Between February 2022 and February 2024, I was the volunteer Project Director for the Bushfire Local Economic Relief Fund (a grant of $504,000) for the Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce. During this period, I oversaw the delivery of:
A Procurement Forum for local businesses with speakers form Council, State, Federal and local major industries.
The Re-introduction of local Business awards which has resulted in several local businesses being recognised at a regional and state level,
A Business and Lifestyle Expo that attracted over 3,000 visitors and raised awareness of the opportunities within our community with residents of Greater Sydney.
A targeted Investor Forum which attracted participants form the US, Finland, Denmark and from around Australia.
There is considerable commercial interest in exploring our community and regardless of the outcome of the looming elections I will continue to work towards transitioning our economy and building a future for our children and grandchildren.
Team Ring is committed to diversifying our economy, attracting new residents, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Economic Planning
Although during the past 40 years we have lost several industries, Lithgow LGA still has a strong and diverse economy. The relatively unique nature of our economy was acknowledged in 2018 when Lithgow was declared its own economic zone (normally several councils grouped together) The REDS was updated in 2023 and is a key document in mapping out our future. Lithgow-REDS-2023-Update.pdf (nsw.gov.au)
In 2023 Council adopted it Lithgow Evolving Economy Plan , a plan which is to be funded to an amount of $1.092 million form the 2023 rate increase. Already this fund is paying for three staff and a governance committee that excludes councillor representation,
If elected we will:
Seek to change the Governance Committee so that the Mayor is the Chair and that there is also a voting Councillor position.
Ensure that there is greater transparency and communication with the community and key stakeholders in growing our economy
Prioritise the development of Greenspots Industrial Park and associated housing estate.
Ensure The Foundations are supported in the development of the former cement works.
Seek to commit Council resources to attracting industry to invest in Lithgow – following on from the Lithgow Investor Forum. Targeting new technologies such as green hydrogen production, commercial glass houses (vegetable and flowers), recycling and manufacturing,
Explore opportunities to develop intensive agriculture within the Greater Lithgow Region.
Seek to develop a housing strategy that is flexible and can match the anticipated growth in industry.
Seek to undertake a review of tourism within the Lithgow LGA and determine what actions are required to grow commercial tourism over the next 10 years.