PRESENT: Nick Polgeest, Cate Thomas,Tony James, Justin Arthur, Graham Floyer, CEO Rob Small, Cr Frank Buchanan,

APOLOGIES:Taki, Michael Swanston John Riches, Lynn Munro, Peter Sarda, Adrian Healy (Tourism Development Officer COS)

Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed are correct and accepted.

Rob Leary form Powercor will attend the AGM.  He will pay for some pre dinner drinks and be available for some casual conversation prior to the meeting.

Action: Cate to advertise

A parking request has been sent to eh appropriate officer within the shire to address the long term parking issue out the front of the shops opposite the visitor information centre.  The parking here is currently long term and this is a problem for street traders.

Action: Cr Frank to report back to chamber on outcome

Correspondence was tabled.

Letter from the shire re small shelter at the harbour.  We are waiting for further discussion with the shire prior to the installation to ensure the facility fits other users groups.

Action: Mike Barrow to keep us updated with progress.

Letter from shire re overhaul of heritage strategy.  Consultation and information will be forthcoming

Finances (attached)

$15481.34 General account

$12507.00 Term deposit

Caribou

Tony has spoken to Ross Stephen son the back of the letter received form Ross informing the chamber of his resignation as director of the company formed Great Ocean Marathon Pty ltd.  Ross expressed that he wished to still have a role on the committee.  Tony recommends that we continue the current committee made up of Ross Stephens, Roger Grant CEO Geelong Otway Tourism, and chamber representatives, with a greater role form chamber reps.  Tony is happy to be that person on the committee.

A contract is to be drawn up between Caribou and the Chamber and investigation is underway into whether or not the company is actually required. Tony recommended that we hold quarterly meetings with Caribou.  Tony will start the process with SLM Law and get a quote before proceeding with any work.

MP NP MS JA

Great Ocean Road Guidelines Review for Road Closures

A Great Ocean Road Guidelines Review for Road Closures  has been arranged.  Chamber representatives to attend.

Wednesday 19th September

Please diarise if you wish to attend.

Caribou new arrangements

John Craven has asked that we formalise the arrangements discussed at our last meeting in a letter to Caribou.  The arrangements are as follows:

An extension of the current tenure of three years to make a total of 5 years with option for another 5 years post a revision. An increase of remuneration to $120K plus an additional $15k each year to cover additional costs including marketing.

Action: Cate to write the letter

Gran Fondo

It appears their offer to accommodate/facilitate riders so they can choose to stay in Apollo Bay has fallen by the wayside.  There are no buses for transport planned.

Tony has sent several emails to the organisers with little support coming back.  Tony thinks we should see what the outcome is after this year’s event and report back to them post event on our findings.

Seafood Festival

The Seafood Festival has been notified it has been shortlisted of the Powercor Business Awards event category.

Grants are being written to Tourism Vic.  They require dollar for dollar.  We will use the $4000 from the Shire plus $6000 from the chamber to match their funding of $10,000.

Otway Tourism Update

Adrian Healy sent out calendar of events for Tourism week.  Members are asked to support this initiative and attend the session that are of direct benefit to their business.

Otways Tourism Visiting friends and relatives program information was discussed.  A great initiative to extend marketing and visitor stay in the region.

Great support from Adrian, thanks Adrian

CEO REPORT ROB SMALL

On the planning front the C65 expansion of density from Cawood to Moore Street is being investigated.

The extension of town boundaries from Pisces to Wild Dog is with the minister.

The shire has secured funds to change the planning scheme to allow for development at the harbour of public facilities such as paths and amenities. Great news!

A meeting has been held to discuss Apollo Bays drainage issues.  It appears the drainage issues haven’t been kept up to the level required.  There is agreement from the study undertaken that work is required.  Over $3m is required to carry out this work.  Stay tuned….

The Old Tip site is looking food for the adult rider and pony club riding site.

The Heathfield land is also being developed for public use.

The Barwon Water Reservoir land process is underway with work to start in summer 2013.

Council election are 27 October

The council goes into caretaker mode 25 September, no funding decisions can be made in this time.

20 -25 September they are calling for council nominations.

Powercor

Powercor Application to support power supply on the Foreshore is progressing well.

Frank discussed the need to investigate bulk buying of power.  Anyone keen to take this one?????

Wish List

Ok, so we need to kick this off.  Tony suggested that the chamber writes a letter of complaint re the Post office and its poor service.

