T’S time for Mildura to embrace bright ideas and think big about its tourism potential.
That’s the opinion of celebrity cook Stefano de Pieri, who says Mildura Rural City Council needs to “think more like business people” and not just rely on “old man river to do everything for us”.
“Where is the vision? Where is the ambition?” said Mr De Pieri, who is one of 18 candidates for the upcoming council elections.
“We have to stop acting like scaredy cats. There is plenty of money about the place, even if it means borrowing money at the cheap rates and start building assets and attractions for Mildura.”
One example Mr De Pieri suggested was luring world renowned lighting artist Bruce Munro to produce a lighting artwork in the region, similar to the Field of Lights in Uluru which attracted more than 500,000 visitors in a short space of time.
Mr Munro, who comes from England, was recently brought to the region by a local businessman to canvass the concept.
Mr de Pieri said he had positive conversations with Mildura Regional Development and Wentworth Shire Council during his visit.
“This is just one example of what is possible,” he said.
“This is the way the world works now and we are falling behind.
“We need projects that attract people rather than relying on diminishing assets. As the world grows and people travel quicker, they need more and more sophistication.
“Projects like this need to be done with private equity, but are we having those conversations? They may not be suitable, but start thinking along those lines.
“This is a provocative idea, but we don’t seem to have enough of them.
“We can’t rely on old man river to do everything for us. We have to be more.”
