Heyfield & District Local Development Strategy Consultation

We would like to hear from the Heyfield and District community about the Local Development Strategy.

The Heyfield & District Local Development Strategy is a two-year program that will support and promote economic diversity and investigate community and business innovation. Starting in May 2022, we have been talking with the local community, hosting community workshops, researching local data, and have developed six key themes for further investigation.

We are now seeking feedback on the following proposed innovation themes:

• Training in agriculture
• Timber manufacturing and associated businesses
• Health and active ageing
• New energy
• Tourism
• Environmental restoration and land management

Survey

To complete the survey please click here

Survey closing date Monday 6 February 2023

Background

In November 2019, the Victorian Government announced the Victorian Forestry Plan. Under the plan, commercial harvesting of native forests will be phased out from 2024, and all native forest harvesting will cease from 2030. The Victorian Forestry Plan aims to support communities affected by this decision to transition from logging.

Each of the 11 timber towns across Victoria have a project officer to deliver the Local Development Strategy program:

• to support the transition away from native timber harvesting
• to lead the creation of new jobs in sustainable industries
• to develop long-term economic and social benefits for each community

The Heyfield Local Development Strategy is a partnership between Wellington Shire Council, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and RMIT.

‍‍

What happens next?

Once you have provided your feedback, we will collate, review and analyse the results. The project officer will take all submissions into consideration. A final document for Local Development Strategy for Heyfield and District will be published in mid-February and will include innovation themes.