The West Coast Council has adopted a ten-year vision for the region at its meeting tonight. The West Coast Community Plan 2025 is the culmination of a successful community engagement program and extensive analysis of data and will now provide the foundation to help guide policies, strategies and actions relating to the West Coast.

“This Plan has set a unified direction for the community however it can only be successful in achieving its vision if collective actions and partnerships are developed,” Mayor Phil Vickers said.  “This is not a solely Council document – we are encouraging key stakeholders to also take ownership of the Plan and adopt strategies and actions in their own business planning to reflect the community’s vision for future.”

Council will now work to develop and formalise partnerships with relevant stakeholders as it works towards delivering the Plan objectives across five focus areas: Our People Our Community, Our Economy, Our Infrastructure, Our Environment and Our Partnerships Our Leaderships.

Recognition of the need for a strong, diverse economic base was highlighted throughout the community engagement process and forms the basis of the Our Economy focus area.  Taking the lead, Council has agreed to commence recruitment of an Economic Development, Tourism and Events Coordinator to raise the profile and increase awareness of the West Coast’s offerings in order to attract new residents, investment and employment opportunities.

The move comes after Council submitted a request to the State Government to seed fund a component of the cost of employing such an officer.

“Whilst it is extremely disappointing that the State Government has turned down our request to contribute $40,000 a year for the next two years Council sees this role as critical to building up the economic capability and capacity of the West Coast,” Mayor Vickers stated.  “Many of the strategies outlined in the West Coast Community Plan 2025 need the dedicated time of such a role – and these are the strategies highlighted by our community as vital in our ten-year vision for the West Coast.”

Without the State Government contribution Council has agreed to adjust its budget to allow for the additional $40,000 needed to fund the position. 

Recruitment for the position will commence this weekend.