FAQs

It’s a long-term plan with clear priorities and actions to help the Shire become more prosperous, attractive, and sustainable for both residents and visitors. It sets out how Council will:

• Support businesses
• Create jobs
• Attract investment
• Grow tourism and visitor spending.

The visitor economy includes all the businesses and services that benefit from visitors, such as:

• Accommodation providers
• Cafés and restaurants
• Attractions and tours
• Retail shops
• Events and festivals

It’s broader than just “tourism” and includes day visitors, business travellers, and event attendees.

A 4-year strategy ensures there is enough time for actions to be taken to address the key priorities and that there is enough time for impacts to be monitored and measured. It also means that plans taking place now are responding to current needs and that the actions outlined in the Strategy are aligned to the current Council Plan.

Without a coordinated plan, growth can be unplanned and inconsistent. A researched and data-informed Strategy is important because it helps the region to grow in a planned and sustainable way with focussed activities and effective use of resources. Without forward planning, job creation can be come slow or uneven, the region dependent on only a few industries meaning less job diversity, and there can be a decline in visitation due to experiences not meeting visitor expectations. 

A Strategy helps to set clear priorities, identify opportunities, create collaboration opportunities, and ensure growth is sustainable.

A strong economy supports better services and quality of life for everyone, and includes:

• Local businesses
• Residents seeking jobs
• Young people entering the workforce
• Investors
• Community organisations

Your feedback will be used to inform changes to the Draft Strategy and ensure it responds to, and represents, the needs of the community.