More than 60 people have attended public forums on the development of a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the City of Hobson’s Bay, a popular bayside destination in Melbourne. Called ‘From the Bridge to the Beach’, the forums were held in October. They were organised by the Williamstown, Newport and Spotswood Residents’ Association and funded by City West Water.
Hobsons Bay has views of Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay and a popular swimming beach. It is also home to Melbourne’s famous Westgate Bridge, Scienceworks Museum and an historic military fort at Point Gellibrand.
Residents’ Association spokeswoman, Jenni Mitchell, said the public forums were a step forward in the creation of a sustainable local tourism strategy.
“A very positive atmosphere was created for Council, residential and business communities to work in partnership,” she said.
According to the World Tourism Organisation, sustainable tourism “meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future … leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems”.
Key issues raised at the forums included infrastructure issues, such as traffic and parking; protecting the cultural heritage of historic houses and cottages; preserving the natural environments of Newport Lakes, Williamstown wetlands, the beach and the bay; the value of economic activity and jobs in the tourism industry; and the need for a balanced approach to protect residents’ lifestyles and ensure viability for businesses.
Council and Tourism Victoria have allocated funding for further research by the Williamstown, Newport and Spotswood Residents’ Association.
For further information contact Jenni Mitchell, email jbmitch@vicnet.net.au or telephone (03) 9397 7153.