Action: Tony to draft letter to be sent by chamber.

Lee Rosser Apollo Bay Music Festival Music Director and Tony James ABMF President met with the shire recently to discuss their funding options as well as the relationship between the shire and major events in Apollo Bay.  The meeting was productive with the shire being presented with ‘options’ on how to profile themselves and provide support through channels other than direct funding.

RDV are supportive of the funding application for power improvements to the foreshore, as are the foreshore committee. Tony has also managed to arrange support for the carnival through this process.  Well done Tony.

Meeting closed 7.48pm

Next meeting 3 September 5.30 pm Apollo Bay Shire offices

PRESENT: Cate Thomas, John Riches,  Nick Polgeest, Graham Flyer, Justin Arthur

APOLOGIES: Lyn Munro and Taki

Special Business

The Colac Otway Council on the 20 December 2011 unanimously passed a motion to refer the proposal for an Aquatic Centre in Apollo Bay to a Council workshop in February. This was against a very strong recommendation from the Council Officers not go ahead with any further investigation for financial reasons. What they are aiming for is for the council to allocate $50,000 to undertake further design work, geotechnical, cost analysis etc..  Over the next few weeks there will need to be extensive background work done with Tourism Vic, D.S.E. and other organisations that have an interest.

The following motion was made:-

That  “The Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc. supports the development of an aquatic centre in the Apollo Bay harbour precinct as a major tourism project and community facility. “

They Motion was carried unanimously.  It was also supported by Lyn Munro and Taki Talihmandis who were absent from the meeting due to work commitments.

Action: No action to be taken at this stage.  Letters of support will be written when requested.

PRESENT: Cate Thomas, Graham Floyer, John Riches, Tony James, Nick Polgeest, Taki Talihmandis, Justin

APOLOGIES:Lynn Munro (her birthday), Peter Sarda

Meeting opened 5.30pm

Finances

5/12/11 working account $11,326.28

Investment account $12,225.55

Correspondence

Thankyou from Otway Health Mentoring Program participants

Letter from Minister of Tourism confirming funding of $3500

Letter from Tourism Vic confirm same (see above)

Insurance for Festival

Insurance is required for the festival.  We have it covered in the budget as long as we receive funding from RDV.

Action: Cate to monitor and report back to committee.

Insurance for committee

It has become apparent that the committee does not have insurance to cover its executive members.  Given the climate with litigation it is seen essential to have at the very least insurance to cover the executive members form any external law suit that may be brought against them.

Action: Cate to seek quotes and send through to members for confirmation.

Restructure

Discussion took place regarding restructure of Geelong Otways Tourism.  It appears that the City of Greater Geelong has withdrawn form any future arrangements.

Action: Take to follow up and report back to committee.

Product Gap Audit

The product gap audit findings have been released and there are some major projects in our region that should  have significant economic impacts for u in the future (positive).  Projects include $200m interpretive centre at Port Campbell national Park.  $20m International resort at Port Campbell.  Funds injected into Moonlight Heads Retreat.  Apollo bay appears to have been missed with any major or minor projects.

Apollo Bay Swimming Pool Feasibilty Study

Damien Gorman presented to the committee his three options which will be presented to the council members this week.  The options are $3m at the school in its current location, $5.6m at the area above the recreational reserve and $10-$12m for the area identified at the harbour.  The favoured site to date is the harbour area.

Councillors Lyn Russell, Frank Buchannan, Brian Crook and Stephan Hart have all shown support for the project to date.

The Bendigo Bank have indicated they would be happy to take the project on as a regular sponsor.  The Chamber will encourage people to join the Bendigo Bank to assist with their ability to pass on profits to the community.

Action: John to report back to committee.

Facebook & Web page

Facebook is working quite well.  Still waiting on a quote from Libby Riches re strategy.

Seafood Promotion/Festival

The seafood promotion festival planning is going well.  Grants application has been written, we are still waiting for feedback from regional Development Victoria re funding.  Chamber has received $4000 through Otways Tourism to cover costs of  flags and banners and $4000 from OT to assist with the festival and $3500 from Tourism Victoria.

All members will need to assist in some capacity on or before the weekend to ensure this event is a success.

Action: Cate still working with Power Cor and shire to allow placement of banners on light poles in the main street.  Application to be sent to RDV for final funding.

