Want to work locally, shop in a thriving town centre or maybe start your own business? Well, we hear you.

Council has endorsed a new strategy to boost our local economy and drive economic development over the next 10 years.

The new Economic Development Strategy – Business on the Beaches, sets some ambitious targets to support local businesses, create new jobs and drive the green economy.

Over the next five years, we’re aiming to increase:

• local jobs by 5% – that’s 5,500 new jobs
• the number of businesses by 10% – that’s 3,500 new businesses
• local spending by 10%, injecting $800 million into our local economy
• the number of jobs in ‘green industries’ by 10%.

Council received strong support from the community in response to the draft plan being exhibited.  Submissions called for greater protection of employment lands, greater business diversity in town centres and measures to tackle skills shortages and housing affordability.

In response, Council strengthened its action plan with additional performance measures and targets.

Among the many action items are plans to revitalise employment areas, such as Brookvale, and enhance existing industrial zoned areas and look at ways to support innovative and creative businesses.

Support for local businesses will be expanded, with a Welcome Kit for Businesses provided to prospective businesses and landlords to inform them of the existing business mix in town centres and council processes.

The Northern Beaches Business and Industry Stakeholder Committee will also be established, comprised of key local businesses and Council representatives, to monitor the implementation of the strategy. 

To support a greener economy, the strategy includes actions to measure existing green industries and investigate opportunities to grow this sector, including circular economy business models.

The strategy was prepared by specialist economic development firm NDP Economic Development with the assistance of Council staff and follows a thorough analysis of the current economic climate. It is underpinned by independent technical reports, employment studies and extensive consultation with the business community.