February 21, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has a new roadmap for economic development for the next five years.

Council this week adopted the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26, a document that provides Gunnedah Shire Council with strategic direction for economic development, promotion and facilitation.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 had been developed in consultation with business and industry stakeholders and the community over the past 18 months.

“Gunnedah Shire has a strong and vibrant economy and is looking at an exciting future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 is a living document that is our plan of action to build on and strengthen partnerships between Council, government, industry and the community.

“The economic future of our Shire goes beyond the scope of local government. This is a practical way we can get a very clear direction of the way the Shire wants to develop, and how we can help it get there.

“We already have more than 1500 businesses here, more than 5000 jobs, and an enviable unemployment rate of just 4.3%. We have so many opportunities to explore and expand.

“While the region has experienced the significant challenges of COVID-19, drought and floods, thanks to our diverse economy we continue to demonstrate our resilience, and the Gunnedah Shire is primed to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities on our doorstep.”

The strategy includes four key themes:

1. Promote economic diversification in Gunnedah Shire’s key industries
2. Enable prosperity through investment in Gunnedah Shire’s strategic infrastructure
3. Support Gunnedah Shire’s micro-to-medium sized businesses to prosper
4. Promote Gunnedah Shire’s appeal as a place in which to live, learn and prosper.

The Economic Development Action Plan included in the strategy states 40 actions, with 10 priority actions:

1. Support work towards the establishment of a processing precinct and abattoir
2. Investigate interest in the establishment of a working group to explore the concept of a Gunnedah Shire food product innovation cluster
3. Finalise the redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards
4. Review the 2015 Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan
5. Continue plans for the Gunnedah Intermodal Freight Terminal
6. Work with AusIndustry to investigate the business case for a Gunnedah Business Start-Up Program and Workspace
7. Support the implementation of a Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy
8. Explore options for a campaign to promote the Shire’s small regional city lifestyle to prospective skilled workers/professionals/creative and their families
9. Support implementation of the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan 2020-24
10. Explore the concept of establishing a Country Universities Centre in Gunnedah.

To take a look at the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 here.

ENDS

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