Bogee on current signage Noted
Pg 145/6 Need for signage and improvement to toilets
Signage being installed in Clarence Pirie park and Pearsons lookout. Toilets identified in 15/16 delivery program
Pg 173 include words “and discovery trails” to title
Official title is Greater Blue Mountains Drive
Pg 180 toilets in Coorongoooba picnic ground
Updated to include toilets
Pg 181 Access to Capertee Valley NP Updated to “Access via padlocked gate, code obtained from NPWS Mudgee”
Pg 220 comments regarding itinerant fruit traders
Noted
Pg 220 Gourmet food table Updated to include reference to Capertee Valley Saffron and Santonio
Pg 227 Capertee Valley Challenge may not continue
Noted
Pg 264 comment re Planning and development
Council will conduct community consultation on LEP in near future.
Pg 267 infrastructure ‐ roads Noted
Pg 296 spelling mistake Updated to say Taking instead of Talking
Pg 307 Comments regarding channelling compared to ikea
Managing sites by channelling users to permissible areas via the use of signage and barricades is common practice
Capertee Valley Alliance (cont)
Pg 319 Clean up junk properties Council working with landholders
Pg 326 toilets at Coorongooba Capertee NP – needs toilets maps and signage
Updated to state completed This is identified in key actions
Pg 337 approve cabins at hotel This is dependent on DA process
Pg 340 Online maps by NP not suited to travellers
Noted
Pg 344 Gap in skill level include VIC staff Identifies need for operator training which includes VIC staff
Comments on Workshop appendix Noted.
National Parks & Wildlife Strategy 3.3.4 Glow Worm Tunnel Rd NPWS happy to discuss road standards
Actually 3.3.5 Noted
Strategy 3.6.1 – agree with recommendation
Noted
Strategy 3.7.1 Promotion of specific areas needs to be considered in terms of agency POMs
Noted – will continue to liaise with land managers
Strategies 3.8.3 to 3.8.11 various infrastructure upgrades – agree and NPWS have already identified. Coorongooba toilets installed
Noted Updated
Strategy 3.10 information services – need for prior discussion with agencies
Land managers already identified as partners in this procedure.
Document needs comprehensive revision NPWS were consulted during formulation of Draft Strategy. Strategy refers to NPWS as key stakeholders and identifies the need to work with them as partners on a number of the key actions. Strategy has been revised/updated as per outlined in this report
Capertee & District Progress Association
Supports strategies to encourage RV friendly market Toilets in Clarence Pirie Park in 18/19 budget Support signage for Capertee & Turon
Noted Brought forward to 15/16 in latest Delivery plan Noted
Lithgow Small Arms Factory
Charging $48 for copy of strategy was counterproductive
In line with Council’s fees and charges. Made available online and at Libraries, Visitor centre and Council for free viewing.
Strategy out of date – mentions Zig Zag as going concern
Any out of date references are being address following public exhibition. Comments relating to Zig Zag are current due to future plans to reopen.
References to volunteers condescending Important to highlight the fact of limited resources of many attractions.
Pg 212 Museum has not outgrown space Need for administrative support Poor Presentation of the exterior of the building Need to upgrade and expand the museum Development of website
Museum has held discussions with staff regarding expansion. Identification in DMP will allow for access to funding via RVIF Noted Comment removed as there is little opportunity to address strategically Museum has held discussions with staff regarding expansion. Identification in DMP will allow for access to funding via RVIF On page 212 ‐ Website has since been developed, comment has been removed. Page 330 action amended to “Encourage the Board to have website inked to heritage firearm sites nationally and internationally”
Pg 212 inaccuracies in description status and opening hours
Opening hours were as per SAFM website
Pg 330 – key actions section – “encourage the museum board to seek professional input into refreshing displays”
Lithgow Small Arms Factory (cont)
Correction of the name from Small Arm Museum to Small Arms Factory Museum.
Two amendments made on page 50 and 295 to reflect Small Arm Factory Museum.
Conception they are a technology and heritage museum, not just a gun museum.
Pg 12 & 35 – marketing under taken by Lithgow Tourism and BMLOT`
Both organisations are promotingand represent the destination as a whole.
