The Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 was adopted by Council on 11 November 2020. This is a combined economic development and tourism strategy to provide a blueprint to achieve the 2031 vision for the Wingecarribee economy over the next 10 years. Making it happen involves a whole of destination approach, positioning the Shire as an attractive investment destination - a place to live, work, learn, play and visit.
Expected Future
There are a number of key characteristics and trends that are currently taking place, which can, and will, determine the future make-up and nature of the Southern Highlands community. IfContinue reading
The Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 was adopted by Council on 11 November 2020. This is a combined economic development and tourism strategy to provide a blueprint to achieve the 2031 vision for the Wingecarribee economy over the next 10 years. Making it happen involves a whole of destination approach, positioning the Shire as an attractive investment destination - a place to live, work, learn, play and visit.
Expected Future
There are a number of key characteristics and trends that are currently taking place, which can, and will, determine the future make-up and nature of the Southern Highlands community. If these trends continue unchecked, the Southern Highlands will become a very different region to the place we love and treasure today. By 2041, based on the current trajectory, half of the population is expected to be over the age of 55.
Desired Future
Our ageing demographic will change the make-up of our community. Beyond the simple fact of people getting older, current projections show a large increase in older people and an actual decline in younger people. There will simply be fewer young families here and more older people. However, 2041 is a long way off and we have time to adjust our course, to move towards a more desirable future. In order to achieve this, we must start today. We must start doing things differently.
The Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 charts a new course towards a future we can be proud of - a future that protects our special place. On the strong foundation of our four pillars - People, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships, the priority actions can effect change and we will achieve our desired future.
Competitive Position
Strengths and Challenges are detailed in the Strategy and will inform the approach to 'making it happen'. There are significant Opportunities in some traditional industries as well as some new and emerging sectors, including:
- Agribusiness
- Tourism and attractions
- Equine
- Professional Business Services
- Creative Industries
- Healthcare
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Education
Key Catalytic Projects
Through the analysis, and engagement with stakeholders; a number of catalytic projects were identified:
- Agribusiness Hub
- Equine Centre of Excellence
- Local Education Precinct
- Regional Events Infrastructure
- Southern Highlands Innovation Park infrastructure
These projects have the ability to significantly enhance local business capability and to encourage economic growth, both in terms of attracting new investment and jobs as well as supporting the expansion of local businesses.
Industry partners
The area is currently served by industry groups such as Business NSW (Illawarra), Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Moss Vale and Rural Chamber of Commerce, Robertson Chamber of Commerce, Southern Highlands Key Stakeholders Group and sector specific groups such as Southern Highlands Food & Wine Association, an Arts and Culture Working Group and a re-emerging Manufacturing industry group. Council has strong relationships with all tiers of government in support of a sustainable local economy. Council is inviting others who may be interested, to work together in the development of Pillar action plans and industry sector action plans.
Developing action plans
The four Foundation Pillars contain 26 high level actions, adopted by Council. These are to be fleshed out and ascribed targets and measurements. Unlike most local business planning which is subject to a more controlled family ownership or shareholding; there are inputs and outputs to be identified from a diverse range of stakeholders resulting in action plans which will have multiple ‘ownership’ and which are subject to external factors and decisions taken by multiple partners. There is a challenging task ahead to develop meaningful measures within this context.
For more information
Download the Background Report and Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 - https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Business/Economic-Overview.
More information about the Wingecarribee Shire Local Government Area can be found at this link - https://profile.id.com.au/wingecarribee
Contact Jan Campbell, Economic Development Coordinator. Phone 02 4868 0517, Email business@wsc.nsw.gov.au