At Campaspe Shire's Council meeting on 15 April, Council endorsed the proposed Economic Accord between Campaspe Shire Council, Moira Shire Council and Greater Shepparton City Council, which aims to support ongoing collaboration and advocacy initiatives that will promote regional economic prosperity as well as provide local jobs.
The draft accord establishes shared principles and a unified regional approach to economic development, with a particular focus on mitigating the impacts of water buybacks and supporting the manufacturing sector. The accord lays the groundwork for attracting local and external investment, enhancing job opportunities, and addressing the unique challenges faced by our regional economy.
The shared principles outlined in the draft accord are:
1. Economic prosperity: A commitment to enhancing the economic well-being of our communities by supporting local businesses, attracting investment, enhancing education linkages and creating job opportunities.
2. Stronger together: Recognition of the importance of working collaboratively to achieve common goals. By sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, we can address regional challenges more effectively.
3. Regional perspective with local focus: A regional approach to economic development, while addressing the unique needs and opportunities of each local community within our councils.
4. Supporting manufacturing growth: Supporting the growth and sustainability of the manufacturing sector, recognising its vital role in our regional economy.
5. Resilience and crisis response: Working together to enhance the resilience of our communities against natural disasters, economic downturns, or other unforeseen crises and impacts. This includes developing crisis management strategies, supporting emergency response planning, and ensuring that our communities are prepared for disruptions and adaption.
6. Mitigating the impacts of water buybacks: A commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of water buybacks on our communities by advocating for fair policies and ensuring that government transition packages see investment directly where economic impacts are felt and where jobs are lost. Our focus is on job preservation and creation.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said the accord reaffirmed the three councils' commitment to working together for the betterment of the entire region.
"Through upholding the shared principles of this accord, Greater Shepparton City Council, Campaspe Shire Council and Moira Shire Council will strive to create a prosperous and sustainable future for all our communities.
"The accord has been developed in recognition of our shared economic challenges as well as our opportunities," he said.
"It responds to industry and community feedback, promotes economic resilience and will strengthen our advocacy for both government funding and private investment."
The draft accord is available to view in the agenda for the 15 April Council meeting, on Council's website at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au