“Surprisingly Diverse” marketing brand does not suit the area
Noted
BMLOT Membership – BMCC Charging non for profit organisation to have brochures in the VIC’s at Glenbrook and Echo Point
Tourism Manager is currently discussing membership structure with BMCC and BMLOT
Comment regarding BMLOT membership Not for profit organisations receive free membership from BMLOT.
VIC Presentation Council is currently investing upgrades to the VIC
Volunteer run organisations should not have to pay to have brochures
In line with Council’s fees and charges. Submissions to Council on Delivery/Operation Plan closed 16 April.
Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy
I have read the draft, and commend the detail, the understanding of the needs and appreciate the
suggestions.
However, I think some people might be daunted by the prospect of reading a plan which is over 300
pages long so this might limit the responses. I am assuming the information is reasonably up to date
but did note that the petrol station at Mt Lambie is listed as one of the 24 hour facilities available. I
think it is about a year since it was burnt down.
I would agree with the concepts and suggestions in the plan, the next step is to see them carried out
and there in lies the difficulty. As noted the resources are limited and particularly with the volunteer
groups this is a major problem. I agree that many of the events are often run by enthusiasts for their
happening but these people do not always appreciate the commercial tourist potentials and this is
where more professional help is needed.
Daffodils at Rydal is listed as a major event and attracts many garden enthusiasts. I note that
Lithgow LGA and Rydal in particular is an ideal area for 4wd groups, car clubs, bike groups, cyclists.
We do not have the contact for these groups and this is an area where we could have help.
P 157: Improvements needed in the village include public toilets, continued upgrading of the entry
corridors and route through the town with priority being the area between the railway crossing and
the hotel…..so there is a recognition by council of this and the village needs help to carry this out.
P224 Events: a need to develop essential infrastructure to improve the regions capacity to harness,
retain and deliver high quality festivals and events.
For this Rydal definitely needs public toilets. While the showground has toilets, they are old and not
opened and out of the way from the village.
P 271: Signage: Recognition of the importance of signage, with maps and route markers. We often
have people stop and ask directions as they cannot find a name on the Rydal/Hampton Road and
they find it difficult to get their bearings….which way is Lithgow? The village needs a map with signs
to the different locations and facilities. When you cross Solitary Creek coming into the village, there
is no name. Their also seems confusion in the plan as to what is Railway Street, what is Bathurst
Street and what is Bathurst Road..there are no adequate sign to tell you.
There is a mention that major roads need to be good enough for 2w drive vehicles. There are parts
of the Rydal/Hampton Road which I note is getting some work this year, that are very, very
potholed.
Technology
In the plan there is recognition that this is changing rapidly, particularly if you live outside Rydal.
While it is not a responsibility of local council to provide mobile phone coverage, broadband
coverage and public telephones, it should be a responsibility of council to lobby the appropriate
authorities to improve these facilities. These can be extremely limited in Rydal and we had to lobby
extensively to keep the one public phone in an area where there is limited mobile phone reception
Rail Heritage
Rydal is a railway town, with a magnificent railway station. There is a wonderful opportunity for
short trips from the Rail Heritage Park to stations such as Rydal. When the Steam Train came
through during Daffodils there was enormous excitement.
To Sum UP
The suggestion that there needs to be some overall planning, that brings the different qualities of
the area together is definitely the way to go. The Museum group that is evolving is good and keeping
an advisor is excellent.
The Lithgow Tourist Office, has been a great help to Rydal but could probably give us more
contacts….advise all the accommodation providers of events, give us the contacts for groups who
tour such as car clubs, 4w drive clubs, caravan clubs
We need toilets, we need signage, into the village, on the roads, directions etc. We are trying to
develop a heritage walk around the village and we would also like help with signage for this.
