Advocacy

Destination Southern NSW advocates for policies, programs, and investments that strengthen the visitor economy across Southern NSW. Our advocacy work ensures that the interests of regional tourism operators, councils, and communities are represented in decision-making at state and national levels.

As one of seven Destination Networks in regional NSW, Destination Southern NSW plays a coordinating role, bringing together industry insights, local experience, and data-driven evidence to inform planning and policy reform. We work collaboratively with government agencies, tourism organisations, operators, peak bodies, and regional partners to identify barriers to growth and propose practical, place-based solutions.

Advocacy is a key part of how we deliver on our mission to grow a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive visitor economy. Through submissions, consultations, and cross-sector partnerships, Destination Southern NSW helps shape policies that enable regional businesses to diversify, invest, and thrive.

“Our advocacy is grounded in consultation with industry, local government, and communities, ensuring that regional voices are heard where it matters most.”

Richard Everson | General Manager, Destination Southern NSW 

Southern Yarns: Industry Shaping Advocacy

Southern Yarns is Destination Southern NSW’s quarterly networking series, held across different LGAs to bring tourism operators, councils, and industry partners together for open conversations about local challenges and opportunities. These informal events play a vital role in shaping Destination Southern NSW’s advocacy priorities, allowing staff and board members to hear directly from those working in the visitor economy. Insights gathered at each Southern Yarns event inform submissions, policy feedback, and regional collaboration efforts, ensuring that advocacy is grounded in the real experiences and needs of Southern NSW operators.

Read more about our Southern Yarns events including topics raised here.

On-Site Accommodation Manager Licensing

December 2025 update – Destination Southern is advocating for urgent reforms to NSW Fair Trading licensing requirements that mandate on-site holiday accommodation managers to hold a Class 1 Real Estate Licence, including completion of the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419). These requirements were designed for real estate sales and leasing, not tourism or hospitality, and are causing significant disruption to management rights businesses across Southern NSW.

Key actions include:

• Keeping operators informed and elevating regional impacts – Destination Southern has been engaging with affected operators (Tathra, Merimbula and surrounding areas) to understand business closures, workforce challenges, and impacts on accommodation availability. We have gathered case studies and communicated these impacts to government and industry partners. 

• Coordinating advocacy with DNSW, Destination Networks and industry bodies – We have raised the issue with Destination NSW, briefed the Destination Networks, and shared evidence on closures, business unsaleability, and declining on-site management capacity. Destination Southern also supported escalation to ASTRA and worked with the NSW Tourism Association, which has now included the issue in its formal advocacy agenda. 

• Engaging policy and regulatory stakeholders – Destination Southern has engaged with the Regional Hub at Destination NSW and ensured policy teams are aware of the issue. We have also encouraged further engagement with NSW Fair Trading, the NSW Small Business Commissioner, and Members of Parliament to highlight the unintended consequences of the current licensing model. 

• Advocating for fit-for-purpose licensing pathways – Destination Southern is promoting the need for a licensing model that reflects the reality of on-site holiday accommodation management, hospitality, guest services and property care, rather than real estate sales. We continue to outline the operational, financial and visitor experience impacts associated with the current regime.

Outcomes

Recent developments indicate growing recognition of the issue:

• The NSW Tourism Association has commenced formal advocacy, including raising the issue in its statewide newsletter and preparing a case for government.

• Destination NSW has acknowledged the issue, and its policy team is now aware and considering next steps.

• Industry bodies such as ASTRA have been engaged, offering an additional pathway for collective advocacy.

• Evidence of business closures and reduced accommodation capacity has now been formally captured and communicated, ensuring the issue is visible across government and industry forums.

Destination Southern will continue working with operators, government and peak bodies to advocate for a licensing approach that protects consumer standards while enabling sustainable operation and succession of on-site accommodation businesses across Southern NSW.

E-bike Advocacy

December 2025 update – Destination Southern has been actively working with Destination NSW, the Destination Networks, Bicycle Industries Australia, We Ride Australia, and Outdoors NSW & ACT to safeguard the visitor economy from unintended consequences of emerging e-bike regulations.

Key actions include:

• Keeping operators informed and engaged – Destination Southern has issued updates through eNews, LinkedIn and direct communication to ensure operators understand potential regulatory changes, their implications, and opportunities to contribute. This engagement forms part of our broader MTB industry development work across the region. We have also promoted the Outdoors NSW & ACT survey to gather evidence on operational, financial and workforce impacts, and coordinated with other Destination Networks to ensure broad distribution.

• Advocating on certification requirements and transition timelines – Following industry concerns about the introduction of new certification requirements with limited transition time, Destination Southern worked with DNSW and the Destination Networks to coordinate data collection and case studies to support advocacy led by Bicycle Industries Australia. Our messaging emphasised that while safety is essential, the proposed certification timeframe would force many operators to dispose of entire hire fleets, with no certified stock available to replace them. This risked closure of e-bike and MTB experience businesses across Southern NSW, undermining public investment in trail infrastructure and visitor experience development.

• Engaging in national and state policy processes – Destination Southern supported and amplified industry advocacy to the Australian Government regarding unsafe imports and national safety standards. This work contributed to the Commonwealth decision to reinstate the global EN15194 e-bike standard, an important step that improves safety while protecting reputable operators. At the state level, Destination Southern lodged a submission to Transport for NSW regarding proposed restrictions on e-bikes and e-micromobility devices on public transport. The submission emphasised the importance of maintaining access for certified e-bikes, which are essential for MTB tourism and for connecting visitors to trail networks.

