Specification For Consultancy For Economic Development Strategy Development

⁠⁠⁠Overview

Weddin Shire Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified consultants to undertake the development of an Economic Development Strategy for the Weddin Shire, establishing a shared vision for sustainable economic growth and community prosperity within the Shire.

Purpose

The Strategy will identify the Shire's economic strengths, challenges and emerging opportunities, and establish strategic themes, priorities, objectives and measurable actions to guide Council's investment in economic development for the next five years. It is intended to be place-based, data-informed and aligned with Council's Community Strategic Plan and relevant regional and NSW Government strategies, and to align with Council's Destination Management Plan while avoiding duplication. The final Strategy will provide Council with a practical five-year roadmap for economic development, investment attraction, business growth, workforce and community development, and advocacy and partnership opportunities, and will be suitable for adoption as Council's primary economic development framework.

Scope

The successful consultant will work collaboratively with Council's Economic Development Officer and relevant Council staff, together with local business and industry representatives, community organisations and government agencies, to deliver the following:

• Undertake research, data collection and economic analysis to identify the Shire's economic strengths, challenges and emerging opportunities
• Review relevant Council, regional and NSW Government strategies, plans and policies to inform the strategy
• Plan and facilitate meaningful stakeholder engagement, with an emphasis on face-to-face engagement across the shire
• Design and deliver an online survey to enable input by stakeholders unable to attend face-to-face engagement activities
• Analyse engagement outcomes and prepare a proposed Strategy Framework, including emerging strategic themes and priorities, for Council staff review and confirmation, prior to preparation of the Draft Economic Development Strategy
• Prepare a Draft Economic Development Strategy incorporating a vision, strategic pillars, objectives and prioritised, measurable actions
• Refine the Draft Strategy in response to Council feedback and prepare a Final Economic Development Strategy suitable for Council adoption

The Strategy must:

• Be place-based and evidence-driven
• Align with Council's Community Strategic Plan and relevant regional and NSW Government strategies
• Complement Council's existing Destination Management Plan without duplicating tourism-specific initiatives
• Provide a practical five-year roadmap for economic development, investment attraction, business growth, workforce and community development, and advocacy and partnership opportunities
• Be professionally designed and suitable for adoption as Council's primary economic development framework

Contractor Requirements

• Suitably qualified consultant with relevant experience to undertake the development of an Economic Development Strategy

Enquiries

RFQ Contact: Auburn Carr, 02 6343 1864, mail@weddin.nsw.gov.au