Comment sought on council’s economic strategy

A draft strategy designed to drive economic development, major projects and tourism in Baw Baw Shire has been released for community comment.

The draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy has been supported by council and is open for community feedback.

The draft strategy seeks to develop and deliver sustainable economic growth and a bright, thriving future for the region and its businesses.

The draft strategy identifies four key focus areas for growing the shire’s economy.

Leadership and advocacy – as the shire continued to be one of the fastest growing regional areas in Australia, council will support economic opportunities for residents and investors.

The top four projects outlined in the draft strategy for council to pursue are a Warragul and Drouin bypass, Logan Park cycling centre of excellence, Rokeby and Neerim trail extensions and the Baw Baw civic precinct.

Business attraction and investment - attract investment from businesses, which diversify and add value to the local economy, and ensure council’s message to investors is the shire is open for business.

Business and workforce development ensure council is visible and active in the local business community, and supports local businesses to create employment opportunities, provide goods and services and helps the local and regional economy to achieve growth and prosperity.

Visitor economy and major events - the visitor economy is a significant contributor to economic productivity. Council is committed to supporting tourism development to inspire travellers to enjoy local produce, stunning scenery and rich, cultural experiences.

Cr Annemarie McCabe said the strategy was informative and easy to read.

She said the draft strategy highlighted what had been done and what needed to be done.

Cr McCabe said the shire was growing at a rapid rate and council needed to keep up with that by encouraging economic growth in the region.

“We don’t have to look far to see new developments sprout up around us. When these residents move to the shire, buy new blocks and build new homes, they are creating and retaining crucial jobs and bringing economic development to the shire,” she said.

Cr Michael Leaney said the draft strategy was all about the future economy of the shire.

“This is about how we are going to grow all sectors of the economy.

“It’s really important people give us their feedback. When we put something out for community consultation we really want people to respond.

“We’ve put things out, get very little feedback and then six months later we get people complaining,” he said.

Mayor Danny Goss said it was important council’s economic focus and actions for the future drove recovery and growth following the pandemic.

He said the strategy would ultimately guide council’s economic vision for the next three years.

Consultation closes on November 15. Officers will prepare a report on community responses to be considered by council before the strategy is adopted.