Help us plan for the sustainable growth of industries in our shire
Published on 06 November 2024
Did you know there’s a shortage of industrial land available in Mount Alexander Shire?
This threatens the future growth of businesses in a range of sectors, such as manufacturing, trades and construction, renewable energy, artisans, fabricators, boutique food and clothing suppliers, and more.
To help address this, Mount Alexander Shire Council is working on the development of an industrial land strategy to guide the sustainable growth of businesses in these areas.
The strategy will provide a plan for the supply of industrial land into the future, and outline guidelines for development on industrial land so our community benefits.
Council, in partnership with project consultants Charter Keck Cramer, have prepared a discussion paper which outlines challenges and opportunities facing industrial areas and businesses in the sector locally.
The paper is informed by feedback from businesses operating in existing industrial areas in the shire, and includes a supply and demand analysis and industry outlook.
Community members and business owners are encouraged to read through the discussion paper to get an overview of Council’s preliminary plan for the sustainable growth of industries in the shire.
They can also share their feedback on the topic during an upcoming drop-in session in November, join an online forum, or complete an online survey.
Have your say
- Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/industrial-land-strategy and:
- Download a copy of the Industrial Land Use Discussion Paper.
- Complete the online survey.
- Community members: Drop-in to an information session to provide feedback and have your questions answered by Council staff:
- Monday 18 November, 3.00pm to 6.00pm, Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre (next to Phee Broadway Theatre), Castlemaine.
- Business owners: join our online business forum and have your questions answered by our project team.
- Thursday 26 November, 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Register at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/industrial-land-strategy.
- Call Council to provide input on 5471 1700.
- Email your feedback to info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
- Mail hard copy feedback to: Strategic Planning team, Mount Alexander Shire Council, PO Box 185, Castlemaine, VIC 3450.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Coordinator Strategic Planning, Nathan Lord said that input from community and businesses is an important step in developing the strategy.
“We’re really keen to hear how we can support new and established businesses in the industrial sector to grow and innovate”, said Mr Lord.
“We’re also interested in hearing from community members about how industrial, agriculture and residential areas interact.
“People might not think much about the importance of our industrial sector, but it’s vital for a range of reasons.
“Businesses that operate in industrial areas create employment opportunities and produce essential goods and services, including those associated with shelter, food, energy, transport and water.”
“They are also able to experiment and innovate with minimal impact on residents, and can be ideal locations to introduce circular economy initiatives such as community batteries.
“The shire is already home to a number of industrial areas located in Castlemaine, Chewton and McKenzie Hill,” said Mr Lord.
“As part of our commitment to a wellbeing economy, we want local businesses to have access to everything they need to flourish in our shire, including enough room for them to operate and grow.
“I encourage you to provide your feedback, and help us plan for the sustainable growth of industries in our shire,” said Mr Lord.
For more information, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/industrial-land-strategy or contact Nathan Lord, Coordinator Strategic Planning on n.lord@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or 5471 1700.