Bega Valley Shire Mayor Tony Allen said the release marked an important step in the positioning of Australia’s Coastal Wilderness as an iconic destination.

“Currently there are only nine national landscapes including Kakadu, the Red Centre and the Great Ocean Road,” he said.

“By releasing its draft master plan for public comment we are demonstrating that Australia’s Coastal Wilderness is among the finest tourism assets in the country and has the potential to bring many benefits to the Bega Valley Shire.

“Australia’s Coastal Wildern-ess comprises more than 300 kilometres of pristine wilderness coastline, National Parks, State Forests and freehold land that stretches from Bermagui along the coast to Lake Tyers in Victoria and through the NSW South East Forests towards Bombala.

“This is a rare and relatively untouched region, yet its proximity to the Sydney-Melbourne coastal drive and important tourism gateway towns such Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden and Lakes Entrance makes it very accessible to high yield international and domestic tourists,” Cr Allen said.

Council’s general manager Peter Tegart said the plan sets out the three primary goals of building a truly unique destination - image, creating iconic experiences and delivering on the promise.

“Under these goals priority projects are identified including cultural and Indigenous tourism programs, support for wilderness walking experiences and expanding iconic accommodation and food and wine options for visitors.”

He said the draft Tourism Master Plan would be available for comment until June 12, 2009, and he encouraged Bega Valley residents to take the time to read the document and provide their input.

“This is a really important document and one that will have far reaching impacts for the promotion of the shire nationally and internationally,” he said.

The document can be downloaded from council’s website at www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au