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Economic and Business Development Strategy
Central Otago District has a current Economic and Business Development Strategy. This defines the role that the Council has set itself for working with all interested parties to assist the ongoing development of the local economy.
This mission statement of the strategy is:
To proactively work with community groups, business and organisations to identify opportunities and facilitate initiatives in the area by providing a level of service that helps to build the Central Otago economy.
Pursuing this mission will result in:
- a thriving economy that has benefits both for businesses and residents alike;
- a successful business community, thus enhancing the values (and business potential) of Central Otago.
In view of the cyclical nature of the Central Otago economy and its vulnerability to primary product commodity cycles, international monetary and trading conditions and imported energy prices, the revised three-year strategy aims at:
- Maintaining business confidence in the current business conditions;
- Being supportive of economic diversification that results in a robust local economy;
- Being business-friendly by way of a simple and efficient compliance and consents process, and ready access to current statistics and economic analyses. The maintenance of close links with business groups and industry leaders is very important;
- Encouraging inward investment and new migrants;
- Enabling the Council to act as a business advocate with relevant government and business agencies that can provide funding and policy advice.
- Enabling the Council to focus its limited economic and business development resources in areas that are the most effective.
The specific actions indicated by the strategy are:
Processing of business enquiries
Many enquiries are received from people interested in setting up businesses in Central Otago. Other enquiries are received from people, already in business, who need up to date and relevant information to assist their decision making. Meeting this need provides an opportunity to promote and encourage the regional identity and demonstrate the Council’s interest in meeting businesses’ needs.
Pan-Otago contribution
This refers to the Council’s role to identify, participate and deliver strategic directions through pan-Otago initiatives that are of significant importance to the communities of Central Otago.
Business project facilitation
This refers to the Council’s assistance with and/or co-ordination of projects that are judged to be of economic benefit to Central Otago.
Applied research
This refers to the Council’s role to develop programmes and to undertake economic impact and related applied research to develop or justify programmes that bolster the district’s economy.
Business development
This refers to the identification and promotion of opportunities for new businesses and employment growth.
Promotion of the regional identity
This is aimed at building momentum in the use of Central Otago’s identity and brand.
Networking, Liaison and Communication
It is essential to understand the issues facing local business and to develop easy and productive working relationships with business groups and community agencies. This is as much based around conversations as it is around formal communication or consultation processes.
The current strategy is due for replacement. The new strategy will be presented for endorsement to Central Otago District Council before the end of the current financial year (June 2012).
Economic and Business Development Strategy, 2008-2011 |
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