District Development

The Board�s budget is set through the Annual Plan process, but once set is managed directly by the Board and its staff. The Board also has the ability to seek Council approval for expenditure outside the budget.

Services for the Board are provided by the District Development Manager with administrative support from within the Council. Some work is also contracted out to community based organisations that would give a better result than an in-house approach would.

The Board meets six-weekly, and its meetings are open to the public except where necessary to protect a person�s commercial position.

The Board's goals include:

To retain the existing industry and employment base
To encourage additional output from existing industry
To promote new business development and employment creation
To encourage co-operation and co-ordination within sectors
To identify resources and opportunities
To increase levels of business confidence
To promote the entrepreneurial element in the District.

Activities of the Board

The Board�s activities fall into four categories:
Rural activities (agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, forestry)
Business
Tourism
Other (e.g. education, community services)

The Board promotes development in these areas in different ways:

Funding various projects, such as Enterprise Clutha and the Clutha Agricultural Development Board. These provide much of the "on ground" economic development services in the district. The Board only provides typically 10-30% of the costs of these organisations, with other funding coming from sources such as central government, membership and projects.

Providing two staff who undertake the activities of the Board. These staff operate on two levels - providing assistance, liaison, facilitation etc for specific businesses, organisations and individuals, and addressing strategic issues which apply across an industry or area.

Working closely with other authorities and organisations in Southern New Zealand, and providing funding and / or assistance into wider projects that will benefit Clutha e.g. Southern Scenic Route, Crops Centres, Otago Southland Forest Products Group.

Development House

The Board supports Development House, a group of agencies which are housed together at 6 John Street, Balclutha. Although each group has its own focus, they share resources and work in cooperation. The Development House of Clutha provides much of the 'on ground' economic development services in the district.

The Clutha Agricultural Development Board focuses on programmes and initiatives to support the farming community.

The Chamber of Commerce�s niche is in advocacy, motivational and informative seminars/functions and networking for businesses.

Enterprise Clutha is a trust established to promote stronger, sustainable communities through business success, innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

Regional Development

The Board is a member of Otago Forward, a joint Otago-wide economic development body. Otago Forward provides a unified voice on common issues, information sharing, and facilitates joint projects.

Contacts

The Council's District Development staff can:

Assist with arranging all necessary appointments with the Local and Regional Council.
Provide access to expertise, making Resource Management Act requirements simpler to understand and address.
Provide key economic / industry information.
Introduce developers to key industry representatives & other business support services.
Undertake specific local research related to the development.

Clutha District Council, PO Box 25, Balclutha