Strategies in focus at this week’s meeting

REPORTS detailing the implementation progress of intended actions contained in a trio of strategy documents will come before councillors at their August public meeting, with economic development, tourism and the arts all in focus.

Progress of the Economic Development Strategy 2021-2031, South Gippsland Visitor Economy Strategy 2021-2031 and the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy 2022-2026 is outlined in the reports.

Actions over the last year include creating new ‘South Gippsland’ branding, television promotion of the area and securing funding for this year’s South Gippsland Festival of Events including the Mirboo North Italian Festa, the Meeniyan Garlic Festival and three other events.

In relation to the Great Southern Rail Trail (GSRT), construction of the section between Nyora and Leongatha was completed and the eastern extension from Welshpool to Alberton in partnership with Wellington Shire Council has commenced.

Council continues to promote the GSRT and is working on developing signage to provide information to its users.

Numerous other tourism initiatives are detailed in the relevant report.

On the creative front, it is noted that 76 percent of the actions included in the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy have been commenced or completed.

A few of the highlights since adoption of the Strategy include creation of mobile ArtCubes, an expanded funding program for community galleries, and delivery of live music events to small community halls as well as larger scale concerts in the Leongatha Memorial Hall such as the 

Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

The establishment of a seven-member Arts Advisory Committee was a major initiative implemented.

Coal Creek has been reinvigorated through a building upgrade creating an ideal exhibition space, implementation of an extensive maintenance program and the return of events highlighted by the Southern Lights Festival.

Economic Development Strategy actions implemented over the last year are reported.

An Investment Attraction Program has been developed using council’s new ‘South Gippsland’ brand.

Significant engagement has taken place with the renewable energy sector, striving to ensure those in South Gippsland Shire obtain the benefits they should from energy projects, particularly in relation to offshore wind electricity generation.

Council supported the South Gippsland Dairy Expo, hosted a successful career expo in Leongatha and supported another in Korumburra, and developed and promoted the ‘Eat South Gippsland’ and ‘Shop South Gippsland’ campaigns.

Community members keen to see what council has done over the last year in terms of economic development, tourism and the arts are advised to check out the reports available online through Council’s August meeting agenda.