Council sets a new direction for Economic Development in the Shire
Wingecarribee Shire Council has today announced that the corporate portfolio of Economic Development will be merged with the existing Tourism portfolio.
Making the announcement was Council’s Deputy General Manager Corporate, Strategy and Development Services, Mark Pepping.
“Combining the two functions at our Southern Highlands Welcome Centre makes perfect sense,” said Mr Pepping.
“Our Welcome Centre has always been a one-stop shop for visitors and locals wanting to learn more about the Southern Highlands,” Mr Pepping said. “But we also want businesses to know that it should be a priority destination should they want to relocate or seek advice on local industry and business opportunities.”
Spearheading the new position will be Council’s existing Manager of Tourism and Events, Steve Rosa whose title will change to Group Manager Tourism and Economic Development to reflect the new role.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Duncan Gair said the Southern Highlands is uniquely positioned to take advantage of business opportunities and assist tree changers.
“The geographic location of our Shire alone offers enormous opportunities for businesses from Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast,” he said.
Major new developments being constructed in neighbouring areas such as the Western Sydney Airport and aerotropolis at nearby Badgerys Creek are expected to provide further employment opportunities.
“We believe that our Shire has much to offer business of all sizes and we look forward to working with local and regional business sector industry bodies to deliver a thriving and nationally recognised economy,” Mayor Gair said.
The announcement comes on the back of the Destination Southern Highlands team winning a gold first place at this year’s QANTAS Australia Tourism Awards for Destination Marketing.
“Steve and the team at the Welcome Centre have a proven track record of success and we’re confident that they’ll bring this same drive and enthusiasm to economic development and demonstrate why our Shire is the perfect place to conduct business,” the Mayor added.
“We believe our Concierge Service Destination model approach will deliver great success.”
As part of the restructure, separate coordinators of both Tourism and Economic Development will be appointed under the newly created position of Group Manager. Recruitment for the position of Coordinator of Economic Development will commence shortly.
To contact the team at the Mittagong-based Welcome Centre and speak about potential opportunities for your business, phone 4871 2888.
The Southern Highlands Welcome Centre is located at 62-70 Main Street, Mittagong.