Local Economy

What we value

Our local economy benefits from a strong agricultural industry supported by the saleyards, and locally owned businesses including arts, crafts and local produce.

We have active main streets which include cafes, restaurants and hotels. We enjoy economic potential for further business growth through tourism.

Business activity is aided by the proximity to major centres and good transport links.

There are ample employment opportunities due to our proximity to Canberra and our own diverse, albeit small, employment base.

Priorities for the future

Our local tourism potential is constrained by the immaturity of Palerang as a destination—its attractions, activities, choice and distribution of accommodation, and the lack of cohesion and promotion across the shire.

We need to foster business development to meet the increasing population and demand for goods and services.

We need to extend and/or improve infrastructure such as parking, streetscapes, public amenities and footpaths in our villages to support local business development.

Increasing business reliance on telecommunications will also demand infrastructure and service improvements.

Our planning processes need to balance local economic development with the residents’ desire to maintain the atmosphere and lifestyle currently offered by living in our shire.

Agricultural land needs to be protected from urbanisation to sustain a strong rural economy.

Impacts of road bypasses on our local economy will need to be identified and evaluated.

There is a need to recognise and address economic inequalities across the Palerang area.

Our goal

Our economy is strong and sustainable, providing diverse local employment opportunities and ease of access to goods and services.