Help Shape Gunnedah Shire's Economic Future

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking local businesses and the community to help renew the strategy paving the way for future growth and investment in the Shire.

The Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-2025 will guide the economic development roles and functions of Council. It will also provide Council with a blueprint to focus its support and promotion of economic development for the next four years.

Sasha Lennon of consultancy firm SC Lennon & Associates, engaged by Council to prepare the strategy, will be in Gunnedah to meet with local business and community stakeholders, from December 1-3, 2020.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said community input was a vital part of the strategy’s development.

“It is critical that Gunnedah Shire Council know and understand our community’s views on the road ahead for growth and investment,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There will be multiple opportunities for residents, businesses and groups to contribute their thoughts on the Shire’s needs and priorities.

“Community involvement in the preparation of the strategy will ensure the consultants are well-informed to deliver a strategy with vision and a practical plan of action. Our strong economy is something we have all built together, and we will work together to ensure we remain resilient.”

The new strategy will be based on detailed economic research and analysis, as well as engagement with businesses, key agencies and the community, to envision a future Gunnedah Shire economy that is diverse, strong and sustainable.

Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said initial consultations were an important early step in the strategy development process and there would be a number of ways both residents and businesses could contribute their ideas.

“The community will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas at a Main Street Pop-up, outside the newsagency on the morning of Wednesday, December 2, and a number of focus group sessions are planned, at a variety of times to suit different schedules,” Ms Hoddle said.

Sessions to provide input into the strategy:

Tuesday, December 1:
• Lunch session – 12.30pm to 2pm at the Council Training Room, 63 Elgin Street
• Drinks and nibbles session – 5.30pm to 7pm at Gunnedah Hotel

Wednesday, December 2:
• Drinks and nibbles session – 5.30pm-7pm at the Courthouse Hotel

Thursday, December 3:
• Breakfast and coffee session – 7.30am to 9am at the Verdict Café.

Bookings are required as limited spots are available due to COVID-19 Safety requirements.

Gunnedah Shire Council is also seeking input from local businesses and residents through a short 5 minute Gunnnedah Economic Development Survey which will be available until Friday the 29th of January 2021.