Council resolved at the August council meeting to establish the Macleay Valley Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Council’s new manager of commercial business, Gayleen Burley, joined the organisation in July and brings with her extensive commercial and business improvement experience from her recent roles at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Ms Burley said the committee will consist of six business and/or industry representatives, two councillors and three council staff.

“It will act as an important mechanism for consultation, collaboration, advice and feedback to council staff on the development of the strategy,” she said.

“It also provides council with the opportunity to engage more with business and industry leaders to allow for the advancement of programs and initiatives to drive economic growth and tourism in the region.”

Council was successful in obtaining a $60,000 grant through the Building Better Regions Fund with a further $60,000 to be contributed by Council, the Macleay Valley Business Chamber and the Macleay Valley Business Women's Network for the development of the new strategy.

Council also recently launched the Invest In You lifestyle guide which provides useful information on the local business sector for new businesses and investors to the region.

For more information about the guide go to www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/econodev/invest-in-you.html 

To lodge an EOI for the Macleay Valley Economic Development and Tourism Committee go to the council’s website http://bit.ly/2CdNYj7 or phone 6566-3200 to speak to the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator. Submissions close on September 21 2018.