Upper Yarra Local Development Project
The Victorian Government is assisting the transition away from native forest harvesting, helping communities to plan for innovation, explore possibilities and create economic, environmental and social benefits that will a create a sustainable future.
Yarra Ranges Council has received funding to help progress the Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy Project. This will help assist Warburton, Yarra Junction and Powelltown communities create new industries that will deliver jobs and economic growth.
We established Innovation Working Groups (IWG) to explore fresh opportunities in eco-tourism, small-scale farming, micro abattoirs, renewable energy and improvements in buildings and transport – helping the Yarra Ranges thrive and build a more sustainable future.
Innovation Working Groups
- Eco Tourism - The Walking Economy – Multi-day hikes across the mountains and along the valleys of the Upper Yarra.
- Energy Resilience and Renewable Energy – Mini-hydro and solar projects to provide community back-up power.
- Repurposing Abandoned Places – Publicly owned vacant places that can be put to a socially useful purpose.
- Improving Transport and Access – Improving the transport system using the existing fleet of buses and new electric buses.
- Artisanal Agriculture and Abattoir – Support of small artisanal producers and abattoir facility for feral deer and domestic livestock.
In addition, the Council will use the funding to upskill community members so they can implement those opportunities.
For more information, visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
There are a range of opportunities this project is investigating which may be developed.
The Project
There is opportunity to explore and discover innovation ideas that will benefit these communities by bringing economic prosperity, and creating long-term jobs and opportunities.
Council has received Local Development Strategy funding through the Victorian Forestry Plan to support Upper Yarra Valley communities.
The Local Development Strategy grants program aims to assist Upper Yarra communities in planning for innovation, exploring possibilities and creating economic and social benefits to create a sustainable future.
Community Involvement
The Upper Yarra Valley Local Development Strategy project is an opportunity for everyone in the community to participate, and share insights, experiences and knowledge to shape the ‘Future of Upper Yarra Valley’.
The project is immersed in the Upper Yarra communities to explore the area's strengths, challenges, and opportunities. With your help, we can identify and shape innovation opportunities that will bring sustainable economic and social prosperity and create long-term jobs for the area.
Smart Specialisation
The project uses the Smart Specialisation methodology. It is an approach that promotes innovation and economic transformation and sustainability by focussing on a region’s existing strengths and unique, local opportunities.
Representation from the community, business, education, and government ensures that all the sectors are included for transformative solutions to be identified.
The project progresses through four stages, each containing a number of steps to ensure that the process involves community consultation, collaboration and is truly reflective of the community’s assets, challenges and opportunities.
Stage 1
Stage 1A: Regional Context Analysis - Development (Feb – Sept 2023)
- Desktop analysis and research
- Community consultations undertaken
- Strengths, challenges and innovation opportunities identified
Stage 1B: Regional Context Analysis – Draft for review (Nov – Feb 2024)
- Expressions of interest open for workshops
Read the Stage 1 Regional Context Analysis(PDF, 3MB)
Stage 2
Stage 2: Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (Feb – May 2024)
Stage 3
Stage 3A: Innovation Working Groups – Part 1 (Commences Aug 2024)
- Innovation working groups test the initial three innovation opportunities
- Seek technical/specialist advice as required
- Preparation and implementation of project scope
Stage 3B: Innovation Working Groups – Part 2 (Commences Sept 2024)
- Innovation working groups test the remaining innovation opportunities
- Seek technical/specialist advice as required
- Preparation and implementation of project scope
Stage 4
Stage 4: Local Development Strategy Complete
- Local Development Strategy finalised
- Ongoing governance established
- Potential project funding identified
Victoria's native timber transition
An announcement was made on 23 May 2023 regarding a revised timeline for Victoria’s native timber transition.
If you are an impacted worker, business or a community member unsure what support is or will be available, please visit the Forestry Transition Program to learn more.
Contact
Julian Guess on 0417 678 950 or j.guess@yarraranges.vic.gov.au