Shire’s economic progress noted

THE Surf Coast Shire council has received a progress report on the region’s economic health delivered through three key strategies it is undertaking.

The report, discussed by councillors at their July 23 meeting, also listed group achievements and highlights across 34 projects from across each of the strategies, which were delivered between January 2023 and June 2024.

The three strategies are the Economic Development Strategy 2021-31, Creative Places Strategy 2023-2031 and Australian National Surfing Museum Master Plan.

Cr Rose Hodge said the combined snapshot from the three key strategic documents highlighted important achievements and innovations supporting the region’s business and creative economies.

“While 34 projects have been highlighted, many of them include multiple smaller projects which have not been reported in detail, but all of them influence our economic measures.

“Our economic prosperity measure scores highlight areas where we are doing well, and importantly areas which might need more focus – such as encouraging more off-peak and multi-day stay tourism or supporting more businesses to implement environmentally sustainable initiatives – as we strive towards a more prosperous, diverse and creative economy.”

The shire listed these economic developments over the past 18 months:

• Securing three international events – the Bells Beach Longboard Classic, 2025 UCI Fondo World Championships and Australian Surf Rowing Championships. The objective was to secure two events by 2026
• Building a database of 8,300 businesses, to improve engagement and communications with the business sector
• Supporting 36 businesses through the shire’s business concierge service which helps new business owners to navigate permit requirements often involving several different council departments
• A Creative Halls Project revitalising shire-owned facilities with installation of arts infrastructure to support exhibitions, performances and community events
• The announcement that the Surf Coast Shire is pursuing Eco Destination Certification and will encourage local tourism businesses to do the same, recognising their best practice sustainable management and our outstanding natural environments
• A rotating program of exhibitions at the Australian National Surfing Museum, and
• Use of Anglesea Art Space, which hosted 17 exhibitions involving 329 artists, attracting 5,945 visitors and generating $54,687 in artwork sales.

To read the full progress report, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/business