A Coastal Community Full of Opportunity- have your say on Council's new Economic Development Framework
Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking public feedback on its new Economic Development Framework, which aims to boost business opportunities, investment, employment and inclusive economic wellbeing in the community.
Named the Economic Development Framework - A Coastal Community Full of Opportunity, the document centres around four pillars - living and working; natural world and visitor economy; industry diversification and innovation; and place shaping - to drive future economic success.
Bass Coast has a consumer economy worth $800 million a year and tourism is critical to the make-up of the economy, bringing valuable revenue that is not dependant on population growth.
The Framework recognises several key focus areas including: workforce development; promoting Bass Coast as an international tourism and wellness destination; identifying the opportunity from the emerging offshore wind industry; improving digital connectivity; and considering sense of place in creating vibrant communities.
A raft of possible economic stimulators have been identified, including:
- A strategy to convert day trippers to overnight stays to potentially generate an additional $113 million a year to Bass Coast's economy.
- Leveraging significant events that drive economic activity in Bass Coast towns.
- Progressing development of the Bass Coast Dinosaur Trail.
- Driving development of Bass Coast as an emerging wellness destination; and
- Actively supporting on-farm diversification and sustainable business practices.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said community feedback on how Bass Coast could strengthen and support its economy was important to the success of the strategy.
"An effective economic development strategy is vital for the sustainable growth and prosperity of our region and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of economic wellbeing," Cr Whelan said.
"As a Council and as a community, we understand the power of community collaboration and we want to leverage exciting new opportunities that will help drive our future economic activity.
"This means looking towards new initiatives and ways of doing things and diversifying our main industries, while continuing to value and enhance our natural environmental and tourism offerings.
"We believe this draft Framework strikes the balance of sustainable economic growth while maintaining and enhancing our natural world. But we want to hear from our community on their thoughts."
The Framework has been developed over four phases considering evidence in Council's State of the Shire Report; community consultation; targeted engagement with key stakeholders and business; and in-depth analysis of regionally significant strategies.
The next phase of public consultation will run from Friday, September 15 until Sunday, October 15, and community members are being urged to have their say.
