Shire’s strategy to shape local economy

THE latest version of a strategy adopted by the Surf Coast Shire council recognises that prosperity equates to quality of life, not just material wealth, according to the shire’s deputy mayor.

Councillors adopted the Surf Coast Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-2031 following consideration of submissions received during exhibition of a draft version in August.

Cr Liz Pattison said the new strategy identified there were three parts to a successful local economy – people, businesses and place.
“It recognises that jobs are important and also that material wealth or GDP should not be pursued independently of our way of life or of our built and natural environment,” she said.

The economic development strategy is founded on four principles:

• Prosperity equals quality of life for community
• Community includes residents, businesses and visitors
• The natural environment has an intrinsic value that cannot be replaced by economic development, and
• The Surf Coast three separate and distinct local economies: Coast, Hinterland and Torquay.

The principles support the strategic vision: “By 2031 the Surf Coast is prosperous and has shaped its own identity that successfully combines lifestyle, environment, business and a strong sense of place.”

The strategy was informed by significant industry and community consultation including the establishment of an industry-based Skills Reference Group and one-on-one interviews with 95 business operators.

The responses received during the People Place Future engagement campaign were also analysed in depth and fed into the strategy.

“The fact the strategy reflects a holistic view of prosperity is indicative of what Surf Coast Shire means to us all – our economic opportunities support, and in turn are supported by, our lifestyle, health and wellbeing and sustainability,” Cr Pattison said.

The Surf Coast Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-2031 identifies various growth opportunities for Surf Coast Shire including further development of the creative and cultural sector, and further growth tourism, agribusiness plus non-traditional sectors such home based businesses, surfing, innovation based businesses and events.

The strategy has a 10-year timeline with a review scheduled after five years.

To download it or read it, head to the Surf Coast Shire website.