The Shires of Augusta Margaret River and Busselton have embarked together to develop a Capes Region Economic Development Strategy. The aim of the Strategy is to secure the prosperity of the Capes Region by enhancing economic opportunities and ensuring that council planning policies and development strategies support sustainable development. A consultation process is underway with business and community stakeholders.
These are prosperous times in our Shires and we are experiencing high rates of population and economic growth. This represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as we value our lifestyle in the Cape to Cape region and want to protect those things that make it unique.
At the same time, if we are to secure our future prosperity we need to identify economic opportunities, and what our Shire Councils need to do in respect of our planning policies and development strategies to help drive them. The Strategy is being developed through an industry cluster approach to regional development. Clusters are groups of companies and related organisations that collaborate to grow their business. Utilising clusters allows a collaborative and team approach for businesses, regions and interest groups to develop quality, innovation, greater speed and critical mass which assists in resolving practical issues like training, infrastructure and procurement.
Local leadership and participation is essential to the success of the Strategy and we
encourage and invite active participation by business people and community members.
| James Trail Chief Executive Officer Augusta Margaret River Shire Council |
Andrew Macnish Chief Executive Officer Busselton Shire Council |