Wagner confirms tourism meetings
New details in letter to members
TOURISM Darling Downs chairman John Wagner has revealed more details about a potential shake-up in the industry, while also confirming discussions about a new entity.
Mr Wagner, who formed the privately-run organisation more than 18 months ago to push for better tourism results in the Darling Downs, released a letter yesterday to members in response to growing speculation about a merger or new body.
In the letter, he said TDD had been in discussions with the government-funded Southern Queensland Country Tourism, the State Government and various local councils about the matter.
“Some time ago, as a result of the formation of Tourism Darling Downs, I was approached by the State Government to discuss the future of tourism in our region,” he wrote.
“The State Government felt that TDD was having a significant impact. It was my suggestion that having two tourism bodies was counter-productive, but I was not prepared to compromise unless there was a wholesale change in the way tourism was being handled in our region.
“We have been in discussions with Southern Queensland Country Tourism, the State Government and local councils and those discussions are ongoing as to how a new entity would look, who would run it and how a new board would operate.
“We need to have a wellfunded and highly focused and strategic plan for tourism. We will ensure that our members are well looked after and supported going forward.”
Mr Wagner also confirmed CEO Ruth Wetmore had left the organisation, thanking her for her service during the body’s initial months.
“Ruth has done an outstanding job in getting TDD off the ground and laying the foundations for the future of tourism in our region,” he wrote.
Ms Wetmore revealed her departure to The Chronicle last week. Mr Wagner will act as CEO in the interim.
The letter also pointed to the involvement of the councils in discussions.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said he wanted to see a new entity create more opportunities for the wider region.
“There is a lot of discussion around having one strong RTO (regional tourism organisation),” he said.