Macedon Ranges Economic Development Strategy
THE WAY FORWARD 2009-2019
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
1
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Macedon Ranges Shire has not had an economic development strategy since 1998.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council undertook a business survey in February 2009 and commissioned research into the state of our
economy resulting in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile, May 2009 and the Macedon Ranges Business Survey, February
2009, Urban Enterprise.
In conjunction an Economic Impact assessment of tourism has also been completed and referenced in this Strategy. See Macedon Ranges
Tourism Impact Study, May 2009.
Council Officers spoke to business and tourism association is as well as relevant industry bodies and business networks.
We referenced all relevant strategies.
SHIRE ECONOMIC PROFILE
THE PLACE
Located within an hour’s drive of Melbourne’s Central Business District to the south and Bendigo to the north, the Macedon Ranges Shire is
renowned for its semi-rural lifestyle, its pristine landscapes and forests, unique natural features such as Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon
and the character and heritage of local townships. These features have attracted residents and visitors since the early 1900s and continue
to do so today.
The Macedon Ranges Shire is designated at State level as an area of environmental significance and is located approximately 50km north
west of Melbourne on the Calder Freeway and boasts a transport corridor comprising the Calder Freeway and the Bendigo-Melbourne
railway, both of which run the length of the Shire.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
2
There are nine major townships within the Shire, namely Gisborne (including New Gisborne), Kyneton, Woodend, Romsey, Riddells Creek,
Macedon, Lancefield, Mount Macedon, and Malmsbury. Of these, Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey are the largest four. These
townships and their locations are identified in Figure 1.
Its location in the Macedon Ranges, coupled with its close proximity to Melbourne Airport and the metropolitan area ensures that Macedon
Ranges Shire maintains strong links to Melbourne as well as being a popular regional tourist destination.
Most of the townships retain intact their heritage buildings - built during the gold rush period of the mid 1800s.
The Macedon Ranges Shire is constantly growing. The Shire at a glance:
POPULATION
•
The Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of Macedon Ranges Shire in 2007 was 40,353.
•
Between the Census periods 2001-06, Macedon Ranges Shire had a population growth rate of 7.6%.
•
The population of Macedon Ranges Shire is decentralised with a number of township nodes. Despite being the largest town, Gisborne
has only 16% of the total population. Furthermore, although Macedon Ranges Shire has nine major townships, over a third (36%) of
residents live beyond the township boundaries in the rural balance.
•
Relative socio-economic advantage/disadvantage for the townships in Macedon Ranges Shire is quite consistent across the Shire.
Kyneton and Malmsbury have higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage than elsewhere in Macedon Ranges Shire. Conversely,
residents of Mount Macedon have a particularly high level of socio-economic advantage.
•
The median age of residents in Macedon Ranges Shire is 36 years. This is consistent with the Australian and Victorian average age of 37
years. The townships with residents of the highest median age are Mount Macedon (43 years) and Kyneton (42 years).
•
The impact of an aging population is evident in the significant increase in persons aged 55-64 (43%) years and 75+ years (20%) between
2001 and 2006.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
3
EMPLOYMENT
•
11% of Macedon Ranges Shire residents who work were employed in Manufacturing and a further 11% were employed in Retail Trade.
Construction, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Education & Training each employed 10% of the resident workforce.
•
Construction has seen an increase in employment (31%) and the largest increase in actual employment numbers with an additional 413
jobs in 2006. In contrast, the number of residents employed in Manufacturing has declined by 14%. This fact could be attributed to the
lack of available industrial land or infrastructure in the Shire.
•
20% of Macedon Ranges Shire residents who work are classified as Professionals, compared with the Regional Victorian average of 16%.
A further 17% of the Macedon Ranges Shire residents who work are employed as Technicians and Trade Workers.
•
Over half (56%) of the employed population of Macedon Ranges Shire work outside of the Shire. This can be attributed in part to the
Shire’s close proximity to the metropolitan area and the resultant high proportion of residents commuting to Melbourne for work.
•
The unemployment rate for Macedon Ranges Shire in June 2008 was 2.5%, which in economic terms is effectively full employment.
•
Total resident employment in Macedon Ranges Shire across all industry divisions has increased by 9% between 2001 and 2006.
•
Resident employment in the Retail and Tourism industry, consisting of Retail Trade and Accommodation and Food Services, has
increased by a combined total of 28%.
INDUSTRY
•
Macedon Ranges Shire had 4,104 registered businesses in 2006. A quarter of businesses in Macedon Ranges Shire are located in the
Kyneton postcode (1,020 businesses) despite Kyneton having only 11% of the population. Gisborne, including New Gisborne, is the
largest township in the Shire and has 1,005 businesses (24%).
