The Northern Grampians Shire Council is currently establishing the foundation for a critical piece of economic development work.
Over the next six months, council will work with a project steering committee, made up of key industry sector and community representatives to deliver an Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan for 2021-31.
Northern Grampians Shire Council's Chief Executive Officer, Liana Thompson says the new strategy and action plan will build a great base for the shire's future.
"As a consequence of COVID-19, all industry sectors are being impacted in some way. At the same time, opportunities to work differently have arisen."
"It is critical that while council continues to respond to immediate needs, we orientate ourselves towards the future".
"We need to be ready to recover from COVID-19 and ultimately put our economy on a trajectory of growth. Now is our opportunity to prepare for that."
Due for completion in early 2021, the strategy will define what the community wants the future economy to look like, what pathways we will pursue to get there, and what actions we will take to pursue those pathways.
The strategy will be about practical things council can, and must do, to build the economic wellbeing and quality of life for our communities.
Northern Grampians Shire Councillor Tony Driscoll will chair the project steering committee.
"This is a critical piece of work for council," he said.
"The strategy will identify where council resources are likely to get the best possible return for effort, in relation to council's economic development services and activities."
"Our rural region has so much to offer, and we have to make the most of our unique assets and competitive advantages".
