Economic Development opportunities advance for Capricorn Coast region

Mayor Bill Ludwig said The Economic Development Plan was adopted by Council in April 2018.

“The plan documents our current economic status, our assets, opportunities and future goals,” Cr Ludwig said.

“Council has been able to deliver and facilitate some fantastic initiatives and projects under the direction of this strategically designed plan.”

Koorana Crocodile Farm was one of the local businesses to receive Council’s support, following their grant application for $300,000 in funding under the Regional Jobs and Investment Package towards the design and provision of plastic single pen accommodation for their animals.

“This allowed us to speed up the expansion and therefore growth of the farm, and without the grant we wouldn’t have been able to do this,” Koorana Crocodile Farm owner John Lever said.

“The whole aim of this grant was to ensure after 3 to 4 years of animal growth, we can provide first and second grade crocodile skins. So it’s about quality control, and Council was able to provide statistical figures to highlight the importance of the project for future development and job growth in the region. This grant resulted in the addition of three permanent positions on top of our team of 13 staff members. ”

Deputy Mayor Nigel Hutton said Council has also undertaken a variety of activities, engagement, training and events for local business and industry in partnership with business groups and agencies, such as Capricorn Enterprise, The T@ble Business Group, and the Queensland and Australian Governments,” Cr Hutton said.

“In the past financial year, Council has hosted six events with 319 attendees in total taking part, as well as 97 participants attending eight different digital training workshops. In addition to this, Council officers fielded enquiries or made direct contact with over 197 businesses during 2017/18, providing assistance, information or support.

“For more information on Council’s economic development services, residents can visit Council’s Investment and Business page at https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/1039/Investment-and-Business