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
4
•
Agriculture provides a significant contribution to the economy of the Shire however several challenges face the industry at present,
including availability and security of water and natural gas, the high cost of agricultural land, the limited availability of land for business
expansion or value adding facilities and shortage of skilled labour. This is a common thread across all industries therefore Macedon
Ranges Shire Council will work with all industry sectors to try and minimise the challenges they face.
•
Tourism continues to be a major industry and employer in the Shire that benefits local communities, business and townships, building on
the region’s strengths in wine, food, arts and culture, and the natural environment. Tourism contributes $292 million to the Macedon
Ranges Shire Economy annually, of which $175 million is attributed to direct visitor expenditure and the remaining $117 million is
attributed to indirect visitor expenditure (flow on effects from direct expenditure). Both tourism and the Shire’s rich culture and heritage
provide additional or new opportunities for business, employment, skill development and community engagement.
•
The value of building works in Macedon Ranges Shire in 2007/08 was $118 million. This represents an 18% increase from 2006/07.
•
The value of agricultural production in Macedon Ranges Shire in 2006 was $43 million which represents 0.5% of Victoria’s total value of
Agriculture.
•
The three key industry sectors in Macedon Ranges Shire (based on jobs in the Shire) are:
–
Retail and Tourism comprising Retail Trade and Accommodation & Food Services (21% of jobs);
–
Public Services comprising Health Care & Social Assistance and Training & Education (21% of jobs);
–
Industry comprising Manufacturing and Construction (19% of jobs).
FIGURE 1: Map of Macedon Ranges Shire and Localities
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
5
THE PEOPLE
The Shire is under the indigenous custodianship of the Dja Dja Wrung and Wurundjeri
peoples.
The Shire’s semi-rural lifestyle and its proximity to Melbourne have seen a burgeoning of its population over the last four or five years,
particularly in the south where many residents commute regularly to work in Melbourne.
For further information on individual towns visit: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au
BUSINESS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
A recent study was undertaken to determine the current situation of Macedon Ranges businesses and to ascertain what services Council
could provide to alleviate the challenges they were facing. The Business Survey is the first to be undertaken in the Shire and provides a
benchmark for future data comparisons.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
6
The survey questionnaire was mailed out to all 6,000 businesses listed on the Macedon Ranges Shire Business database which was a
combination of the ABR database (provided by the State Government under a Memorandum of Understanding) and the business rates
database. Confidential responses were forwarded to Urban Enterprise for data entry and analysis of the results.
Urban Enterprise received 411 survey responses containing information relating to the following topics for all businesses:
•
Overview of Macedon Ranges business sector;
•
Business development and Council services;
•
Employment;
•
Business income;
•
Capital investment; and
•
Tourism
Key findings from that study indicate:
•
The majority of business premises were privately owned (68%).
•
64% of businesses were operating from home in 2007/08, highlighting the predominance of micro-businesses in the Shire.
•
21% of respondents reported skills shortages in the 2007/08 financial year.
•
Industry (28%) reported the highest proportion of businesses with skills shortages of all industry sectors, followed by Retail
and Tourism (25%) and Education and Health (23%).
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
7
•
The most popular Council services for business development were ‘Advice on Government Services’ and ‘Joint
Marketing’.
•
56% of respondents identified that they would utilise strategies such as ‘Increase Products/Services Offered’,
‘Advertising/E-mail or Newsletter Campaign’ and ‘Employ More Staff’ to grow their business.
•
The major constraints to business expansion identified were a lack of customers and a shortage of staff. 21% of all
businesses experienced a skills shortage in 2007/08.
•
The average number of employees per business increased from 5.2 in 2007 to 5.4 in 2008.
•
Over half of businesses in the Macedon Ranges Shire reported an increase in business income in 2007/08.
•
A significantly lower proportion of businesses are expecting an increase in business income in 2008/09, with more business
expecting no change when compared with 2007/08.
•
41% of business income was generated from the local area, with a further 29% from the metropolitan Melbourne market.
•
The total capital investment expenditure in 2007/08 by businesses in Macedon Ranges Shire was an estimated $120.9m.
•
Capital investment is expected to increase in 2008/09 across most major industry groups.
