Councillor Column - Cr Bennetto - Portfolio Update

I am so grateful to be returned for a second term as your Councillor, and humbled to have been re-appointed as Deputy Mayor by my fellow councillors.

I am looking forward to continuing my service to our region and overseeing my new portfolio of “Economic Development and Planning.”

Earlier this year, Council undertook community consultation sessions as an essential step towards developing Council’s Economic Development and Innovation (EDI) Strategy. 

It is pleasing to report that we received a very strong response to all three sessions, with high participation from local businesses, service providers, community groups and individuals. This places us in a strong position to ensure the EDI will reflect the needs of our Region.

Our community’s feedback will now be incorporated into a review of our Region’s strengths and opportunities, to develop the EDI Strategy. 

The Strategy will be presented to Council for endorsement, early in the new financial year.

As Council starts to move into budget preparations for the next financial year, we are keenly focusing on the critical areas of economic development and job creation.  The Coronavirus pandemic has certainly left the world in a realm of uncertainty, and it is our priority to be equipped and ready to deliver sustainable projects that can offer our community some quick wins in response to the pandemic.

Before I sign off, I’d like to give my support and best wishes to Councillor Julie Mathews, who will be taking on my previous portfolio of Tourism. Cr Mathews and I will be working closely on future tourism matters, as many are intrinsically linked to Economic Development.  Our tourism industry will be well represented through Cr Mathews, who no doubt will be highly responsive and proactive in her role. 

- Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sonia Bennetto
            
OGG 7 May 2020