Locals are set to play a key role in boosting the economic prospects of East Gippsland, with 13 leaders appointed to East Gippsland Shire Council’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

The new committee will provide an opportunity for members to share their experiences and expertise to support our shire’s businesses and tourism operators and deliver on actions from Council’s recently adopted Economic Development Strategy and four-year Action Plan.

The committee will:

· provide advice on priority implementation of the Economic Development Strategy

· provide strategic advice and insights from the business community that are relevant to Council

· help strengthen the connection between Council and the broader business community

· provide policy advocacy in support of economic prosperity in the shire.

“Economic development is a priority for Council, and it is important we have people with the necessary skills, experiences and perspectives contributing to the strategic and policy decisions to help us support and grow our economy,” Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said.

The committee will be comprised of business and community members along with the Mayor, two Councillors and Council officers. The appointed members will serve on the committee through to 2025. The community members and their fields of expertise are:

· Stephen Angus - business management and consulting

· Michelle Brooker - construction industry

· Richard Brownlow - business management

· Adam Guillot - marine industry

· Steven Holmes - real estate

· Angela Hutson - education and training

· Nicholas Kavadis - digital technology and connectivity  

· Elena Kelareva - education and training

· Andrea Lane – arts and tourism

· Liz Mitchel - tourism, arts and culture

· Gabrielle Moore - food and fibre sector

· Chris Savige – accounting

Council selected committee members that it considers will help drive our economy and industries.

The committee includes members that participated in the development of the Strategy through focus groups and additional candidates were nominated by Councillors to ensure the committee has the required knowledge and diversity across the nine focus areas of the East Gippsland Economic Development Strategy which are:

· fostering business

· a high-value and sustainable food and fibre sector

· a unique and compelling tourist destination

· an economy for young and future generations

· digital skills and connections

· arts, culture and heritage

· attractive place to live

· climate action leaders

· a circular economy

Cr Reeves said through conversations he has had with chambers of commerce and local businesses, there has been a notable commitment to growing our economy and tourism in East Gippsland.  

“The committee members bring a wealth of experience across the focus areas and we’re confident the contribution will result in strengthening the connection between Council and the broader business community,” he said.

Council thanks the committee members for committing to the role and advocating support for economic prosperity in the region.