THE CHALLENGES FOR THE MACEDON RANGES:
A number of challenges to the Macedon Ranges economy have been identified when reviewing the key characteristics and issues facing
the Macedon Ranges.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
8
In broad terms, this assessment suggests that, in common with most regions there is some room for improvement in the following areas:
-
9 distinct and differing towns and supporting villages (as opposed to one major centre)
Limited financial resources
Small to medium business base
High proportion of home based businesses
Many groups involved in economic development programs without one coordinated voice
Limited developmental opportunities
Encouraging a national and global perspective to business
Providing new business with a skilled workforce
Planning legislation in relation to development in rural areas pertaining to tourism
Lack of awareness of the Macedon Ranges as a viable place to live, work and invest
Access to technology ie. Still many areas not covered by broadband
Lack of public transport for residents and visitors
Growth and development can place pressure on the very assets that attract people/visitors and residents to the areas
The future prosperity of the area will depend on how the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and its industry partners and Government partners
are able to address these challenges.
OPPORTUNITIES:
This strategy will focus on consolidating and building on areas of opportunity, in broad terms it suggests that, opportunity lies in our people,
the current economic climate and in the invigoration of the strategic direction for our economy in the following areas:
1. An attractive environment in which to live, work and do business
2. Village life with unique vibrant and creative cultures
3. Good transport linkages and access to major port and airport
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
9
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Land appropriate for agricultural purposes
Viticulture and complimentary industries
Sustainable tourism development
Encouraging more of a buy local culture
Proactive business development and attraction activities
Equine industry
Better maximise the strengths of economic activity i.e., tourism, environmental and cultural strengths
encourage higher levels of new business investment to compliment community cultures
VISION FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY
The Economic Development Strategy will form an important part of the achievement of the Shire’s Vision 2025. The directions and actions
which will emerge are integral to Council’s commitment to building and strengthening our local communities, within the context of
sustainability and a holistic approach to township development. Key elements of Council’s vision which applies to this strategy are as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Economic sustainability is valued by the community;
Value-adding to local produce is an important part of the local economy;
Investments are made with consideration to the values of the region;
Local produce is sold locally, nationally and globally;
Sustainable farming techniques are practised;
More residents are employed locally;
Home based work is recognised and encouraged;
Necessary technological infrastructure is in place; and
Council plays a major role as a facilitator and advocate.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS VISION BY:
–
–
Forging business, community and other partnerships;
Promoting education and training;
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
10
–
–
–
–
Encouraging community leadership and entrepreneurship;
Providing responsive and effective planning processes;
Ensuring appropriate and sustainable land use; and
Advocating for infrastructure to support local businesses.
The Economic Development Strategy aims to bring together all of the activities of organisation, driven by a range of strategic actions. This
recognises that sustainable, healthy communities are those where the economy of the community is strong, and that this occurs within a
context of building on the values and cultural heritage of the communities, developing the strengths and capacities of businesses and
individuals and protecting and respecting the natural environment for future generations.
The Economic Development Strategy is designed to be action driven, flexible but robust, with review milestones built in. This reflects the
nature of sustainable communities – they are continually adjusting to meet the social and economic needs of their residents, while
preserving the environment’s ability to support them.
STRATEGIES
This strategy is not being introduced into a vacuum and must take due cognisance of a busy policy and strategic environment at both the
national, state and local level. It has therefore been developed with consideration of its place within the domestic arena. The plan
recognises the nature of business, technological advances, the ever changing consumer and globalisation.
HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE THIS?
-
Capitalise more on the quality of our people, especially in retaining and attracting back those leaving to pursue education and
work opportunities elsewhere
Assist existing business and build new business base relevant to our strategic location with relevance to exporting
Better maximise the strengths of economic activity ie. tourism, its environmental and cultural strengths
Encourage higher levels of new business inward investment to capitalise on growth sectors;
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
11
PROVINCIAL VICTORIA MARKETING – LIVE, WORK AND INVEST
In order to remain competitive and to ensure sustainability, it is essential that the Macedon Ranges develop an identity and a unique brand.
It is also crucial that we celebrate those strengths and promote our uniqueness amongst our existing community and to promote those
brand elements to new and potential businesses and residents.
This program will underpin the Victorian Governments’; Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign which aims to drive sustainable
growth across the State. The Macedon Ranges campaign will promote the opportunity to Live, Work and Invest in the region and to reveal
the many benefits of life in the Shire.
STRATEGY
(What do we want
to achieve?
ACTION
(How are we going to achieve it?)
