A group of prominent North-West business leaders has joined forces with Tasmania’s Central Coast Council to help shape the region’s economic future, with the newly formed Strategic Growth Expert Panel holding its first meeting this week.
The 10-member panel, drawn from industries spanning hospitality, construction, fitness, farming and professional services, is an initiative of Council’s Economic Development Strategy, endorsed in July.
Panel members include:
- Justine Brooks – Ulverstone Waterfront Apartments / Pitt & Sherry
- Steven Burgess – Complete Streets
- Brent Capel – Balanced Fitness
- Dylan Graham – Fairbrother
- Craig Heppell – Central Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Tim Jordan – Degree C
- Warren Moore – Moore Consulting
- Josh Roberts – Buttons Brewing
- Guy Robertson – Mount Gnomon Farm
- Veronica Terry – Cradle Coast Authority
Mayor, Cheryl Fuller said the panel represents a powerful opportunity to link Council’s work with the experience of local business.
“This group will play an important advisory role, giving Council the benefit of real-world business experience as we work to attract investment, support industry and create more local jobs, the kind of economy that encourages young people to live and work here,” Mayor Fuller said.
Council’s Director Strategic Growth, Daryl Connelly, who chairs the panel, said the first meeting had already delivered valuable insights.
“If the first meeting is anything to go by, we can expect plenty of diverse insights and honest feedback, which is exactly what this panel is about,” Mr Connelly said.
“Our role now is to listen and learn from the people around the table”.
The first meeting also provided feedback on Council’s new business and investment brand, which is currently in development, and canvassed ideas for a series of industry roundtables. Early topics included the night-time economy, collaborative business models and ease of doing business with Council.
The panel will meet again in November.
