Tourism operator Norm Ingersole on his own initiative on a recent trip down to South Australia checked out more than 20 visitor information centres along the way, from Federation Square in Melbourne to smaller centres along the Murray River.

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While some were run by volunteers, they all had some form of council involvement and support, he said.

He also noted that all the centres in towns with tourism activities that could be booked, actually took bookings.

“These tourism information centres are too important to be left to some private operator without any oversight from council,” he said.

“People stop in at these centres and decide to make a booking for a whale watching or fishing trip on impulse, and staying the night adds significant dollars to the economy.”

Mr Ingersole’s observations on each centre he visited will be published on the Narooma News website.

Local author and historian Laurelle Pacey also remained concerned about council’s plans and spoke at the recent council meeting where the decision was made to seek expressions of interest.

She questioned whether there had been adequate community consultation and also the future of the historical lighthouse display on loan from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, valued at possibly $4 million.

“I remind you of the Tourism Advisory Committee’s request that any option to replace the current model must be a robust alternative that supports the tourism industry,” she told councillors.

“I urge free and open discussions with stakeholders, rigorous economic analysis of current operations, especially visitor information centres.”

Also attending last week’s council meeting were fellow Narooma locals Lesley Heffernan and Breda Ryan-Faurschou, who organised a petition demanding council maintained the current level of service that was signed by more 2000.

Ms Ryan-Faurschou like Mr Ingersole had also conducted her own research visiting information centres around Australia.

“Breda and I had discussions with councillor Liz Innes prior to the council meeting, and we asked for our petitions to be tabled as is – that is totally against the proposal - but we have no objections at this stage to the expressions of interest,” Mrs Heffernan said.

Visitor information information - compiled by Norm Ingersole:

Narrandera  NSW   Volunteer. Had to wait for somebody to arrive.  No bookings (nothing to book )  15-20% shops vacant on main street.

Hay                NSW  1 Staff 1 Volunteer  No bookings nothing to book

Mildura       VIC Council run and council staffed. Booking office for tourist attractions and accommodation.  Were shocked when I explained the reason for my questions.

Renmark     SA    Council run council staff  Bookings for tourist attractions and accommodation

Berri            SA     Same as Renmark  Did have 1 private VIC in their area but was a very small town where woman ran it from her own shop under the control of council.

Pinnaroo     SA   Volunteer operated but only 10am through 1:00pm daily 50% shops vacant.

Murray Bridge SA  Spoke to Sue who is one of 5 on the SA tourism board. 5 Vics under her control 1 has just been privatised but is receiving funding from council for first 5 years. Not sure what will happen after the 5 year period but had a feeling it will probably return to council control. Bookings for tourist attractions and accommodation. Are currently meeting on tourism board level re bookeasy to get what they want rather than what bookeasy says you get.

Port Adelaidde  SA      Staffed by volunteers with at least one paid council employee on site supervising.  Did not do bookings however looked up motels for me gave me a motel to stay at pricing and room availability, by the time I had left and tried to book when I returned to my vehicle parked outside the centre there was only one room left. Nearly missed getting my accommodation.

Adelaide          SA    Rundle Mall staffed by volunteers but it was hard to find and very small. Was controlled by council and staff from the other much larger Vic in Adelaide. Six people plus two volunteer staff and the shop was full.

Victor Harbour  SA      Council run council staffed bookings taken for tourist attractions and accommodation.

Port Elliott      SA    Council run council staffed  No Bookings

Goolwa           SA     Council run staffed combination council staff and volunteers.  Bookings for tourist attractions and accommodation

Meninge        SA Closed.

Mt Gambier   SA   Council run staffed by both council staff and volunteers. Did bookings for tourist attractions and accommodation

Port McDonnell   SA     Council run and council staffed

Port Fairy     Vic      Council staffed and council run

Warrnambool   Vic Council staffed and council run     Bookings for tourist attractions and accommodation.

Lorne            Vic    Council staffed with some volunteers but council run, bookings for tourist attractions and accommodation.

Melbourne   Vic   Federation Square Council run council staffed with a ratio of 2 volunteers to 1

council employee daily. * council staff do an full day shift with 16 volunteers doing a 4 hour shift. Has a booking office on site.

Sale       Vic          Privately run  By tender and are paid by council.