Publicity Officer – Rydal Village Association
From: Date: 18 April 2013 4:36:38 PM AEST To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>,
Subject: RE: Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy / Destination Management Pan onPublic Exhibition
Attention: Roger Bailey General Manager LIthgow City Council PO Box 19 LITHGOW NSW 2790 Attention: Kellie Barrow Lithgow Tourist Information Centre Dear Mr Bailey Reference: "Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy Destination Management Plan Report on Public Exhibition I have received copy of the draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy Report that has been sent out to various business' from Kellie Barrow Lithgow Tourist Information Centre last week and on display for public viewing and comment as noted on the Lithgow City Council website today 18/4/13. You have published a report naming our business' without any consultation nor with our permission. The report contains defammatory statements not only about the Colonial Motor Inn, but the Commerical Hotel Motel, Lithgow Valley Motel and another accommodation provider within the local region. Lithgow City Council and it's authorised representatives are requested to remove this report immediately from all public viewing and consultations. Lithgow City Council and it's agents will be held accountable for any loss of trade or income as a result of this report.
Please advise when this report has been removed from all public viewing and consultation. Yours Sincerely
Colonial Motor Inn Commercial Hotel Motel Lithgow Valley Motel & Bushman's Bistro
From: Date: 30 April 2013 1:34:52 PM AEST To: <[email protected]> Subject: RE:Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy / Destination Management Pan on Public Exhibition - closes next Friday Reply-To:
Dear Kellie, I have already had a look at some of the draft plan you mention but did not have time to go through all the nitty-gritty. One thing that would help sell the accommodation to visitors through the Lithgow Visitors Centre, I think, would be to have medium sized posters of properties in our area on the windows or on a big board inside the visitors centre. This could be pushed close to the windows when the centre is not staffed. I think small prochures which people tend to take away they then throw away and this runds into unnecessary costs for the owners of holiday cottages. Seeing the properties online works well as I know from experience with Stayz and many people coming to stay in Lithgow for work or pleasure look to the Council web site under 'accommodation' and in the I-Mag. Ideal size for posters 23 1/2 mm X 16/1/2 mm Various shops in Lithgow are willing to display these posters and when mine was in the Wang butchers it brought in several bookings. Cheers,
30/04/2013 at 1:34 p.m. EAST
From: Date: 1 May 2013 4:44:36 PM AEST To: Kellie Barrow <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy / Destination Management Pan on Public Exhibition - closes next Friday Reply-To:
Hello Kellie, What a wonderful report I would love to know how much it cost to put this together? There is a lot of considered reading in this report and I have to admit I have only time thus far to skim the report however I only offer some comments as an operator of tourist facilities in the Capertee valley. Sometimes it might be smart to sing from the heart rather than copy the tourist brochures from your Council brothers in the Blue Mountains and BAthurst both of which blitz Lithgow as tourist testination. Previous brochures of Lithgow talk up the wonderful city highlights and shopping etc. rubbish. As a Town Lithgow is pretty ugly' and offers no attraction to shoppers in any litmus test. IN contrast to say Leaura, Lithgow has a far greater story to tell whilst steeped in history could easily be packaged together to draw substantial crowds from sydney. Few places are as well provided with our early history relics other than Lithgow. I would tend to think that Lithgow is best packaged as an area to include Heartly and surrounding areas and sold on that basis 'This is where it all started" Your job is difficult as you cannot exclude one area or place on the basis that it just does not stack up to the competition. Take Portland for instance,if you could open the old cement works to the public maybe, other wise unless you are interested to collecting 'fibro' what else is there? Lithgow also is geographically well suited to run festivals being close enough to sydney Glen Davis. For this to happen you would need a partnership with a private operator. At our 'end of the road ' destination Glen Davis struggles on and has very well marked interests for tourists but to substantially increase the present numbers would require a major shift. Maybe a musical fold festival here could work?
The Newnes Hotel Cabins Everything Money Can’t Buy
Newnes, 10 May 2013 Ref.: Draft Tourism Strategy Submission What started with a ‘stock take’ of tourism assets in the LGA initiated by the Tourism Advisory Committee has developed into a very detailed study. I congratulate everyone involved in putting this together. I believe this could become a very useful tool. My only criticism is in the size of the document. I realize that it takes a lot of words to analyse the many different areas Lithgow has to offer and describe their individual aspects but I believe it could have been summarized in a more ‘workable’ fashion.
The first 64 pages of the document are background information which could have been reduced or probably left out all together.
The analysis of tourism (pages 107-295) forms the heart of this document and this is very well put together.
