FROM THE CEO
Jacqueline Brinkman , Chief Executive Officer
As we prepare this edition of the EDA Journal , we are also finalising preparations for the National Economic Development Conference ( NEDC23 ) to be held in Karratha , WA from August 22 . While the pandemic showed us how efficient and productive we can all be working remotely , there is something very special about gathering in person with peers from all over the country .
This year , the Conference will focus on the theme ; The Evolution of Value – The Future of Economies . This edition of the EDA Journal features articles by a number of our conference presenters . The piece contributed by Dr Susan Stone is the ideal precursor to the NEDC23 program . Dr Stone who was formerly an economist with OECD and United Nations , prompts the reader to consider the tools we use to measure and inform economic policy . We are invited by Dr Stone to consider alternative measures that perhaps better reflect modern ideas of growth and development , including collective well-being .
Similarly , Mary Delahunty one of NEDC23 ’ s keynote speakers provides an illuminating insight into the ways impact capital can serve as a critical tool in mitigating the complex global challenges we are experiencing today . Mary illustrates that , “ The convergence of public interests and market-based solutions , when designed intentionally and delivered at scale has the potential to create genuine shared prosperity .”
This edition of the journal includes a number of articles relating to place-based economic development initiatives . Robert Prestipino presents the concept of micro precincts as an effective tool for rural and remote regional communities .
The team at the City of the Gold Coast present findings from their study into the factors influencing businesses in Gold Coast precincts for placemaking purposes .
Jeremy Hurst from SpacetoCo invites the reader to reimagine the sharing of spaces and places for community , sustainability and for local economic development .
Tina Perfrement , from the City of Greater Geelong details the vision to utilise a place-based approach to position Geelong as a Centre of Excellence for cleantech .
Dr Laura Hodgson from the City of Adelaide provides an overview of the methodology used to demonstrate the economic value of the Victor Harbor Horse Tram ( VHHT ). The article is a useful resource for any economic development practitioner considering a review project of this nature .
This edition of the EDA Journal acknowledges those members who have recently achieved recognition as Australian Certified Economic Developers ( ACEcD ). Congratulations to them all for their considerable commitment to their professional development .
Thank you to all our contributors . We hope you enjoy this edition .
Kind regards ,
Jacqueline Brinkman GAICD Chief Executive Officer Economic Development Australia
VOL 16 NO 2 2023 04 www . edaustralia . com . au