The plan is crucial to the development of tourism in the Hepburn Shire. A 10-YEAR plan will drive tourism in Hepburn Shire until 2018.A draft of the Destination Daylesford Strategic Tourism Plan is being finalised and will be released for public comment in coming weeks.The plan provides strategic direction for the industry concentrating on "mineral water, wellness, sharing and celebrating its unique heritage, cultural diversity, community lifestyle, rural landscapes, natural resources and built attractions".It is a joint initiative of Tourism Victoria, Hepburn Regional Tourism Association, Daylesford Macedon Ranges Campaign Committee and Hepburn Shire Council.Shire Tourism, Economic Development and Recreation manager Geoff Ryan said Tourism Victoria had contributed $55,000 towards the project while the steering committee and community had contributed thousands of hours to complete the plan."The consultation process has been extensive and the citizen's jury model regarded as industry best practice," he said. "The plan is crucial to the development of tourism in the Hepburn Shire and produces the opportunity to the community and the industry to influence the way tourism is developed and its impact."The effort by members of the steering committee and volunteer members of the community has been enormous."Mr Ryan said the next stage of the project was to put a board in place for 12 months to produce a three-year business plan and seek government funding.