Tourism President Calls It Quits

2012-13 President’s Report

This past year as SBTA President has been extremely challenging. When I accepted the role of President in 2011, the organisation struggled – as it had done for a number of years – to form a committee. As the industry is made up of small businesses with many employed in their businesses, members are time-poor and reluctant to volunteer.

However, with the proposed transfer of marketing responsibilities from Fraser Coast South Burnett RTO to Toowoomba Golden West RTO, I felt it was imperative that our local tourism group remain active. I accepted the role of President and Board member to represent the South Burnett during these negotiations and advocate for the region.

At the AGM in March 2012, I was feeling confident that the reactive management style forced upon us by RTO staff changes and mergers was behind us and that the association could move forward.

Unfortunately, I did not find this to be the case.

The change of government and staff within Tourism Queensland appeared to slow any communication to operators; our RTO was two months late in delivering a prospectus; and our joint partnership agreement with the RTO (current to 2014) was declared null and void without any consultation or compensation.

The RTO also changed to a partnership rather than membership model.

Locally, attendance at meetings declined and after numerous attempts to seek input, I am no closer to understanding what the members are looking for the association to deliver.

These issues have stalled any momentum we gained as a group in the previous year.

On a positive note, the SBTA and the SBRC engaged in a joint marketing campaign for the first time, which appeared in the winter and spring editions of High Life magazine, targeting the Toowoomba and Darling Downs area.

Eight operators participated in the campaign, which offered subsidised formatted panels as part of a double page South Burnett spread. I believe this to be an important market for us to nurture.

I was successful in seeking compensation from Southern Queensland Country RTO for the SBTA regarding their termination of our partnership agreement. This resulted in an ex gratia payment of $3500, which was a good outcome for our region.

Regardless of the past year and strained relationships, I do believe that the marketing of the South Burnett is a better fit, and we can deliver better outcomes, under the Southern Queensland Country banner.

The South Burnett is the most untapped and undersold destination in Queensland. It is still as beautiful and inviting as when we all decided to enter into business and ply our goods and services to those who visit this great region.

However, I feel that the area has gone backwards in the last few years. We are all tired, the economy is slow and the recent rain events devastating, but the region and our businesses are still open for business and we need to all work together, cross promote and if things aren’t going to plan be prepared to make some changes to meet the current market.

We are not unique – this situation is Australia-wide and the communities that survive are those that stay positive, work together and look forward.

I will not be standing for the management committee this year.

When I accepted the role two years ago I did so to ensure that the South Burnett received the best outcome during the merger transitions. With that process now complete, I feel it is time for someone else to take the reins. I am forever grateful to the rest of the executive team for stepping forward and assisting me throughout the past two years. You have all contributed in different ways and I thank you.