Matt Stephenson is one of four regional advocates for the Emerald Link, a project in the making aimed at bringing more tourists to East Gippsland to experience a trail from the mountains to the sea.
Matt’s area covers eastwest, across the Cann Valley towards Mallacoota, connecting the Coopracambra and Croajingalong national parks (Coopracambra to the Coast). He has been regional advocate for Emerald Link since July 2019.
Matt has a background in natural resource management, including 20 years with Landcare, chair of the Victorian Landcare Network, and chairman of the Weed Society. He is currently the manager of Bairnsdale Motel.
During visits to Mallacoota, Matt spoke with community groups such as Friends of Mallacoota and individual business owners and other stakeholders. He believes some of the proposed tourist routes currently have extremely low visitation, so an increase in tourist numbers will not impact negatively in the region.
Currently there is a strong feeling that locals in Mallacoota would like to see more hiking as opposed to 4WD touring.
“It is anticipated that significant promotion of the region’s natural tourism attributes will lead to economic stimulation in the small rural towns in the region e.g. Orbost, Cann River and Mallacoota,” Matt said.
Feedback received by Matt has included a desire by locals to see more tourists during the off-peak season – economic viability for quieter times will be good for the region.
During the long highway drive from Melbourne to Sydney, it is hoped that by promoting the Emerald Link, visitors will stop and investigate the surrounding forests and the local region, from the mountains to the sea.
PICTURED: Regional advocate for Emerald Link, Matt Stephenson, with Mallacoota Foreshore Caravan Park administration officer, Natalie Moore, and Mallacoota Information Centre volunteer, Neal Greig, discuss the Emerald Link project.
