Recreation and Tourism

A New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative

Otways Tourism Initiative - 19 Projects | Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland | Media Releases | Contact Us

Otways Tourism Initiative - 19 Projects The Otways is a place of great beauty and inspiration. From majestic forests and waterfalls to productive farmland and thriving country towns, the region forms a precious piece of Victoria. As part of an overall $14 million commitment to ‘A New Future for the Otways’, the Victorian Government has provided $7 million over three years to support the region in making the most of its tourism potential and in developing new job opportunities. This funding will be spend over 19 different projects - the following is a brief update on a handful of these projects currently underway: OTI Project Update July 2006 (PDF - 794 Kb) The 19 Otways Tourism Initiative projects can be divided into the following four categories: Walking Tracks and Waterfalls 2WD and Pedal Power Economic and Tourism Development Visitor Services, Marketing and Signage The tourism initiative forms part of the State Government's Forests and National Parks Policy Statement released in 2002 which aims to guide the development of the Otways region as it moves away from an economic reliance on the timber industry. The implementation of the initiative has been guided by the Tourism Plan for Public land in the Otway Hinterland. The plan has been prepared to stimulate and coordinate the sustainable development and marketing of tourism on public land in the Otway Hinterland. By 2008 when logging is phased out of the Otways, nineteen projects will be completed to strengthen tourism in the Otways Hinterland and to provide economic growth and jobs for local townships. Brochure This brochure summarises the strategies and implementation of the New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative. New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative (PDF - 1.2 Mb) Fact Sheet Open the Fact Sheet for a brief outline along with a great map showing many of the projects that will be happening as part of the New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative. Initiative Fact Sheet (PDF - 801 Kb) Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland The Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland sets out the strategies to stimulate and coordinate the sustainable development and marketing of tourism in the Otway Hinterland. While focussed on public land, the plan looks at linkages with regional communities and private developments such as the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. Tourism Plan for public land in the Otway Hinterland (PDF - 2.3 Mb) Otways Tourism Initiative Media Releases In April 2006, the new $2 million system of world-class walking tracks and viewing platforms at Triplet Falls was unveiled to public. Media Release - Triplet Falls media release (PDF - 26 Kb) The new Great Otway National Park was officially opened on 11th December 2005. See the Parks and Reserves site for more information. Funding has been granted to seven Committees of Management in the Otways. Media Release - 7 Resaons to Celebrate (PDF - 68 Kb) Announcement of A New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative, 2nd January, 2004. Media release - $7M and 19 projects for Otways tourism (PDF - 29 Kb) Project Updates OTI Project Update July 2006 (PDF - 794 Kb) OTI Project Update Feb 2006 (PDF - 565 Kb) OTI Project Update Nov 2005 (PDF - 854 Kb) Project Update June 2005 (PDF - 259 Kb)

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or email: tourism.otways@dse.vic.gov.au