REGIONAL Development Australia will help fund a new local tourism officer for Eyre Peninsula if the region's councils agree to a new funding proposal.

The proposal asks councils to maintain the same level of funding previously allocated to Tourism Eyre Peninsula for the next three years.

The council contributions will be combined with funds from the RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula, the Tourism Eyre Peninsula (TEP) board and the South Australian Tourism Commission to pay for a local tourism officer.

A local tourism officer was identified as crucial to retain a local tourism presence following the South Australian Tourism Commission's decision to withdraw financial support for Tourism Eyre Peninsula earlier this year.

Most councils have committed to the agreement with the Port Lincoln City Council voting this week to continue its $14,500 annual contribution, subject to all councils agreeing to maintain their funding.

RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula will host the new officer, who will focus on strategic marketing initiatives to grow tourism on Eyre Peninsula.

The RDA will also expand the activities of its Tourism Target Team to include regional tourism marketing and manage the new position.

Councillor and RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula board member Malcolm Catt said aligning the position with RDA was "a natural fit".

"I think this is a positive development after what's happened with South Australian Tourism Commission and regional tourism."

RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula chief executive officer Mark Cant said in a letter to councils the SATC's Regional Tourism Growth Plan (which led to the closure of regional tourism offices in favour of a centralised, direct marketing focus) highlighted the importance of an independent tourism presence on Eyre Peninsula.

"The importance of the tourism industry on Eyre Peninsula's economy is significant and must be protected against external factors such as state government budgetary constraints and changes in government policy," Mr Cant said.

Source: Port Lincoln Times 3/8/11 http://www.portlincolntimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/solution-to-keep-tourism-local/2248660.aspx