The Economic Development Revitalisation and Action Plan is pegged to facilitate economic development and growth, according to the Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC).
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The master plan, which will span over the next five years, will focus on three key areas drivers in the Shire: aged care, tourism and agricultural production.
Mayor Brian McCormack said the plan will identify, drive, and build economic development.
“The plan will underpin council’s current strategies, as well as provide strategic direction and a plan for action which will set Council’s future objectives, rather than simply be a shelf document gathering dust,” he said.
“[It] will be used by council to advocate for funding and change from all levels of government to further improve the economics of the Upper Lachlan.”
In the April 19 council meeting, councillors moved to prepare the strategic plan and contact relevant state and federal government representatives about this.
The budget for this project is $50,000.
The council will employ a consultant in July for these works.
Objectives includes auditing main economic drivers, identifying needs of the business community, recommending lifestyle benefits, identifying barriers in population growth and key tourism opportunities.
The number of visitors into the Shire on weekends, the real estate market, road traffic, school enrolments and community assets will be performance indicators.
Collector Wines manager Kate McKay, cellar door manager, welcomed the plan and said it was “very reassuring”. She plans to contribute to the upcoming conversations.
“It’s wildly in need of attention,” she said.
“People are happy to drive to Collector from Canberra to buy a coffee and bottle of wine and go home. That’s an indication that regional tourism is thriving and council need to be supporting that before they miss the boat.”
Key retailers, business owners, property developers and tourism managers and providers will be interviewed.
The steering committee of seven intend to have their first workshop in August and publicly exhibit the draft in November.