WODONGA has no unique tourist attractions and attracts less than a third the visitors Albury enjoys.
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That’s the $20,000 message from Lightfoot Marketing, tabled at this week’s council meeting.
The company was hired to help develop the city’s destination marketing plan.
Lightfoot highlighted Wodonga’s need for more accommodation styles, restaurants and shops.
But the council’s community relations manager Sue Beattie said those concerns were in hand.
“Wodonga does have unique product, such as Bonegilla and Bandiana Army Museum, but they need further development,” Ms Beattie said.
“They are areas where the council needs to focus its efforts.
“Wodonga also has significant sporting and medical visitation.
“And the council will seek to attract events like those recently held at Gateway Village, such as The Wiggles and Cold Chisel, which had a major positive impact for the tourism sector.”
Mrs Beattie said the plan backed the push for a major hotel.
“The reference for private investment to develop accommodation refers to railway land which the council views as prime for accommodation options, and which Tourism Vic has supported,” she said.
Mrs Beattie says the consultants did not address the long-term future of the Gateway Village information centre.
“The consultants and staff have done some preliminary work on Wod- onga VIC,” she said.
“Councillors have asked for more work to be done, including whether a location in central Wodonga would better serve visitor and community needs.
“In saying this, the council is also aware of the importance of the centre to the Gateway precinct.
“A report will be presented to councillors.
The marketing plan is available for viewing at Belgrade, Baranduda and Felltimber community centres, the Wodonga Library, the council offices, the Wodonga VIC at Gateway Village, Bonegilla Migrant Experience and at wodonga.vic.gov.au.
The deadline for feedback is early January.
