SOUTHERN Downs tourism has a new Tracy to look to, with Tracy Dobie appointed as the implementation project manager of Destination Southern Downs.

The experienced manager has taken over the reigns of the organisation, following the resignation last week of Tracy Vellacott. 

Mrs Dobie has returned to live on the Southern Downs after almost 40 years of working in the public, private and rural sectors in Australia and overseas.

While she hasn't worked in tourism before, she's travelled the world extensively.

"I have worked as a management professional delivering successful outcomes to tight schedules and fixed budgets," she said.

"While in the Australian Army, I achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and was appointed the commanding officer of the 1st Recruit Training Battalion at Kapooka."

Following her time in the army, Mrs Dobie worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, representing the country on overseas delegations.

"I have worked as the general manager of medium-sized project management training and consulting company and I have run my own beef cattle grazing property," she said.

As part of her new role, the new manager is in charge of establishing Destination Southern Downs as an independent entity by June next year.

"While our short-term target is June 2016, we have 2018 as our medium-term target, with goals of attracting Commonwealth Games visitors to our region to savour our accommodation, food, wine and events and enjoy our unique destinations," she said.

"The visitor information centres in Stanthorpe and Warwick will be the operational hubs for us at Destination Southern Downs."