By Jeremy Sollars
The Warwick Visitor Information Centre (VIC) has relocated to the Warwick Town Hall, Palmerin Street, in what the Southern Downs Regional Council says is “an effort to improve the access and visibility of the centre”.
Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said the VIC had previously operated out of the Town Hall many years ago, so it’s “wonderful” to see it return.
“There are a number of operational reasons why the VIC has moved to the Town Hall, but the main reason is to open up our beautiful building so that residents and visitors can enjoy it,” Cr Dobie said.
Regional Promotion, Tourism and The Arts Portfolio Councillor Rod Kelly said the move to the Town Hall would also get more visitors into the middle of town, which would be an asset to the local traders.
“Everyone is in tourism to some extent, and we are looking to try to maximise the number of people in the CBD so everyone can benefit,” he said.
“As the move is almost complete, we hope the accommodation and attraction businesses can help us to finish the job by supporting and promoting the new location,” Cr Dobie said.
“The VIC was open over the past weekend and visitors were very impressed with the facility.
“Council officers will now undertake discussions with the Warwick Art Gallery to identify future uses for the former VIC space and provide feedback to council,” she said.
The move has prompted some comment in the community about accessibility for tourist vehicle parking, especially caravaners and ‘grey nomads’.
Some have also suggested the VIC should have been moved to the historic Warwick Railway Precinct where there is ample parking space and useable display areas.
Council CEO David Keenan has previously assured the Free Times VIC volunteer numbers would continue at their present level and there would be no changes to training and supervision arrangements.
The former VIC space next to the Warwick Art Gallery will be taken over by the gallery for added exhibition space.
Rumours had circulated that the Stanthorpe Art Gallery would be closed and its collections transferred to Warwick, which the council has categorically denied.
The new Warwick VIC is located in the Warwick Town Hall, 72 Palmerin Street and can be contacted on (07) 4661 3122.
