Alexandrina Council’s much anticipated new Economic Development Strategy was adopted at the last Council meeting for 2021. 

The strategy, known as Economic Development Strategy 2022-2027 - Regenerating Alexandrina’s Economy, is built around the concept of regenerative economics, an emerging discipline concerned less with growth for growth’s sake, and more with building a sustainable economy which meets the needs of both people and the environment. 

This is in response to a clear community mandate arising from A2040 for healthy and sustainable growth, balancing the need for progress with a deep respect for heritage and the environment. 

Guided by the Economic Development Strategy, the council will now direct its efforts towards fostering a resilient economy by focusing on four key action areas: 

Leadership and advocacy: advocating for key economic infrastructure to support local businesses and tourism. 

Investment attraction: spreading the word about Alexandrina to attract new investors, businesses, residents and visitors. 

Town building: enhancing the unique history and character of each township to help to attract new residents and growth. 

Business and industry development: building on the strengths of major industries – including agriculture, tourism and healthcare – to create jobs. 

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes is confident in the future of the region.

“Our new five-year Economic Development Strategy is a bespoke plan for the Alexandrina region, capitalising on the unique opportunities before us and addressing the challenges we face, guiding us towards a more inclusive, innovative, resilient and agile future economic growth response.” 

Alexandrina Council CEO Glenn Rappensberg is equally enthusiastic about the plan. 

“Economic success in the Alexandrina region is fundamentally dependent on our beautiful surroundings – which this plan acknowledges, in alignment with our A2040 vision,” he says. 

“Our region generates over $1 billion in gross domestic product and is home to 2,174 local business, of which 99 per cent are small businesses, who provide and support over 7,000 local jobs. 

“With this plan we acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between our environment, our community, and our economy – and we now have a clear pathway to nurture these connections for the good of all.” 

Already, Alexandrina Council is ‘walking the talk’ in providing dedicated support to help the 

The ‘Economic Development Strategy 2022-2027 - Regenerating Alexandrina’s Economy’ can be read in full at www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/plans