Bombala Council Economic Development Officer, Karen Cash explains that Bombala has been identified as a gateway area within the Coastal Wilderness National Landscape Plan, and as such will greatly benefit from a lifted profile.

Within the draft plan, the Platypus Reserve has been highlighted as a priority project, while the South East Forest is also given focus.

Committee chair and East Gippsland Shire Council tourism coordinator, Phil Rickards said that the release of the draft marks an important step in the positioning of Australia’s Coastal Wilderness as an iconic destination.

“Currently there are only nine national landscapes including Kakadu, the Red Centre, Greater Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road, the Australian Alps, and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness,” he said.

“By releasing its draft master plan for public comment it is demonstrating that Australia’s Coastal Wilderness it is one of the leaders in this august group and has the potential to bring many benefits to the region.”

Australia’s Coastal Wilderness comprises more than 300 kilometres of pristine wilderness coastline, national parks, state forests and freehold land that stretches from Lake Tyers, Cape Conran and Croajingolong National Park in East Gippsland to Nadgee Nature Reserve and Ben Boyd and Mimosa Rocks National Parks on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, and through the NSW South East Forests towards Bombala.

“This is a rare and relatively untouched region, yet its proximity to the Sydney Melbourne coastal drive and important tourism gateway towns such as Lakes Entrance, Merimbula, Eden and Bombala makes it very accessible to high yield international and domestic tourists,” Mr Rickards said.

“The plan sets out the three primary goals of building a truly unique destination image, creating iconic experiences and delivering on the promise.”

The draft plan is available through the Bombala Visitor Information Centre, Bombala Council Chambers and the Delegate Progress Association offices, and Mrs Cash is available to discuss the plan with interested people who would like to organise a meeting through calling

6458 3555.

Already the Delegate Progress Association has discussed the plan with Mrs Cash, and she will continue meeting with local tourism operators over the next few days to outline how the area can best utilise this wonderful opportunity.