Ben Shields open to Bathurst's multi-pass tourist attraction idea

Bathurst Councillor Jess Jennings pitched a multi-pass concept, that would see cheaper admission offered at a total of six attractions shared across both Dubbo and Bathurst.

Cr Shields believes the idea is worth pursuing.

"The idea certainly has merit," Cr Shields said.

"I have had a belief for a long time that we need to collaborate with our neighbours in Central and Western NSW to provide a great tourism experience."

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For the idea to succeed the list of attractions offered would need to be comprehensive and varied Cr Shields said.

"Taronga Western Plain Zoo is the premier tourist attraction in the area," he said.

"However, it is wise not to have your eggs entirely on one basket.

"If there are any coming proposals for a partnership to promote tourism I would want the smaller tourism operators well represented in the mix.

"I'm very keen to see what proposals Bathurst has on offer and would welcome any approach for collaboration."

Cr Jennings nominated Bathurst's Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the National Motor Racing Museum and the not-yet-built Bathurst Railway Museum.

Jennings' idea would include Dubbo's Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Old Dubbo Gaol and the Royal Flying Doctor visitor education centre.

"I thought one of the ways to encourage that mutual benefit for Dubbo and Bathurst would be to have a multi-pass scheme where you get a discounted entrance price to six attractions, three based in Bathurst and three based in Dubbo," he said.

Cr Jennings has had discussions with Bathurst's director of Cultural and Community Services and is confident that a multi-pass scheme could work.