Like many areas, Glenelg Shire in Victoria’s south west is still suffering from the economic downturn, particularly in the rural sector. Despite its many attributes, including one of the most efficiently run deep water ports in the country and the Alcoa Smelter, job losses and people moving from the area are a major concern.
The Shire’s population is currently 21,000 people, with unemployment hovering around 20 percent. Following amalgamation of the former City of Portland with the Shires of Heywood and Glenelg and the return of elected representatives in March last year, the new Council realised it had to do something different. This included devoting substantial resources into attracting new business to the area.
First, Council established a Business Development Unit. With extensive experience in senior management and working on economic development initiatives in Tasmania, the Hunter Valley and Western Europe, Phillip Martin was appointed Director of the Unit. He is assisted by Philip Ruge as Business Advisor and Meredith Meser, Business Coordinator.
With job creation being the key goal, a major development for Glenelg has been the establishment of a Capital City presence.
“An office in Collins Street Melbourne to attract business and promote the Shire means we have gone fishing where the fish are!” said Danny Halstead, Council’s Chief Executive Officer. Phillip Martin is based at the Melbourne office and uses his extensive experience to network with key players, make presentations and seek out new business opportunities.
“While other areas are content to wait for the recovery or other Governments to act, Glenelg is being proactive by going out and seeking the major players for itself,” Phillip Martin said.
Using the theme ‘inventing our own future’ on its promotional material, Glenelg clearly illustrates how it is different to other areas, as well as differentiating its various products.
With an Advisory Committee, comprising private sector representatives, Councillors and Council staff, the Business Development Unit has developed a strategic plan in working towards Council’s goal of increasing the Shire’s population to 30,000 by the year 2003.
“The Unit is currently developing major project packages targeting specific business opportunities and marketing these to national and international investors, with a particular emphasis on international investors,” Phillip Martin concluded.
For further information contact Phillip Martin, telephone (03) 9221 6202.
