Consultation has concluded.

Future of Omeo Visitor Economy

Omeo has a proud history and an exciting future and now is your chance to be part of it.

Council invites you to read over two key reports that together with community consultation will help to guide Omeo’s visitor economy and strengthen its local identity.

• Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report – This report sets out strategies to grow tourism by leveraging Omeo’s strengths in heritage, natural landscapes, and outdoor recreation. It identifies opportunities for new accommodation, infrastructure, and partnerships to better support visitors and businesses.
• Omeo and Region Prospectus - This report outlines why now is the time to invest in the Omeo region and showcases the promising opportunities across accommodation, services, and experiences for investors.

Project background

We're working with Omeo region and surrounds, to capture the current and future tourism and hospitality business needs. This will help us create an investment prospectus for the community.

As the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail Circuit nears completion, this exciting project will help the towns and localities of Omeo, Swifts Creek, Benambra, Cobungra, Ensay, Tambo Crossing, Bindi, Tongio Gap and Cassilis.

How to get involved:

• We're encouraging businesses to complete a short survey, which will help us deliver an investment roadmap for the district (closes 5pm Monday 2 June 2025).
• Pop in to chat at one of our in-person engagement sessions at the following dates:
  • Tuesday 27 May Swifts Creek Community Centre | 11am to 4pm
  • Monday 2 June Omeo Community Hub | 10am to 4pm

• Register your interest here to book a time slot

Project scope

The study will highlight any gaps in the current visitor economy offering, gauging the capacity of businesses across a variety of sectors including:

• Accommodation
• Food and hospitality
• Essential services (electricians, plumbers, builders)
• Retail
• Information services
• Diverse tourism offering (attractions, experiences)
• Other services as identified through the project

Then, we'll collaborate with the business community to create an Investment Prospectus, which will demonstrate the economic benefits of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail, including:

• Key visitor economy and tourism focused investment opportunities
• Data analysis, business case studies and business operator testimonials
• Unique insights for the region - such as employment profile, trends, opportunities and challenges

Funding

This project is funded by the Victorian Government through Emergency Recovery Victoria.

Omeo Justice Precinct Masterplan

East Gippsland Shire Council is also working on the Omeo Justice Precinct Masterplan, a project that is vital for preserving local heritage, while creating new opportunities for tourism and community use. You can learn more about this project by heading to its dedicated Your Say page here.

We welcome your continued interest in this initiative. Updates will be provided on Your Say. Please click 'Subscribe' at the top of the page to follow this project and receive important information directly to your inbox. If you want to search for other projects near you, simply type the town name in the search bar.