Business NSW Northern Rivers will get a helping hand to develop a strategy that will support the economic recovery, wellbeing and revitalisation of the Northern Rivers, thanks to a $250,000 Minns Labor Government election commitment.
The funding will be used to develop the ProspER Northern Rivers Regional Economic and Environment Plan, which will help identify opportunities and reduce barriers for long-term sustainable economic development across eight Local Government areas in the region, including Tenterfield Shire.
The ProspER Northern Rivers Regional Economic and Environment Plan will provide strategic advice on economic and environmental risks facing the region to help future-proof economic development, create new opportunities for different types of jobs and industries, and support entrepreneurship.
The initiative will be guided by a Regional Project Steering Group made up of local representatives including First Nations and youth participants who will work with community, business and local Councils to develop the plan.
The plan will identify opportunities to help local businesses and industry thrive, with a focus on innovative projects that create opportunities for economic development in other industries and communities.
It will also help develop a method to identify both risks to existing businesses and potential growth opportunities in industries such as eco-tourism, creative industries, value-add manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, health care innovation and renewable energy.
Such projects could include development of a health precinct to attract Allied Health businesses, and Food Connect Precincts housing for-rent commercial kitchens and office spaces to support micro-enterprises.
The plan also aims to build capacity, attract investment, act as an advocacy tool for future funding opportunities, and help grow regional branding and identity.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The ProspER Northern Rivers Regional Economic and Environment Plan will support community wellbeing economic recovery, revitalisation and prosperity after the challenges of flood and bushfire that the Northern Rivers has experienced over the past couple of years."
"This is a unique part of the state with unique requirements, different industries and different needs, and by listening to local voices we will help ensure the region's economic future.
"This plan will identify obstacles and opportunities facing local businesses and communities both now, and into the future, that will help the entire Northern Rivers region to prosper."
Minister for the North Coast, Rose Jackson said:
"This is a welcome initiative for this unique part of regional NSW that has so much to offer in terms of industry, innovation and natural beauty.
"The plan will ensure local leaders, businesses and residents can all make the most of the North Coast's best attributes and develop greater opportunities in the Northern Rivers - now and into the future.
"I'm pleased to see the Plan will be guided by locals, including Aboriginal people and young people who have a huge stake in ensuring the future prosperity of the region."
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:
"I advocated strongly for this initiative because I could see early on that there can't be community flood recovery without economic recovery, and that demands a coordinated strategy.
"I wanted the business chamber to drive this and I have been working closely with Jane Laverty from Business NSW Northern Rivers.
"This will dovetail very nicely with the regional masterplan about to get underway."
Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Jane Laverty said:
"ProspER Northern Rivers is an exciting opportunity for a whole of region approach to sustainable economic development that is specific to the Northern Rivers and our community values.
"The timing is right to enlist and engage with passionate and knowledgeable advocates for the Northern Rivers and ensure we live up to our potential today whilst also setting up the next generation of NorRiveans for success."
