The consultation period has now closed. Thank you for your feedback.

From September to October, we welcomed you to read and provide your valuable feedback on the draft Regional Context Analysis Report and Summary document findings. We received community feedback via survey, post-it notes and in person community sessions.

  • 29 post- it note contributions

  • 5 survey contributions

  • 20 Workshop Registrations

Next Steps

After finalising the Regional Context Analysis Report in November 2023, the project will commence Stage Two Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) to identify the vision of each opportunity outlined in the report and decide if it will progress for further development. There will be a full day workshop for each innovation opportunity. If you would like to be involved in the Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshop, please click here to complete the EOI form. The discovery workshops will bring a balance of expertise in community, government and research/education.

Before we commence these workshops in early 2024, we invite you to join us in November 2023 to celebrate our progress and discuss the next steps further. More details to come shortly.

Background

In 2019, the Victorian Government announced the Victorian Forestry Plan. Under this Plan, all harvesting of native forests is to cease from January 2024. From previous research of energy transition in the Latrobe Valley, 11 communities across Victoria have been identified to benefit from early intervention to facilitate the transition away from native timber harvesting. The Latrobe Valley Authority’s (LVA) experience with Smart Specialisation (S3) methodology was seen to be the right approach for developing a roadmap for Shaping Murrindindi’s Future project.

Murrindindi Shire, in particular the towns of Alexandra, Marysville, Buxton and Taggerty were identified as one of those 11 communities, resulting in the creation of Shaping Murrindindi’s Future project. Shaping Murrindindi’s Future is being supported locally by the Murrindindi Shire Council as host agency of a grant from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Partners supplying expertise in the Smart Specialisation Strategy include the LVA and RMIT University.

The Victorian Forestry Transition Plan helps communities to undertake long term planning and identify opportunities for innovation and economic diversification which will:

  • Support the local economy to grow and adapt to changing industry trends.
  • Create new job opportunities.
  • Long term economic and social benefits to the area.

The Shaping Murrindindi’s Future Project Manager, Allisha Milestone, will work with the community over the next two years to identify the areas strengths, assets, challenges, and unique opportunities for innovation in economic and social development.

What is Smart Specialisation? Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) is a collaborative policy approach that promotes regional innovation, economic transformation and sustainability by focusing on a region’s existing strengths. It is underpinned by a belief that the greatest knowledge of a region and commitment to its prosperity, is possessed by the people and organisations that are based there (Foray et al 2012, p.35).

Stage one

Share your thoughts on the draft Context Analysis Report, the six (6) identified Innovation Opportunities, and complete EOI for Stage 2 workshops in person or online.

Overview

Shaping Murrindindi’s Future is a community led project uniting and connecting locals who care about the future of their community. The project encourages creative and innovative thinking towards practical future concepts that will contribute to a thriving outcome for the people who live and work in this region.

Murrindindi Shire, in particular the towns of Alexandra, Marysville, Buxton and Taggerty were identified as one of 11 communities that will benefit from early intervention to facilitate the transition away from native timber harvesting. This resulted in the creation of Shaping Murrindindi’s Future project.

The project is broken down into four distinct stages.

  • Desktop analysis.
  • Community interviews and analysis.
  • Innovation opportunities identified and defined.

From May 2023 until August 2023, the project has interacted with over 140 people to gather evidence and local knowledge of the region. The project team have conducted over 110 face-to-face interviews with a range of local community members, local businesses, government agencies and with education providers. A desktop analysis supports the information and evidence, with a number of reports and data from a variety of agencies and organisations clarifying the history, demographics, geography and industry trends.

These reports confirm that it is the people who are at the heart of small regional towns, keeping them ticking and creating a sense of belonging and community through a network of support and compassion. During these interviews, people commonly described their towns as friendly, welcoming, caring and supportive. They acknowledged a great community spirit, positive attitude and general willingness to help where possible. This area of the shire is also proud to host a wide variety of groups focussing on community work, social activities, sporting and other interests. Paired with a varied range of local community-led events, the corridor promotes a positive community vibrancy.

The data from the desktop analysis and the interviews formed the draft Regional Context Analysis Report. A draft summary report has also been prepared. We invite community to provide their feedback on the progress of the draft summary report, and to continue to share ideas and opportunities that will help to build capacity and resilience with the community.

  • Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) workshops to review, refine and assess viability of identified innovation opportunities.
  • Project Leadership Group established.


We are seeking Expression of Interest from community members wishing to participate in the upcoming EDP workshops. Click here to complete an EOI form

  • Innovation working groups test the propositions.
  • Seek technical/specialist advice as required.
  • Preparation and implementation of project scope.
  • Local Development Strategy finalised.
  • Ongoing governance arrangements established.
  • Potential sources of government and private investment identified.


How to get involved

  • Read the draft Summary Document here
  • Share your feedback on the Summary or Draft Report by completing the form here
  • Interested in being involved in Stage 2 workshops in February 2024 to review & assess the innovation opportunities - click here to submit an EOI form
  • Chat with us in person - click here for events near you
  • We are looking at supporting a number of smaller community projects and initiatives that will assist in bringing the community together to build stronger connections while building capacity and resilience. Tell us your thoughts on the Ideas Board below.

Feedback period closes on Sunday 15 October 2023

IDEAS BOARD: Have you got a community project idea that could help build capacity within the community?

We are looking at initiating a number of smaller community projects in the coming months. This project can support programs and initiatives that will assist in bringing the community together to build stronger connections while building capacity and resilience. You are encouraged to have a read of other ideas and show your support by giving them a thumbs up!

17 October, 2023

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Volunteer Expo - show case community organisation to be able to recruit new volunteers.

17 October, 2023

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Participatory Budgeting

17 October, 2023

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Business planning workshops

17 October, 2023

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Cooperative business model incubators & education opportunities

17 October, 2023

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Community supported agriculture / small hold farms business workshop

17 October, 2023

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Community Land Trust exploration

17 October, 2023

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Murrindindi Mentors - Sharing existing knowledge and skills in the community with each other.

17 October, 2023

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Leadership course/program to support emerging leaders in the community.

17 October, 2023

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Grant writing workshops for community

17 October, 2023

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Social Enterprise training/program to encourage entrepreneurial business models with impact.

17 October, 2023

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Governance training for community committees to better understand their role and responsibilities.

17 October, 2023

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Finding ways to creatively address volunteer succession and burn out