MARKETING
PROMOTIOIN
Develop a fresh approach to branding and promotion of the Macedon Ranges for use in all corporate and consumer
related outputs
Develop and implement a marketing program based on the key strengths to promote the concept of Live, Work and
Invest in the Macedon Ranges
Identify possible partnerships with key stakeholders to cross promote the region
Support existing business growth by providing linkages with relevant opportunities for assistance
Actively seek investment from businesses, both local and external, which are compatible with the Shire’s values
Extend and maintain town welcome signage and visitor servicing infrastructure
Develop and implement activities to promote a “buy local” message
&
BUSINESS ATTRACTION & RETENTION:
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
12
Business development and investment needs to occur within the context of the sustainability principles adopted by Council. To achieve this,
the Shire is committed to working with business and the community, to develop a clear understanding of the type of businesses that will be
consistent with the Shires values and sustainable over time.
Evidence suggests that over half (55%) of Macedon Ranges residents leave the Shire for work each day which limits sustainable growth
potential. It also encourages a high level of escape spending as it is likely people will shop outside of the Shire when travelling to or from
work. It is therefore important for the success of the overall economy that all efforts are made to facilitate local employment opportunities.
STRATEGY
(What do we want
to achieve?
ACTION
(How are we going to achieve it?)
BUSINESS
ATTRACTION
RETENTION
GENERAL
Develop a Macedon Ranges Shire Council Buy Local Policy
&
Provide comprehensive business advice and information services
Facilitate connections between business, school leavers and training providers.
Facilitate access to funding for all relevant eligible businesses and business networks
Facilitate access to mentoring services / leadership groups
Assist with the development of a Shire wide Business Leadership Group / Economic Forum to build capacity within
existing business networks
Develop easy to interpret, accessible information required to support businesses in making decisions regarding
investment in the Shire
Where possible facilitate all relevant permits within statutory timeframes
Continue to implement a strategic approach to the development of zoning and land use policies and decision
guidelines that support sustainable business growth
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
13
INDUSTRIAL
TOURISM
AGRIBUSINESS
BUILDING
PARTNERSHIPS
HOME
BUSINESS
EQUINE
BASED
Develop a shared electronic communication tool for information provision
Continue to support local, sustainable transport planning
Support research and development of renewable energy opportunities in the region
Develop and implement an Industrial Land Analysis
Develop and implement a Tourism Strategy
Assist in establishing a Macedon Ranges agribusiness network
Update the type and nature of information available to the agribusiness sector
Assist agricultural industries to invest in sustainable new developments with consideration to limiting impacts on
residents, landscape quality and the general environment
To support value adding to local agricultural produce where possible
To assist agricultural industries meet their employment and training needs
Develop a partnership plan which identifies relevant targets and potential outcomes from those arrangements
Build strong partnerships with government agencies, industry associations/ organisations and tertiary institutions to assist
in growing business
Ascertain the level and support required by home based businesses
Develop activities to support home based business needs
Undertake an analysis to determine the economic value of the equine industry
Develop and implement an Equine Business Strategy
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Employer and Council partnerships with local training providers will enable widespread employer and employee access to appropriate
education and training.
Employers have identified that they are experiencing increasing difficulties in attracting skilled and reliable employees to fill vacancies. The
Shire is committed to fostering an environment which supports and encourages access to training for residents of all ages and abilities and
developing an environment of life-long learning across the Shire. Through facilitating partnerships and networking, the Shire can assist
employers to recruit and maintain skilled workers.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
14
STRATEGY
(What do we want
to achieve?
ACTION
(How are we going to achieve it?)
EDUCATION
TRAINING
Identify the skills and training required by local businesses and work with appropriate partners to deliver an annual
program which addresses these needs
Work in conjunction with education providers to address appropriate, integrated pathway programs and skills
shortages where relevant
Promote and support specialist education providers as a brand strength
Develop a comprehensive information tool for business which details all support available relating to education
subsidies and training
&
PROMOTE AND SUPPORT LOCAL ENTERPRISE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The opportunity for the Macedon Ranges lies in capitalising on all innovation to ensure we can maintain and increase the competitive
nature of our business base. We should also encourage the expansion of existing businesses with growth potential to expand.
In a similar way strategies should be developed to assist larger and more established businesses to address new markets or to diversify where
appropriate.
The strategies developed will also aim to celebrate our “local business heroes” from an entrepreneurial aspect and to create linkages to
business excellence awards and recognition opportunities.
STRATEGY
ACTION
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
15
(What do we want
to achieve?
(How are we going to achieve it?)
SUPPORT
LOCAL
ENTERPRISE
AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Facilitate the development of a Macedon Ranges Economic Forum or Leadership Group including all relevant
stakeholders
In consultation with business and the community, identify potential opportunities for business incubation and support
the development of such enterprises
Continue to support industry Associations and develop strategic alliances where opportunity presents itself ie.
Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association, Agribusiness Networks etc.
