Shellharbour City Council is inviting community feedback on a new long-term plan that will help guide the future of tourism and the visitor economy across the city over the next decade.
At its meeting on 25 August, Council endorsed the draft Shellharbour Destination Management Plan 2025-2035 for public exhibition, giving residents, businesses and industry stakeholders the opportunity to have their say before the plan is considered for adoption.
Caption: Council is welcoming feedback on the draft Shellharbour Destination Management Plan currently on public exhibition. Image courtesy of Dee Kramer.
The draft plan outlines a strategic framework for growing a sustainable visitor economy that benefits residents, supports local businesses and jobs, and protects the environmental and community values that make Shellharbour unique.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the draft plan would help ensure Shellharbour was well placed to take advantage of new tourism opportunities while maintaining the lifestyle and natural environment valued by the community.
“Shellharbour is entering an exciting new chapter, with significant investment in tourism, recreation and visitor infrastructure helping to strengthen our local economy and showcase all our city has to offer,” Mayor Chris Homer said.
“This draft plan provides a clear roadmap for how we can grow our visitor economy in a way that supports local jobs and businesses, encourages investment and creates new experiences, while continuing to protect the places that make Shellharbour special.”
“I encourage residents, community groups and local businesses to review the draft plan and tell us what they think.”
The draft plan builds on Shellharbour’s reputation as a distinctive coastal destination, offering a unique blend of natural attractions, vibrant precincts, aviation experiences, marina lifestyle and strong sense of community. It identifies four strategic focus areas:
- Destination positioning and awareness
- Product, experience and industry development
- Events activation and night-time economy
- Visitor services and tourism infrastructure development.
The plan has been informed by tourism research, visitor data analysis and extensive consultation with residents, businesses, tourism operators, community groups and other stakeholders.
More than 590 people contributed to the development of the draft plan through surveys, workshops, meetings and community engagement activities.
The draft Shellharbour Destination Management Plan 2025-2035 will be on public exhibition for 28 days from Wednesday 26 August, with community feedback helping to inform the final version presented to Council for adoption.
Residents can view the draft plan and provide feedback online at Let’s Chat Shellharbour.(Opens in a new window)
KEY MESSAGES:
- The draft Shellharbour Destination Management Plan 2025-2035 provides a clear roadmap to grow the city’s visitor economy while protecting the natural, cultural and community values that make Shellharbour unique.
- The plan focuses on attracting higher-value visitation, encouraging longer stays, supporting local businesses and jobs, and enhancing visitor experiences across Shellharbour.
- Council is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to review the draft plan and provide feedback to help shape the future of tourism in Shellharbour.
