STRATEGIES to boost economic growth, the number of visitors and Great Southern Rail Trail (GSRT) users, and greater involvement in local arts are achieving their goals, according to reports presented to the South Gippsland Shire Council.
Councillors received annual progress reports on the strategies at their open meeting held in the municipal chamber at Leongatha on Wednesday August 16, 2023.
The reports covered accomplishments during 2022-2023 on the Economic Development Strategy 2021-2031, the Visitor Economy Strategy 2021-2031 and GSRT Visitation and Marketing Plan, and the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy 2022-2026.
Ninety-five per cent of the key actions in the Economic Development Strategy are either under way or have been completed.
The actions include creating an investment attraction program, increased engagement with the renewable energy sector, an industrial land supply review, and advocacy support on transport and telecommunications issues.
The Business Concierge and Better Approvals Program to assist new or expanding businesses in South Gippsland has also been established.
The Visitor Economy Strategy is at 80 per cent done or started, and its successes in the past year include developing a new brand and official touring map for South Gippsland, and finishing a Gippsland Drives campaign
Funding and promoting the 2023 South Gippsland Festival Events series is now occurring, too.
As well, 36 per cent of actions in the GSRT Visitation and Marketing Plan have begun or been completed, though a number of the aims in this plan are long-term and will need the GSRT to be fully constructed before they can be implemented.
The Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy currently stands at 76 per cent of its actions either proceeding or already finalised.
They include the well-received ArtCubes project, developing the Leongatha Railway Precinct public art project, taking part in an arts-focused round table, delivering a youth music event, and facilitating a “Sound of Your Town” music project.
A fortnightly arts newsletter is in production and, and a new Arts Advisory Committee has been founded.
South Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr Nathan Hersey said that “many of the actions from the strategies adopted by Council are under way or complete.
“The reason this is important is because it’s a good indication that South Gippsland Shire Council is delivering for our community, which is what it’s all about,”
“The actions are expansive and include the completion of projects that will support local people and local businesses,” Cr Hersey said.
“Many of the actions were completed quicker than expected, which means that new actions can now be considered and incorporated into the long-term strategies.”
To read more about the strategies and the actions being undertaken, visit: www.southgippsland.vic.giv.au then click on the Your Council button, followed by the Council Strategies button.
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