Quenscliff could cut ties with Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine

Queenscliff council could cut ties with the region’s peak tourism body as leaders look for ways to save money.

The Borough of Queenscliffe is considering leaving Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine. Picture: Alison Wynd

Queenscliff council could cut ties with the region’s peak tourism body as leaders look for ways to save money.

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine’s former long-term boss, Roger Grant, labelled the potential move as “disastrous”.

In the 2024-25 financial year, the Borough of Queenscliffe contributed $27,714.50to the tourism body.

A council spokeswoman confirmed the municipality was considering withdrawing its membership from Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine as it looks to find savings in its budget.

“Like other local government bodies in the region, council is looking for options to make savings in our budget,” the spokeswoman said.

“In this regard, council is reviewing a number of partnerships, including the Tourism Geelong and Greater Bellarine Memorandum of Understanding.

The Borough of Queenscliffe's new council is Isabelle Tolhurst, Donnie Grigau, Brendan Monahan, Hélène Cameron and Di Rule. Picture: Supplied.

“No formal decisions have been made at this time.”

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine is aware Queenscliff could cut ties, with the MOU expiring in June.

The organisation’s region spans Werribee to Barwon Heads, incorporating Bannockburn, Geelong, Portarlington and Queenscliff.

Mr Grant, who led the organisation for 26 years, wrote in a post on a community Facebook page that “such a move would be disastrous for both operators and residents as the consequences would be significant”.

“Namely severing funding and promotional opportunities from Tourism Australia and (the) state government for events and infrastructure,” Mr Grant said.

Former Geelong and Bellarine Tourism head Roger Grant. Picture: Mark Wilson

“Distribution of brochures and information via accredited nformation centres would cease as would the digital profile of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale and all member operators would be blocked from the connected National State and Regional tourism websites.

“Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and operators would not be included in any regional marketing activities.”

Mr Grant said other councils committed more money to the organisation, making it beneficial for the borough to be a member.

“It just doesn’t make financial sense for the Borough to try and support the visitor economy in isolation of the National, State and Regional wide tourism industry structure.

“Remember visitors support local businesses and events that are enjoyed by locals.

“Many of these events and businesses wouldn’t survive on local trade alone.

“Tourism is everybody’s business in the Borough.

Mr Grant pleaded with residents “don’t allow this ‘go it alone’ approach by the Borough to progress.”

“The visitor economy is too important to be compromised by Councillors,” he said.

“Let Councillors know that the Borough must support for the visitor economy by remaining a member of Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine and sign the MOU confirming this.

“The time to act is now before the damage is done.”

Originally published as Quenscliff could cut ties with Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine