Contributing to region’s growth
Support for housing, tourism, early childhood education and care, and settlement and migration initiatives headline the highlights of the region’s peak economic development organisation.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, formerly known as Wimmera Development Association, has released its 2023 Annual Report.
It says highlights of the year included launching its strategic plan; establishing the company, Wimmera Housing Innovations Pty, WHIP, which is supporting several housing initiatives to address shortage of accommodation in the region; continuing work to develop tourism and tourist facilities; supporting By Five Early Years Initiative’s work to increase early childhood education and care, and their child health and welfare activities; and supporting training, employment, settlement and migration initiatives.
It advocated for responsible renewable energy generation and transmission line developments, and supported local communities through leadership development, business awards and grants.
“In our region, WSM Development’s purpose is to lead and advocate for responsible economic growth, ensuring future liveability and prosperity,” the report reads.
“WSM Development is proud to be a major contributor to the growth and success of our region.”
The WSM Development Strategic Plan articulates the organisation’s purpose and vision that by 2032, its programs will have facilitated population growth of 7000 people across the region and assisted communities and businesses to lower carbon emissions to reach legislated targets.
Its values, ‘innovative, supportive and brave’ define its people and culture, and guide collaboration, leadership, advocacy and delivery of value for the region.
In terms of housing projects, the organisation has pursued a number of initiatives following on from its Housing Blueprint, aimed at improving housing supply including short-term solutions for newcomers, formation of WHIP to continue project work, support for tourism accommodation grants to alleviate housing issues outside peak tourist seasons, and documentation of a landbank with efforts to make it available for use.
Tourism projects included provision of cabin accommodation across the region, creating more mid-market and up-market facilities using existing significant buildings such as railway stations or churches, digital reality experiences at Silo Art, and improved signs and marketing.
Initiatives, with By Five, have included maternal health, early childhood education and care, and child health and wellbeing.
A Job Advocate program, planned pilot programs to provide care-based training for potential workers in case industries, and opportunities for the region to attract migrants to assist businesses to attract additional workforce were also highlighted.
WSM Development works with the community and governments to attract new investment, further develop existing businesses 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 members include Horsham Rural City, Buloke, Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack shires.
People can read the annual report in full via wda.org.au