With an eye clearly on the future, our 2023-2027 strategic plan is intended to shape and guide the region’s economic, cultural, social and environmental opportunities over the next decade.
Our ambitious plan, developed via extensive stakeholder consultation and evidenced based economic and social trend analysis, delivers our exciting 2032 vision, all dedicated to empowering economic growth and supporting our vibrant communities. The 2023-2027 strategy is an important building block in making the vision for our region become alive.
Strategic Pillars
The plan’s guiding strategic pillars and priorities support agriculture and its digitalisation pathway, growth in food processing industries, industry diversification with renewable energy and the gold and critical minerals expanding, our growing tourism sector and assists the Wimmera Southern Mallee region to transition to lowering the region’s carbon footprint.
It addresses critical regional challenges with access to equitable healthcare and childcare and our dire housing shortage, including fit for purpose housing. Our 2023 actions are clear, they are innovative, and support our nimble vision. Our strategies also complement Regional Partnerships – Wimmera Southern Mallee 30-year Horizon Highway vision, for 90,000 people, a $9 billion economy and a low emissions economy by 2051.
Economic Growth
The Wimmera Southern Mallee region has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, with the region estimated to currently deliver $7.126 billion in annual economic outputs.
The continued impacts of COVID-19 have meant that our community resilience has been forever tested. However, the way our community has rebounded into the recovery phase highlights the strength and vibrancy of our region, placing the region in a strong position to grow our population, reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen financial self-sustainability.
This provides a ripe opportunity for the launch of our strategic plan as we set our sights on the region’s future growth, removal of livability barriers and building community and economic resilience.
Partnerships
Engaging stakeholder partnerships with our five local government councils West Wimmera, Buloke, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians and Horsham municipalities is more important than ever, along with strong Victorian and Australian government relationships and engagement with our vibrant communities, GWM Water, Wimmera CMA, local businesses, and industries.
We value our culturally rich first nation’s history and collaboration with the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, Jupagulk and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples. Our shared regional vision and the support of our stakeholders is essential and will see our region collectively deliver upon this ambitious plan.
