Draft Economic Strategy Out for Consultation
Published on 09 June 2022
Three economic priorities frame the Draft Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2022-2027 with the goal of enabling a thriving local economy to support the economic well-being and quality of life for our community - now and in the future - and caring for the place we call home.
The draft strategy will go out for community comment for 42 days from June 14 to July 26 2022.
Based on the foundations of both the Draft MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan, and the previous Coffs Harbour Economic Strategy 2017-2022, this new draft strategy identifies and prioritises strategic actions and measurements while considering the current and future needs of our community from an economic, social and environmental perspective.
The key priorities of the Strategy are to:
- Attract and retain necessary skills, investment and people
- Support local businesses, creating economic, social and environmental sustainability
- Develop existing and future business, industries and places to create a thriving economy.
“There has been significant turmoil in the local, regional, national and international economies in the last two and a half years, with some of these having a lasting impact on the ongoing opportunities available for local communities,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Paul Amos.
“Coffs Harbour is not immune and we’re still emerging from challenges and impacts both unique to our region and common with others. These include natural events, housing affordability and availability pressures and a world-wide pandemic. Despite these challenges, the community has continued to evolve and progress, business confidence is strong, and innovation is being used to provide new opportunities.”
While the Coffs Harbour local government area supports traditional industries such as tourism and agriculture, the local economy is ready for development and to embrace emerging industries that will be important for our community.
“The Draft Economic Development Strategy is designed to be a flexible document that can change and respond to the emerging needs of our community’s economy,” said Fiona Barden, Council’s Section Leader Industry Destination Development.
“At a time of unprecedented and continuous external changes, the draft strategy will guide decisions made by Council and help influence State and Federal agencies, business, and the wider community.
“The draft strategy provides direction to nurture local people and places through sustainable economic activities – attracting and retaining elements for success, supporting local business and developing current and future opportunities for our community.”
Consultation for the draft strategy began during the Draft MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan engagement. Since then, there has been further consultation with the business and broader community via workshops, one-on-one meetings with local businesses, committee workshops, briefings with local Chambers of Commerce and an online survey.
The documents will be available for review and comment from 14 June on Council’s Have Your Say website.