The effort to strengthen Swifts Creek's economic future has received a significant boost with the appointment of local Alyce Richards to the role of Local Development Strategy Project Manager. Alyce is already calling on the local community to share their ideas with her team about the town's challenges as it pivots away from a native timber-linked economy.
Alyce, born in nearby Benambra, has experience in agriculture and community engagement and is eager to collaborate, drive economic growth, and support Swifts Creek's future.
Alyce and the Swifts Creek Future Community Reference Group are calling on its community to help shape a prosperous future for the town and region through face-to-face chats that will focus on future possibilities and celebrate past innovations.
As part of the Victorian Government's Forestry Transition Program, the Local Development Strategy aims to support regional communities impacted by the end to native timber harvesting and local industry make-up.
The Swifts Creek Community Centre has already become a buzzing hub, central to shaping the town's strategy and transformation. It is where Alyce and her team are tackling the town's current challenges by exploring potential ventures and solutions with support from the Swifts Creek Future Community Reference Group and other residents.
Key themes emerging from the discussions so far include: identifying and showcasing local skills and talents; promoting art and culture; exploring outdoor activities and trail building; initiating land-management projects; managing and processing deer populations; exploring new tourism and recreational attractions; researching opportunities to promote beef from the region, diversity in agriculture and investing in ventures that create local employment.
Swift's Creek is one of 11 towns undertaking a Local Development Strategy and has joined Nowa Nowa and Orbost in each receiving $500,000 to support their development and economic transition. This funding, combined with Swift Creek's eligibility to access a $22 million Community Transition and Development Fund and the $36 million Forestry Transition Fund, will provide resources and support to implement employment opportunities and kickstart new ventures.
