2020 and the world changed again with regional NSW being thrown another change that as a community we had no control over .
UNPRECEDENTED The COVID 19 restrictions in April 2020 saw spending drop in Dubbo to a significant low and tourism numbers during what is usually Dubbo Regions peak visitation period fell to zero with complete lock downs of non-essential services . For perspective , the Taronga Western Plains Zoo would usually welcome over 40,000 people during Easter school holiday period . In 2020 the zoo ’ s gates were closed to all visitors . Similar impacts were experienced by Old Dubbo Gaol , the newly developed Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience , Wellington Caves , Western Plains Cultural Centre , Dubbo Regional Theatre and many others .
WE ’ RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER In response , the Dubbo Region Economic Recovery Taskforce was assembled , inviting industry representatives from sectors of the economy most impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions to participate in the development of a 12-month Economic Recovery Strategy for the Dubbo Region .
Delivering on the strategy became the overarching priority and reflects the commitment of Council to directly support the LGA businesses , industry and community .
Relationships with business and industry at a grass roots level were critical to the success of the assembly of the Taskforce and delivery of the Dubbo Regional Economic Recovery Strategy . The economic development team were well aware of problems happening in the business community immediately . Phone calls were made to businesses and employers that we knew would be hurting .
The Taskforce was made up of industry representatives and leaders and decision makers from Government who could commit to outcomes and resourcing support whilst sitting around a ( socially distanced ) workshop table .
Taskforce members included :
• President and two nominated members from Dubbo Chamber of Commerce representing Dubbo businesses in general and more specifically through nominated members retail , accommodation and hospitality ;
• President , Wellington Business Chamber representing Wellington businesses ;
• General Manager , Destination Country & Outback representing regional tourism ;
• Director of Regional Development at RDA Orana representing the Dubbo Region ’ s service centre role for the Orana Region ;
• Director , Taronga Western Plains Zoo representing Dubbo ’ s major tourism operation ;
• President , Real Estate Institute of NSW ( Orana Division ) representing the real estate sector ; and
• Director of External Engagement , Charles Sturt University representing regional tertiary education .
Dubbo Region Councillors and Council ’ s Executive Leadership Team were also invited to attend workshops to represent the wider community needs and Council ’ s response to regional recovery . The targeted outcomes had been designed with a baseline from localised knowledge , research and our own data forecasts . These were based on national data that the team localised to give Taskforce members an informed starting point to drive economic recovery post COVID-19 impacts .
Taskforce members were committed to working collaboratively with industry and government to achieve priorities and objectives of the final Strategy as developed during the five workshops scheduled over a period of six weeks . Topics discussed focussed on three areas to fast-track economic recovery for the Dubbo Region :
• Regional Jobs
• Regional Investment
• Industry Recovery .
VOL 14 NO 2 2021 28 www . edaustralia . com . au