Visitors and Volunteers

Visitors and volunteers

Planting on the eastern boundary.

(Update 23/7/2017)

" Develop procedures so visitors and volunteers can safely enjoy the experience."

Background:

There is a blurred line between a volunteer and a tourist visitor. Similar procedures apply to both groups.

This page deals with managing the people rather than providing the information. (education and communication)

Mount Elephant is centrally located, close to major regional populations, is on a major highway, is highly visible and easily accessible, has a distinct and attractive landform, is under developed along with the region. Generally the community consultation associated with the preparation of this management plan indicated support for the development of Mount Elephant as a tourist attraction, so long as any development and activities did not compromise the community’s conservation, educational and passive recreational objectives at the Mount. The most popular activities identified included educational/study tours and cultural events/activities, such as artistic pursuits.

Objectives:

Provide a safe, educational and satisfying visitor experience.

Ensure that we reach all potential visitors.

Ensure that the maximum number of people benefit from the visits.

Ensure that volunteer workers have a safe workplace and feel that their work is worthwhile.

Strategies:

    • Promote Mount Elephant as the gateway and an integral component of Victoria’s western plains volcanic region and tourism activities.
    • Develop and market Mount Elephant in cooperation with the managers of other features of the volcanic region, and through the Volcanoes Discovery Trail Committee.
    • Maximize business opportunities for Derrinallum and Lismore in association with the development of the mount.
    • Ensure that visiting the mount is a safe, memorable and positive experience.
    • Develop education packages for schools which satisfy state and national curriculums.

Actions

    • Develop a distinct name for the site that achieves the following objectives:
        • Includes the marketing theme for the volcanic region - “Volcanoes Discovery”;
        • Reflects the geological and historical context of the Mount; and
        • Portrays the type of natural environment and recreational experience offered by the Mount to the public.
    • Continue to use the MECM Mount Elephant logo as the key emblem for the site in conjunction with any promotional branding developed for the volcanic region.
    • Join any relevant tourism development groups and work in close liaison with its members to contribute to the development and promotion of the western volcanic region as a tourist attraction.
    • In association with Corangamite Shire Council, VicRoads and Tourism Victoria, create roadside viewing areas to the Mount at key locations on major roads and with appropriate signage.
    • Develop a marketing plan and market Mount Elephant as an integral component of the volcanic tourist region.
    • Undertake a staged program of infrastructure and facility development to support tourism activities.
    • Monitor and record visitor numbers to the site, including information about how they knew about the Mount and reflections on their experience.
    • Ensure that any promotional material is distributed to appropriate information and tourist centres across western Victoria.
    • Work with Tourism Victoria and regional tourism bodies to ensure that Mount Elephant is recognised in state and regional tourism marketing.
    • Investigate opportunities to include Mount Elephant on itineraries for programs and tours offered by commercial tourist operators and bus lines.
    • Investigate further the issues of opening the Mount on daily basis and whether developing a walking and cycling track from the township or even the main highway is feasible or likely to add additional issues.
    • Work in partnership with local businesses and Corangamite Shire Council to develop Derrinallum and Lismore as tourist destinations, with Mount Elephant promoted as a key asset, and maximise merchandising and service business opportunities.
    • Liaise with the Ecotourism Association of Australia to benefit from the guidelines and standards developed by this association.
    • Volunteers may need identity tabards or labels.
    • Volunteers may appreciate some recognition of their input. (Certificate?)