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Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy endorsed by Baw Baw Shire Council

Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed a strategy to deliver sustainable economic growth and a bright, thriving future for our region and its businesses.

By news@gippsland - 10th December 2021 - Back to News

The Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy was presented at Wednesday's Council meeting and was moved by Cr Joe Gauci, seconded by Cr Annemarie McCabe and supported unanimously by all Councillors in the Chamber. The Strategy provides a range of targeted actions over the next three years to realise Baw Baw Shire's economic vision "to create a regional city that has a thriving local and global economic impact, where families can live and grow and vibrant communities flourish".

True, effective and sustained economic development within Baw Baw Shire is an outcome that can only be achieved through collaboration with the community and the strategic partners

Support to strong economy

To further develop and support a strong economy across the Shire, the Strategy focuses on four key areas:

• Leadership and Advocacy
• Business Attraction and Investment
• Business and Workforce Development
• Visitor Economy and Major Events

To make sure it was hitting the mark with local businesses and stakeholders, Council sought feedback on the Strategy between 15 October to 15 November 2021.

Partners across the region

A total of 58 responses were received throughout the consultation period and direct engagement was carried out with the:

• Local business community
• Industry associations
• Regional partners and other interested residents

Based on the feedback provided from these key stakeholders, the following priorities were highlighted:

• Enhancements to the Better Business Program to further support businesses with the permit process
• The recreational development of Tarago Reservoir
• The undertaking of a feasibility assessment into the introduction of EV charging stations
• Establishing Baw Baw Shire as the home of food and wine
• Supporting our Indigenous Economy by enhancing collaboration between Council and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)

Council will work closely with key partners across the region to deliver the Strategy's economic development actions. It is through these collaborative partnerships that long-term, strategic investment and growth can be achieved and local businesses can thrive.

Creating sustainable jobs

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "This key strategy is essentially a roadmap to guide the council's economic focus for the future. It is a clear and straightforward strategy that outlines council's actions across a 3 year timeframe in developing a strong economy and creating and sustaining local jobs within the region. We look forward to working closely with our strategic partners to further support our local industries".

Strategic approach to advocacy

Deputy Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said, "This key document is not only easy to read, it also clearly outlines our strategic approach to advocacy, how we will go about attracting and supporting businesses and talks of the visitor economy and how we will draw people to our region."
"I thank the respondents for their submissions. Your insight reinforces what we already know about Baw Baw Shire, that we all share the same goal of a thriving, eco-friendly, sustainable vibrant place where people live, learn, work and play!" Ms McCabe said.

Collaboration with our strategic partnerships

Cr Joe Gauci said, "Council plays a key role in economic development, however long term growth is only strengthened through the collaboration with our strategic partnerships like the State and Federal Government. This strategy itself does not outline how to make a business successful, rather it has got plans in place to support and enable an environment where businesses and the economy can thrive".

Please visit A-Z Policies and Documents to view the strategy.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• Life Saving Victoria launches Summer Patrol Season, urging Victorians and visitors to follow water safety guidelines and prevent drownings
  Life Saving Victoria has launched its 2026-27 summer patrol season, urging Victorians and visitors to follow water safety guidelines, swim between flagged areas, supervise children and avoid swimming alone to help prevent drownings.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
  The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
  Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge $5M Traralgon Tennis Centre upgrade to secure major international events and regional economic benefits
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged $5 million to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Centre, aiming to secure the Junior International and attract major events benefiting the Latrobe Valley economy.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
  Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities.
• Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
  Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
  The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.