New plan to help Shire grow and prosper

A new plan will be created to ensure several of Council’s long-term strategies reinforce each other for the good of the community.

A new?‘Grow and Prosper Corangamite’?will bring together economic development, tourism, arts and culture and events and festivals strategies.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the plan would take an ambitious approach to capitalise on the many competitive advantages the Shire has to offer.

“The aim is to ensure Council has a strategy that serves our Shire's unique needs, opportunities and aspirations,” Cr Gstrein said.

“Council staff will work with the community and industry sectors to determine exactly what businesses, artists and other stakeholders aspire to and how we can make it happen.”

The Framework will contain specific action plans for six key areas:

• the visitor economy
• creative industries
• circular economy
• events and festivals
• population attraction and retention and
• specific industry sectors (agriculture, manufacturing, building, health, education, small business, retail etc).

Cr Gstrein said the process would combine three different approaches.

“Firstly we will look at what exists and trends that are affecting each of those six key areas in Corangamite,” she said.

“Secondly, Council will use real world data to prepare for risks, such as pandemics, natural disasters, industry transition, climate or financial crises.

“Finally, the longer-term outlook will focussed on future growth, adaptation, and sustainability.

“‘Grow and Prosper Corangamite’?is an exciting idea that will allow different parts of our community to work together for a thriving and prosperous local economy and community.”

A final report is expected to be submitted to the April 2023 Council meeting for adoption.

The development of the plan kicks off with a dinner, with keynote speaker Anna Meares OAM on Thursday 17 November 2022.

Considered by many to be the greatest Australian cyclist of all time, Ms Meares will share her story of resilience, adaptability and persistence which are all elements of a growth mindset. Following this is a workshop session on Thursday 24 November.

There will also be a breakfast on Wednesday 7 December, with The Demographics Group Director and Co-founder Simon Kuestenmacher, immediately followed by a second workshop.

• Thursday 17 November business dinner with multiple cycling World Champion Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Anna Meares OAM, Theatre Royal, Camperdown Book here.
• Thursday 24 November session/workshop that will gather input from business and community, Rose Room, Terang. Book here.?
• Wednesday 7 December business breakfast The Demographics Group Director and Co-founder Simon Kuestenmacher, Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, followed by a second session/workshop at the same venue. Book here for the breakfast. / Book here for the workshop.

Further details on the events can be found on the Council website and socials and will be shared by in the?Business Corangamite?and?Corangamite eNews?newsletters and published at?facebook.com/CorangamiteShire?and?facebook.com/businesscorangamite