A strong economic vision for the MidCoast local government area (LGA) building on the area's existing strengths underpins the MidCoast Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022.
The document was released earlier this week by the NSW Government and launched locally by Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead this morning, Thursday, July 19.
An initiative of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Regional Economic Development Strategy was developed by the Centre for Economic and Regional Development, working closely with key stakeholders including local businesses and industry groups, economic groups, MidCoast Council and other key stakeholders.
"Several well-attended public workshops were held across the MidCoast region last year," MidCoast Council community spaces and services director, Paul De Szell said.
The Mid Coast community was highly engaged with the process, ensuring the success of the project through effective partnership with NSW and local government, Mr De Szell said.
With a view to building sustainable economic development, the strategy includes an action plan for the next three years leveraging 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 Regional Economic Development Strategy 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.
“The strategy will help us provide the evidence we need to attract State resources to underpin regionally significant economic projects and create employment in our region.
“The continued strong partnership between all stakeholders will be essential as we now move forward to achieve the action plan outlined in the document.”
Mr Bromhead said the strategy contained an analysis of the region’s industrial strengths and opportunities with suggestions to grow economic prosperity that include investment in infrastructure and training.
“The strategy for me is about one thing how can we create jobs and provide greater opportunity for the youth that call the Mid Coast home,” Mr Bromhead said
“This strategy will make it easier for councils, industry organisations and infrastructure providers to apply for NSW Government grants like the Growing Local Economies Fund, ultimately bringing more money and jobs into Myall Lakes.”
For more background on the REDS and to read the strategy document, visit Council's website at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/REDS
