Northern Highland Travel Development Application Approved
12 March 2008
Award winning national boutique tour operator made a presentation to Maitland City Council on Tuesday night in support of their application (which was approved) to build a new Depot, travel agency, meeting rooms and commercial kitchen facility in the Thornton Industrial Estate.
In her address to Council, Managing Director Jenny Aitchison said:
"Eight years ago, my husband, parents-in-law and I came to Maitland with a family business, comprising two coaches and the four of us. We built a bus depot and the business started to grow beyond our dreams and expectations.
Two years ago, we opened a dialogue with Maitland Council which brought us to this point:
We have:
- a site with heritage values that are sympathetic with our business;
- the desire to provide facilities to Maitland Residents, including seniors, and people with disabilities, who are core targets of Maitland's Social Compass Program; and
- the desire for Maitland Residents to spend their tourism dollars locally, whilst exploring new destinations all over the world.
This project represents an investment of some $1.5million dollars to complete the depot, meeting rooms, office and catering facilities."
Jenny Aitchison has been a member of the Maitland Tourism Advisory Group for nearly six years, In that time she has lobbied for the Maitland Council to make a significant investment in tourism.
She said: "Some people may question whether spending tourism dollars provides value when we have so many competing prioirites for scarce Council funding." Mrs Aitchison highlighted three important benefits of tourism to the social fabric of our community.
"An activity which enables us to:
- value our historical and ecological heritage;
- provide meaningful activities for all members of our community; and
- provide jobs for young people;
is one which is worthwhile funding."
Mrs Aitchison spoke of the need for the award winning business to expand in order to build on their previous success, and contribute their contribution to both the local economy and a significant number of charities, including the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea, Pink Ribbon Day, and the Diabetes Big Bite.
Council Approved the development.
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