A series of projects would also revitalise the town’s centre and natural assets as well as developing Heathcote as an area for regional wine tourism.

The report identified Heathcote as a destination with tourism growth potential.

Among the Heathcote tier one “priority projects” are the Heathcote town centre improvements, Heathcote Spur Trail and the O’Keefe Rail Trail.

Heathcote town centre improvements would run in conjunction with council, the state government and the local community to develop a “Streetscape Masterplan”.

It would ensure tourism is an essential consideration in the masterplan.

The tier two projects include food and wine events, improved dining offerings and a Lake Eppalock tourism plan.

Nature-based accommodation and Heathcote-Graythorn National Park improvements are the two tier three projects.

A number of issues and opportunities for development in the town centre included revitalising the retail mix along Heathcote’s High Street and introducing signage that shows off the town’s heritage aspects.

The report also plans to develop cycling tourism in the town, connect trails to cellar doors and integrate more cycling infrastructure in the town centre.

The report also encourages the development of other tourism facilities within the wineries such as restaurants, accommodation, and function spaces.

It said the “lack of quality food and dining establishments to complement the region’s wine offering is a key barrier to growing visitation”.