Regional council stimulates local economy

The Council’s funds add up to more than $200,000 and were designed to stimulate local economy by funding projects that will create innovation in the region’s economic base, Mayor Val Schier said.
 
“This year Council took leadership in the diversification of the local economy by putting together a team dedicated solely to economic development,” she said.
 
According to Cr Schier the Council’s ‘Economic Development Fund’ was divided into two streams; economic diversification; and tourism development.
 
The Council had 26 applications totalling $900,000 in a round of funding for the year 2010/11.
 
“There were many more applications for funding than the grants programs could possibly fulfil, so we know there are great ideas out there,” Cr Schier said.
 
Support may be in the form of cash or in-kind assistance and requests can be made of up to $50,000 under the Tourism Development Fund and up to $20,000 under the Economic Development Fund.
 
Council’s manager of economic development, Fiona Wilson, said the ‘Economic Development Fund’ was available for the development and delivery of projects that will result in economic benefit to the region.
 
“These projects could include business development or employment generating activities, new industry feasibility studies, marketing projects and research collaboration,” Ms Wilson said.
 
“The ‘Tourism Development Fund’ was a single round in 2010/11, while Economic Development Fund ran in two rounds this financial year with the second round opening on January 4, 2011.”
 

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