Economic and Business Development

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Consultation has concluded



On 9 November 2016, Council adopted a new Economic Development Strategy (2016-2026) and an associated Implementation Action Plan.

These two documents identify strategies as a pathway of initiatives which aim to:

  1. attract investment;

  2. support business to expand;

  3. support existing and develop emerging industry;

  4. grow and diversify a regional workforce;

  5. identify and advocate for strategic economic infrastructure; and,

  6. enhance the quality of place, particularly precincts with high tourist visitation.

An Economic Profile of the City of Busselton and the Strategy document can be viewed in the ‘Document Library’ section.

The Council has established a new Economic Development Taskforce. This body



On 9 November 2016, Council adopted a new Economic Development Strategy (2016-2026) and an associated Implementation Action Plan.

These two documents identify strategies as a pathway of initiatives which aim to:

  1. attract investment;

  2. support business to expand;

  3. support existing and develop emerging industry;

  4. grow and diversify a regional workforce;

  5. identify and advocate for strategic economic infrastructure; and,

  6. enhance the quality of place, particularly precincts with high tourist visitation.

An Economic Profile of the City of Busselton and the Strategy document can be viewed in the ‘Document Library’ section.

The Council has established a new Economic Development Taskforce. This body is chaired by the Mayor and comprises:

• Two elected members of Council;

• Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association;

• South West Development Commission (State Government);

• Regional Development Australia South West (Federal Government);

• Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (BCCI);

• Dunsborough-Yallingup Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DYCCI);

• Six business/industry sector members

The Taskforce will work on the Implementation Plan for the Economic Development Strategy.

Local creativity, energy and a willingness to share ideas to work together will help drive our destiny. The ‘Busselton Your Say’ site provides an online forum to provide the community with an opportunity to contribute to debate on local economic development issues and challenges. Stakeholders are welcome to contribute to our Brainstorming Board – tell us what’s working here in the City of Busselton?

Where are the service gaps? Where are the business opportunities?

Your feedback is the key to our collective success.

The WA Government has announced the City of Busselton has been selected as one of five regional cities to be funded as part of the Regional Centres Development Plan program. The funds will help us to accelerate some initiatives for building better business and centres in Busselton and Dunsborough throughout 2017 and beyond.

Consultation has concluded
  • Economic Development Taskforce Appointed

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    A new Economic Development Taskforce has been appointed by Council following a call for nominations. Strong interest was received and Council has appointed six members to the group so there is a broad geographic and industry sector representation . The appointees are as follows:

    • Mr Peter Gordon (Hospitality Sector)
    • Mr Kyle Jackson (Building/Construction/entrepreneur)
    • Mr Darren Berson (Digital economy)
    • Mr Trevor Fitzgerald (CBD Property/community leader)
    • Mr Erl Happ (Viticulture/wine exporter)
    • Mr Scott Robinson (Creative sector)

    The balance of the Taskforce will consist of:

    • Mayor Grant Henley: Chairperson
    • Cr John McCallum
    • Cr Paul Carter
    • Ms Pip Close (CEO, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association)
    • Ms Anna Oades (A/CEO South West Development Commission) (Patrick Warrand proxy)
    • Mr Charles Jenkinson (CEO, Regional Development Australia SW)
    • Mr Michael Brown (President, Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc)
    • Ms Jim Winter (Dunsborough-Yallingup Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc)

  • Adding Vitality to Central Business Districts

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    There was a good attendance at the CBD Revitalisation Forum in December and a number of points of agreement were reached about where improvements could be initiated in Busselton and Dunsborough.

    Following City presentations about planning, development and business activity across the City, business coach and consultant Graham Harvey presented his analysis of both centres and their businesses. Examples of centre improvements from north America were presented via a Roger Brookes urban design masterclass video. The city has access to a number of these and will use them to stimulate interest and discussion about what can be tried to revitalise our CBD areas.

    Tuna Blue consultants facilitated a workshop group discussion followed where a number of ideas were discussed.

    • Different branding for each centre (each with a distinctive character)
    • Positive Street Life (Busking and related activities),
    • Special Community Events,
    • Customer Experience Focus,
    • Humanising our public and private places
    • Targeted business up skilling
    • Coordinated branding and service delivery programs.

    The next steps will be to prepare a program of actions - to give effect to

    • Strategic Direction - Outcomes, means and measures
    • Projects - Each to target an outcome
    • Governance - how we are all going to work together?

    The Taskforce will oversee and agree to the program before it is commenced.

    A CBD Revitalisation Group will convene to define and deliver the program through the business and CBD communities.

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