At its monthly general meeting last Wednesday, November 22 Moira Shire Council approved the recommendation that it continue to fund YMTB for a total of $203,000 for 2023/2024 to manage the Visitor Information Centre ($60,000) and two key events, the EC Griffith Cup and Lake Mulwala Rod Run ($143,000).
In February this year, YMTB board and staff were blindsided and left to fight for their survival after Moira Shire Council informed them, they would not be renewing their contract to support the visitor service centre beyond June 30, 2023. The previous 2019 agreement was signed with a “no option to renew” after the 3-years.
A few weeks later the council was sacked, administrators were put in place, and positive negotiations then started looking for a better outcome for YMTB.
The new funding will facilitate ongoing collaboration and allow for the constant refinement of the agreement, ensuring YMTB maintains transparency in the allocation of public funds contributed by council.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator John Tanner AM said the decision reflects council’s commitment to sustaining and enhancing tourism in Yarrawonga and Mulwala.
“By continuing our collaboration with YMTB, we strategically invest in key initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy and appeal of our region,” Mr Tanner said.
“While acknowledging YMTB’s commendable event management and community support, the council envisions increased collaboration to enhance efficiency and scalability.
“The agreement outlines clear accountabilities and responsibilities, focusing on visitor service operations and event management.
“Our aim is to work closely with YMTB to ensure that our tourism endeavours are united. This collaboration is about amplifying the impact of our collective efforts for the benefit of our community and visitors alike.
“We see this agreement as a strategic partnership to elevate Yarrawonga Mulwala as a premier tourist destination.”
This decision underscores council’s commitment to promoting year-round tourism and supporting local businesses. The funding agreement aims to ensure Yarrawonga and Mulwala reaches its full potential as a renowned tourism destination, emphasising the pivotal role events play in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
YMTB Executive Officer Noel Wright said the funding was a pleasing outcome.
“To receive a commitment for $203,000 from Moira Shire Council for the financial year of 2024, particularly when considering our starting point in February is pleasing,” Mr Wright said.
“The contribution from council safeguards our two major events – Lake Mulwala Rod Run and the EC Griffith Cup and Yarrawonga Fair, incorporating Matt Hall, the Redbull Air Race World Champion.”
Mr Wright said the council’s continuing support allows YMTB to pursue a long-term solution for addressing visitor servicing.
“The solution will be the Yarrawonga Mulwala Inspiration Centre. The inspiration centre will tell the story of people and their connection to water over the past 40 millennia,” he said.
“First people’s history/colonial history, a story of relevance and a story with worth to our area told utilising digital technology, should make the Inspiration Centre an attraction in its own right.”
The funding agreement is for one year after the agreed key performance indicators (KPIs) are satisfactorily met and all acquittals are received. This ensures the agreement can be reviewed and continuously improved and maintains transparency of public funds.
This aligns with the outcomes of the Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) 2022 audit on Fraud Control over local government grants.
Council will collaborate closely with YMTB throughout the one-year agreement and will have oversight over visitor service operations in accordance with agreed KPIs.
The proposed agreement requires an additional $33,000 to the existing budget allocations. This will be captured as part of the Quarter 2 Forecast Review. 6.
At last week’s meeting, Moira Shire Council Administrator Graeme Emonson said that the agreement is an extension of the partnership between Moira Shire Council and Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business.
“Tourism is a really significant contributor to the overall economy of our shire. And that is no more important than in the Yarrawonga Mulwala community,” Mr Emonson said.
“It not only is a very significant economic contributor, but it’s also a very significant contributor to the vibrancy of our respective communities.
“I commend our staff for the work they’ve done to work with Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business to ensure that we’ve got a very clear set of key performance indicators, which this agreement will be monitored against to ensure that the council’s funds are used in the way that we expect them to be, and importantly that they’ll optimise the contribution to the Yarrawonga Mulwala community and the broader shire’s economy.
“So, in that context, very happy to be supporting this motion.” The motion was seconded by Moira Shire Council Administrator Suzanna Sheed.
YMTB will hold its annual general meeting today, Wednesday, November 29, at 5pm.
