Economic Development Strategy

The Economic Development Strategy is a project which aims is to develop an evidence-based whole of district Strategy and Action Plan for Economic Development, supporting the growth of economic activity and sustainability within the district.

This will include inclusive consultation with business operators, government entities, external agencies, community groups and the general public, and will ensure the strategy caters to their needs and reflects the community’s vision and values, improving overall community well-being and economic benefit.

Implementation of the project will include a Project Control Group (PCG), utilising funding provided under an agreement with the Kimberley Development Commission (KDC). The funding agreement with the KDC, mandates some but not all, of the members of a PCG to oversee the governance of the project including providing guidance to the selected consultant, but the PCG is not to lead in any consultative process.

The Shire has completed an Expression of Interest (EOI) process selecting three community members to be part of the PCG, one from Fitzroy Crossing and two from Derby. However, given the demographics of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, the Shire recognised that the EOI process needs to be added to, to specifically ensure good Aboriginal involvement in overseeing the project. Accordingly, the Shire has sought out two additional members of the PCG to represent an Aboriginal perspective from both Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.