Sunday, November 10, 2024

Cassowary Coast endorses roadmap for growth

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has endorsed an economic roadmap to help create jobs, attract investment and deliver greater prosperity for the region over the next decade.

The Growing Stronger Together, Cassowary Coast Economic Development Strategy 2023-2033 (Strategy) commits to the vision of growing a stronger, resilient, and more sustainable economy that is expected to place the region in a position of significance strength in the future, said Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Renee McLeod.

She says the Strategy offers a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the region, priorities, and actions.

“The Strategy will be implemented over the next decade and is expected to place the region in a position of significant strength for growing the economy into the future,” said Cr McLeod

“The 2033 Goals are underpinned by four key pillars that outline specific actions and initiatives to drive our economic development – Advocacy and Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation, Workforce Development and Industry Planning and Prioritisation.

“This focuses on priority industries such as agribusiness, aquaculture, tourism, transport and logistics. Key Initiatives will support the transition of the region’s economy, add value to the region, and create high-value employment.

“The Economic Development Advisory Committee has played a key role in developing the Strategy and will continue to be vitally important for the implementation of.”

The Strategy features aspirational goals for the region, targeted to be achieved by 2033. Council’s target is to reach $2.2 Billion in gross regional product with a 20% increase in employment growth and 20% growth in total population.

The Strategy’s success is a collaboration with government, industry, community and business, said Cr McLeod.

An Implementation Plan has been developed to achieve the vision and the 2033 Goals identified throughout the Strategy, providing immediate, short to medium, and long-term actions with defined measurable targets and timeframes.

Council will execute an annual review and report on the achievements and progress made towards developing the region’s economy. The outcomes will be shared with industry representatives, local businesses, and the community, Council said in a statement.

Council says it “will hit the ground running” with several immediate and short-term actions proposed to be implemented in the first three years of the Strategy. These include the establishment of a Regional University Study Hub within the Cassowary Coast, strengthening and supporting local businesses through Council’s procurement services, and planning for NBN’s implementation across the Cassowary Coast with relevant stakeholders.

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