Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2021-31

On 14 March 2020 Australia recorded its 100th case of COVID-19, as the pandemic swept over the world. The economic shock of COVID-19 represented the most significant economic challenge to Australia’s economy since the Second World War.

By December 2020, the median fall in value-added to Northern Grampians’ economy was 7.4% and median job losses was 2.4%. The greatest impacts were felt by the accommodation and food services and retail sector.

This major world event made council and other community leaders realise that it was time to revisit how economic development is tackled in Northern Grampians. It reaffirmed to council that it needed to be laser focused in addressing Northern Grampians’ biggest challenges to releasing positive economic and social change.

 Background research identified:

• Our industry mix and what industries were driving our economy prior to COVID-19.
• The role our economy played prior to COVID-1.9.
• National and local industry trends.
• How our economy has been impacted by COVID-19 so far.
• The makeup of our community including who is staying, who is going, and the skills that exist within our community.
• Our unique assets, opportunities, challenges and issues.

In late 2020 and early 2021 council worked closely with the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2021-31 Steering Committee. Made up of key industry sector representatives, the committee worked together to deliver a ten-year plan to uplift the economic well-being and quality of life of the community.

Council selected steering committee representatives with expertise and knowledge from the largest industry sectors in our shire, as well as from sectors that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, the education and health and human services sectors. 

Steering Committee Terms of Reference (ToR)(PDF, 174KB)

Council thanks the Steering Committee for the hours of work and dedication they committed to this process, including

• Jane Hosking - Executive Officer, North Central Local Learning And Employment Network (NCLLEN)
• Troy Cole - General Manager, Stawell Gold Mine
• Trent Carter - Mixed Farmer, Wallaloo Park
• Ryan Milgate - Mixed Farmer and VFF Wimmera Branch Vice President
• James Sorahan - Executive Director, MCA Victoria
• Ben Duxson - Glendemar Merinos Stud
• Marc Sleeman - CEO, Grampians Tourism
• Tim McCartney - Economic Development Manager, Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Kate Pryde - CEO, Stawell Regional Health 
• Councillor Tony Driscoll - Project Steering Committee Chair
• Liana Thompson - CEO, Northern Grampians Shire Council
• Geoff McDermott - Navarre Minerals