Eurobodalla Council encourages community feedback to inform a strategy that supports local businesses like this one as well as economic growth, employment and investment across the shire. Pictured is Carrie Taylor from Bath Patisserie, Tilba. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
Eurobodalla Shire Council is inviting businesses, investors and the broader community to help shape the future of the local economy.
Council is reviewing its Economic Development Strategy to make sure it reflects the opportunities and challenges facing businesses today.
Economic development manager Teresa Lever said a revised strategy would provide a clear roadmap for supporting economic growth, employment and investment across Eurobodalla. She said the current strategy was developed before 2019 and no longer reflected the rapidly changing business landscape.
“The way we work, invest and do business has changed significantly over the past few years,” Ms Lever said.
“The current strategy doesn’t address major shifts like working remotely, the rise of artificial intelligence, housing challenges affecting workforce attraction and retention, or the growing importance of sustainable business practices.
“This review is an opportunity for our business community and residents to help shape a strategy that reflects where Eurobodalla is today and where we want to be in the future.”
While detailed economic analysis would inform the review, Ms Lever said local knowledge and experience were equally important.
“We can analyse the data, but only local businesses, investors and community members can tell us what is helping or hindering economic growth on the ground,” she said.
Ms Lever said feedback would help council understand whether it was focusing on the right priorities.
“We’re looking at whether we have the right foundations in place to support business growth, from workforce and infrastructure through to the services our community relies on,” Ms Lever said.
“We’re also exploring how businesses can take advantage of opportunities emerging through sustainability, how we can better support our creative and innovative industries, and how we build stronger connections between businesses, support services and the wider community.
“These aren’t ideas council should develop in isolation. We want to hear directly from businesses, investors and residents about what is working well, what barriers they’re facing and where they see opportunities for growth.”
Community members can share their feedback by completing an online survey, attending a drop-in session or arranging a meeting with council’s economic development manager Teresa Lever by calling 4474 1271.
Visit the community engagement page for more information and take the survey.
