Sustainable Economy

Council has identified the aspiration to support the economy to deliver livelihoods and enterprises that are sustainable, climate-resilient, diverse, and locally-owned in a circular economy, a regenerative and improving environment, and a just community that upholds the rights of everyone.

Have your say on the draft Sustainable Economy Strategy below! Councillors endorsed this draft strategy at the their meeting on 28 April 2021 and it is now ready for you to provide your comment. Read the draft strategy here and the background paper here, which details all of the research and community consultation to date. If you'd like a hard copy survey please visit our Margaret River or Augusta Shire offices. Survey closes Monday 31 May 2021.

Follow this page to stay in the loop of Sustainable Economy at the Shire or contact Saul for more information.

Tapping In - Business Sundowners

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Why Access and Inclusion is Worth Investing In
Join 30 Foot Drop for a series of Tapping In - Business Sundowners focused on why access and inclusion is worth investing in. These sessions will be informative, interactive and entertaining. Each session will focus on a different theme. You will have an opportunity to network with like-minded businesses and come away with research-based knowledge on how business can begin Tapping In. Complimentary refreshments and finger food provided.

Why Access & Inclusion is Worth Your Investment
Margaret River Council Chambers
Tuesday 3rd March 2020
5pm - 7:30pm (networking between 5pm - 5:30pm)

Myths & Realities of Employing People With a Disability
Margaret River Council Chambers
Tuesday 10th March 2020
5pm - 7:30pm (networking between 5pm - 5:30pm)
This session will examine the seven myths of employing people with a disability and explain the subsidies available.

Tourism & Events - How to Attract & Plan for Everyone
Margaret River Council Chambers
Tuesday 31st March 2020
5pm - 7:30pm (networking between 5pm - 5:30pm)
This session will focus on why people with a disability are essential to the success of tourism and events in our region, as well as how to make your business attractive to this often overlooked and underserviced segment of the market.

RSVP to Jessica Black at jblack@amrshire.wa.gov.au or (08) 9780 5276.

Funded by the Lighthouse Project, delivered by Local Government Professionals Australia WA. Funding for the Lighthouse Project is provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) stream and administered by the Department of Communities.
Food & Beverage Producers Workshop and/or Sundowner

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Are you considering or currently supplying your products to the major retailers domestically or internationally?
Would you like to hear insights from experienced buyers and learn how you can
get your product onto their shelves?
Join this half-day workshop aimed at food and beverage producers seeking knowledge on how to expand distribution of their products into retail outlets. The workshop will be followed by a special industry networking Sundowner, which will include a Q&A Panel and complimentary local food and beverages.
Public seminar: Rethinking Economics, Ecology and Governance for the 21st Century

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Rethinking Economics, Ecology and Local Governance for the 21st Century
Free Public Seminar with Dr. Michelle Maloney

Overview

As we face the growing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, many people are asking how we can redesign human societies so that we live and thrive within the productive capacity of our ‘natural resources’. The aim of this seminar is to stimulate new conversations about sustainability, economic wellbeing, law and governance, and help us explore positive ways forward in our most challenging times.

Session information

Tuesday 1 October, 6pm-7.30pm

Council Chambers, Margaret River, WA
Key findings from Shire’s Business Survey highlight challenges and opportunities

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A suite of nine business surveys developed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has revealed some of the challenges and potential opportunities for the local business community. The surveys, which were open during June and July 2019, received 96 submissions from business owners and managers, equating to roughly 5% of businesses in the Shire.
Download the report
The survey targeted a range of business sectors and locations, including agricultural, tourism, and accommodation businesses from Cowaramup, Margaret River, and Augusta. Survey questions related to businesses performance, size, and optimism; the degree of local ownership, procurement, and sales; environmentally friendly practices currently undertaken; ways to maximise the benefits of events in the region; and what role the Shire could play in assisting local businesses.

The survey found significant concern about the current state of retail, consistent with broader concern across Western Australia, and the opportunity for a “Buy Local” initiative. The Shire is currently collaborating with Transition Margaret River and the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry to implement an ongoing and consolidated campaign to encourage a “Choose Local” culture. Seasonality of tourism continues to be a challenge for local businesses, with a significant percentage of business revenue directly reliant upon visitors.

Responses to the agricultural survey highlighted a desire by farmers to be recognised for their contribution to the community. Farmers also questioned the compatibility of lifestyle blocks with farming enterprises, and a need for planning approvals to be issued in a timely way to support business development. The Shire is well underway in addressing these matters by way of the (draft) revised Local Planning Strategy, which includes increased exemptions for shed approvals, a presumption against subdivision of agricultural lots, and allowance of larger ancillary dwellings to provide intergenerational housing on farming properties.

Shire Sustainable Economy Officer Saul Cresswell said this survey is one step in an ongoing dialogue between the Shire and the business community.

“We are seeking to make sure the Shire’s impact on businesses is positive, and looking for opportunities to collaborate for greater benefit to the region’s community and environment,” he said.

“We look forward to identifying further opportunities to engage with local business owners and working collaboratively to ensure a sustainable local economy and vibrant and diverse community.”
The Human Connection: Marketing Workshop, Tues 17 September, 9:30am-11:00am

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Facts and figures are important in business, but emotions move beyond the rational.

More often than not, people remember people (and businesses!) through the stories they tell and how they make them feel.

In this free workshop, learn how to connect your story to your business so that people want to buy from you. This is an interactive session where you get to share and write your story.

Bring your pen and notebook.
Starting a Small Business, Tues 10 September 2019, 9:30am-11:00am, Augusta

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Whether you are new to business or thinking about starting a business there are some things that are worthwhile knowing. Business Advisor Sana Turnock will guide you through some of the areas that are important to focus on. Free workshop in Augusta.
Radio Marketing Workshop: Tuesday, 3 September 2019, 9:30am-11:00am

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Want the best out of radio advertising and marketing?
Join Southern Cross Austereo's Shane Bromilow to learn the benefits of Radio Marketing over this free workshop.
Sustainability Practices for Small Business

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Free event in Margaret River on Tuesday 25th June from 9:30am-11:30am.
Casual Employment - What you need to know as an employer

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Free event in Margaret River, 9:30am-11am Tuesday 18th June.
Xero and End Of Financial Year talk: 2nd April, 9:30-11:30am

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Free event in Margaret River on Xero accounting platform, and getting ready for EOFY.