August 27, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council’s “roadmap” for the Shire’s economic prosperity for the next five years is now on public exhibition, and people are urged to have their say.

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 outlines Council’s key priorities for helping build an even stronger and more resilient economy, following consultation with businesses and the community.

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said a robust and growing economy was the key to a cohesive and vibrant community.

“Our economy is surviving and thriving against the odds,” Cr Chaffey said. “Look at what our community has endured over the years – industry shutdowns, drought, floods and a pandemic.

“The industries and businesses that we have in our Shire are testament to the staying power and the innovation of our people. This economic development strategy is the roadmap that will guide us to even better things.

“In consultation with businesses and industry and the community, we have taken a good, hard look at where the focus should be and where our resources will get the best result. Council cannot build an economy alone, but with a strong plan can work in partnership with other levels of government, the community and business to create greater incentives and opportunities for Gunnedah.

“I urge everyone to have a look at this important document and have your say to help us finalise the strategy.”

The strategy includes 41 actions for Gunnedah Shire under four themes:

• Economic diversification
• Investment in infrastructure
• Supporting micro to medium businesses; and
• Focusing on Gunnedah’s appeal as a great place to live, learn and prosper.

The strategy identifies 10 priority actions to be targeted in the first 12 months:

• Support the establishment of a Processing Precinct and Abattoir
• Investigate interest in the establishment of a working group to explore the concept of a Gunnedah Shire Food Product Innovation Cluster
• Finalise the redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards
• Review the 2015 Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan
• Continue plans to construct the Gunnedah Intermodal Freight Terminal (GIFT)
• Working in collaboration with AusIndustry, investigate the business case for a Gunnedah Business Start-up Program and Workspace
• Support the implementation of a Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy
• Investigate a campaign to attract skilled workers
• Support implementation of the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan 2020-24
• Explore the concept of establishing a Country Universities Centre in Gunnedah.

To read the full draft strategy, click here. This document is in draft form only and has not yet been fully formatted. Feedback can be sent to council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line Draft Economic Development Strategy.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday September 27, 2021.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.