With a major focus on long term sustainability, Mount Alexander Shire Council is looking at ways of strengthening and supporting business in the area, while maintaining lifestyle opportunities for its extremely diverse community. Council is currently working with consultants Street Ryan and Associates to develop a new Economic Development Framework. Partly funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Development Department, Mount Alexander CEO, Adrian Robb, said the framework will focus on partnerships with the community.
“People relocate to Mount Alexander for the lifestyle opportunities it presents,” he said. “They want an attractive place to live, without sacrificing good services, employment opportunities and recreational activities. The framework will look at appropriate development that will not endanger these environmental and lifestyle attributes.”
Consultant, Wayne Street, said it will be most important to attract businesses keen to promote these values.
“We are looking at establishing short term project groups to harness the talent and expertise of the community,” he said. “The groups will comprise people from major business and environment groups to get their views on where Council and businesses are heading.”
Adrian Robb said that in expanding business opportunities, Council will build on the skills and strengths already available in the Shire.
“Manufacturing of gold mining equipment in the gold rush days has meant local companies, such as the Thompson Brothers Foundry, developed much experience in manufacturing and in particular, metal work,” he said. “Today, these skills are key to the growing street rodding sector.”
The street rodding industry in Castlemaine is a significant regional industry, employing over 100 people and contributing approximately $30 to $35 million annually to Mount Alexander’s economy.
Larry O’Toole is the publisher of Australian Street Rodding magazine and is a leader in the modified vehicle and street rodding sector of Castlemaine. He said with much of the workforce about to retire, there is the potential for the hot rodding business to be fragmented and taken away from Castlemaine.
“We are currently working with Council on a campaign to consolidate Castlemaine as the Hot Rod Centre of Australia,” Larry O’Toole said. “There is potential to create a unique tourism destination that currently does not exist anywhere else in Australia. There is also opportunity to expand and attract new businesses and residents to the region creating more employment opportunities.
“Over the past two years, the industry has united around the formation of a street rodding enterprise – Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre. A one stop shop will comprise a museum and club facility, vehicle inspection station, and training facilities. An industrial precinct and retirement complex for active retirees and vehicle enthusiasts is also planned.”
Adrian Robb said Council will auspice the development of a detailed business plan, with support of the Department for Victorian Communities.
“Council is always willing to support local industries,” Adrian Robb said. “This Centre will not only be good for employment, but it will be good for tourism.”
We already have a large number of people passing through on their way to major events, but this could increase our international status.”
