Economic Development Strategy and Visitor Economy Strategy - Public Exhibition

The background material presented in the Draft Strategy represents findings from independent research, analysis and feedback received from consultation with representatives of businesses and industry and Moorabool Shire Council stakeholders.

The Draft Strategy was also prepared with consideration of the economic and demographic trends, and macroeconomic influences impacting the local and regional economy.

The draft strategies aim to establish Council's conomic development and visitor economy priorities by identifying issues, and looking into opportunities t to achieve positive outcomes for Moorabool Shire’s economy and community through a clear action plan from 2023-2027.

There are 6 themes:

Theme 1- Branding, Marketing and Resourcing: Develop a strong brand identity through marketing, collateral and digital to promote increased awareness of the Shire’s offering.

Theme 2- Enabling the Visitor Economy: Deliver high quality accommodation and infrastructure to support development of a strong and accessible tourism industry.

Theme 3- Food, Farmgate and Ferments: Enabling the Visitor Economy Leverage the region’s high quality agricultural produce to develop a motivational and contemporary agritourism and foodie scene.

Theme 4- Nature & Outdoors: Activate and celebrate the natural environment through investment in infrastructure, trails and interpretation.

Theme 5- Events: Utilise events as a destination awareness driver by building a strong events calendar, events infrastructure and enhancing resourcing and internal processes

Theme 6- Arts, Culture & Activation: Improve the visitor experience through a focus on vibrant high amenity townships, art, culture and heritage

One of the key priorities for general businesses in main activity centres would include the implementation of a program to improve town centre amenities and promote activation. This will support increased commercial activity, local consumption, and employment.   

One of the key priorities for the industry would be the development of an Agricultural Strategy Plan for the agricultural and forestry sectors to provide direction and to identify opportunities to facilitate growth and increase productivity.

Your feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of the final Strategy.

After community consultation has closed, feedback will be collated to inform amendments to the draft strategies. The final strategies will then be presented for Council endorsement. 

It is anticipated that the Economic Development Growth Strategy will be endorsed after August 2023 (pending Council approval).