Murrindindi - Economic Development Strategy
Mon, May 19, 2008; by Bill Coppinger.
Enterprise and Opportunity
“Working towards a prosperous future”
A terrific opportunity is available for Murrindindi Shire communities in the next two months. An opportunity to be involved in shaping Murrindindi’s future prosperity, to have your thoughts and ideas heard, and to be involved in setting directions for the future of economic development in the Shire. If this interests you then read on.
Murrindindi Shire Council’s Economic Development Department has designed an exciting and extensive process of community consultation to guide the creation of a new Economic Development Strategy. The existing Strategy is for the period 2003 – 2008 and is therefore nearing the end of its life. The new Strategy will be for the period 2008 – 2012. The Strategy and associated Action Plan will set the path for Community, Business and Council activity within the economic development sphere for the next four years, with broad implications for future viability and prosperity.
Community input to this process is vital. Projects identified by local communities will need drive from community and business members. Each community is unique and local knowledge and ownership is imperative to the success of identified projects and directions. You can be involved in this process in a variety of ways:
- Make a written submission to council (attention Bob Elkington) detailing your thoughts
- Complete the online Business Survey to be made available by 30 May
- Attend one or more of the open public meetings
Susan Benedyka from the Regional Development Company will act as the facilitator for the public meetings. Susan is based in Wangaratta and has a great deal of experience in assisting in the creation of Economic Development strategies for rural and regional Councils. Susan has a broad scope of experience in working with businesses and Councils in the North East of the state in particular. Susan will be assisted by Council staff member, Anne Leadbeater. Anne has worked with a number of local communities across the Shire and is currently employed as the Community Facilitator for the Kinglake Ranges Community Building Initiative.
The purpose of the public meetings will be to work together to:
- Ascertain current business vitality and confidence
- Understand the accelerators and barriers to business growth
- Offer opportunities for input into future directions and focus
- Improve broad acceptance, awareness and ownership of the outcomes of this process and the key directions that result from it
The process may identify community issues not directly associated with economic development. There will be a commitment that these matters will be duly recorded and passed on to the relevant person, department or authority.
Further information on the Enterprise and Opportunity, “Working towards a prosperous future” project including: dates and times for the six regional public meetings is available from the Murrindindi Shire Council website (www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au).
Public meeting dates and times are also being advertised regularly in local newspapers and other print media.
We have provided links to google maps, for your convenience.
Date |
Location |
Time |
| Monday 2 June | Yea Council Chambers The Semi Circle, Yea |
6pm-8.30pm |
| Thursday 5 June | Flowerdale Estate Broadford/Flowerdale Road, Strath Creek |
7pm-9.30pm |
| Tuesday 10 June | Kooringa Conference Centre 3 Sedgwick Street, Marysville |
6.30pm-9pm |
| Wednesday 11 June | Mt Pleasant Hotel Conference Room, Grant Street, Alexandra |
6pm-8.30pm |
| Thursday 12 June | Kinglake Community Centre Extons Road, Kinglake Central |
7pm-9.30pm |
| Monday 16 June | 6pm-8.30pm |
No matter what your age, employment or residential status, you are urged to get involved and put your stamp on the future of your community.
For more information:
Lisa Wallace – Economic Development and Tourism Department
Phone 03 5772 0318
Email lwallace@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
[Source: Stuart Coller/Lisa Wallace - Murrindindi Shire]