The strategies for tourism development (pages 296 -351) form a useful guide to ‘get things done’
I do hope that these strategies are realized and that LCC and stakeholders do not consider the completion of this document as ‘the job done’. It will need a full time position in LCC and some tourism stakeholders’ forum to put this into actions. It also needs courage and commitment for change to realise the tremendous tourism potential Lithgow still has. LCC’s recent support of open cut mining flies in the face of everything this document wants to foster. Thank you
1
From:Sent: Friday, 10 May 2013 5:16 AMTo: Lithgow City CouncilSubject: Submission on Draft Tourism Strategy
Dear General Manager Please find below my Submission on Draft Tourism Strategy.
The plan is really well written.
It has very strong and commendable recommendations throughout. There is very little that I disagree with.
I think this tourism plan can play a leading roll in turning around peoples opinion of their own area. In some senses it’s the locals that need to change their thinking if Lithgow is going to achieve its potential. The plan sets a great direction for Lithgow.
One of the biggest challenges for Lithgow’s tourism sector is changing the general public’s perception of Lithgow. Many potential visitors see the area an industrial centre/mining town and as a place in decline. The town itself needs a lick of paint, fewer empty shop fronts and a general confidence boost. If this happens then the tourism sector can reach its full potential, but without an attractive city hub the area will always struggle to win the tourism dollar. The plan recognises this in many ways.
As a result I’d love to see even greater focus in the plan on how Lithgow is going to win funding to build the infrastructure it needs. I see a massive need for new campsites and shelter sheds in National Parks and State Forests. How the tourism industry is going to change the attitude of land managers to spend more money looking after facilities in parks and forests could be laid out in more detail perhaps.
The plan could focus more on the great potential that Marrangaroo National Park has to offer. It is already a great camping and fishing destination, but the roads need upgrading, the campsites need facilities and the park itself needs a plan of management.
The idea of cabins at Lake Lyell is a great step forward for Lithgow in terms of keeping visitor numbers up all year round. It would attract more fishermen to the area over winter when the best fishing can be had in the lakes.
It might be worthwhile for Lithgow Tourism to campaigning for the lifting of General Trout Stream Regulations on Cox’s River so that river fishing can take place all year round. The fishing in Lithgow is at its best during winter and it’s a shame that only the lakes can be fished.
Niche markets for Lithgow
There are some areas in the market where Lithgow could build a great niche. I’ve listed a few below that I feel have the potential to become bigger draw cards for the area. Some are listed in the draft plan other are not.
Events
‐ Adventure racing, multisport & challenge events (e.g. MudRun, Tough Mudda, Urban Challenge – these examples attract
10,000 to 25,000 people per event and bring large amounts of money into a town)
‐ Hang‐gliding and paragliding championships (World Championships have previously held in Blackheath ‐1981? Minimal
facilities needed, environmental conditions are suitable in a number of places within the LGA)
‐ Endurance Events (mountain biking, trail running, road cycling tours – these activities can grow quickly if the right
promoter runs the event)
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‐ Pro fishing tournaments/Central Tablelands Trout Festival (the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival is a big drawcard event for
Cooma. Given Lithgows proximity to Sydney it would be a great place to stage a similar event and could draw much bigger
croweds)
‐ Country Music or Heavy Metal Festival (Lithgow would make an amazing music festival town)
‐ 4x4 Festival/4x4 Show
Activities
‐ School Camps & Outdoor Education (Lithgow has great natural resources including lakes and open spaces, plenty of
potential camp sites although facilities need work in many places, short travel time from Sydney, access via public transport
from Sydney, historical places of interest, variety of outdoor activities available in the area. School camps happen regularly
in the area already, but the growth potential is huge)
‐ Adventure Activities (if council and state forest are open to allowing commercial access to cliff sites, canyons, disused
quarries or any area suitable for roping activities such as abseiling, canyoning, rockclimbing, zip lines, etc then it is highly
likely that operators from outside the area would consider using Lithgow as a base rather than the Blue Mountains.
Particularly if the ongoing cost of using the area was lower than on BMCC or NPWS land [currently they both charge $4.40
per person per day]).
