Council and economic development
Council strives to create a stronger more vibrant and diverse local economy and a sustainable employment base in Moreland. Economic development priorities are set out in the Economic Development Action Plan (DOC 1Mb). Progress in implementing the plan is outlined below.
Enhancing Moreland's Business Centres
- Active contact with business associations and attendance at meetings.
- Renewal of Coburg special charge scheme (2007–12), updating of funding agreement with Coburg Traders Association and advice on governance issues.
- Renewal of Sydney Road Brunswick special charge scheme (2008–13).
- Commencement of process for new special charge scheme for in Glenroy.
- Support for retailers and business groups in response to unwanted extension of clearway hours through major trade areas, especially along Sydney Road.
- Initiation of business centre enhancement policy – undergoing internal consultation.
- Provision of funding for capital works in business centres – delivered footpath upgrades and art installations in Glenroy in 2007–08.
- Participation in key aspects of Coburg Initiative and liaison on future retail and commercial development in Brunswick.
- Upgrading of festive season decorations in major business centres 2007, with additional improvement planned for 2008.
Business facilitation and support
- Promotion of more sustainable practices via business associations.
- Support for Brunswick Business Incubator, including co-hosting activities.
- Representation at business activities, including functions hosted by neighbouring councils and regional bodies and hosting of regional business breakfast.
Regional economic development
- Representation on board of regional business network (NORTH Link/NIETL).
- Participation in regional projects, including identification of broadband black spots, implementation of Growing Melbourne’s North report and update of regional outlook.
- Support for regional improvements, for example regional community kitchen facility, teaching hospital facility in Melbourne’s North, relocation of metro wholesale markets.
Building the employment capacity of Moreland residents
- Fostering of local employment through retention of core land for employment-generating purposes.
- Participation in ongoing programs to improve employment opportunities for residents, for example major not-for-profit employment agency (Jobco) and major group training provider (Apprenticeships Plus).
- Support for improved employment options for Moreland school-leavers, including joint industry/education school-to-work-transition function, regional task force reviewing training/skills development programs, work experience and traineeship opportunities for school-leavers.
Sustainable land use planning
- Consideration of economic development issues as part of structure plans for Activity Centres and associated implementation projects, for example The Coburg Initiative.
- Recognition of need to attract additional office-based employment, particularly as part of the Coburg Initiative.
