ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
organisation . Finally , the visitor guide and website are a part of the region ’ s brand hierarchy and enhance the promotion of the region for economic and community development . The Southern Downs Regional Council ’ s Economic Development Tourism Department has four goals , to increase the residential population , to increase the number of jobs , to increase investment and to increase visitors . The project will help to deliver these goals .
FINALIST
SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL “ Be Prepared – A Guide for Business Continuity During Weather Events ” involved in the Local Disaster Recovery Committee to assist in the economic recovery .
Working closely with the business community , leading up to the event the team were in contact several times a day , providing guidance and advice , updates on the situation reports , road closures but also collecting marketing intelligence and business affected by power outages from the business community through the Chambers of Commerce and the groups .
As a result of the support provided , it was identified that a significant portion of our local businesses have zero or minimal plans in place to ensure business continuity during and immediately following emergency weather events .
An opportunity for Council to equip , assist and support the business community during weather events was identified and , together with the Disaster Management Team , the publication Be Prepared - A guide for business continuity during weather events has been produced . The guide ’ s purpose is to encourage businesses to review their operations and plan , prepare and manage risk and other implications during and after a weather event to avoid or reduce potential financial implications .
DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURS
WINNER
DAREBIN CITY COUNCIL “ Pitch IT ”
Queensland is renowned for its warm sunny days , tropical climate , endless beaches and fun in the water . Unfortunately , severe weather events are also something that occur in Queensland .
A digital entrepreneurship and start-up accelerator program . The program aims to maximise and foster local innovation . It ’ s a kick-start program with a ‘ shark-tank competition ’ element for digital businesses in the Darebin community . 40 entries were received from the Darebin community to help kick-start their business or pitch their idea for the next big thing in I . T . Applicants ranged from residents , university students , entrepreneurs , employees and businesses .
The Be Prepared “ A guide to business continuity during weather events was produced by Sunshine Coast Council in the aftermath of Ex Tropical Cyclone Debbie .
During the Ex Tropical Cyclone weather event in March / April 2017 that impacted and severely devastated much of South East Queensland , Council ’ s Economic Development team were
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