Council adopts economic development strategy

Published on 22 February 2018

Horsham Rural City Council has adopted a four-year Economic Development Strategy.  The 2017-2021 Horsham Economic Development Strategy was endorsed at Monday’s Council meeting.

The strategy is the first of its kind for the municipality.  It aims to strengthen, enhance and further diversify the existing economic, tourism and industrial base in the Horsham region.

Director Planning and Economic Angela Murphy said that the Horsham Economic Development Strategy is the result of many months of consultation.  It includes consideration of 10 submissions following exhibition of the final draft late last year.

“The 2017-2021 Horsham Economic Development Strategy contains six key themes: best practice in economic development, primary industries, a vibrant central activity district, public sector industry, Destination Horsham and economic infrastructure.  The strategy provides a robust economic profile and strategic framework that will drive economic development in the municipality until 2021,” she said. 

An important part of the strategy is the development of an annual action plan which will include provision for regular monitoring and reporting. 

“The action plan will enable us to monitor and report against actions on a regular basis.  The first steps are already underway,” Ms Murphy said. 

The 2017-2021 Horsham Economic Development Strategy is available on Council’s website at http://hrcc.vic.gov.au/council-publications.