A recent Douglas Shire Council media release announced a funding boost for tourism and events; and more importantly, the development of an economic development strategy.

In developing the strategy, Council said this would be done in consultation with “our communities to identify the key priorities for the region. These initiatives will identify opportunities for people to invest, start or diversify a business, or re-locate to the shire.”

In essence, this is the basis for economic development and if the aforementioned can be achieved, an area or region will then benefit from the economic impact. This will then also lead to economic growth.

These decorative and provocative terms are not new. In many major cities across the world, economic development authorities play a significant role in driving the economy. Cities pursue large corporations to re-locate their head offices. The spin-offs from such moves are considerable.

For this to occur in the Douglas Shire – and without bias, you would think Port Douglas is the obvious re-location point – we need to be clear what we have to offer and the benefits of moving here.

In a document prepared for Cassowary Coast Regional Council by Margaret Darveniza, Regional Development Officer, Advance Cairns (2009), she asked three questions that will be relevant when the DSC starts work on their economic development model.  

1. What does Council see as its role in economic development? 

2. Which actions or responsibilities does Council want to undertake? 

3. Which model will best achieve Council’s goals?    

In her Executive Summary, Ms Darveniza wrote: “Implementing an economic development model (in the Cassowary Coast region) requires Council to clarify its role and direction, understand the regional context, determine priorities and select the structure that will best provide the desired outcomes.”

In the following question to Mayor Julia Leu: 

Besides your planned discussions with the TPDD and the Chamber, do you intend to tap into other models employed by towns, cities or states? Even looking at overseas models? 

She provided this response:

“Council’s Economic Development Strategy is being developed by leading consultants, who, as part of their brief, are assessing other successful economic development strategies and the potential for their implementation in the Douglas Shire.”

Leu added that economic development is at the forefront of everything Council does, and listed a number of initiatives:  

• Record capital works investment in 2016/17, which includes Stage 3 of the Daintree Gateway, the construction of the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail and Concept Plan for proposed Wangetti Trail;
• Greater investment in per capita destination marketing than any other local government in Australia;
• The Douglas Business Forum;
• The Business Development Fund;
• Providing more than $180,000 in funding for community events in 2016/17.

Leu’s plans includes researching a suitable Sister City relationship – an initiative that has proven highly successful in many North American cities – the staging of business workshops and Council’s business forum, held for the first time last year.

“We intend to research a suitable Sister City/Province which has similar aspirations to us for closer community and economic ties,” said Leu.

The scenario presented here may excite those who spend their days in planning meetings or brainstorming sessions. Here in the Douglas Shire, talkfests and fancy jargon count for nothing. It’s more a case of WIIFM – what’s in it for me – and how are my numbers going to grow and improve my bottom line.

Many quite rightly believe tourism – our biggest asset – is what drives this economy.

Cathie Jones, a director of Tropical Journeys, says any money offered for events and tourism in our shire is a big plus.

“Tourism is the largest employer in our shire and every business benefits: from the local shops, to engineering businesses, landscapers, retail, butchers, bakers; and not just the tourism companies.

“Events bring new visitors to the region who will then promote our area to friends, colleagues and families – word of mouth is a very strong marketing tool,” she says.

She adds that the Sheraton Mirage Resort is a vital part of our town's economy.

“It is a world-famous hotel and it is wonderful to see her being restored to her former glory.  It's true that if the Mirage is ‘buzzing’ the rest of the town is ‘humming’.

“Of course, other industries need supporting. However, if tourism is strong, everyone benefits from the job opportunities,” said Ms Jones.

And she’s right. So, where to from here to not only sustain what’s in place, but to enhance the many products we have offer?

The process to undertake the economic development strategy will soon get underway and next month Council will be releasing its proposed Douglas Shire Planning Scheme. The community will be given 40 business days to provide feedback with the release date scheduled for August 8 until September 30. The process will involve consultation, revision and adoption in December 2016.

This is a proactive approach and there are enough reasons to be optimistic.

But one question remains: Although we did partially define it, do we truly understand the meaning of economic development and its benefits, and is it the catch-all phrase for this unique part of the world?

To access the media release: Funding boost for tourism, events and economic development initiatives, go to: www.douglas.qld.gov.au/funding-boost-tourism-events-economic-development-initiatives/

The Council’s current economic development initiatives can be found at: http://douglas.qld.gov.au/download/economic_development/Economic