Priorities identified to boost economy
A strategy focussing on economic growth and strengthening the region’s visitor economy has been adopted by Baw Baw Shire.
Establishing the region as the home of food and wine and opening the Tarago Reservoir for community use are among key priorities in the document.
Council will work with relevant stakeholders and community members to determine the level of support and potential recreational development of the reservoir.
The strategy also recommends initiatives to develop high quality tourism products that showcase the shire as a key destination for world class food and wine experiences such as the food and wine trail and wine region.
The Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy sets out targeted actions over the next three years that will achieve council’s economic vision “to create a regional city that has a thriving local and global economic impact, where families can live and grow and vibrant communities flourish”.
The strategy focuses on four key areas including leadership and advocacy; business attraction and investment, business and workforce development; and visitor economy and major events.
The strategy recommends council is “visible and active in the local business community” and supports businesses to create employment opportunities.
The strategy identifies the visitor economy as a significant contributor to economic productivity of the region.
“Council is committed to supporting the development of a tourism region that engages and inspires travellers to enjoy local produce, stunning scenery and rich, cultural experiences,” the strategy states.
Before adoption, the strategy was placed on public exhibition for community comment.
Council received 58 submissions on the draft strategy and council also engaged with local businesses, industry associations, regional partners and other interested residents.
Based on feedback of key stakeholders, a number of priorities were highlighted.
Enhancements to the Better Business Program to further support businesses with the permit process;
Recreational development of Tarago Reservoir;
Undertaking a feasibility assessment into the introduction of EV charging stations;
Establishing the shire as the home of food and wine; and,
Supporting the indigenous economy by enhancing collaboration between council and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).
Mayor Michael Leaney said the strategy was a roadmap to guide council’s economic focus for the future.
“It is a clear and straightforward strategy that outlines council’s actions across a three-year timeframe in developing a strong economy and creating and sustaining local jobs within the region.
“We look forward to working closely with our strategic partners to further support our local industries,” he said.
Cr Annemarie McCabe said the strategy also outlined council’s approach to advocacy, how council will go about attracting and supporting businesses and talks of the visitor economy and how to draw people to the region.
Cr Joe Gauci said council played a key role in economic development, but long term growth would be strengthened through collaboration with strategic partnerships including the state and federal governments.
“This strategy itself does not outline how to make a business successful, rather it has got plans in place to support and enable an environment where businesses and the economy can thrive,” he said.