$40 million boost for Moyne businesses over bumper summer
Published on 23 March 2023
More than $40 million was injected into the local economy over summer as visitors flocked to the Moyne Shire, latest Spendmapp data shows.
The Moyne Shire experienced a bumper peak summer season, with data revealing an influx of visitors resulted in a major boost to the local economy from November through to February.
The Great Vic Bike Ride kicked things off in November, with up to 3,000 riders arriving in Koroit on November 26.
The event gave the town’s businesses a strong boost, with data showing $644,840 in visitor spending – up from $504,787 recorded on the same weekend in 2021.
A strong Christmas and New Year period saw a 12 per cent increase in total local spend ($13.9m) during December, with visitor spending accounting for $9.6 million - a 15 per cent increase.
Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the strong figures for the summer period showed the work of Moyne’s businesses, events committees and tourism operators, along with Council’s Economic Development team was paying dividends.
Consumer staples ($6.78 million) and discretionary spending ($6.48 million) were the largest categories in December as people prepared for the festive season.
“Attracting events like the Great Vic Bike Ride and our Love Local Moyne Christmas shopping campaign has driven these results - and its local businesses and our communities who benefit the most,” she said.
“January was a massive month with a 31 per cent increase in spending on the previous year as visitors injected more than $13 million into the economy.”
“The total local spend of $17.73 million recorded in January is the highest monthly total local spend since November 2018.”
“January was huge across the Shire – with the return of key events like the Moyneyana Festival in Port Fairy, The Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance in Koroit, as well as Council’s Taste Trail helping to attract visitors and boost spending at local businesses,” Cr Foster said.
The strong results continued after the peak season, with February recording $12 million in total local spend - up from $10 million during the same period in 2022.
Cr Foster said the data shows Moyne continues to bounce back strongly from the pandemic and continues to be a destination of choice.
“The summer was huge across Moyne, with our caravan parks and accommodation providers fully booked and local businesses humming, with no signs of slowing down after a very strong long weekend in March,” Cr Foster said.
“Economic development and supporting local businesses is a key priority for Council, and this latest data shows that it is paying off.”
“Our key programs like Love Local Moyne have worked to make people think about where they spend their money and promoted the great offerings of local businesses.”
“The Work and Play worker accommodation program and our key worker cabins meant key industries have been able to attract staff and offer their full or increased services so that visitors have a great experience in our region and are more likely to return.”