The Corangamite Shire Council will receive $75,000 funding to support an Economic Development Officer position, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced today.
“Under the Local Skills Partnerships Program, the Victorian Government is committing $75,000 towards the two year appointment of a suitably qualified Strategic Economic Development Officer (SEDO) to help the council deliver economic development outcomes,” Ms Tierney said.
“The project will build the workforce capability of the Corangamite Shire Council and increase capacity to develop and deliver key strategies including the Corangamite Tourism Opportunities Study.”
The appointment will enable council to maximise benefits to local businesses from major investments such as renewable energy projects and improve linkages between employers, employees, potential employees and training organisations.
“The employment of a full time SEDO position in January 2011 will enable the council to better promote the region’s strengths and attract new investment to the area.
“The appointment of this position is critical in identifying and capturing economic opportunities and focusing future efforts including a population project to attract people to work and live in the region,” Ms Tierney said.
The Victorian Government will provide $75,000 and the Corangamite Shire Council $50,000 to appoint someone to this position for a two year period.
Other expected outcomes will relate to work aligned to the region’s key strategic actions identified in the Great South Coast Regional and Strategic Plan, the Corangamite Council Plan and the Corangamite Shire Economic Development Strategy.
Ms Allan said that the major strategic work undertaken by the council over the last 12 months means that the role is now even more critical to the council’s ability to implement priorities and actions outlined in those strategies.
The Local Skills Partnerships Program is a $7.8 million initiative to build the economic development capability of local councils so that they can attract investment and jobs to their region.
“The Local Skills Partnerships Program is part of Ready for Tomorrow – A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria, the Victorian Government’s $631 million policy to generate new opportunities and build a prosperous and sustainable future for regional and rural Victoria.
“Ready for Tomorrow includes new initiatives to create more jobs, improve tertiary education opportunities and boost businesses and industries,” Ms Tierney said.
