Business Development

Economic Development Planning

One of Cessnock City Council’s stated goals is:

‘To actively foster the creation of employment and sustainable development opportunities acceptable to community and environmental standards’.

It has been recognised that, in order to achieve this goal, Council has a role as a leader and provider in the community that extends beyond what has traditionally been seen as local government activity.

The creation of sustainable employment for the members of the local community is one of Council’s chief concerns. In order to generate the right environment to nurture private sector job creation, Cessnock City Council strives to:

• Develop and consistently apply employment generating policies,
• Develop mutually beneficial partnerships with the local business community,
• Encourage appropriate industries to establish or relocate to the area,
• Support new and existing businesses,
• Participate in regional economic development activities,
• Market and promote Cessnock City for business investment,
• Continue to provide land suitably zoned for appropriate commercial and industrial activities, and
• Secure outside funding for projects that will contribute to the creation of jobs in Cessnock City.

The Cessnock City Council 2005 Survey of Residents confirmed that residents support Council’s economic development role. Encouraging industry and business was nominated as one of the five most important services provided by Council. Additionally, the survey indicated that residents believe that the second most important way in which Council could make Cessnock a better place to live is by increasing employment, attracting industries and supporting local businesses. (The number one suggestion was to improve road maintenance.)

Economic Development Objectives

The objectives inherent in Council’s Economic Development Strategy are:

• to provide local employment opportunities and optimise job opportunities for residents,
• to retain existing businesses and enhance their economic performance,
• to attract suitable new businesses ,
• to strengthen and further develop the local economy,
• to develop mutually beneficial, cooperative partnerships with the local business community,
• to ensure that Council is continually responsive to the needs of the local community and the local business community,
• to recognise and capitalise on the inherent and developable competitive strengths of the LGA,
• to effectively address the weaknesses and constraints which may limit the Local Government area’s economic performance, and
• to create a positive, cooperative and supportive business environment.

Council undertakes, encourages and participates in a variety of economic development and tourism projects in conjunction with local and regional business and tourism groups, local and State Government bodies and industry.

Economic Development Framework

As in previous years, an emphasis has been placed upon the formation of strategic partnerships and the development of joint projects with the local business community, business groups and associations, neighbouring councils, State and Federal Government bodies and other groups involved in economic development.

Funding for many of the economic development projects has been sourced from and will continue to be sought from a number of areas, including Council, State and Federal Government, Chambers of Commerce and industry sources.

The major Economic Development projects and strategies are divided into five sections:

• Marketing and Promotion
• Business Development
• Community Economic Development
• Tourism
• Property Development

For further information on investment opportunities please contact Council's Economic Development Manager on 4993 4300.