Agenda item

SUMMARY

The 10-year Economic Development Strategy (Strategy) that has guided Council’s role and resources in the development of the local economy concludes at the end of 2022. Consequently, a renewal is in progress to develop the Strategy 2022–2032 to position Yarra Ranges (YR) as a desirable place to live, work, invest and visit.

The development of the draft Strategy has been informed by a comprehensive review, a background report and extensive community and stakeholder consultation and analysis.

Collectively this work has produced the draft Strategy 2022-32 for public exhibition which delivers:

·           A strong vision, grounded in the aspirations of the local community;

·           Contemporary approach to economic development steeped in regenerative values, focussed on future-proofing the economy beyond the global pandemic and extreme climate events; and

·           Globally competitive ideas that differentiate the YR from other local government areas.

The draft Strategy has incorporated feedback from Councillors, community and key stakeholders and now seeks endorsement to be placed out for community consultation.

Following community consultation, officers will produce an engagement report analysing feedback received and how the feedback has shaped any changes to the Strategy. This will be presented at a future Council meeting.