Wish List

It was decided that a formal document be created which sets out the members ‘wish list’ in order of priority for projects in the next financial year.  This will assist the committee to steer the ship in the right direction and will be a tool to use as leverage in discussion with key stakeholders and politicians.  It is seen as timely with Elections due.

Xmas Breakup

A xmas breakup will be held at Nick Polgeests on Tuesday 20^th December.  BYO meat, salad and drinks.  6pm onwards.  Hope to see you all there.

Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Next meeting 16 January 2011Shire Offices 5.30

PRESENT: Cate Thomas, Graham Floyer, Cr Frank Buchanan, John Riches, Tony James, Mike Barrow

APOLOGIES: Nick Polgeest, Taki Talihmandis, Lynn Munro, Michael Swanson COS Business Development Officer, Peter Sarda

Meeting opened by late

Finances

12/11/11 working account $12,526.28

Investment account $12,085.43

Correspondence

Invoice from Otway Health for mentoring program (incorrect amount, Graham to send back for alteration)

Mike Barrow discussed the restructure and where it is at the moment.  It appears that the current GOT model may remain in situ with the city of Greater Geelong pulling out of the whole structure. This is still to be finalised and confirmed but appears the most likely scenario at the moment.

Mike suggested that as a chamber we do become part of the suggested model with an advisory committee as he thinks it would be an excellent way of us feeding back our issues directly to his role where they can be followed up with appropriate stakeholders through a quicker and easier channel.  The new structure would have Mikes role being in charge and responsible for the tourism officer who report directly to him.  They would work from Apollo Bay.  Mikes role would then be responsible to report directly to GOT and Tourism Vic.  Mike suggested that it would be appropriate for a representative/s from the chamber approaching councillors to give representation of our chambers current membership and our direction.  He also assured us that if the shire run with this model the Apollo bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism would receive 40% of the membership as it did prior to OT being formed.  This model would allow the chamber to be more responsive to its community and would appear to be more equitable as our membership currently holds over 60% of the total pool in the region.

Many thanks to Mike for his attendance at the meeting.

Amy Gillett Gran Fondo

Vicki Jefferies is arranging a suitable time for the organisers of the Amy Gillett Gran Fondo to come to meet with the Chamber.

Tony James suggested the Chamber write to the shire and express our disappointment in the shire of their funding to the tune of $5,000 in 2011 when there was no benefit to the Colac Otway Shire and its rate payers at all.

Action: Cate to draft letter, send to Tony for approval.

Facebook & Web page

Facebook is working quite well.  Still waiting on a quote from Libby Riches re strategy.

Seafood Promotion/Festival

The seafood promotion festival planning is going well.  Grants application has been written, we are still waiting for feedback from regional Development Victoria re funding.  Chamber has received $4000 through Otways Tourism to cover costs of  flags and banners and $4000 from OT to assist with the festival.

Action: Cate still working with Power Cor and shire to allow placement of banners on light poles in the main street.

Next meeting 5 December 2011 Shire Offices 5.30

PRESENT: Cate Thomas, Nick Polgeest, John Riches, Taki Talihmandis, Tony James, Peter Sarda

APOLOGIES: Graham Floyer CEO Rob Small, Cr Frank Buchanan, Lynn Munro, Michael Swanson COS Business Development Officer, Peter Logg John Weiser, Wayne Kennedy,  Justin Arthur, Jane Johnson

Meeting opened by Nick 5:37pm

Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and accepted as correct. PS (M) TT (S)

Finances

10/10/11 working account $4,526.28

Investment account $12,085.43

Finances have now been audited.  Nick Polgeest signed the figures.

Action: Cate to send off to WHK.

JR (M) CT(S)

Correspondence

ANZ business breakfast invitation

Letter from Gayle Tierney re Barwon Water Catchment

Amy Gillett Gran Fondo

A request made from local businesses by John Riches to report the affect the race had on their business.  In all there were approx. 14 responses, mostly on the web site, with most traders reporting there business was either good or up a little.  This could have also been because the weather was good as compared to other weekends.  It was decided that a letter should be written to the Gran Fondo committee requesting Apollo Bay to be involved, and that the Colac Otway Shire should be made aware that unless we are directly benefiting as a community we as a shire should not support the event.

Action: Tony James to draft a letter to the Gran Fondo committee requesting a meeting with the chamber.

