Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed a strategy to deliver sustainable economic growth and a bright, thriving future for our region and its businesses.
The Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy was presented at Wednesday's Council meeting and was moved by Cr Joe Gauci, seconded by Cr Annemarie McCabe and supported unanimously by all Councillors in the Chamber.
The Strategy provides a range of targeted actions over the next three years to realise Baw Baw Shire's economic vision "to create a regional city that has a thriving local and global economic impact, where families can live and grow and vibrant communities flourish".
To further develop and support a strong economy across the Shire, the Strategy focuses on four key areas:
- Leadership and Advocacy
- Business Attraction and Investment
- Business and Workforce Development
- Visitor Economy and Major Events
To make sure it was hitting the mark with local businesses and stakeholders, Council sought feedback on the Strategy between 15 October to 15 November 2021.
A total of 58 responses were received throughout the consultation period and direct engagement was carried out with the local business community, industry associations, regional partners and other interested residents.
Based on the feedback provided from these key stakeholders, the following priorities were highlighted:
- Enhancements to the Better Business Program to further support businesses with the permit process
- The recreational development of Tarago Reservoir
- The undertaking of a feasibility assessment into the introduction of EV charging stations
- Establishing Baw Baw Shire as the home of food and wine
- Supporting our Indigenous Economy by enhancing collaboration between Council and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).
Council will work closely with key partners across the region to deliver the Strategy's economic development actions. It is through these collaborative partnerships that long-term, strategic investment and growth can be achieved and local businesses can thrive.
Please visit A-Z Policies and Documents to view the Strategy.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney
"This key strategy is essentially a roadmap to guide Council's economic focus for the future. It is a clear and straightforward strategy that outlines Council's actions across a 3 year timeframe in developing a strong economy and creating and sustaining local jobs within the region.
We look forward to working closely with our strategic partners to further support our local industries".
Quote attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe
"This key document is not only easy to read, it also clearly outlines our strategic approach to advocacy, how we will go about attracting and supporting businesses and talks of the visitor economy and how we will draw people to our region.
I thank the respondents for their submissions. Your insight reinforces what we already know about Baw Baw Shire, that we all share the same goal of a thriving, eco friendly, sustainable vibrant place where people live, learn, work and play!"
Quote attributable to Cr Joe Gauci
"Council plays a key role in economic development, however long term growth is only strengthened through the collaboration with our strategic partnerships like the State and Federal Government.
This strategy itself does not outline how to make a business successful, rather it has got plans in place to support and enable an environment where businesses and the economy can thrive".
