Cardinia Shire Council - Annual Report 2017-18

Cardinia Shire Council Annual Report 2014–15 2017–18
2013–14 Year in review
Our economy highlights
We will create and support local employment and business opportunities for our community and the
wider region.
Developing the tourism industry
Council adopted the Casey Cardinia Visitation Strategy
2017–20 this year to encourage the establishment of
tourism activities and facilities in appropriate areas of
the shire. It provides a strong plan to help strengthen
the region’s tourism industry and provide opportunities
for tourism operators and affiliated businesses. Led by
industry and supported by the City of Casey and Cardinia
Shire Council, the strategy’s recommendations aim
to lay the foundations for increasing regional jobs and
growing visitation, to the benefit of local businesses, the
community and both councils.
As part of the strategy, the Casey Cardinia Tourism
Advisory Committee successfully transitioned to an
independent, skills-based, regional tourism board called
the Casey Cardinia Regional Tourism Organisation.
During 2017–18, Council also completed a Destination
Melbourne Management Plan for Melbourne’s outer
south-east in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong
and City of Casey. We also completed research into
visitation specific to the Casey–Cardinia region to help
the local tourism industry and the new board to identify
opportunities to build the industry. The research will also
inform the branding strategy for the region, which has
also been commissioned and will be driven by the newly
formed Casey Cardinia Regional Tourism Organisation.
Supporting local business
Council continued to deliver networking, training and
promotional opportunities for local businesses through
Casey Cardinia Region, a partnership between Cardinia
Shire Council and City of Casey. In 2017–18, three
events were held as part of the Casey Cardinia Business
Breakfast series, giving business people in the area
opportunities to connect with other local business
operators and hear from high-profile guest speakers.
The business breakfasts continued to be well attended
with over 100 attendees at each. The annual Women’s
Business Lunch was also successful with over 300
attendees gathering to connect over lunch, network
and be inspired by a guest speaker. The Casey Cardinia
Region also ran the annual Casey Cardinia Business
Awards to recognise significant achievements in the
areas of agriculture, business, community, hospitality,
manufacturing, tourism, sustainability, and celebrate
those who contribute to the social, economic and
sustainable benefit of the region, enhancing the region’s
reputation as one of the most workable places.
Council is also committed to supporting local businesses
when engaging suppliers and contractors as part of
our organisational operations where possible. Our
Procurement Policy and tender and contract management
processes support many local businesses across
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