‘Telling the story’ is key to economic development, council strategy says
Murray Bridge doesn’t just need more houses, public transport and business investment – it needs to work on its reputation, too.
This story is free to read. Help Murray Bridge News tell more stories like this by subscribing today.
Telling positive stories about Murray Bridge – and building more houses – will be key to continued growth in the rural city, its council says.
Those are two of the insights in a draft economic development strategy for Murray Bridge.
A public consultation period about the document will end next week.
The draft strategy articulates three focus areas and 10 “key moves” for the council over the next four years:
- Wellbeing: Expanded health services and more housing, education options that better match the skills needed locally, and climate resilience integrated into decision-making
- Infrastructure: Land zoning; public transport, freight and digital infrastructure; and attracting international ag, energy and manufacturing investment
- Sustainability: Growth in tourism and events, skills training and procurement advantages for local businesses, attraction of more high-tech businesses and retention of retailers, and better marketing and promotion of Murray Bridge
Among other actions, businesses and residents would be invited to provide input into a marketing campaign that would build local pride, attract residents and investment, and grow the tourism industry.
“Stakeholders emphasised the importance of a clear narrative about the region’s growth and opportunities, and the need to better communicate and fully leverage existing initiatives through stronger storytelling and promotion,” the draft strategy says.
“This will raise the region’s national profile by highlighting affordability, lifestyle, housing and employment opportunities and proximity to Adelaide.”
The priorities were developed through a series of invite-only meetings with local businesses, plus council leadership and the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance.
This will be the first opportunity for members of the general public to have their say.
Mayor Wayne Thorley described the draft plan as central to the council’s aspiration for Murray Bridge to be a growing, thriving, strong community.
“As Murray Bridge continues to grow, it is important that we have a clear and coordinated plan to support local jobs, investment and long-term economic resilience,” he said.
“This draft strategy is about ensuring growth delivers real benefits for our community, supporting business, creating opportunities and helping our region continue to thrive.”
- Have your say: Visit letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/draft-economic-development-growth-strategy-20262030 before 5pm next Wednesday, July 22.
What does Murray Bridge’s economy look like at the moment?
There are more than 1400 registered businesses in the Murray Bridge district, with the agriculture and construction industries leading the way.
However, only about 530 of those businesses employed anybody – the rest were sole traders, freelancers or hobby businesses.
More than 1900 locals worked in health care and support, 1400 in agriculture and related industries, almost 1200 in manufacturing, and almost 800 in construction and trades, with retail not far behind.
Murray Bridge’s gross regional product – that is, the total value of all goods and services produced in the district each year – is more than $1.5 billion.
The Murray Bridge council is a member of the National Growth Areas Alliance, an advocacy group of 29 local councils in the outer suburban regions where most of Australia’s growth is occurring.
In South Australia, those districts also include Mount Barker and Playford, north of Adelaide.