Identify and celebrate leaders and business entrepreneurs
Identify and facilitate opportunities for local business expansion and access to new markets
Investigate the opportunities associated with the New Gisborne business incubator
INFRASTRUCTURE
The development of business and the potential for increased investment is dependent upon adequate infrastructure. It enables access to
employment and training, establishment and growth of business and social networks and services, and improved access for visitors. The
Shire is committed to supporting business in an advocacy role regarding improvements to infrastructure and where appropriate, to invest its
own resources.
STRATEGY
(What do we want to
achieve?
ACTION
(How are we going to achieve it?)
TRANSPORT
To support the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Transport Connections Program and to advocate for and address
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
16
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
HOUSING
NATURAL GAS
WATER
ELECTRICITY
STREETSCAPES
public transport and road infrastructure needs
To support businesses in developing a strategic approach to addressing telecommunication infrastructure for
businesses
Facilitate access to up-to-date information and options about the availability and price of telecommunications
for business
Advocate to State and Commonwealth Governments to support access to competitively priced
telecommunication services to the community
To support implementation of the MRSC Housing Strategy, particularly its aim to promote development of diverse
and affordable housing (to enable trainees and apprentices to live and work locally)
Continue to advocate for the extension of natural gas supply to key strategic locations in the Shire
Investigate the upgrading of services to existing to key strategic locations
To ensure all water saving opportunities are investigated
Facilitate access to information about water conservation measures
To support business in advocating for improved supply of reliable and affordable electricity throughout the Shire
and reduction of pressure on the electricity grid and environment
In consultation with businesses, community members and electricity suppliers, explore and implement alternative
power sources, such as individual wind generators, green power and solar power, using Shire buildings as an
example where appropriate
Facilitate access to relevant information about alternative electricity generation for businesses
Develop a 5 year plan for town beautification works (streetscapes) and one year planning and implementation
plans
Appropriate Strategic Planning documents will also be prepared eg. Urban design frameworks or design and
development guidelines for commercial and industrial areas
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY
The Economic Development Strategy should be widely accepted and implemented with an integrated approach to ensure all benefactors
are aware of the progress on the implementation of the agreed strategies.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
17
The strategies will be further detailed and monitored by the development of 1 Year Action Plans aligned to Council budgeting processes
(generally in March each year).
COUNCIL WILL MONITOR AND DRIVE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY THROUGH:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
The provision of funding and human resources;
Liaison with State and Federal Government and other applicable agencies;
Advocating and applying for funding for economic development activities;
An internal cross-organisational team;
The development of an annual forum of internal and external stakeholders, to report on progress;
The development and coordination of a revised advisory / Economic leadership forum
Existing business networks and relevant community groups
COUNCIL WILL ENSURE THAT MAXIMUM USE IS MADE OF EXTERNAL FUNDING AND SUPPORT TO ASSIST LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVES BY:
1. Identifying and applying for State and Federal Government funding to support local business initiatives;
2. Identifying opportunities to obtain funding or in-kind support from the private sector to support local business. For example:
– Developer Levy
– Economic development fund as a basis for funding attraction (identify and sell non strategic Council land)
– Special charge or rate
MONITORING & REPORTING
–
–
–
–
Each annual Action Plan will be monitored regularly and reported to Council and relevant stakeholders.
Regular updates regarding outcomes to the community will be undertaken as part of a communication strategy.
The Strategy itself will then be updated every 4 years, with each new Council.
Council will undertake a Business Survey every 2 years to benchmark progress against actions and ensure the continued
engagement of business.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
18
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile, May 2009
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Business Survey May 2009
Macedon Ranges Shire Tourism Impact Study May 2009
Macedon Ranges Shire Council population projections 2009
Economic Development Strategy (1998)
SAGE Sustainability Framework 2003 (not adopted)
Vision 2025
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Tourism Policy 2005-2010
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Corporate Plan
Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme incl. Municipal Strategic Statement and Local Planning Policies
Natural Environment Strategy DRAFT (2009)
Leisure Strategy Plan
Rural Land Review (2002)
Greater Melbourne 2030 Plan
The Health and Well Being Strategy
Housing Strategy and Action Plan
Environment Planning Framework
Disability Action Plan
Small Towns Study, 2006
Kyneton Urban Design Framework, 2008
Gisborne Urban Design Framework, 2008
Macedon Ranges Cultural Heritage and Landscape Study, 1994
Kyneton Conservation (Heritage) Study, 1991
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Economic Profile May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Business Survey February 2009, Urban Enterprise
Macedon Ranges Tourism Impact Study May 2009, Urban Enterprise
Located at: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au (follow the links to tourism and business)
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