By Mikayla van Loon
A recently reviewed economic development strategy has been approved by Yarra Ranges Council after two rounds of community consultations.
The 10 year plan will inform the growth and direction of the shire until 2032, with the aim of supporting business, the environment and communities.
Some of the key financial targets of the council’s over the next decade include a 15.5 per cent increase in economic growth from $7.9 billion to $9.1 billion; creating an additional 1,430 jobs to raise local jobs to a total of 57,323; and a 70 per cent satisfaction rate in the council’s leadership.
Councillor Andrew Fullagar moved the motion to approve the refreshed and community informed plan at the Tuesday 22 November council meeting.
“It’s an essential strategy and an important one. This time there has been a major shift in our focus and that is towards a regenerative economy and purpose driven, sustainable growth rather than growth for growth’s sake,” he said.
“The aim is to improve the quality of life in the Shire in a productive and efficient economy.”
Two different consultation processes were conducted in the lead up to the report, with one held between October and December in 2021 and the other in August and September this year.
This was done to engage a broader range of stakeholders and demographics in the overall feedback, which resulted in some language changes and other inclusions in the report.
Cr David Eastham said this was particularly important to ensure young voices were heard and included and thanked the young people who submitted their thoughts.
“It was really important that we did go back out and target some of our younger people to hear what their thoughts were,” he said.
“That highlights the willingness from the young people to get involved in important documents and decisions.”
For Cr Eastham and Cr Fullagar the economic strategy reflects the community values, its strengths and the ability to support community efforts, while allowing the environment to thrive.
“To me the importance of this strategy is that it sets a really clear vision on how we will regenerate the Yarra Ranges, making the most of opportunities and helping businesses in particular,” Cr Eastham said.
“We should aim for better collaboration between our business partners and council and I think these are all very important shifts and I strongly recommend that we support this strategy,” Cr Fullagar said.
The motion was carried unanimously.
