Sapphire Coast Tourism Board

April 24, 2008: Nominations are being sought for the new Sapphire Coast Tourism Board.

The Bega Valley Shire Council is calling for applications from people with skills and experience in a range of business, management and tourism-related areas to oversee the new company’s marketing and promotional activities as well as co-ordinate Visitor Information Centres and the accommodation booking service.

Board members of the not-for-profit company will be required to attend regular meetings and will be responsible for the financial management of up to $200,000 in Council funds, as well as additional funds from memberships and associated tourism sales.

There will be seven to nine members of the first Board who will be appointed by Council and operate under an initial constitution developed by Council’s solicitors. Half of those appointments will be for one year and the other half for two years.

Council will have one representative on the Board who will provide liaison with Council and the board will be chaired by a member that has no direct local tourism or Council affiliation.

Council’s group manager of Customer Service and Community Development, Leanne Barnes, said the establishment of the Board was part of the move away from a Council funded and managed tourism marketing model to one that was more industry-based.

"While the Board and its associated company are being established and initially funded by Council, the relationship will be an arm’s length one with both the Board and company ultimately being fully independent," she said.

Ms Barnes said there was a common misconception that Council had completely withdrawn its support to the tourism industry.

"Council has continued to provide direct cash support to Visitor Information Centres and for shire-wide tourism activities through a series of funding agreements with local chambers of commerce, the Bega Cheese Co-operative and the Bega Valley Shire Business Forum," she said.

"While expenditure in recent years has not been to the levels of 200-04, direct funding in 2007-08 was in the order of $270,000 and amount of $200,000 is identified in the draft budget for 2008-09.

"Council funding for 2008-09 to the Board will be subject to a separate management agreement that will set out the specific conditions and requirements for the expenditure of public funds."

Ms Barnes said nominees would need to demonstrate a high level of experience in local tourism activities and-or related fields such as marketing, management, information technology, research, financial management and strategic planning.

Nominations close on Friday, May 16, 2008, and the board is expected to operate from July 1, 2008.

Nomination forms and an information pack are available on Council’s website at www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au or by phoning the Adrian Weedon on 6499 2379 or emailing aweedon@begavalley.nsw.gov.au