Local Government is to play a key role in securing the long term economic future of the NSW Alpine Region under a Draft Strategy prepared by the NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP). This region includes the Council areas of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, Snowy River, Tumut and Tumbarumba.
The mountain district is a vital and sensitive part of the NSW economy. The local economy is largely based in primary industry and tourism. It is also the source of much of the State’s power and water supply, and conservation values are high. However, traditional farms are becoming less viable and the major employer, the hydro electric authority, is being corporatised with the loss of many jobs.
The aim of the Strategy is to create the conditions for a stronger, more sustainable economy for the area in the future by finding new opportunities for development which do not compromise the area’s unique environment. Manager of Environmental Services at Snowy River Shire, Viv Straw, said because of the vast increase in visitors during the winter months residents must pay for infrastructure well beyond their own needs.
“As part of the Strategy, we will be looking at ways of diversifying farm incomes and broadening the base of the tourism industry to cover a larger part of the year,” he said. “In addition, we are looking at establishing new service industries, harnessing the expertise of local engineers, and others, to form consultancies for water based industry.”
He said tourism will be encouraged by raising environmental and building standards to preserve and develop those features which attract tourists to the area. The Strategy is based on wide local consultation with three committees, Economic, Social and Environmental, reporting to a larger committee.
Mayors from each Council area are on the Committees. Key proposals include creating new opportunities for value adding to existing industries, such as timber agriculture and recreational fishing, expanding the tourism industry to establish year round demand, and the creation of local enterprise zones to encourage new business.
Council input will be essential in the areas of health service provision, housing and additional infrastructure to support new developments.
