Business NSW helping the Northern Rivers to ProspER

BUSINESS NSW Northern Rivers has received a $250,000 grant from the State Government to develop a plan for the economic recovery and revitalisation of the region.

Local stakeholders met on Monday to launch the ProspER Northern Rivers Regional Economic and Environment Plan to help identify opportunities and reduce barriers to long-term sustainable economic development across eight local government areas.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the plan would support community economic recovery and

prosperity after the challenges of the past few years.

“This is a unique part of the state with unique requirements, different industries and different needs, and by listening to local voices, we will help ensure the region’s economic future,” Ms Moriarty said.

“This plan will identify obstacles and opportunities facing local businesses and communities both now and into the future that will help the entire Northern Rivers region to prosper.”

A regional project steering group, including First Nations and youth participants, will guide the initiative and will work with the community, businesses and local councils.

Minister for the North Coast, Rose Jackson, said it was a welcome initiative for a unique part of regional NSW with much to offer.

“The plan will ensure local leaders, businesses and residents can all make the most of the North Coast’s best attributes and develop greater opportunities in the Northern Rivers – now and into the future,” Ms Jackson said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said she saw early on that there couldn’t be community

flood recovery without economic recovery, which demanded a coordinated strategy.

“I wanted the business chamber to drive this, and I have been working closely with Jane Laverty from Business NSW Northern Rivers,” Ms Saffin said.

“This will dovetail very nicely with the regional master plan about to get underway.”

The plan will help identify risks to existing businesses and potential growth opportunities in industries such as eco-tourism, creative industries, value-added manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, healthcare innovation, and renewable energy.

Business NSW Northern Rivers regional director Jane Laverty said it was an exciting opportunity for a whole-of-region approach to sustainable economic development.

“The timing is right to enlist and engage with passionate and knowledgeable advocates for the Northern Rivers and ensure we live up to our potential today whilst also setting up the next generation of NorRiveans for success,” she said.