Council outlines development
Increasing the municipality’s population by 3000 residents in the next decade is among key targets of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s new economic development strategy.
They council endorsed its Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2021-31 last week.
The 10-year plan aims to ‘uplift the economic wellbeing and quality of life’ for shire residents.
Councillors, council staff and a steering committee have worked on the project for the past nine months.
Cr Tony Driscoll, steering committee chair, said the committee was proud of the ‘clear direction and visionary ideas encapsulated within the strategy’.
“The steering committee for the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2021-31 has done an amazing job capturing the key challenges our shire economy is facing, identifying solutions to these challenges and setting down a very clear action plan to improve the viability of our region within the current and forecasted economic climate,” he said.
Along with increasing the shire’s population by 3000, the plan’s targets include: Lowering the median age to match the state average of 37 years; increasing the gross regional product by $200-million; attracting investment from government, industry and business into the shire as an ideal location for commercial enterprise and scientific research; increasing tourism through promotion of unique and diverse experiences within the region; and improving community engagement in economic decision-making through partnerships and direct liaison with the community.
Mayor Murray Emerson said he looked forward to helping deliver tangible outcomes.
“We aim to deliver on short-term objectives identified within the strategy via the council plan 2021-25 in accordance with our four-year term,” he said.
“The strategy will position Northern Grampians to be one of rural Victoria’s most thriving, accessible and resilient regions to live, work, invest and visit.”
People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au//economic-development for more information and a copy of the strategy. Copies are also available from Stawell and St Arnaud customer service offices, or by calling 5358 8700.