“I believe Federation Council has come a long way since the merger (Corowa and Urana Shires in May 2016) but one thing we haven’t had enough time to do is to put more effort into tourism,” Deputy Mayor Shaun Whitechurch told fellow councillors.
“We have a lot to offer a Melbourne-based shire – throughout our whole Federation Council area – that people don’t get to see. There can be economic as well as tourism benefits for our shire.”
Cr Whitechurch cited examples of Urana, the Shearing of the Rams and the Federation story as just some of the many interesting subjects which can be learned by city people, especially the school students.
“We should encourage school groups to come up here regularly and our kids can go down to the city,” he said. “We have lakes and rivers, Melbourne has plenty, we both have museums and sports.
“The sister relationship can expose our entire Federation Council area and open up economic opportunities.”
The deputy mayor believes Melbourne, rather than Sydney, is better placed to attract tourism, business, employment and other opportunities, due to proximity.
Mayor Pat Bourke described his deputy mayor’s move as “an excellent idea”. “It’s about exposure. It is relationships that grow business.”
Cr David Longley, who seconded the motion which was carried unanimously, praised the initiative of Cr Whitechurch in presenting the motion. “It might pick up some new businesses. It’s a great idea,” Cr Longley said.
Cr Andrew Kennedy also described the idea as “great”. “We should encourage people to come to the country. There’s so much to see from Lake Muwala through to the northern areas of our shire,” he said.