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Relaxed and comfortable with business

A positive but relaxed approach to working with local business has brought widespread benefits to Victoria's Surf Coast Shire.

Surf Coast is famous for what its name indicates, some of the best surf beaches in the world. Each year it hosts major international surfing events and plays host to thousands of holidaymakers. Surfing is the cornerstone of the local economy.

Council aims to maximise the benefits this brings the community and, at the same time, minimise issues for local laws and infrastructure planning by working closely with the surf industry.

But, perhaps predictably, the surfing industry operates in a less formal style than most businesses.

Economic Development Unit Manager, Peter Dorling, said the key to successful development is understanding major local industries, with a turnover of $400 million per annum.

"We realised if we were going to take economic development seriously we had to get closer and get the trust of the surf industry," he said.

"Their culture is very different to ours. They have a very informal approach but they have proven you can have fun and make money at the same time.

"We knocked on doors, met the directors and listened to their opinion on all sorts of things. We loosened up our act and got their trust."

National Information Technology Manager for local company Rip Curl, Shane Doak endorsed this view.

"It is very easy for us to pick up the phone and speak to anyone at Council and the frequency of contact keeps it that way," he said.

The Shire has facilitated the construction of new headquarters for Rip Curl and Quiksilver, redeveloped the Surf City Plaza and partnered local businesses in a traineeship program.

With Easter approaching, Shire staff are providing support for surf and music events which last year attracted over 20,000 people and generated $5.5 million for the region.

While in the past these events have had the potential for disruption, establishing a Community Impact Advisory Committee (CIAC) has dramatically reduced trouble.

Strategies developed include extra police, strict enforcement of drinking, camping bans, road blocks, education programs, family entertainment, and emergency contingency plans leading to a more enjoyable festival for everyone.

For further information contact Peter Dorling, telephone (03) 5261 0607.

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