This initiative not only significantly increased visitor spending and enhanced Mandurah ’ s profile , but also forged deeper connections with the community and First Nations custodians , enriching the cultural fabric and promoting a sustainable tourism model for future projects .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES – REGIONS UNDER 15,000 RESIDENTS supported by SEGRA
WINNER : Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and Tilma Group Agritourism Development Program
FINALIST : Sunshine Coast Council Testing Tech in Paradise Maroochydore City Centre has been designed with next-generation digital connectivity at its core , with city-wide deployment of advanced digital infrastructure .
This unique deployment of technology in its urban environment created an opportunity for the Sunshine Coast Council to encourage digital service creators to use the region ’ s technology infrastructure to test innovations in a real-world environment . This is attracting technology-focused businesses to the region and driving investment and job growth .
To ensure the Testing Tech in Paradise program ’ s success , a multi-channel lead generation campaign was created , as well as a series of collaborative events , including ideation sessions and tech summits with representatives from Australia and around the world .
This initiative leveraged the strong foundation of partnerships and collaboration to position the Sunshine Coast as a burgeoning tech hub . The Testing Tech in Paradise program demonstrates how strategic alliances can drive innovation and economic growth .
FINALIST : City of Melbourne Melbourne Climate Network The City of Melbourne aims to position itself among the top 10 cities globally for climate innovation and entrepreneurship within the next decade .
Recognising the transition to a zero-carbon economy as a substantial economic opportunity , research indicates that effective climate action could boost Australia ' s gross domestic product by 2.6 % by 2070 , creating over 250,000 jobs . This trend is reflected globally , with investments in climate tech companies growing exponentially .
In August 2023 , the Lord Mayor launched the Melbourne Climate Network , an industry network supported by the City of Melbourne , aimed at growing jobs within the city ’ s zero-carbon sector . This initiative underscores the city ’ s commitment to fostering a vibrant , sustainable economy and positioning Melbourne at the forefront of global climate innovation .
To facilitate agritourism opportunities for their local economy and support local farm businesses , Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council partnered with the Tilma Group , to create a three-year Agritourism Development Plan .
Prior to this project , there was no ‘ one stop shop ’ for farmers seeking to establish an agritourism offering on their farm , such as a farm stay cabin , camping , events , cellar door , farm tour , or workshops . Tilma Group successfully developed and delivered a program that provided local producers with clear information to help them understand the tourism industry , and how they can diversify their activity to supplement their agricultural enterprise . This program has since become a model to support other rural destinations to grow agritourism .
FINALIST : Regional Development Australia Mid-West and Gascoyne International Pastoral Sustainability Alliance Western Australia ' s Southern Rangelands region comprises 52.3 million hectares of uncultivated land in a challenging landscape , shaped by its harsh climate and very remote location . A 10-year drought was forcing pastoralists , with a tradition in sheep farming , to transform with a desire to balance agriculture and sustainability .
Until recently , pastoralists lacked industry leadership and guidance to revitalise the rangelands and contribute to regional economic development . Recognising this need , pastoralists banded together to establish the Southern Rangelands Pastoral Alliance with the vision to lead knowledge and initiatives that would restructure the balance of landscape values , economic outcomes and the natural environment in the region .
VOL 17 NO 3 2024 32 www . edaustralia . com . au