‐ Hang‐gliding and paragliding – very popular around Blackheath over summer. Could be a market that would work in
Lithgow particularly the Capertee Valley and Winburndale areas where there are fewer hazards.
‐ Some activities well documented in the plan have potential to grow if good guide books are available. It is hard to find
mountain bike trails or fishing spots if you’re not a local. Good online guide books are essential.
‐ A natural resources guide to the Lithgow area would be a great place to start. It would catter for a range of recreational
activities and highlight the great diversity of the LGA. The guide could details all the parks, reserves, play grounds, sporting
fields, pools, campsites, lakes, rivers, walking tracks, major fire trails, etc. A web based guide would be ideal.
There are some amazing natural resources within (or just outside) the Lithgow LGA that I could not find in the plan that I think need to be listed and rated as valuable locations. These sites should be in the mind of the tourism industry. As a commercial operator I think they are very valuable assets, although primarily to other tour operators who use some of these areas more often than my business does.
‐ Deep Pass camping area (used by commercial tour operators and school outdoor education groups. Short walk of less than
30mins from the car park, toilet, Aboriginal art work, canyon, caves etc. An amazing place)
‐ Twister & Rocky Creek Canyons (very popular with commercial and recreational canyoners. Both are usually visited on the
same trip. 30 mins walk from the car park to either canyon. It’s common for 60 to 150 people to visit over a weekend in
summer)
‐ Wollangambe Creater & Wollangambe River (Beautiful places popular with walkers and canyoners)
‐ Eusdale Nature Reserve (I think it’s just outside the LGA or on the border, but it has a very nice camp site, small water holes
and some amazing animal life – lack of vehicle access is an issue).
Some ideas on how to improve commercial adventure tourism in Lithgow
One of the main reasons commercial operators from Katoomba do not operate in the Lithgow LGA is that request to access land in Lithgow have been turned down by the council in the past. At the current time Lithgow Council does not have a commercial licensing system for tour operators who wish to use the land it manages. Blue Mountains City Council has a very stable licensing system. Nature Based Recreation Licenses are issued by Blue Mountains City Council to a range of operators wishing to use certain BMCC managed land. If Lithgow has a similar system (or any system) that offers formal approval to operators to use council land that council deems appropriate this would make a huge difference to the likelihood of growing the adventure tour market in Lithgow. Operators need formal permission and certainty.
Even if the council only designated one or two sites suitable for roped activities it would make a massive difference to the options for commercial operators and certainly grow Lithgow as a destination in the mind of operators and consumers alike.
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It is worth noting that access to State Forest is also an issue.
On Page 189 of the plan it says “Forests NSW (through their Central West Forest Map) promotes abseiling, rock climbing and
canyoning in the Forest and recommends that participants contact licensed tour operators.”
I was recently advised that State Forest does not permit roping activities such as climbing, abseiling and canyoning in State Forest.
They have not given approval for these activities in Newnes Sate Forest. They only permit access through State Forest into National
Parks for these activities. The difficulties of arranging formal access to State Forest land for commercial tours is another hindrances
to operators wanting to be based in Lithgow as much of the bush close to town falls within state forest. If formal permission was
easier to get then there may be more tours run around Lithgow, by Lithgow base tour companies.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment. Kind Regards
4 Second Street
2785 0
To all stakeholders,
At its meeting of 18 March 2013, Council resolved to place on public exhibition the Draft Tourism Strategy/Destination Management Plan. The Tourism Advisory Committee is now recommending to Council we extend for another 14 days due to the exhibition period being on during Easter break and School holidays
If adopted the Strategy will provide a Strategic Planning Framework, including the vision and directions for coordinating tourism development in the local government area, and the strategies and actions to develop and manage the destination and facilitate growth.