Facebook & Web page

A strategy is required to drive more traders and members to our Facebook page to promote more discussion and interaction.  Libby Riches who runs a social media business will prepare a quote to develop a strategy for the chamber.

Apollo Bay Pool

The public consultation meeting had an excellent turnout.  Peter Logg & Frank Buchanan attended as representatives from the Chamber.  There is not much to report other than the consultant has finished his work and is ready to report his findings.  Stay tuned.

Harbour Development

The results of the survey were reported in the local Apollo Bay Newssheet.

Barwon Water

Gayle Tierney wrote to thanks us for our letter of concern re the water storage on the Barham, however she is convinced that the position has been well researched by all parties and stakeholders.

Seafood Promotion

The seafood promotion planning is going well.  Grants application has been written, we are still waiting for feedback from regional Development Victoria re funding.  Chamber is to send $4000 invoice to Otways Tourism to cover costs of  flags and banners.

Action: Cate to send invoice to OT.

Otways Tourism

Trish Goodlet has resigned from the OT committee and all board members have stood down.  Due to the lack of certainty of the future of OT and the whole restructure of GOT we will not know what funding we will receive in the second half of the financial year.  It is likely that the whole tourism operation will go back into the hands of the shire and be administered from there until restructure is complete.

A request was made from OT board for nominations to fill the outgoing positions, no nominations were forthcoming.

Action: Cate to send note to Yvette Hill of OT to advise no nominations were made.

Les Noseda

A discussion was had that the chamber ensures that Les Noseda is remembered for his work in the community, particularly in relation to the Otway Walk.

Action: Chamber to continue to monitor and make request when appropriate to the shire.

Marathon

Now that Les is no longer with us we need to meet with Caribou and discuss the formal arrangements between Caribou and the Chamber.

Action: Cate to request meeting with John Craven.

Next meeting 7 November 2011Shire Offices 5.30

Does anybody know when the shelters for the bus stops at Skenes Creek are to be completed?

Thoughts?

Held 12 September 2011 At Apollo Bay Hotel Krambruk Room Commencing At 7 Pm.

PRESENT: Nick Polgeest, Tony James Cate Thomas, John Riches, Graham Floyer, Wayne Kennedy, Cr Frank Buchanan, Lynn Munro, Trish Goodlet, John Riches, Ross Stephens, Tricia Goodlet, John Craven (Caribou), Leanne Freeman (Caribou), Mayor Brian Crook, Cheryl Polgeest, Justin Arthur, Charles Dazey, Susie Smith, Peter Sarda, Philip ‘Taki’ Talihmandis, Mike kidd, Don Stone, Wayne Malady, Rod Kemp, Denis Morrissy, Glenis Sharp,

APOLOGIES: CEO Rob Small, Michael Swanson COS Business Development Officer, Les Noseda, Peter Logg John Weiser, Chris Arnott, Stephen Hart, Mike Barrow, Bebs Buchahan,  Corinne Mitchell, Peter Logg

Meeting opened by President Nick Polgeest 7pm

Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and accepted as correct.

CP(M) PS (S) Carried

Presidents Report

ANNUAL MEETING APOLLO BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12.9.11

PRESIDENT’S REPORT.

It has another busy year for the executive, the major topics are as follows:

Probably one of the major issues for Apollo Bay was the collapse of the Great Ocean Road during the summer holiday season.  The effects felt by the Apollo Bay and district traders was devastating to say the least.  It shows very clearly how important the maintenance of the Great Ocean Road is for our community as a whole.  There is no doubt that some of the empty shops in the front street are the result of the landslips blocking the road and the public’s perception that you could not travel to Apollo Bay.  It wasn’t promoted that there was an alternative route  via Cape Otway Road and Forrest/Apollo Bay.

A survey done by Frank Buchanan and myself suggested that there was a loss of income of 30-70% compared with the same period last year.  For the hospitality industry a lot of bookings were cancelled and very few future bookings were confirmed at that time.  The Chamber wrote to VicRoads complaining bitterly about their signage and Terry Mulder, the Minister of Transport was also heavily lobbied by the Chamber about the condition of the Great Ocean Road.

SHUTTLE BUS

The Chamber tried to revive the tourist shuttle bus again and the route was from Skenes Creek to Marengo on an hourly basis.  The charge was $1.50 per person.  There was a distinct lack of patronage even though it was advertised well.  In the end it resulted in a loss for the Chamber of about $5,000.  Maybe there was a shortage of people in Apollo Bay at that time because of poor weather  or some people may have walked as there was a new track from Wild Dog to Apollo Bay.  Unless there is other funding arrangements from outside, the shuttle bus will most likely be discontinued as the cost has become prohibitive.

HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT

The harbour development has become a difficult issue for our members and the public in general and the Chamber still has a strong belief that there are many opportunities to be teased out of the plans that could benefit the town, for example a heated under-cover swimming pool.  Everything is not all negative as is being promoted by some people in Apollo Bay.  The Colac Otway Shire is doing a telephone survey at present trying to gauge the community’s response to the plans “Enquiry by Design” drafted after four days of public consultation with stake-holders at the Youth Club, 18-22 September 2008 where about 100 people participated daily.

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Is a new project where cafes in Apollo Bay will promote their own seafood signature dish.  Cate Thomas and Tricia Goodlet are the main drivers of this project with Roger Grant of Geelong Otway Tourism sourcing $85,000 for the project.  The dates for this will most likely be in early February.

OTWAY COASTAL WALK.

This is a new walk through the Otways, mainly driven by Les Noseda and the Otway Walking Track Association.  Its aim is to pick up many of the beautiful areas between Lorne and Apollo Bay connecting waterfalls etc as a shorter alternative to The Great Ocean Walk.  $150,000 has been allocated to finalise the design of this walk.

WHALE PLATFORMS

John Weisser came up with the idea of whale shaped viewing platforms which would have multiple uses.

Plans were drawn up by Wayne Kennedy’s firm Otway Building Group and the plans have been forwarded to the foreshore committee for approval, however under the present foreshore conditions where half the foreshore washed away in areas, it is probably better that they hadn’t already been built.  We may now have to find alternative sites, if this goes ahead.

GEELONG OTWAY TOURISM

Tourism Victoria is re-organising the promotion of tourism in Victoria, Ross Stevens CEO of Geelong Otway Tourism will explain what is happening to the restructure.  We are led to believe a decision is 12 months away before we will know what is happening.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD MARATHON

VicRoads will only allow three road closures per year on the Great Ocean Road.  The marathon happens to be one of them. It so happens that the Chamber has very little say in the other road closures.  This year is the seventh year of our marathon and over the seven years we have had approximately 20,000 participants in the marathon events, many travelling from overseas especially to participate.  It is fair to say that probably with each runner two other people come in support and add to the revenue generated in Apollo Bay over the period which would normally be one of the quietest weekends of the year.  It also showcases our area for future visits not connected with the marathon.

John Craven, Leanne Freeman and their team have done a magnificent job over the seven years.  Participants have indicated that it is one of the best organised marathons in the circuit. Each year more people are participating.

In closing, I would like to thank Cate Thomas for being our invaluable secretary, John Riches for attending all the OT meetings, Graham Floyer for being our treasurer, Wayne Kennedy, Tony James, Peter Logg, Lynny Munro, Les Noseda and Johnny Weisser for being on the executive committee and attending our meetings. We have all supported one another and tried to do the best for the Chamber of Commerce and the town. I would also like to thank councillor Frank Buchanan for his input at the Chamber meetings and his support for Apollo Bay through the  Colac Otway Shire council.

NICK POLGEEST PRESIDENT

Presidents report was delivered by Nick Polgeest.

LM (M) FB (S) Carried

Ross Stephens

Ross Stephens chair of Geelong Otways Tourism Board discussed the restructure. All other regions in Victoria have undergone the restructuring process, were left until last as ours is a complex situation.  Funding appears to the be the biggest issue.  It appears that the restructure will not take place until June 2012.

John Craven Caribou Great Ocean Road Marathon

John Craven gave a brief history of the Marathon and credited the local people who had placed their passion and faith behind the event in the early days.  These people included Les Noseda, Ross Stephens, Nick Polgeest, Jo DiCecco (dc’d), and John Craven.  John shared the finances and the attendance numbers of each event showing there is growth and projected growth to come.  The target is 5000 runners.

Finances

Audited report pending

CT (M) LM (S) Carried

Frank Buchanan held the chair to take nominations from the floor:
Wayne Kennedy retired

President: John Riches nominated Nick Polgeest, Nick accepted.

