Draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework
We want to know how to help you succeed in business within our district.
Background
The District Council of Grant is committed to ensuring a growing and vibrant economy, optimising our diverse primary industries and unique natural assets. This is reflected in Council's Strategic Plan 2024 - 2034 developed in collaboration with our community, Elected Members and Council staff. The Strategic Plan includes a key project to clarify Council’s approach to supporting the local economy by developing a plan for sustainable growth and tourism.
The District Council of Grant recently completed the Strategic Land Use Priorities Plan and the State Planning Commission has released a draft Regional Plan for the Limestone Coast which both envisage population growth for the District.
Council is now reviewing its approach to economic development to ensure that the District Council of Grant optimises employment and growth potential to support the envisaged population growth.
In April 2025, Council approved to commence engagement with industry, business, proprietors, tourism and visitor economy operators to assist the development of a Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework. The Framework will help guide Council’s future efforts to deliver growth and tourism outcomes for the district.
Council recognises the changing economic conditions for our community which will be considered throughout the development of this Framework.
What is Proposed
Shaped by ideas and input gathered through targeted engagement with key business and industry stakeholders, and Elected Members, a draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework has been developed and is presented for community consultation.
The draft Framework details practical actions for Council to take to strengthen our local economy, supporting existing businesses while attracting new investment and leveraging existing regional partnerships.
Get Involved
Stakeholders across all forms of industry (big and small), business, proprietors, entrepreneurs, volunteer organisations, tourism, visitor economy and experience operators, and the broader community are invited to have your say on the draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework.
Review the draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework and provide your feedback by:
- Completing the online feedback form
- Emailing info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au
- Completing a hard copy feedback form available at Council's Principal Office, 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell
Feedback must be submitted in writing to the District Council of Grant by 5:00pm Friday 21 November 2025.
Next Steps
Following the close of consultation, feedback will be reviewed and amendments will be made to the draft Framework, where appropriate.
The final Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework and summary of feedback will then be presented to Council for endorsement at the December 2025 Council Meeting.
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Have your say on Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy
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The District Council of Grant is inviting residents, businesses and industry stakeholders to have their say on the new draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework.
Developed to support Council’s economic goal of creating ‘a growing and vibrant economy, optimising our diverse primary industries and unique natural assets,’ the Framework outlines how Council will encourage growth, investment and partnerships that benefit the district.
Mayor Kylie Boston said the draft Framework has been shaped by the ideas and feedback gathered through initial engagement with local businesses, tourism representatives and Elected Members.
“It has been great to see so much interest and optimism about the future of our district. This draft is our proposed shared vision for how we can support tourism and business growth,” Mayor Boston said
“Our district is truly unique with productive agricultural land, thriving forestry industry, abundant coastline and vibrant visitor economy. This draft Framework reflects all that diversity and the opportunities it presents for our community and local businesses.”
The document details a series of short-term and long-term actions for Council to progress over the next 5 years, alongside initiatives to advocate for to benefit the entire region.
Chief Executive Officer Darryl Whicker explained the Framework provides a clear roadmap for balancing growth with sustainability.
“The draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework sets out the practical and proactive steps Council proposes to take to strengthen our economic base, from supporting existing industries and businesses to identifying opportunities in tourism, renewable energy and regional partnerships,” Mr Whicker said.
“It is about making sure our economy evolves in a way that benefits our community, protects our environment and secures opportunities for future generations. This Framework works hand-in-hand with our Strategic Plan and other long-term planning documents, ensuring economic development in our district is coordinated and backed by community values.”
Residents, businesses and industry representatives are now invited to review the draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework and share their feedback.
The complete draft Growth, Investment and Visitor Economy Framework is available to view online at yoursaydcg.com.au. Hard copies are available to review at Council’s Principal Office at 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell Community Complex at 5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell.
Feedback must be submitted to the District Council of Grant by 5:00pm Friday 21 November 2025.
Who's Listening
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Phone 08 8721 0444 Email info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au