• Direct engagement with government and regional partners – Destination Southern has engaged with DNSW, Outdoors NSW & ACT, and Bicycle Industries Australia, and supported engagement with Ministerial offices to communicate the likely economic impacts of abrupt regulatory change. We have also worked with regional operators and industry stakeholders to provide real-world examples, data on fleet sizes, and evidence on potential business disruption, supporting industry-led advocacy for a fair and workable approach.

Outcomes

Recent developments show positive progress towards a balanced regulatory framework:

• Reinstatement of the global EN15194 standard for imported e-bikes, improving safety while supporting reputable suppliers.

• NSW Government’s commitment to stronger e-bike safety rules, including wattage limits and clearer definitions to reduce unsafe or modified devices entering the market.

• Extension of the certification transition period sought by industry, allowing time for suppliers to complete certification processes and for operators to plan sustainable fleet replacement.

• National agreement to develop a consistent regulatory framework, with consultation underway across government and industry.

These outcomes support a safer, more consistent environment for e-bike use while helping to protect Southern NSW’s growing MTB tourism sector and regional trail experiences.

Proposed Changes to Default Speed Limits in Regional Areas and Unsealed Roads

In October 2025, Destination Southern NSW made a submission to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts to inform a final Regulatory Impact Analysis about proposed changes to the Australian Road Rules.

Destination Southern NSW supports the goal of improving safety on regional and unsealed roads, but has raised concerns about the potential impact of reduced default speed limits on the visitor economy. With over 4.4 million visitors contributing $1.9 billion annually across the region, accessibility and travel time are critical to sustaining tourism and small business viability.

The submission recommended that any policy changes be tailored to the realities of rural and tourism-reliant areas, supported by clear visitor communication, local road assessments, and targeted funding for councils and Destination Networks.

The submission advocates for a balanced approach that enhances road safety while preserving access, competitiveness, and visitor experience across Southern NSW.

Read the submission here.

Community Improvement Districts Amendment Regulation 2025

In September 2025, Destination Southern NSW made a submission to the NSW Department of Transport in response to consultation on the Community Improvement Districts Amendment Regulation 2025.

The submission welcomed the introduction of a clear framework to support place-based, business-led partnerships and outlined how the Regulation could be strengthened to better support the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035. Destination Southern NSW recommended that tourism and visitor economy growth be recognised as eligible purposes for Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), with provisions allowing levy funds to support initiatives such as destination marketing, events, signage, and precinct activation.

The submission also proposed that Destination Networks be permitted to act as CID partners or delivery agents, particularly where projects enhance place identity, visitor experience, and local economic resilience. With these refinements, CIDs could become a powerful tool for driving sustainable, tourism-focused economic development across regional NSW.

Read the submission here.

Queanbeyan-Palarang’s Draft Operational Plan and Delivery Program 2025-29

In June 2025, Destination Southern NSW made a submission in response to a feedback request for Queanbeyan-Palarang’s Draft Operational Plan and Delivery Program 2025-29.

Destination Southern NSW commended Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) on its comprehensive draft while identifying opportunities to strengthen tourism outcomes. The submission encouraged Council to recognise the visitor economy as a key driver of regional prosperity, embed alignment with the Destination Southern NSW Destination Management Plan and Destination NSW’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, and include measurable tourism performance indicators. Destination Southern NSW also recommended formalising collaboration between Council and Destination Southern NSW to enhance alignment, leverage funding, and advance shared goals in sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

Read the submission here.

HumeLink East Social Impact Management Plan

In May 2025, Destination Southern made a submission in response to the Draft HumeLink East Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP).

Destination Southern acknowledged the project team’s strong engagement to date while identifying opportunities to better align the SIMP with long-term tourism priorities across Yass Valley, Hilltops, Upper Lachlan, and Goulburn Mulwaree. The submission outlined risks relating to accommodation displacement and workforce pressures during construction, and encouraged more defined mitigation measures to safeguard peak visitor periods and community events. It also recommended establishing clearer tourism-aligned investment pathways, exploring post-construction reuse of worker accommodation for tourism purposes, and introducing robust monitoring indicators to track tourism impacts over time. Destination Southern emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration with councils, tourism operators, and regional partners to ensure the project delivers meaningful and enduring benefits for the Southern NSW visitor economy.

Read the submission here.

South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan

In February 2025, Destination Southern NSW made a submission to Transport for NSW on the Draft South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), which sets a 20-year vision for transport across the region.

The submission commended the Plan’s focus on integrated transport and regional connectivity, while highlighting the need for stronger recognition of the visitor economy as a key driver of economic growth. Destination Southern NSW recommended explicit alignment with the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and the Southern NSW Destination Management Plan, improved ACT–Sydney rail connectivity, investment in EV charging infrastructure, and the inclusion of rail trails as vital tourism and recreation assets.

The submission also emphasised the importance of addressing workforce mobility, road resilience, and redundancy planning for critical visitor access routes such as the King’s and Snowy Mountains highways. These measures will ensure the Plan supports both community access and the long-term sustainability of the visitor economy.

Read the submission here.

Wallaroo Solar Farm Submission

In 2024, a development application was lodged for the proposed Wallaroo Solar Farm, a 100 MW solar energy project with a 45 MW / 90 MWh battery storage facility in the Yass Valley. Destination Southern NSW  provided a submission to the Independent Planning Commission to ensure the tourism value of the Wallaroo and Hills of Hall region was recognised in the assessment process. The submission outlined the importance of the area’s wineries, cellar doors, accommodation, and cycling routes to the regional visitor economy, and encouraged consideration of tourism-compatible community benefits, such as EV charging infrastructure and local investment through a community enhancement fund. The project is currently under court appeal.

Read the submission here.