The Shire of Ravensthorpe Economic Growth Strategy 2023 was developed to provide a coordinated, long-term approach to strengthening the local economy, supporting population growth, attracting investment and improving the liveability of communities across the Shire.
The Strategy recognises the important contribution of agriculture, mining, tourism and small business to the local economy, while identifying opportunities to increase economic diversification, strengthen essential services and ensure that economic activity delivers lasting benefits for local residents and businesses.
A central focus of the Strategy is to ensure that the economic opportunities generated within the district translate into improvements in housing, infrastructure, employment, community facilities and quality of life.
The Strategy establishes a framework for Council advocacy, investment attraction, infrastructure planning, industry partnerships and community development. It also acknowledges that achieving sustainable economic growth requires collaboration between the Shire, State and Federal Governments, industry, local businesses and the broader community.
Economic Growth Vision
The Strategy establishes the following vision:
“Our vision is for a resilient and thriving economy that contributes directly and fairly to the local community; underpinning the long term vibrancy and liveability of the region.”
This vision reflects a commitment to ensuring economic growth is not measured solely through increases in industry output or investment, but also through tangible benefits for residents, including greater access to services, improved housing availability, stronger local employment opportunities and vibrant, attractive towns.
Four Strategic Priorities
The Strategy identifies four strategic growth drivers, supported by 24 initiatives intended to be delivered across short, medium and longer-term planning horizons.
1. Fit for Future Infrastructure
This priority focuses on ensuring that essential infrastructure can support existing industries, accommodate population growth and unlock future economic opportunities.
The six initiatives address improvements to the South Coast Highway and local commodity transport routes, the development of a 10-year housing blueprint, renewal of Shire housing, increased accommodation for resource-sector workers and essential staff, and improved telecommunications connectivity.
Housing and transport infrastructure are identified as critical enablers of investment, workforce attraction and community sustainability.
2. Growing with Industry and Partners
This priority seeks to increase the economic benefits retained within the Shire and strengthen partnerships with major industries, neighbouring local governments and other stakeholders.
Its four initiatives focus on establishing a Business and Community Investment Fund, developing a strategic partnership with the Shire of Esperance, improving regional advocacy and investment promotion, and encouraging greater participation by local suppliers in major projects.
The overarching objective is to ensure that major economic activity contributes fairly and directly to local communities while creating opportunities for businesses and employment.
3. A More Vibrant and Liveable Region
This priority recognises that attracting and retaining residents, workers and businesses depends on the quality of services, facilities, education, housing and town centres.
Seven initiatives are identified, covering essential worker attraction and retention, improvements to secondary education, access to specialist health and social services, activation of underdeveloped land, Ravensthorpe town revitalisation, development of Hopetoun as a tourism and community centre, and reliable access to high-quality food.
The Strategy recognises that strong, liveable communities are essential to supporting industry growth and sustaining the Shire's population.
4. A Diversified Economy
This priority focuses on reducing reliance on existing industries by developing tourism, supporting new businesses and creating additional economic opportunities.
Seven initiatives address short-stay accommodation, regular public transport accessibility, increased visitor demand, improved tourism experiences, nature-based accommodation, complementary value-adding industries and innovation or coworking facilities.
The Fitzgerald Coast's internationally significant natural environment, wildflowers and biodiversity creates opportunities for nature-based tourism. The Strategy proposes a measured approach to tourism growth that protects the environmental qualities and community character of the region.
Read the draft Economic Report June 2023 here Draft Economic Report June 2023