A series of historical tours and new website could address the gap in “heritage tourism” identified in Beechworth.
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Indigo Council’s focus on promoting wine and cycling as the top drawcards for the region had angered some tourism operators, who voiced their opinion at heated public meetings over the past 12 months.
They believed the unique history of Beechworth would separate the town from others in the North East.
The council released its draft heritage strategy 2016-2020 this week, featuring plans to protect and promote the 819 heritage places across the municipality.
It proposed creating a dedicated “Indigo heritage” website and series of tours in conjunction with Heritage Council Victoria, all by June 2018.
Visitors would be provided with news and events within Indigo Shire and links to the Heritage Victoria and National Trust databases.
But the council acknowledged its more traditional visitors may not automatically check for online tourism details, so postcards at information centres, museums, real estate agents and other venues would direct them to the site.
Indigo mayor Jenny O'Connor encouraged residents to let the council know their thoughts.
"Our heritage is such an important part of who and what we are in Indigo Shire," she said.
"The Heritage Advisory Committee plays a vital role for council and the draft strategy they have worked on sets out their goals over the coming years.
"We need feedback from the community – it will help refine the committee's role and how we approach heritage matters in the future.”
One of the short-term plans in the strategy focused on Rutherglen, rather than Beechworth.
A heritage advisor would work with building owners in Main Street, “to explore the potential for a co-ordinated approach to painting and refurbishment of verandahs and shopfronts” as part of the Rutherglen Revitalisation Project.
Limited federal and state funding available for heritage-related activities, and the introduction of rate capping in Victoria, was identified as a challenge to completing the heritage work.
The draft strategy can be downloaded from www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/comment and submissions can be sent to info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au until December 16.
