Economic Development Strategy to look at growth
Published on 26 April 2023
West Wimmera Shire Council is calling on community members to provide input for the development of a new economic development strategy.
Council has appointed Stafford Strategy to work with the community, State Government, regional entities, and the business sector to develop the strategy.
The strategy aims to identify opportunities for economic growth over the next five years.
It will focus on ways to encourage reinvestment into existing businesses, attract new investment into new ventures, and stimulate employment growth in the shire.
It also aims to strengthen West Wimmera's competitive edge as a leading agricultural destination in Victoria and attract more skilled workers and their families to the area.
As part of this process, Stafford Strategy will host a series of community consultation sessions and an online survey to gather feedback from community members who want to have a say in the future of economic development in West Wimmera.
These sessions will take place at the following locations:
Apsley Town Hall on April 26 from 9am - 10.30am
Edenhope and District Community Centre on April 26 from 11.30am - 1pm
Harrow Discovery Centre on April 26 from 3pm - 4.30pm
Goroke Community Complex on April 27 from 11am - 12.30pm
Kaniva Shire Hall on April 27 from 2pm - 3.30pm
For those who are unable to attend the community consultation sessions, an online survey is available here.
Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the new economic development strategy would support growth in the shire.
“The strategy will help to identify the sectors with the best opportunities for growth and uplift and make it possible to pursue these opportunities in a planned and coordinated way to give us the best chance of success,” he said.
"The strategy will be developed in consultation with the community. This collaborative approach will ensure that the strategy is tailored to the needs of our community.
"We encourage everyone to participate in the community consultation sessions or complete the online survey to have their say on the future of economic development in West Wimmera."
For more information about the economic development strategy, please contact Tamee Mulraney, Economic and Business Development Co-ordinator, on 13 99 72.