It was good to see the support to retain and improve the Visitor Information Centre at its current location.
Sadly, Council regulations require two staff to be present when handling money. So, as well as $115,500 for one staff member during opening hours, another $115,500 is currently spent on a second salary to earn $33,342 selling goods and services.
If bureaucratic regulations can’t be changed, or volunteers found, opening up sales to a private contractor might provide better service for less cost.
Alternatively, UNE might be interested in a co-operative arrangement, sharing money-handling as well as providing information, again improving services and reducing costs.
Internet access will give visitors up-to-date information on how to spend their time. Even with over-the counter bookings, some visitors will look for accommodation this way.
Perhaps we could also welcome airport travellers with a self-service kiosk containing maps, information brochures and Internet access for accommodation and other services.
I never supported moving the visitor centre. Hopefully, the public meeting, and public submissions (required by Nov 30) will provide some exciting ideas about how to overcome the current bureaucratic problems and create a welcoming and useful centre to attract visitors and even keep locals up-to-date.
Dorothy L Robinson,
Armidale Dumaresq Councillor