The Draft Strategy is available for viewing at Council’s Administration Building, the Lithgow Visitor Information Centre, the Lithgow Library Learning Centre, Wallerawang Library, Portland Library and the Council website http://www.council.lithgow.com/gen_exhibitions.html
From: To: "Kellie Barrow" <[email protected]> Cc: Subject: Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy / Destination Management Plan on Public Exhibition
Dear General Manager, Please find below the Forestry Corporation of NSW’s written submission to the Draft Lithgow Tourism Strategy / Destination Management Plan. 1. State Forests were corporatised this year. The organisational name for State Forests is now Forestry Corporation of NSW. This name can be shorted to the Forestry Corporation or abbreviated as FCNSW. Can all references to Forests NSW please be changed in the Plan. (pg 50, 55, 186 etc.) 2. Visitors can ‘do more’ in the National Parks in Lithgow that they can in the Blue Mountains National Parks. (pg 10, 163) What is meant by the phrase ‘do more’? Do the National Parks referred to in this sentence also include State Forests around Lithgow? 3. A number of phrases throughout the document are in quotations. For example ‘do more’ (pg 10), ‘reinventing’ (pg 12), and ‘over-shadowed’ (pg 13). What do these quotations mean? 4. Forests NSW’s role in tourism includes28: o Providing opportunities and access for appropriate and responsible nature-based recreation, sport, tourism and training. o Interpretation and information o In-forest camping areas/accommodation and facilities o Maintenance of roads and trails o Commercial tour operator licencing o Visitor education, including the provision of information
o Marketing and promotion o Working with local land-owners, community organisations and other levels of government o Issuing permits for organised recreational and commercial activities (pg 55) Could this section be changed to: Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) ‘Recreation & Tourism (R&T) Policy 2010-2014’ and ‘Tourism Strategy 2012 – 2015’ are the guiding documents for recreation and tourism management in State Forests. FCNSW’s aim is to offer a wide variety of desirable and sustainably managed nature-based and eco-tourism destinations and experiences, where visitors can appreciate and enjoy the forest environment. To develop this vision, FCNSW pursues the following goals: · State forest R&T destinations are popular nature-based tourism destinations with sustainable visitation · State forest R&T destinations are clearly managed within the sustainable forest management framework which governs core business objectives · State forest R&T destinations provide for a diverse range of natural and cultural heritage experiences · State forest R&T destinations are promoted via a recognized and marketable brand · FCNSW works with government and industry in supporting and increasing a market share of tourism for NSW · Commercial R&T operators pursue opportunities for establishment on State forest, and in doing so receive consistent, clear and helpful advice and information · FCNSW practices good stakeholder engagement in its ongoing management and promotion of its R&T destinations · FCNSW educates visitors on forest management and the forest environment 5. The Forests are criss-crossed by a network of forest roads, fire trails and 4WD trails. (pg 143)
Can this be rewritten to: The Forests are criss-crossed by a network of forest roads. 6. Can any references to Bulgleboori picnic area, Mary’s Peak camping area, Sunny Corner Arboretum camping area and Jenolan Camping area please be omitted from the Plan. 7. Can any references to Blackfellows Hands Road be amended to its signposted name Mayiny-gu Marra-gu. 8. ... The Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club hosts the annual Sunny Corner Ride event in the Forest (September). (pg143) Can this be rewritten to: The Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club seek permission to hold an annual event in Sunny Corner State Forest (September). 9. Table 9.3 Special Interests and Activities that can be undertaken in Lithgow LGA – by Precinct (pg 168 – 169) Can this table be reviewed (see attached). There are many inconsistencies that make it confusing to follow. Can the Newnes Plateau be renamed to Newnes State Forest. What is the difference between State Forests, Can also be undertaken in State Forests and Other State Forests? In the Canyoning category for Rural South, Evans Crown has (permit) written after it. Can all of the other activities that require a permit also have this distinction. Permitted activities are listed on our website (www.forestrycorporation.com.au<http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au>) but would also include fishing and hunting licences issued by Fisheries and Game Council Agencies. 10. 9.3.2 Plans of Management (pg 170) Can the Forestry Corporation be identified as another public land manager who create
