Council workshops to help shape economy and future tourism plans

BALLINA Shire Council has opened consultation on a new Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy, with local businesses and tourism operators invited to help shape the plan.

A series of workshops will be held at Ballina RSL Club on Monday, 4 May and Lennox Head CWA Hall on Wednesday, 6 May.

In Ballina Shire, more than 5,000 businesses support 22,730 jobs, with small businesses accounting for 85 per cent of the local economy.

The region is also home to more than 200 tourism-related accommodation and food businesses, with the visitor economy extending into arts, transport, recreation and retail sectors.

Recent trading conditions have been mixed, with some accommodation and dining operators impacted by rising fuel costs and the cancellation of Bluesfest.

Destination and economy team coordinator Alanah Ward said the consultation would help capture local experiences and priorities.

“This is an opportunity to share what is happening on the ground in your business and across the region,” she said.

“Feedback will help identify local strengths and competitive advantages, current challenges in the business and visitor economy, as well as future opportunities for growth, investment and council support.”

The strategy will guide how council supports local business, tourism and investment across the shire through to 2035.

It is being developed in collaboration with business, industry, community and government stakeholders and will align with council’s broader planning framework.

Community members can take part in workshops or complete an online survey.

Registrations for the workshops can be made at events.humanitix.com.

The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/ballinabusiness.