Undertaking a review of the 2011 Armidale Economic Development Strategy will be the first task assigned to the newly reconstituted Regional Marketing and Growth Advisory Committee of Armidale Regional Council.
At the Council Meeting held on 27 July the Administrator Dr Ian Tiley endorsed the composition of the 16 person committee and appointed Dr Sandra Welsman of Black Mountain as the Chairperson.
The new Advisory Committee replaces the former Armidale Dumaresq Council’s Economic Development & Tourism Committee. The restructure of the committee is designed to broaden its scope and provide stronger strategic and advisory focus.
The committee is responsible for providing advice to Council in the formulation, monitoring, implementation and review of Council’s economic development program and policies with a strong focus on business attraction and expansion, business development, industry development and business infrastructure. It will also provide advice to Council on other economic development matters, as requested by Council.
Dr Ian Tiley said the committee will play an important role in developing the regions economic potential and enhancing employment opportunities and community wellbeing.
“The experience and local knowledge present on this new committee coupled with extensive community consultation will help shape the direction and focus of the Armidale region community,” said Dr Tiley.
“A collaborative approach using the committee’s expertise and contributions from the community will refocus council’s long term goals.”
Committee Chair Dr Sandra Welsman has spent the last 18 years building a knowledge-economy based business, Frontiers Insight PL, from her location between Armidale and Guyra. She has extensive experience working with local/regional organisations including UNE, TAFE, State Departments, CRCs and Regional Development Australia on plans, submissions, grant applications and incisive reviews. She has contributed to a range of development forums and activities in this region over two decades, including from 2009-2012 as a member of the ADC/New England Councils' Economic Development Committee and has a understanding of the constitutional, regulatory and governance basis of local government. Dr Welsman holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Law), University of Sydney.
The committee includes:
- Nathan Axelsson (Regional Development Australia)
- Susan Cull (Armidale Business Chamber)
- Aileen MacDonald (Guyra and District Chamber of Commerce)
- Peter Sniekers (NSW Department of Industry)
- Representative to be advised (University of New England)
- Glen Chapman
- Lynne Chapman
- Bruce Chick
- Alun Davies
- Diane Gray
- Maria Hitchcock
- Jock Mitchell
- Kate Mitchell
- Kate Richards
- Robert Ryan
- Dr Sandra Welsman (Chairperson)
