A Busselton resident reignited the ‘Margaret River region’ verse ‘this is Busselton’ debate at a council meeting on Wednesday.
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Margaret Browne told councillors, Busselton was being overshadowed by Margaret River branding inside the new visitor’s centre at Railway House.
Ms Browne said at the meeting everywhere she went she saw Margaret River being advertised.
I like to think of Busselton as the capital of the Margaret River region - keep saying it to everyone you know.
- City of Busselton councillor Terry Best
Margaret River Busselton Tourism Assocation chief executive officer Pip Close said use of the unified regional brand was important for marketing the destination to interstate and international markets.
She said third party research showed that visitors generally had low awareness and understanding of the region but were familiar with the Margaret River name.
“The brand can be seen in action when we look at the work that’s being done to attract airlines to the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport,” she said.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said the brand was widely accepted by the local tourism industry and use of the brand had already made positive returns.
“Here in the City of Busselton tourism drives the economy and is a leading job provider,” he said.
“The city feels confident that in the long run, the Your Margaret River Region brand will elevate the City of Busselton on a national and international platform and bring lasting economic return to the city.
“Similar approaches have proven successful in like regions on the east coast.”
Have your say: Would you like to see Busselton have its own identity or continue capitalising on the Margaret River brand? Email editorial.bdmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.