Kempsey is set to create a “welcoming community” for tourists and locals alike with new signage across the shire.
Kempsey Shire Council adopted a Signage Strategy at the December ordinary meeting which provides direction for tourism, community and service signage.
Director Operations and Planning, Michael Jackson, said the new roadmap for signage outlined in the strategy was a big win for the Shire.
“To date Council’s signs have been managed on an ad hoc basis, causing inconsistencies, duplications and confusion – our new coordinated approach will look better and help more people.”
“This new strategy will increase safety, enhance navigation for visitors, give the community more connection to their shire and acknowledge and celebrate our Aboriginal communities.”
Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Alex Henley, said the new strategy was a big win for the shire’s economy and particularly those in the tourism sector.
“Good signage is about much more than names and distances,” said Ms Henley.
“Council is literally putting the shire on the map with a practical plan to help tourism, business, accessibility and reconciliation.”
The strategy was prepared by specialist consultants Wayfound Pty Ltd in partnership with Council based on comprehensive community engagement and an audit of existing signage.
It identifies a range of short, medium, and long-term actions to
- ensure current and future signage facilitates safe and positive journeys.
- enhance the navigation of visitors and their connection with the Shires’ people and places
- promote the many tourist attractions and services within the Kempsey Shire.
- acknowledge and celebrate traditional owners and aboriginal communities.
The strategy proposes a total of 63 actions with an estimated total cost $1.65 million, scheduled across the short, medium and long term. Council has allocated $50,000 to commence implementation of the strategy.
