The achievements made in 2019 across industry, community and government agencies in the Peel point to a very bright outlook for our region in 2020 and beyond, and exemplify the strength and resilience of our communities and the growth we can expect to see in our local economy.
We're continuing to do things, as a region, very differently to what's been done in the past which has led to some significant achievements that not only made 2019 a fantastic year but which pave the way for a strong regional vision of the future.
The activation of the Peel Business Park, part of the 30-year Transform Peel vision, puts us in the space of gaining momentum and seeing tangible results.
If you haven't been out there yet, I'd encourage you to take the 10-minute drive to see for yourself the progress that's being made on-site.
This is a project that will see an estimated $16 billion economic output by 2050 and the Agri-Innovation Precinct at the Peel Business Park is attracting tenants interested in the development of innovative agriculture technologies - well on-track for construction commencement in 2020.
Improving the health, well-being and education of our communities is a key focus for our region and it's been fantastic to see aged care funding going towards expanding our aged care facilities that allow people to age in place, surrounded by their own community.
The vision of Peel's shires to develop aged-friendly communities will see this sector continue to provide for our elderly, but also create jobs and stimulate our economy.
With growing challenges to environmental conservation, Peel has demonstrated an acute understanding and determination to protect our environment for future generations with the invaluable environmental work done by organisations such as the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council.
Local procurement opportunities have been amplified in the region through a dedicated Local Content Advisor.
This has resulted in government agencies being better informed and more committed to buying local, greater promotion of local businesses for subcontracting opportunities and the provision of workshops and support to improve the capability and capacity of small to medium businesses to compete for contracting opportunities.
This really demonstrates a strong and positive push across all government agencies to think regionally.
The highly successful roll-out of both round one and round two of the Regional Economic Development (RED) grants last year resulted in more than $1.4m in funds going to 14 different businesses across the Peel region contributing to the local economy through agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
The award of these funds highlights the diversity of industry and opportunity that we have here in the Peel and I strongly encourage local businesses to apply for further RED grant rounds in 2020.
The Peel region is known for its beautiful and diverse environment, and the enviable lifestyle that goes with it, but we're now also becoming known for innovation, opportunity and achieving our vision for the future.
Paddi Creevey is the chair of the Peel Development Commission
