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Publish Date: 29 June 2020
Buloke Shire Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (EDATAC) conducted its latest meeting earlier this month, linking up virtually to adhere with coronavirus measures.
There was much to discuss and review on the agenda, including long term visions as well as items in relation to the current health crisis.
Council’s involvement in the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria Program, Buloke COVID-19 Community Working Group, Buloke COVID-19 Business Support Group and the results from the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey were each discussed, giving the committee a strong overview of the some of the measures that have been put in place to support various sectors during the pandemic.
Committee members led updates from local communities and business and industry sectors regarding the impact of the pandemic.
Other items on the agenda included evaluation of the progress against the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy, regional and local tourism initiatives, funded Economic Development and Tourism projects and exploring the housing availability for anticipated new residents through skilled migration projects and the Working for Victoria Program.
The committee has been working with Council since early last year to provide expert local and regional advice, as well as recommendations to Council with regards to their industries and townships. The committees input on strategic economic development and tourism projects such as the Buloke Shire Council Industry Gap Analysis and Investment Attraction Plan is vital.
There are now two vacant EDATAC positions to be filled and a motion was carried to make a recommendation to Council to release expressions of interest to the community to fill these critical positons.
The committee acknowledged the contribution and commitment made by Chair Joshua Richmond to EDATAC, who recently tendered his resignation. We thank Joshua for his valuable contribution, input and ideas during his time on the committee.
Earlier in the year, Council received $50,000 of funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme to fund, amongst other projects, a Buloke Township Brochure Project.
The project also incorporates New Residents Packs and a motion was carried to recommend EDATAC members Julie Pringle and Kaylene Cossar, as well as EDATAC member and Buloke Tourism Board member Cr Graeme Milne sit on the Project Control Group to oversee the project, alongside Buloke Tourism Secretary Carolyn Olive. The group has made a fast start and has met in late June.
‘Coronavirus has unleashed economic damage, which is why it is incredibly important that Buloke communities work together to create economic and tourism stimulus to aid in the recovery. The EDATAC have been reviewing opportunities for growth in these areas since the inception and it is pleasing that we are now able to progress the Buloke Township Brochures, including a marketing plan, through this funding. There are a range of government stimulus packages available to assist Buloke residents, and a note of congratulations should be made to the Buloke Shire Council who have been informing and supporting businesses and communities and shown initiative in seeking funding for 50 positions under the Working for Victoria Program,’ said EDATAC Chair Kaylene Cossar.
The EDATAC meets bi-monthly and all community members are encouraged to engage with the committee regarding any ideas they have to boost economic growth and stimulate tourism in the Buloke Shire.
Your committee representatives are; Kaylene Cossar, Julie Pringle, Vin Delahunty, Bryan Pederson, Bernie Mulquiny, Graeme Harris, Adam Campbell, John Coleiro, Mayor Cr Carolyn Stewart, Cr Graeme Milne and Cr Bronwyn Simpson.
Alternatively, you can contact Tianna Hendy, Economic Development and Tourism Officer on 1300 520 520.
The EDATAC’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 July 2020.
End release For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, Travis Fitzgibbon on 03 5478 0181 or tfitzgibbon@buloke.vic.gov.au