Tourism plays such a vital role in the region’s economic development, the creation of jobs, training and skills cultivation, and reinforcing the diversity and vibrancy of the Peel.
Aligned with Federal and State Government strategies, the Commission’s Blueprint objectives focus positively on growth aspirations, economic contribution and the need for industry and government alignment.
2020 Tourism Industry Potential (2020 Tourism) is Australia’s national tourism strategy that integrates the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy with growth aspirations of the 2020 Tourism aspirational targets for tourism.
2020 Tourism calls on the tourism industry to be more competitive and productive in order for tourism to continue to play a significant and sustainable role in the economy. This requires long-term collaboration between industry and government to increase investment in infrastructure and skills, gain a greater understanding of the characteristics of the tourism consumer, develop products that suit consumer wants, as well as develop a competitive mind set.
The Peel Development Commission, in collaboration with MAPTO, jointly hosted a Tourism Investment Forum earlier in the year. This was a great opportunity for Government and industry representatives to come together to identify our unique opportunities and the actions required to realise Peel’s potential in this industry.
The attendees’ appreciation for the region’s tourism potential as well as understanding the critical piece tourism plays in the region’s overall development and ability to thrive was clearly evident. With enthusiasm and a high level of engagement, they collaborated in groups to identify ways we can work together to unlock the tourism potential of the region in building a Tourism Capital Investment Framework.
We need more jobs in Peel, especially to support our youth employment, and we need economic growth and diversification – tourism growth is key to addressing these issues. As Paddi Creevey, Peel Development Commission Chair put it, “It’s time to take our foot off the hose and create jobs through tourism”. And that means finding ways to work together for the greater benefit of the whole region and all of its communities.
A follow-up forum will soon be hosted for participants to review and finalise the draft framework, prioritise actions and seek regional leadership and commitment from stakeholders for the implementation of the Framework going forward.
The Peel region offers such a diverse range of experiences attracting visitors with unique landscapes, nature-based tourism offerings and an integrated network of regional towns and communities. The region’s biodiversity, with a range of flora and fauna that is found nowhere else in the world, is a great strength and major drawcard. The Yalgorup Lakes National Park in Lake Clifton is home to thrombolites, a living relic from the earliest days of life on Earth. The Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary is a Ramsar listed wetland of international significance. The Serpentine National Park in the north east of the Peel is well known for the Serpentine Falls which cascade over a sheer granite rock face.
Mandurah’s waterways and ocean play host to an array of marine life including dolphins, blue manna crabs, fish and bird life. The region also has an excellent network of trails from which to experience the biodiversity and natural landscape, including the Munda Biddi off-road cycle trail and the Bibbulman Track walk trails culminating in Dwellingup with exciting plans for the Visitor Centre – “Where trails meet”.
Peel is also the premier equine region with great potential to significantly impact the region both socially and economically. The Peel Equine Strategy identifies investment opportunities and strategic initiatives to deliver a sustainable future for this industry in the Peel region. The Peel Development Commission continues to work with Local Government and MAPTO to identify and promote equestrian tourism opportunities and events.
In order to capitalise on the unique natural landscape and existing tourism adventures, our Blueprint supports Tourism WA’s pillars for growth through focusing on the development of built and workforce infrastructure and establishing connections of experiences to attract and extend visitor stays.
This theme identifies two key areas of focus for the region that together will provide the diversification that is required to grow the Peel tourism related economy and create new jobs. Against each focus area we identify potential investment outcomes we are seeking, the strategies we are planning to implement to deliver the outcomes and the aspirational targets against which we will measure our success. We also showcase proposed projects that will assist with the transformation of the Peel into a progressive, prosperous and dynamic region with a culture of care.
This article was first published in the Peel Magazine, Spring/Summer 2018 – vol 4.2 – to read and download the full magazine, click here.