Corangamite Shire Council will employ an Economic Development Officer with the assistance of a $25,000 Brumby Government grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP.
Ms Tierney said the Economic Development Officer would provide significant benefits to the Corangamite shire.
“The economy of Corangamite is being sorely tested by the global downturn, especially in the dairy industry and businesses that rely on the dairy industry, timber and tourism,” Ms Tierney said.
“The new officer will take a proactive approach to economic development, which the Council has identified as a key area needing attention.
“This additional staff resource will allow council to implement initiatives which they have struggled to do previously.”
The Economic Development Officer’s duties will include:
o Support and training for businesses, including Business Victoria workshops;
o Development of a ‘Buy Local’ campaign;
o Development of fact sheets to promote Corangamite Shire to prospective businesses;
o Support for a micro and home-based business network;
o Participation in population attraction efforts including development of a ‘new residents’ kit.
o Coordination of customer service and retail training, and;
o A business audit and gap analysis to identify retail and services lacking in the Shire, and developing strategies to promote and facilitate new investment.
Ms Tierney said the $25,000 grant for the $60,000 role would be provided through the Provincial Economic Partnerships (PEP) program to Corangamite Shire Council.
“PEP provides financial assistance for Councils right across provincial Victoria to highlight their regions’ strengths through promotional activities and provide skills in economic development,” she said.
“This new role in Corangamite Shire demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to working in partnership with the local community to drive new growth opportunities.
“The Brumby Government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and communities to drive new growth and investment opportunities across provincial Victoria.”