United to deliver for community
Regional development leaders say the Wimmera and southern Mallee is poised to capitalise on a period of disruption.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness and board chair Paul Geyer’s comments come with the launch of a five-year strategic plan for the peak economic development organisation formerly known as Wimmera Development Association.
The ‘nimble and ambitious’ plan highlights critical regional priorities and advocacy targets for economic growth and liveability under three strategic pillars – enable growth, remove barriers, and build resilience.
It will work towards the organisation’s 2032 vision of facilitating regional population growth by 7000 people, assisting the region in transition to electrification and a low emissions economy, and supporting business and community financial self-sustainability.
Mr Sounness highlighted the weekend’s confirmation of a recommended corridor for the proposed VNI-WEST transmission project as a turning point for the region – and he encouraged people to consider it an opportunity.
He said the region was poised to have billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy, transmission and critical mineral sands alongside its world-class agriculture sector.
“Ensuring this investment leads to increased housing and job and career opportunities is key,” he said.
“Building on our existing advantages in agriculture and its digitialisation pathway, growth in food processing industries, aiding tourism sector growth, and assisting the region’s carbon emission reduction journey are all part of why the Wimmera and southern Mallee region has such an exciting future.”
Mr Sounness said housing was recognised as the region’s number-one challenge.
“Similarly, WSM Development and Byfive leaders are acutely aware of the region’s crippling childcare shortages and the importance of access to equitable healthcare for children and families,” he said.
“Removing local barriers is a core focus of our plan. Through the delivery of our Housing Blueprint, we’re aiming to support more than 1000 new homes to be built within the region. We’re also continuing to deep dive into the region’s healthcare services, childcare models and workforce supply challenges to support reform aimed at delivering consistent, quality care that is known to enable children and families to thrive.
“Additionally, building regional resilience is critical for regional sustainability. Plan strategies are dedicated to supporting the Wimmera southern Mallee’s next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs through tailored capacity and skill building programs.”
Mr Sounness and Mr Geyer also publicly announced the renaming of the organisation during the event at its new headquarters, within Federation University’s Wimmera campus.
Mr Geyer said the strategic plan sought to narrow and clarify the focus of the organisation into the future.
“The Wimmera southern Mallee is incredibly unique and differs from other Victorian regions providing us with distinct growth opportunities which we can leverage for community and regional benefit,” Mr Geyer said.
“Our plan has been collaboratively co-designed with local councils and placing community front of mind, ensuring our advocacy targets and priorities allow us to develop an aligned vision with government and other key regional stakeholders.
“Our actions are ambitious, innovative and support our vision and understand our region is entering a period of tremendous opportunity while acknowledging there are many challenges ahead and working together is the best way to ensure the opportunities deliver for our community.”
The strategic plan comes after major changes for the organisation, which formed more than 30 years ago – including transformation to a company limited by guarantee with a skillsbased board.
WSM Development works with the community and governments to attract new investment, further develop existing business and promote sustainable development opportunities – both within and outside the region.
It is a vital link between industry and government and has a proven track record of advocating for and attracting new development to the region.
Its membership consists of Horsham Rural City municipality and Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack shires.
People wanting more information, or to read the strategic plan can go to www.wsm.org.au