After widespread community consultation spanning the last six months, MidCoast Council has adopted its first Economic Development Strategy.
Mayor Claire Pontin says the new strategy will help to drive local economic growth, a key to improving the future for local communities.
“I value the strong partnership with our local business chambers and the work of the Economic Development Strategy Reference Group over the past year. The adopted strategy is robust because of this partnership and I’m confident it will contribute to improved outcomes for the MidCoast economy.”
The strategy is based on the objectives of ‘attract’ and ‘grow’ and includes proposed actions to achieve these aims. They centre around workers and professions, investment, businesses, residents, visitors and events.
These listed actions are a joint responsibility with local business and industry and will rely heavily on attracting external funding.
Each year, Council will identify projects for delivery in the following financial year that will be included in Council’s annual Operational Plan and budget.
For the 2023-24 year 20 economic development projects are included in Council’s operational plan for delivery.
“Our action plan for the coming year to deliver on the Economic Development Strategy, includes activity across a broad range of areas to support the stimulation of our local economy.”
These major activities include:
- Northern gateway
- Undertaking a feasibility study and master plan for the Northern Gateway/Airport Transport Hub
- Developing a business case for a Taree regional sports facility
- Undertaking a feasibility study and master plan for a Gathan Cultural Centre and new regional art gallery
- Creating a prospectus to promote the region and attract economic investment
- Identifying key regional events that could support and grow the regional economy in the future
- Reviewing of the Destination Management Plan and implementing its plan of action
- Financially supporting the MidCoast AH202 project to attract, recruit and retain allied health professionals
- Identifying economic development projects that require external funding and developing shovel ready proposals for priority projects for future implementation
“A plan such as this is a critical tool that local government uses to help drive local economic growth,” added Mayor Pontin.
Funding for thing year’s projects are jointly provides by MidCoast Council and the State Government.
