Shire of Roebourne Local Planning Strategy

Shire of Roebourne Local Planning StrategyTechnical Report A1: Economic Development Strategy1.3 Economic development & the role of the governmentThe purpose of economic development is to build up the economic capacity of the Shire of Roebourne toimprove its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which the Shire will liaise withthe public, business, government and not-for-profit sector partners collectively, to create better conditionsfor economic growth and employment generation.The Shire of Roebourne City of the North Plan identifies the need to explore options for the creation ofan economic development model for the Shire. Delivery of the plan cannot be achieved by any oneorganisation. All stakeholders and partners, both big and small, need to work together to help achievethe visionThe Roebourne Shire is in an influential position to implement economic development and currentstrategic planning aims to be inclusive and expansionary. The Shire and its residents recognise thevalues and special characteristics which are the foundation of long term planning. The Shire can play thefollowing economic development governance role: Shape the qualities of the community; Provide assistance and support to business; Determine how land use and facilities are developed; Support the development of a local workforce; Communicate the district’s assets, advantages and aspirations; Establish policies to align business and community goals; Allocate funds to key projects and services 1 ;Provide leadership for long term economic success; andForm strategic partnerships with the public and private sector to maximise the value of thestrategy and share implementation responsibility.Underpinning the aspirational target of 50,000 residents for Karratha: City of the North is the need tocreate over 22,000 jobs and with it substantial economic diversity. Proactive engagement anddevelopment of initiatives is needed to facilitate job creation and business expansion. The Shire’seconomic development services provide a range of initiatives to enhance economic diversity andbusiness development. This creates a more normalised market and improves the delivery of services tothe community.1These include community facilities and programs which improve liveability in the Shire and thus have aneconomic dimension.7