Plans of Management and thereby set the framework for the use of areas and facilities. 11. Some of the contributing factors to damage in the area the methods use to ‘recover’ vehicles that are stuck and making ‘new tracks’ to by-pass challenging sections. (pg 175) Can this be rewritten to acknowledge that these ‘new tracks’ are unauthorised. 12. Grading the trails – (pg 175 & 176) Can the land manager (in our case the Forestry Corporation) be engaged prior to publishing graded trails or signature 4WD routes. 13. A number of adventure companies offer escorted rides... (pg 177) Can this be rewritten to acknowledge that this activity requires a permit. 14. 9.5.2 State Forests (pg 187) Can the introductory part of this section be reviewed. Activities permitted in State Forests... list and ... suitable areas within the Forests to be used for a range of events including lists are confusing. There are many organised activities that also require a permit – not just events. For example, hunting is highly regulated activity that requires an R-Licence and written permission from the Game Council on behalf of FCNSW. Could this first section be changed to: 9.5.2 State Forests There are 11 State Forests, either wholly or partly, in Lithgow LGA: o Airly
o Ben Bullen o Coricudgy o Falnash o Hampton o Jenolan o Kandos o Newnes o Sunny Corner o Wolgan These Forests account for around 20% of the land area of the LGA. The Forests include a mix of native hardwood and pine plantations. Permits are required in order to undertake some activities in NSW state forests. This includes all organised events and activities (subject to a range of conditions) including: o Motor sports events – eg. Car rallies o Motor cycle events – eg. Enduros and Trails o Mountain biking events o Orienteering, rogaining, canyoning and other mountaineering activities o Horse riding / endurance events o Endurance / adventure racing o Group camping and activities o Fossicking o Commercial tours and programs Activities in State Forests that require additional permits include hunting and fishing. In these instances permission must be obtained from the Game Council and local fishing office.
Other recreational activities participated in State Forests include: o Four wheel driving o Registered trail bike riding o Mountain biking o Bushwalking o Camping o Mushrooming Events that have been held in the State Forests in Lithgow LGA include: o Rally of Lithgow o Australian 4 day Motorcycle Enduro o World Masters Games Orienteering and other State & Club Championships o Series round of both NSW & National Mountain biking Championships All of the Forests in the LGA have 2WD access to the Forest boundaries, with a mix of 2WD and 4WD tracks within the Forests. Hampton is the only State Forest in the Lithgow LGA that has visitor facilities. The ‘Millionth Acre’ picnic area is located on the corner of Jenolan Caves Road and Duckmaloi Road (Oberon Road). The picnic area has potable toilets, picnic facilities and interpretative material. Reformat Table 9.8 State Forests in Lithgow LGA. I look forward to your feedback.
Alex Slattery | Compliance and Environment Forester Forestry Corporation of NSW | Macquarie Region PO Box 143 | Cnr Panorama Ave and Browning Street Bathurst 2795
www.forestrycorporation.com.au
"Submission on Draft Tourism Strategy"
General Manager
Lithgow City Council
Capertee and District Progress Association Inc
Castlereagh highway, Capertee
The Capertee and District Progress Association Inc is a community based group which endeavours to
maintain and improve our local community.
After reading the Draft Tourism Strategy/Destination Management Plan for the Greater Lithgow area
we are pleased with the recommendations for our village and the surrounding areas. The Strategy
has been put together with a lot of good thought and we can only see the whole community
benefiting from it.
Targeting camping and caravans, and aiming towards being a “RV friendly” area are great
steps forward. Cheaper or free areas to camp provide visitors a reason to stay overnight and
will encourage them to spent money in the community.
Portland Showground would be a wonderful place for this to happen, as the Portland
businesses would see a higher influx of visitors to their town.
Capertee already has a large number of people staying overnight in the Clarence Pirie Park
and we would like to see this developed into a larger RV parking area. Council plans to
upgrade the toilet in the future but unfortunately under the Proposed Budget Allocation of
$90,000 not until 2018/19. This needs to happen immediately as this is the first taste of the
Lithgow City area for visitors coming from the north, and the last place from the south. Not
a good look when the toilet is not coping with the current number of visitors.
We applaud the ideas to place signage at Capertee for the Turon and Capertee valley areas.
This is one of the main problems for visitors‐ not knowing what we have to offer.
Ben Bullen railway station has been used for many photo shoots as it is such a lovely little
building. Some signage regarding its history with photo’s etc would be of value to visitors as
on any day there are cars stopping for break and having a look.
All in all a wonderful job, well done!
Regards
Capertee and District Progress Association Inc
