Council
15 August, 2025
Council strategy to support local businesses
MOYNE Shire Council’s successful 2019-2024 Economic Development Strategy (EDS) has highlighted its commitment to support local businesses and grow the local economy.
Highlights from the 2019-2024 EDS include the establishment of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), a group of local business representatives that provide strategic guidance to council on economic priorities and investment attraction.
A Business Adaptation Service was also created, connecting local businesses with expert advisors.
Moyne’s Business Façade Improvement program was introduced, delivering improved shopfronts and commercial streetscapes through its townships.
“There are many highlights from council’s EDS,” mayor Cr Karen Foster said.
“The Love Local Awards celebrate local businesses as voted by the community and encourage local spending; key worker housing projects in Koroit and Mortlake caravan parks saw five cabins in each location installed for essential workers; and Commerce Moyne was established.”
Also as a result of the economic development strategy, a Work and Play campaign provided subsidised accommodation to summer hospitality workers, which helped businesses attract staff for the busy summer period.
Other benefits to come from the strategy include:
The Make it Work initiative which provides discounted caravan park site fees to nomadic workers who gain work locally;
Economic growth figures, based on the gross revenue generated by all businesses and organisations in Moyne Shire, showed real growth of 23 per cent from 2019 (2.88 billion) to 2024 (3.54 billion), an extra $660 million.
The delivery of EDS actions has supported Moyne’s economic growth and facilitated Moyne’s recovery from the pandemic.
At its July 2025 meeting, council endorsed its new 2025-2029 Economic Development Strategy action plan that aligns with current economic conditions and emerging opportunities.
The new EDS is informed by independent research and analysis, as well as consultation with industry representatives, local businesses, residents, council and government stakeholders.
Mayor Cr Karen Foster said respondents emphasised the need for sustainable tourism, better transport and healthcare access, and efficient energy systems.
“Striking a balance between economic development and the wellbeing of both the environment and community was a key priority,” Cr Foster said.
“The new EDS has identified 47 projects to guide council in continuing Moyne Shire’s economic growth, that fall under five key themes,” she said.
The five themes are as follows:
Theme 1: A leading food and fibre industry – to increase the competitiveness of food production and processing.
Theme 2: Strategic and targeted investment attraction – to support major infrastructure and business investment opportunities to achieve economic growth outcomes.
Theme 3: A prosperous, engaged and skilled community – to establish Moyne Shire as a destination of choice for residents and workers, through provision of local services, affordable housing, infrastructure, transport and workplace support.
Theme 4: An innovative and dynamic business base – to build business capacity to support the development and growth of local businesses.
Theme 5: A high-value visitor economy – to foster the growth of the Moyne visitor economy through unique and leading experiences that attract a range of target markets.
“We look forward to reporting annually on the progress of the new EDS,” Cr Foster said.
