General News
6 June, 2023
Huge targets set for region
The former Wimmera Development Association has invested in a new name and a five-year plan to support a regional population boom of 7000 over the next nine years. Flag bearers of the newly rebranded Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSM...
The former Wimmera Development Association has invested in a new name and a five-year plan to support a regional population boom of 7000 over the next nine years.
Flag bearers of the newly rebranded Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSM Development) say the region’s growth will be on the back of “billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy, transmission and critical mineral sands alongside our world class agriculture sector”.
And as the self-described peak economic development organisation for the Wimmera Southern Mallee region, it has set itself some huge targets.
“Removing local barriers is a core focus of our plan,” WSM Development CEO Chris Sounness said.
“Through the delivery of the Housing Blueprint, we’re aiming to support over 1000 new homes to be built within the region.
"Twelve months ago, we established Wimmera Housing Development and we are working with local communities throughout the region to understand how feasible each of these communities are for building homes.
“We’re also continuing to deep dive into the region’s healthcare services, childcare models and workforce supply challenges to support reform aimed at delivering consistent, quality care.”
Mr Sounness and board chair Paul Geyer hosted the launch of WSM Development’s “nimble and ambitious” strategic plan at the Federation University Horsham Campus head office on Tuesday.
The plan, which also supports the organisation’s efforts in assisting the region in its transition to electrification and a low emissions economy, underscores its role to attract new investment and develop business opportunities in conjunction with local government.
“Our actions are ambitious, innovative and support our vision, and understand our region is entering a period of tremendous opportunity while acknowledging there are many challenges ahead," Mr Geyer said.
Mr Sounness said while housing was the “number one challenge inhibiting growth, liveability and economic prosperity,” there were plenty of other opportunities for the region to prosper.
“Leveraging the benefit of regional electrification and supporting ongoing employment within renewable energy, minerals, food and agricultural processing and tourism sectors offers significant prospects,” he said.
Mr Sounness told The Horsham Times the organisation would also be working closely with local aged care organisations and health care groups.
"We just want to make sure that we are investing in the future of the region because that's the way we are going to get the best possible outcomes," he said.
For more information on the 2023-2027 Wimmera Southern Mallee Development’s strategic plan, visit www.wsm.org.au