Eurobodalla Shire Council sees better ways to protect Barunguba Montague Island than reducing visitor numbers.
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Last September, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) released its Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve draft plan of management (plan) that proposed reducing visitor numbers.
"Changes are required to better protect the island's values and infrastructure and to reinforce a safe, remote and uncrowded visitor experience," NPWS said.
Council agrees - tourism is a key driver of the shire's economy.
In its submission to the plan Council said it saw great potential for nature-based tourism and views Barunguba as pivotal to Eurobodalla's tourism appeal.
Education to change behaviour
From speaking with tour operators Council understands that some of NPWS' concerns stem from long wait times for visitors and a lack of understanding of the environment.
Rather than reduce visitor numbers, educate visitors, particularly those from cities, about the uniqueness, value and fragility of Barunguba's environment and the natural environment more broadly.
"We see visitor environmental education as a great opportunity," Council said.
Understanding key to meeting expectations
Council recommended surveying visitors to understand why they visit Barunguba and anything spoiling their enjoyment.
It would also be valuable knowing how much people will pay to visit.
Council understands there can be long waits to get off the boat when arriving and to visit the lighthouse.
On the rare times visitor numbers are at full capacity, the sense of remoteness is also lost.
Council suggested introducing downloadable apps providing people with information prior to departure to read while at wait points, citizen science initiatives and different pricing packages as ways to provide more enjoyable visits.
Greater choice of tours
Currently only NPWS staff and volunteers conduct tours.
Council supports the plan's proposal that Aboriginal people have greater involvement in Barunguba's management and tour activities.
Council suggested that existing tour operators also become involved in activities on the island to provide a broader range of tours.
Additionally, give them incentives to regularly improve their offering to enhance the visitor experience and better preserve Barunguba's environment, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Viable, competitive
Council is concerned that reduced visitor numbers would threaten the viability of the current three operators that take visitors to Barunguba.
They have helped build its profile but their income is highly seasonal and weather-dependent.
Fewer operators would make it harder for visitors to reach the island to gain an appreciation of its value.
Council asked if visits to the island are cancelled due to bad weather, could operators make up their trip quota over a given week or month.
More broadly, Council wants more consultation with operators about the proposed reduced visitor numbers and transparent communication from NPWS on its response to submissions.
