Economic development covers our policies, programs, or activities that look to improve our community's economic wellbeing and quality of life. This involves fostering economic growth, creating jobs, enhancing productivity, and promoting social progress.
Current phase
Draft Economic Development Strategy on public exhibition
Maitland City Council has released its first Economic Development Strategy for public exhibition. Developed over two years through extensive engagement with local businesses, residents, and stakeholders, the draft Strategy outlines a 10-year roadmap to support a vibrant, resilient economy.
Focusing on four key priorities – people, place, prosperity, and partnerships – it aims to enhance community wellbeing, protect the environment, and foster sustainable growth.
The draft Strategy is open for public feedback until Monday 30 June 2025.
Previous phases
Phase one - Future Maitland
The first phase was all about global trends and how Maitland’s economy could evolve.
Between August and November 2022, we held a series of thought provoking sessions with local residents, community groups, high school students, business people, councillors and Council staff.
Presented by Future State Director, James Tuma, the sessions dived into what is happening at the cutting edge of mobility, jobs, skills and innovation. From sustainability to connectivity, agriculture to clean construction, Phase One of Future Maitland explored what future scenarios could play out in Maitland.
Phase two
During the second phase, we sought to determine what kind of economy most aligns with our communities' values and what is important to you.
We used this research and data to help formulate the draft Economic Development Strategy.
Goals and strategies
The primary goals of economic development are to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, enhance people and skills, attract investment, improve infrastructure, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and achieve sustainable development.
Our strategies commonly involve attracting and retaining businesses, investing in human capital and education, developing infrastructure, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium sized enterprises, and leveraging regional strengths and assets.
Our strategies focus on:
- Job creation
Supporting new & existing businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in sectors with high potential for job creation. It also focuses on workforce development to match skills with job opportunities. - Infrastructure development
Building and upgrading transport networks, communication systems, energy facilities and public utilities which is essential for economic growth. It improves connectivity, efficiency, and supports economic activity. - Business attraction and retention
Enhancing the business environment through streamlined regulations, support services, training programs, and fostering a collaborative environment between businesses and government. - Education and workforce development
Investing in skills training to develop a capable, adaptable workforce that drives innovation, attracts investment, and fosters economic competitiveness.