Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree chairman, Gordon Wellham, has urged members to speak up if they are unhappy with the direction of the local tourism body.
The TPDD AGM was held at Ramada Resort on Tuesday night where new directors, Natalie Johnson and Sheena Walshaw, were elected in front of around 40 members.
TPDD receives approximately $595,000 a year in funding, almost three quarters of which comes from Council, and Mr Wellham said there are no guarantees this would continue into the future.
"That $595,000 has generated, by normal accounting standards, around $20 million in exposure.
"Funding can't be taken for granted. We can't assume we're going to get it each and every year. It's not our God given right.
"After all we are the only region that's funded by Council.
"We as members and the community at large really have to continue to win support to get the funding. But more importantly, collaboratively, work together such as we do to demonstrate a return on investment."
In order to demonstrate this return, there will be a focus on the ability to measure the success or failure of campaigns.
"It's a thrust of TTNQ, they're working with James Cook University, so is TPDD with surveys to refine the actual conversions (of promotions to sales).
"There will be a lot more surveying going on to actually track 'why have you come to town, where did you read about us?' (To) track whether it was online, a newspaper advertisement, or whether it was a $99 Jetstar flight.
"If we can't measure it we're not going to manage it. That's one of my mantras.
"We've got to be cleverer at doing that as such that we can put the dollars where they count," Mr Wellham said.
While The Newsport was unable to record the AGM proceedings due to a stipulation in the organisation's constitution, Mr Wellham said yesterday that members should feel free to have their opinions heard.
"If you've got a problem or gripe come and tell us about it, don't just be polite and don't let us know where we're going wrong.
"If you don't know that it might feel like ignorant bliss but it doesn't serve anyone any good."
Mr Wellham praised the efforts of outgoing director, Lawrence Mason, after serving on the board for six years.
Two members of the executive were appointed with Gordon Wellham continuing as Chairman and Peter Martin as company secretary/treasurer.
Home page image by shkaro.deviantart.com.
Missed a story? Check out our extensive News Archive.
No conflict of interest there.
Read the TPDD Constitution.
You want to know what they can do you and your business? Read it.
Why would anyone support such an organization?
When you do you'll soon realize that
1. If you are suspect of disagreeing with the board YOU can be searched prior to entering a meeting
2. Disagree with the board and YOU can have your membership revoked
3. Your vote is meaningless. The board has the right to dismiss any vote taken and do as they deem correct. Or, not allow a vote at all.
4. YOU are NOT ALLOWED to read board minutes without written request and review of your request by the board
5. YOU are NOT ALLOWED to record any meeting. Recording devices are strictly denied at any meeting.
The list goes on. Don't believe me. Read the TPDD constitution.
Want to know who wrote and adopted the new constitution?
The 'boys network'.
Finally the last AGM of the PDDT was a sham. The members had their organization stolen by the 'boys network'. The new constitution was not disclosed prior to or during the meeting. Members have the legal right to read the constitution prior to any changes made...including dissolving the PDDT. A document was signed and sent to the government disclosing that all steps were taken to disclose the facts of the closure of the PDDT to the members. REALLY?
A point I need to clarify; I think we need a Local Representative Body but one that benefits all, not a select few.
A prime example of the missed opportunities is the TPDD website. Our Google Stats indicate some weeks we do not get one referral despite being a member. It's full of problems, even pictures of Mission Beach! Our tour businesses have been operating here for 7 years and I despair at the constant missed opportunities that could have really recession proofed this area. There needs to be greater accountability and transparency from the TPDD 'executives' and this includes financial and other 'confidential dealings', delivered without the attitude. By the way, thanks to all those who have discussed their concerns about TPDD with me. Some of your stories are really concerning but not surprising. As for the AGM, I have it on good authority they can stop people from entering and search you. I have even been threatened with membership cancellation with a beat up charge. Thanks for not listening to the small people Doug and Gordon.
Barney,
Owner: Back Country Bliss Adventures & Vertical Adventures
4099 3677
Editor
Gordon, Doug and TPDD represent a waste of half a million dollars of taxpayer money. Doug should go and someone with new vision needs to replace him before the potential of the area can be fully achieved. For anyone who would like to understand more on this please call 4099 3677. That includes Gordon too, although after many opportunities and offers he still has not contacted me. In my opinion the wolf is watching the sheep so to speak and any figures released need to be independently verified.
Doug's presentation was good but no discussion was encouraged. is this the best we can do in Port?
"If you've got a problem or gripe come and tell us about it, don't just be polite and don't let us know where we're going wrong."If you don't know that it might feel like ignorant bliss but it doesn't serve anyone any good." ... HUH?
So many tourism operators are not impressed with the current CEO of TPDD but are too afraid to say anything, in case the odd breadcrumb that may be thrown their way is given to someone else.
Often when someone actually stands up, asks questions etc their concerns fall on deaf/ignorant ears.
I agree with Phil, we need a new broom with fresh ideas and a sympathetic ear to businesses who are slogging it out in this downturn.
An anonymous survey for all members and non TPDD members to fill out would be a good start for the new board so they can truly understand what the locals think about TPDD. This way the operators and business owners can give their honest and accurate feelings about the direction of marketing the region currently has and what direction they would like to see happen.
Editor
Add comment