Visitor Info Centre could move by mid year
Merimbula Visitor Information Centre (MVIC) could move to a new location on the corner of Park Street, close to the intersection, by mid year, Merimbula Tourism manager Chris Nicholls has said.
The premises have been offered by developer Robert Green for a peppercorn rent and the MVIC has applied for grants to help with the move.
"We have applied to the federal Building Better Regions Fund and also to Destination NSW for funding and have been told a decision is imminent," Mr Nicholls said.
In the meantime planning is underway to modify the interior of the building and plans will be submitted to council.
The MVIC has received a promise of $25,000 to assist with the move from council and $25,000 matching funding from member for Bega Andrew Constance.
At the council meeting of Wednesday, February 20, it was agreed to maintain the status quo as far as fees were concerned for the three Visitor Information Centres at Bermagui, Eden and Merimbula.
The licences expired on June 30, 2017 and have since been on a holding over basis.
Council is proposing further investigations into a new tourism related Special Rate Variation (SRV) or a Tourism Levy and it was considered appropriate to maintain the status quo with each of the three VIC licensees until June 30, 2020.
Large increases had been proposed in 2017 but there was a backlash as the VICs do not generate large funds and rely heavily on grant funding and volunteer labour.