Project launched to help transition Benalla’s economy

By Contributed

Feb 20, 2023

If you have an idea about how to future-proof the Rose City’s economy, Benalla Rural City Council would like to hear from you.

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Benalla has become one of 11 towns identified by the Victorian Government to receive support to transform its economy.

This transition follows the announcement of the Victorian Forestry Plan in November 2019.

As part of the plan, commercial harvesting of native forests will cease by 2030, which will have a significant impact on communities that rely on the industry.

In response to this, the Future of Benalla and District project has been launched to develop a development strategy to help the town transition to a competitive regional economy.

The project is being supported by Benalla Rural City Council, in partnership with the Victorian Government, and with help from RMIT.

The Future of Benalla and District is a two-year project to develop a local development strategy.

Matthew Currie has been appointed project co-ordinator of the project.

Mr Currie grew up in Benalla, completing his schooling at Benalla College, before spending the next 20 years living and working throughout north-east Victoria, most recently as the Bendigo Bank manager in Mansfield.

The initial phase of the project is a discovery process involving business, community, education and government with the aim of identifying innovation opportunities for further development.

During this phase, Mr Currie will be seeking to engage with as many members of the community as he can.

Mr Currie said the success of the project depended on the community being involved in the identification of innovation opportunities in the district as the foundation for developing a competitive regional economy.

“The beauty of a project like the Future of Benalla and District, is that it requires the local community to take ownership of its future,” Mr Currie said.

“We really want locals to come and talk with us and help us identify what it is that makes Benalla a great place, and what its strengths are.

“The opportunities that are identified, will then be investigated further, and the community will then decide which ones are put forward to develop.”

To find out more, visit: www.futureofbenalla.com.au or phone Matthew Currie on 0459 363 658 to arrange an interview.