East Gippsland Shire Council is moving to strengthen its engagement with, and support for, the business community.

Council will strengthen its direct engagement with industry, including the various chambers of commerce and business and tourism associations across the region. This ensures more of council’s investment in economic development is directed to business support and programs that directly benefit the businesses in the community.

Mayor, Cr Natalie O’Connell, said this is the first time council had reviewed these functions in a decade.

“Given that economic development is crucial to the wellbeing of any region and tourism is one of our main industries, it was timely to reassess the best way to deliver these services. The change will deliver closer engagement between council and our business operators,” Cr O’Connell said.

Currently council invests in economic development through programs delivered by council staff and through Business and Tourism East Gippsland (BTEG) and East Gippsland Marketing (EGMI).

The review considered the best way to deliver each of the economic development functions and whether it is best delivered by council or whether council should fund someone else to deliver it.

“The objective was to ensure the very best outcomes for the businesses of East Gippsland and to ensure as much of this investment as possible directly benefits businesses,” Cr O’Connell said.

“Council recognises the critical work that our chambers of commerce and business and tourism associations do, much of this by volunteers. We want to work more directly with these groups.”

The review concluded that marketing and promotions for East Gippsland can most effectively be delivered by an independent and responsive organisation such as EGMI, leveraging council funding and co-investment by industry. Council’s investment in business support and engagement with chambers of commerce and BTAs will be delivered directly by council.

“This new approach will reduce duplication and streamline and consolidate council’s investment in this area of business and industry support,” Cr O’Connell said.

“Council thanks BTEG for the work it has done supporting its member organisations, as well as the ongoing success of the East Gippsland Business Awards,” Cr O’Connell said.

BTEG chairman, Ian Harrison said he believes a strong, independent voice for small business is essential.

“BTEG will work with council to ensure that they can continue the networking and liaison with member organisations and small businesses throughout the East Gippsland region,” Mr Harrison said.

Cr O’Connell said council will continue to partner with EGMI because it is best placed to deliver independent and agile marketing and promotions.

“A new service agreement will ensure council and EGMI are aligned in promoting the region for investment and visitation.”

Chairman, Therese Tierney, said EGMI was pleased that the outcome of the review supports EGMI in “continuing the significant work it does for its stakeholders and the community in attracting people to visit, live, work and invest in East Gippsland”.

Council engaged both organisations in the review and is working with both organisations to ensure a smooth transition. This considers BTEG staff, resources and all operational aspects and the delivery of the successful East Gippsland Business Awards.