Vice president: Nick Polgeest nominated John Riches, John accepted

Secretary: Lyn Munro nominated Cate Thomas, Cate accepted

Treasurer: Nick Polgeest nominated Graham Floyer, Graham accepted

New members:
Lyn Munro

Taki Talihmandis

Tony James

Peter Sarda

Justin Arthur

Jane Johnson

Life member

Ross Stephens recommended life membership be awarded to Les Noseda.

This motion was overwhelming supported.

FB (M) CT (S) Carried

CEO Rob Small, left, said the report was disappointing but Cr Chris Smith said the results reflected community perception.

COLAC Otway Shire Council has admitted it needs to lift its game after failing to meet nearly three-quarters of its performance targets.

Full article: http://www.colacherald.com.au/2011/09/shire-council-admits-it-must-improve/

Thoughts?

PRESENT: Tony James Cate Thomas, Nick Polgeest, John Riches, Graham Floyer, Deb Moore, Greg Denney

APOLOGIES: CEO Rob Small, Cr Frank Buchanan, Lynn Munro Michael Swanson COS Business Development Officer, Les Noseda, Peter Logg John Weiser, Wayne Kennedy,

Meeting opened by Nick 5:30pm

Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and accepted as correct. JR (M) GF (S)

Finances

1/9/11 working account $4,598.00

Investment account $12,085.43

JR (M) C(S)

Correspondence

Attached

NP (M) TJ (S)

Apollo Bay Pool

The first meeting for the Apollo Bay Pool project has been held, with good attendance.  Consultant Damien Gorman presented his initial findings and thinks the project looks positive at this stage.  The chamber executive confirmed that $2,000 was pledged towards the feasibility study.

GF (M) TJ (S)

Apollo Bay Water Storage Facility

A letter has been received from Barwon Water acknowledging our support of an alternative location.

Seafood Promotion

Cate presented the latest update for the Seafood Strategy.  A meeting is to be held Wednesday 14 September at 153 to discuss the Festival.

Response form restaurants has been strong.  Still waiting on confirmation of funding form RDV.

Business Arising

AGM

John Craven from Caribou has accepted our invitation to be guest speaker at the AGM.  Ross Stephens from GOT will also attend and speak to the new restructure.  John has sent through figures.

Action: Cate to ask for copy of agreement between Caribou and Chamber.

Facebook

Discussion was had about how our members and the public can interact with us.  A Facebook page would seem to be a good solution. The web site is not working well as people are not using it to make comments, a FB page may help us to be more in touch with our community.

Action: Cate to create a basic page and invite members and community to join.  John Riches to be joint administrator.

Great Ocean Road Product Gap Audit

The Great Ocean Road Product Gap Audit is a brilliant piece of work and is important for anyone wanting to commence or build their business.

Action: Cate to send to all executive members.

Amy Gillet Gran Fondo

Tony James attended the meeting with Vic Roads and the organisers of the Amy Gillet Gran Fondo.  He expressed our concerns over the closing of the road and the lack of consultation.  It appears that the next event may include Apollo bay, however it is not clear.  Therefore a letter should be written to the organisers to ensure they are clear that we are interested in hosting the event.  Tony James has the contact. A suggestion was made that all traders affected keep a record of their takings compared to similar weekends so we have something to take to the group and Vic Roads as evidence.

Action:

1. Cate to write letter to Amy Gillet Foundation requesting Apollo Bay be host in 2012.
2. Cate to contact all chamber members and ask them to keep stats on takings for the weekend and report back.

Greg Denney & Deb Moore: Dinosaur Interpretation Centre

Greg & Deb presented their concept for a Dinosaur interpretation centre which will be located at the Buchanans Shed on the Barham River Road.  The exhibition will run over the peak months and levels of interest will be recorded and be used as evidence in a feasibility study.  The bigger picture is a permanent facility with an international standard dinosaur exhibition.  There have been many dinosaur fossils discovered on the Great Ocean Road at Castle Cove and now Melanesia beach which are significant finds.  It is seen as important from both a scientific aspect and educational that these findings are exhibited and shared.  From a tourism perspective the project sits perfectly with a massive gap in ‘things to do’ particularly for families.  The Great Ocean Road Gap audit identifies this as an area that requires growth.  The Chamber fully supports this initiative.

Action: Cate to write a letter of support for the project to Deb & Greg.

We wish them all the success in their feasibility project.

Next meeting AGM 12 September 7 pm Krambruk Room Apollo Bay Hotel (5.30 for dinner)