A strong economic vision for our region released by the NSW government, the MidCoast Regional Economic Development Strategy, has been officially endorsed by MidCoast councillors.
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The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet engaged Sapere Research Group to work closely with MidCoast Council and the community in developing the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS), using an approach developed by the Centre for Economic and Regional Development.
The strategy has now been unanimously endorsed by councillors at a recent MidCoast Council meeting, following its official release by Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead last year. It will become a vital tool in supporting funding applications to both the state and federal governments.
“The REDS is used to provide a clear picture of where we stand in terms of economic opportunities, challenges and strengths,” Paul De Szell of MidCoast Council said.
With a view to building sustainable economic development, the strategy includes an action plan for the next three years building on regional strengths such as land and water assets; infrastructure; and location, lifestyle and amenity.
Actions are centred on developing the area as a location of choice (through actions such as improving core infrastructure), creating a supportive environment for businesses to invest and grow and marketing the region.
“The REDS references council's strategic documents, including the Community Strategic Plan and the Destination Management Plan, and provides a comprehensive strategic platform for community, business and council to work together with the NSW government to drive economic development for our region,” Mr De Szell said.
“The strategy is a way for the state government to ensure it is successfully working with us to grow business confidence, create and encourage business investment, maximise the potential for jobs growth and secure a strong future for the MidCoast region.”
Consultation was an important part of the development of the strategy and included a community engagement process, an online survey and face to face and telephone interviews with businesses, business and community organisations and individual members of the community.
Responsibility for delivery of the initiatives and actions is disbursed between the three levels of government, other service providers and the business community.
Council will work with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this strategy.
For more information on the Regional Economic Development Strategy, head to MidCoast Council’s website, www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/REDS.