Council seeks community input for updated Economic Development Strategy

Council is in the process of developing a five-year plan for economic development in the Charters Towers Region and is seeking community input.

The implementation of the 2025-2030 Economic Development Strategy is vital for achieving healthy population growth, the creation and sustainability of jobs, the attraction of new business, and to ensure the Charters Towers Region is economically competitive.

The key objectives of the updated Economic Development Strategy are to create a clear direction for economic development initiatives, attract new businesses and investment, foster job creation and ensure the region’s competitiveness.

Mayor Liz Schmidt said the current Strategy was developed in 2019 prior to significant economic changes and unforeseen disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A lot has happened since the current strategy was implemented and we need to re-assess and update it to ensure it remains effective and relevant,” said Mayor Schmidt.

Additionally, aligning the new Strategy with plans from key regional bodies such as MITEZ (Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone), Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL), and Regional Development Australia (RDA), will enhance coordination and synergy in regional economic development efforts.

To ensure the new direction reflects the community’s visions for the future, stakeholder engagement is being conducted with local businesses within Charters Towers and across the Region, industry representatives, government agencies, and the community.

Workshops were held with elected members, local business and interested community members last week to gain an overarching perspective of the community’s thoughts.  Based on those discussions, a survey has been developed for the wider community to get involved.

Interested community members are invited to complete a brief survey to tell Council what they love about the Charters Towers Region, what they see as key strengths and weaknesses, what they would improve and what they hope for the region’s economic future.

“We’re hoping the community will get behind this project and provide input to ensure the Strategy is reflective of what they want see happen in the Region over the next five years,” continued Mayor Schmidt.

The survey can be completed online by visiting Council’s Have Your Say portal at haveyoursay.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/, with hardcopies also available at Council’s Administration Centre and Excelsior Library.  Submissions close 20 November 2024.

For more information on this project, please call Council on 07 4761 5300.