Business Development Officer

A dynamic person would work with the volunteer Cobden Business Network to promote economic activity by implementing marketing strategies, identifying opportunities and reducing overheads. All 64 CBN members - retailers, tradespeople and service providers - will access the appointed person. By extension, this will mean local farmers would also be included in the provision of services because of the close relationship between our farmers and our businesses. An office where the person would be based has been offered by our health organisation. Business grant applications, energy deal negotiation, organising advertising campaigns and bringing businesses even closer together would be priorities.

Even before the St Patrick's Day fires , depressed milk prices had drastically reduced the spending capacity of district farmers, thus affecting the 'bottom line' for local businesses as well. The fires, which devastated farms to Cobden's west, worsened the situation - with those farmers having no income at all, businesses being asked to support the fire-impacted farmers, and residents and potential visitors virtually warned to stay out of Cobden for 4-6 weeks due to dangers of lingering peat smoke. The district needs a dedicated and skilled person to provide strategies and confidence for business and farmers at all levels.