The Brumby Labor Government will support an Economic Development Strategy for the Swan Hill Rural City Council, Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad announced today.
In line with the Swan Hill Rural City Council Plan 2009–13, the strategy will continue economic growth through forward planning processes for land use, services and infrastructure.
The $15,000 grant will help fund economic modelling software which will assist council to develop the strategy and set future directions for economic development.
“There are many opportunities for strategic and economic planning with the use of this new software,” Ms Broad said.
“The purchase of REMPLAN software will pinpoint gaps in various industry sectors and provide long term planning measures to attract new business investment and expansion in the community.”
Ms Broad said that the software will also identify new growth opportunities and the council’s future needs for infrastructure, education, training and housing in the region.
It will streamline planning and building applications as well as allowing access to real time data when responding to businesses and potential investors, 24 hours per day.
“Its use in developing council’s Economic Development Strategy, will provide a clear framework for future economic direction, inspire investor confidence and improve community satisfaction,” Ms Broad said.
The project is widely supported by Swan Hill’s business sector and the wider community.
The Swan Hill Rural City Council will also provide $15,000 for the $30,000 project which includes:
- purchasing REMPLAN economic modelling software
- conducting outcomes by a trained facilitator, and
- engaging qualified consultants to develop industry plans for identified industries.
The project is a council priority as a tool to improve the lifestyle of residents, attract new industry, foster business growth and employment opportunities.
Ms Broad said the $15,000 grant was made available through the Brumby Labor Government’s Planning for Tomorrow program which supports councils to undertake planning work to achieve better planning outcomes in a rapidly changing environment.
“The program is part of Ready for Tomorrow – A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria, the Brumby Labor Government’s $631 million policy to generate new opportunities and build a prosperous and sustainable future for regional and rural Victoria.”