Big boost for tourism

Bogan Shire Council is funding new tourist attractions, upgrading current attractions and highlighting what else the shire has to offer. 

Shire Mayor Ray Donald said tourism was a great supplement to any town. 

“You never know how many people will be coming through,” he said. 

“To stop you need a friendly town, people and businesses and we have all of those.” 

The aim of tourism is to get people into town to “Stop ‘n’ Shop”, Cr Donald said. 

Although the shire is gearing up for the highly-publicised Big Bogan, which is due to start construction over the coming months, this is just part of the plan. 

Cr Donald said the shire was planning to construct two information bays on either side of town. 

“We’re going to build two information bays on either side of town where tourists can read about the amenities and where the parks and gardens are,” he said. 

In a recent mayoral column Cr Donald reported construction would soon begin on these bays. 

“Tourism features in the (council) budget. This year it is used on the information bays,” he said. 

At last month’s meeting council resolved to price an old steam train to place on the railway turning circle in town. 

“We are making enquiries about a steam train, we’re finding out about the costs,” Cr Donald said. 

“We’re also getting a Liberty Swing (for children in wheelchairs) at O’Reilly Park. Get the softfall park, disabled toilet and carpark which is pretty exciting.”

Cr Donald also listed the Solar Plant, Tritton Copper Mine, Rotary Park, Bogan River and the Cobb and Coach Wool Wagon as some of the many tourist attractions and events such as the Anzac Day Races, Duck Creek, Ag Expo and show which draw people into town. 

The experienced mayor believes it’s important to get the basics right for tourists. 

“We need clear accessible toilets which I believe we have,” he said. 

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