Local Government Economic Development Network
RDA Tasmania proudly support the local government sector's work in economic development.
About the Network
Purpose
The purpose of the network is to make it easier for councils to do economic development by creating a community of practice that shares knowledge, experience and ideas. The network is succeeding when members feel better at the job because they know who to ask for help and are comfortable to contact each other.
How it Started
Tasmania has 29 councils, and they are all involved in economic development. Some have economic development staff, and others pick up economic development within other work, for example; strategic planning, planning, community development, tourism, communication, and place-making.
Networks are an approach commonly used by professional bodies and industry clusters to support peer-to-peer learning.
In 2018, a first meeting was held in Hobart which was well received, followed by meetings in Devonport and Launceston. In late 2019 RDA Tasmania offered to lead the network as it fitted with their objective to support economic development opportunities.
Network Activities
- Three networks meeting a year; one in the south, and the north and one in the north-west.
- Meetings shine a light on the economic development work of a council or explore a theme.
- Share news about the network via a newsletter.
- Facilitate connections between councils looking for advice or people to collaborate with.
- Works closely with Economic Development Australia who are the peak body for economic development professionals.
Plans and Strategies
Examples of local government documents to support economic development:
- Kingborough - Kingston Place Strategy
- King Island - Economic Recovery Strategy
- Kentish - Economic Development Strategy 2020-25
- Glenorchy - Economic Development Strategy 2020-25
- Hobart - Covid-19 Economic Response and Recovery Framework and Action Plan 2020–22
- Brighton - Industrial Estate Place and Brand Strategy
- Northern Midlands Economic Development Framework
- Northern Midlands - Priority Projects
- Flinders Island - Study of Economics, Business and Social Structure
- Cradle Coast Futures Plan
- Brighton - Socio Economic Profile and Opportunity Assessment
- Hobart - Community Vision
- Northern Midlands - Priority Projects
- Launceston - Economic Development Strategy
- Latrobe (Revised 2020) - Economic Development Strategy
- Murchison - Sustainable Murchison 2040 Plan
- Clarence - Economic Development Plan
- SERDA - Economic Infrastructure Development Study
- Huon Valley - Economic Development Strategy
- Southern Midlands - Economic Development and Land Use Strategy
- Kentish - Economic Profile
- Central Coast - Economic Development Framework
- Break O Day - Economic Development Strategy
- Burnie Economic Development Plan
Other resources
- 'Why Economic Development Matters' infographic