FIVE pillars will underpin a new Loddon tourism and visitors economy strategy.
The draft Loddon Shire plan for the next six years has been put out for consultation listing nature, outdoors and adventure as the primary pillars.
Consultants Sparrowly Group says the pillars will connect visitors with the unique natural environment, diverse geography, waterways, lakes and rivers and enabling them to engage with the landscape through activities and experiences from birdwatching to bushwalking, canoeing to stargazing. 
Pyramid Hill has pitched the town to stargazers over the past 12 months with members of one Melbourne university astronomy club making regular visits.
The draft strategy says first nations and food and drink are emerging pillars for tourism in the Loddon Shire.
Sparrowly proposes “bringing the culture and history of the traditional owners and first peoples to the forefront by supporting opportunities for all to connect, learn, and engage with their heritage”. 
“The aspiration is to expand these opportunities and deepen cultural understanding by incorporating first nations stories at all touch points,” the draft strategy says.
The strategy says celebrating the local food and beverage industry can by done by showcasing foraged and farm produce, wineries and the emerging native foods sector.
Arts, culture, history and heritage have been listed as secondary pillars in the new strategy.
Research by Sparrowly Group says local people are the catalyst for inviting, welcoming and hosting family to the Loddon Shire. 
“Influencing locals to  engage and explore their own backyards can turn them into an ‘unofficial’ ambassador on the frontline visitor servicing team,” the strategy proposed.
And it says the Bendigo region is a key source market for day trips. “With a strong visitor base in place there is an opportunity to increase day trips from the market base of residents and visitors to Bendigo.”
“With its location in major arterial roads, Loddon Shire is known as a transit route, a stopover point enroute to another destination. Encourage visitors to stop, spend and inspire them to come back and stay,” the report says about growing visitation from Melbourne and other areas.
Projects described as “enhanced priority” in the strategy include an audit of tourist signs that has already started, links with the Goldfields World Heritage bid and the UNESCO Bendigo and Region Gastronomy, the planned Inglewood streetscape overhaul, collaboration with Dja Dja Wurrung and advocacy for the Lake Boort Scarred Tree Master Plan and expansion of Dumawul cultural tours at Mount Kooyoora.
The strategy proposes “long term development of game-changer projects” including a Bridgewater-Inglewood rail trail, Orana Park, cycling trails in Boort, Inglewood and Bridgewater, and product and experience development showcasing local flora, fauna, landscape and environment.
  Challenges listed in the draft strategy include:
Large number of free camping options which limits economic returns;
Permanent long-term campers at camp sites impacting on visitor experience;
Multiple towns and villages, all with distinct voices, stories and priorities (no central hub);
Restricted and inconsistent operating hours for many business which do not reflect the needs of all visitors.
“With a small population of under 8000, this strategy is grounded in a grassroots framework, empowering local residents, businesses and community associations to lead and shape the shire’s tourism development,” Sparrowly says.
Consultation on the draft strategy closes this month.