Residents and business owners are invited to have their say on the draft Golden Plains Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2017-2021.
About the strategy
The draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2017-2021 aims to provide a comprehensive and contemporary approach to meeting the economic development and tourism needs of Golden Plains Shire residents and business owners as well as key stakeholders both within and external to the Shire.
The draft strategy encompasses five key pillars – investment attraction, business support, tourism development, lobbying and advocacy, and partnerships. Each pillar represents a strategic goal, a series of priorities and the methods Council will use to determine success in this area.
A resourced Action Plan is included in the strategy – this outlines the programs and activities that will be undertaken with respect to each pillar across the four years.
Developing the strategy
The draft was developed with extensive input from the community, Councillors and Council staff and backed by solid and comprehensive research and data.
Assessment of the current and future needs of business and industry
This involved conducting a range of stakeholder engagement activities:
- online surveys
- workshops and
- interviews with staff from Council’s planning, economic development, environment and tourism teams.
Community feedback
Feedback from the Council Plan 2017-21 and Community Engagement Strategy engagement listening posts was used in the development of the strategy.
Councillors’ feedback
Council has directly contributed to the new strategy through workshopping key issues in the Councillor Induction process and through the development of the Council Plan 2017-2021. The Economic Development Strategy is directly related to Strategic Direction “Enhancing Local Economies”.
Supplementary and supportive research
This included a comprehensive literature review which included internal reports, market research, regional strategies and a range of external publications and are included in the draft strategy’s Part B - Research and Findings.
What we found
The development of the draft strategy highlighted a number of key findings, advantages and opportunities.
Stakeholders believe Golden Plains Shire’s proximity to regional centres and markets was a significant strength along with the region’s land affordability, which appeals to both new residents and investors.
Feedback acknowledged that the Shire has a very strong agricultural industry but also benefits from a diverse range of quality, boutique enterprises making their home in Golden Plains.
The strategy development process revealed that service and infrastructure provision as high on the list of priorities with all stakeholders. Lack of reliable telecommunications, power supply as well as access to water, sewerage, public transport, roads and education were also identified as challenges and opportunity areas.
The other key challenge highlighted was the need for more support of local business; both through the promotion of businesses to encourage visitation and sales of products and services, and also for the business owners through training and support services.
Have Your Say
It is important that residents and business owners review the draft and provide feedback if necessary. All comments will be reviewed and taken into consideration before the final strategy is adopted.
Feedback can be provided at the Council Conversation Post in Bannockburn on Saturday 2 September (learn more here) or in writing, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer – [email protected] or PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331. There will also be an opportunity to have your say online at www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations in the next few days. Keep an eye out on social media or Council’s Have Your Say page.
The draft Strategy will be available for comment until the end of September.