CATEGORY 4 . ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN - REGIONS UNDER 15,000 RESIDENTS This category recognises programs or projects that have stimulated economic development activity in smaller regions . Entrants were invited to show how they contributed to economic development in the region .
WINNER : Glen Innes Severn Council The Glen Innes Highlands Economic Development Strategy 2020-2040 and Action Plan 2020- 2025 The Glen Innes Highlands Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan provides a best-practice , place-based approach to economic development for Glen Innes Severn Council and the local community .
The strategy provides the pathway to improve socio economic prosperity , grow population through attraction and innovation and create economic resilience . The strategy also delivers partnership opportunities for connection and collaboration .
• Destination Management
• Geotourism
Key project highlights include ;
• The 102km New England Rail Trail
• $ 2M Geotourism skywalk experience
• The Highlands Hub Co-working facility and digital platform
• A pilot site for Attract Connect Stay Healthcare Workforce Program
CATEGORY 5 . ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN - REGIONS OVER 15,000 RESIDENTS This award recognises programs or projects that have stimulated economic development activity in larger council regions . Entrants were required to describe the goals set and the outcomes achieved .
WINNER : Maribyrnong City Council Business Elevate Program The City of Maribyrnong ’ s Business Elevate Program answered the age old problem of “ How can we do more with less ?”.
The Business Elevate Program is a Businessto-Business voucher-based program . Small businesses within Maribyrnong City applied for $ 2,000 vouchers from a pool of $ 120,000 to help “ elevate ” their business . Recipients were able to redeem their voucher with a selection of local “ preferred suppliers ” across a range of sectors .
While the direct benefit to businesses from the vouchers has had a tangible impact , the real strength of this program was in the local business connections that were able to be fostered , and the amazing local business talent that was unearthed in the process .
FINALIST : Livingstone Shire Council Taste Capricorn Coast Partnering with Capricorn Enterprise , the Taste Capricorn Coast Food Trail has been a resounding success for Livingstone Shire Council ’ s businesses , residents , and visitors since its launch in 2021 .
A celebration of local flavours , the trail is a colourful array of producers , eateries , retail outlets , markets , and farm experiences , all gathered across detailed maps allowing users to self-explore the trail . The project assisted economic recovery following the devastating 2019 bushfire that swept across Livingston Shire , destroying some of the region ’ s most valuable and versatile farmland , displacing families and producers .
The strategy is a community-led approach , enabling public participation through the Grow Glen Innes Think Tank focussed on the key areas of :
• Housing
• Workforce attraction and retention
• Economic leakage
VOL 15 NO 3 2022 30 www . edaustralia . com . au