Shire Seeks Community Input on Sustainable Economy Strategy

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River recently completed a draft Sustainable Economy Strategy and community members are invited to provide comments to move it towards finalisation. The purpose of the strategy is to help guide the Shire’s economy towards a sustainable future that mutually benefits industry, the community and the environment.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River sits within an internationally recognised Biodiversity Hotspot, and the unique and beautiful natural environment is a key factor in why people choose to live, work, and visit here. The Sustainable Economy Strategy seeks to map out a pathway for preserving this environment while unlocking opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Sustainable Economy Officer Saul Cresswell said the strategy had been in the pipeline for a number of years and drew upon diverse community consultation including feedback from the Shire’s 2016 food summits, 2019 business surveys, communication with peak industry groups and input from the Sustainable Economy Reference Group. 

“The principle of sustainability is not hard to understand but putting it into practice is the challenging part,” he said.

"In our part of the world we are very aware of the relationship between people and the natural environment. Stabilising the relationship between the the two is crucial and this strategy is about identifiying key actions to help manage our economy into the future with this awareness." 

Shire President Ian Earl said the Sustainable Economy Strategy joined calls from around the world to meet the economic challenges of Covid-19 as an opportunity to “build back better”. 

“Our community was hard hit during the height of Covid-19 lockdowns and we’ve all seen first hand the need to build resilience into our economy, which is a key focus of this strategy,” he said.  

“Our region is in an excellent position to be a leader in sustainability. We already put a lot of resources into looking after our community members and our natural environment, so combining these into an economic strategy is real triple bottom line thinking. From tourism to farming and the wine industry, we’re seeing bold steps being taken to run viable businesses while improving the surrounding environment.”

The Shire has played an instrumental role in supporting some of the key industry groups within the region to be leaders in sustainability. With the support of Shire funding, Lower Blackwood Landcare has helped farmers access the knowledge and tools to improve regenerative farming practices, and the Margaret River Wine Association has launched its Sustainable Wine Growing program.

The Shire has also backed local non-profit Precious Plastics Margaret River in their efforts to repurpose waste plastic in a prime example of circular economy in action. A site and some funding has also been provided by the Shire for Margaret River Community Pantry to divert food waste and provide affordable food for those needing extra support.   The draft Sustainable Economy Strategy is open for community feedback from now until 31 May, with the final strategy due to go before Council at the end of June 2021.

To view the strategy and have your say visit yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/sustainable-economy or complete a hard copy survey available from the Margaret River and Augusta Shire offices and libraries.

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Image: Precious Plastics Founder Narelle Kuppers and the Shire's Sustainable Economy Officer Saul Cresswell, showing a circular economy in action. High resolution image available here.