At its monthly general meeting in December 2024, council approved the recommendation that it continue to fund YMTB for a total of $720,000 with an annual contribution of $240,000, which is an increase of over 9% from previous years, to boost tourism and events in Yarrawonga Mulwala.
The funding boost will provide certainty for YMTB in planning future events and supporting the Yarrawonga Visitor Information Centre, as well as facilitating ongoing collaboration and enabling the coordination and attraction of new events and activities.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business Executive Officer Noel Wright said the funding was a pleasing outcome.
“The funding ensures we continue operations for the next three years and fund events like the Lake Mulwala Rod Run, Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular & Fair and the Tennis Seniors Victorian MT700 Grass Court Championships for the duration of the agreement,” Mr Wright said.
“The three-year commitment from Moira Shire, coupled with their focus on events and event growth, has provided the tourism team with the confidence and the resources to source and secure new events as well.
“We may need additional funds to pay large event host fees, but the current relationship with Moira hierarchy has certainly provided the catalyst to explore new event opportunities.
“We have introduced a bowls tournament in 2024 with a large prize pool attracting some of Australia’s best bowlers.
“We expect this tournament will continue to attract larger participant numbers and be a mainstay event on the calendar.
“For 2025 we are in discussions to introduce an annual aviation event scheduled for September 13-14.
“The event is centred around Seaplanes, formation flying, landing on Lake Mulwala, driving up the Bank Street boat ramp for public display.
“In addition, we will host a full-blown festival consistent with the powerboats along the Yarrawonga Foreshore – it should be fantastic.”
Over the last decade, council has provided a level of grant funding to YMTB, along with Federation Council and other parties to assist with the costs associated with delivering visitor services and major events.
According to the December 11 Moira Shire Council agenda, as it stands, if council did not provide funding to the extent that it currently does, there would be a significant risk that visitor services in Yarrawonga would need to be scaled back and that some of the large visitor attracting events would not be able to be run in the current format.
The new long-term funding agreement, coupled with YMTB's strategic plan, provides greater stability than the previous one-year arrangement. This allows YMTB to focus on coordinating existing events and attracting new ones to the district, building on successful initiatives like the introduction of entry fees for the Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular.
The new funding arrangement also enables YMTB to continue to operate and manage the Visitor Information Centre in Yarrawonga including the provision of contemporary visitor information services; develop and undertake an annual tourism marketing plan and associated activities for the local region as well as plan and deliver major annual events.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSA said that tourism provides substantial local jobs and other community benefits, and this funding is a critical step forward for tourism in Yarrawonga Mulwala.
“This is a really important step forward. The services provided through the Visitor Information Centre and through coordinating major events are critical,” Dr Emonson said.
“We have in recent years entered into single year funding agreements but everyone acknowledges tourism is a significant economic driver in the Yarrawonga Mulwala area so it is important we are investing in appropriate levels of support.
“This new agreement will provide certainty to help boost local tourism activities and event attraction.
“The work the YMTB does is really critical work. I’m pleased we have been able to reach this agreement and see the outcomes delivered by YMTB over the next three years.”
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