New plan for Shire economy

A NEW Economic Development, Tourism and Investment Attraction Strategy 2022-2032 was adopted by Golden Plains Shire councillors last month.

The document is designed to outline a 10-year approach to the municipality’s economy, business management, and tourism strategies.

Four key areas of importance are part of the EDTIA strategy; small towns and enterprise, productive, sustainable landscapes, escape the city, and Shire-based health and education.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said the document has been endorsed after several months of community consultation and feedback.

“Economic development plays an important role in many of the strategic objectives of the Council Plan 2021-2025 and it’s wonderful to have the EDTIA strategy in place to aide in those strategic objectives being reached,” he said.

“Positive economic development and investment attraction, along with a healthy and sustainable tourism market, support our local small businesses, larger industries and job creation and stability in Golden Plains.

“The actions outlined in this strategy will play an important role in the growth of the Golden Plains economy, while also extending beyond the traditional economic commitment to include actions to advocate for and improve local health services, education and climate change initiatives.”

Community feedback on the strategy was collected via a survey about economic development, tourism, and attracting investment earlier in the year, before a draft was put to the public in August and September.

Read the strategy at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/strategies or pick up a copy at the Shire’s customer service centres at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.