The Swifts Creek Future Local Development Strategy (LDS) is a forward-thinking, community-led blueprint designed to guide the town and surrounding region through a time of significant economic and social transition. Initiated in response to the closure of the native timber industry—an industry that has shaped the area for generations—the strategy recognises both the challenges and opportunities that come with change. The LDS aims to support Swifts Creek in building a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant future.
At its core, the purpose of the strategy is to help the community identify and build on its unique strengths—whether they lie in agriculture, tourism, education, small business, or community spirit. It seeks to create long-term economic opportunities, improve liveability, and strengthen the social fabric of the region. By doing so, the LDS provides a roadmap for potential job creation, investment attraction, and a thriving, connected local economy.
The process to develop the LDS has been collaborative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in local knowledge. It began with a comprehensive analysis of Swifts Creek’s social, economic, and environmental context, followed by extensive community engagement activities. These included interviews, workshops, pop-up events, and a strong online presence, ensuring that all voices—especially those not usually heard—were part of the conversation. Central to this effort was the Swifts Creek Community Reference Group, which evolved into the Swifts Creek Community Leadership Group (SCCLG), tasked with advising on and overseeing implementation.
Guided by the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) framework, the LDS embraces a ‘quadruple helix’ approach—bringing together government, industry, education, and the community to drive innovation and shared action. This model has allowed the region to think creatively and strategically about its future while grounding decisions in real-world strengths and aspirations.
The outcomes of the LDS are already taking shape through the work of four Innovation Working Groups (IWGs), which focus on:
Value-added primary industries
Education and skills development
Nature-based recreation and tourism
These groups, along with the original Community reference Group, are delivering tangible projects such as trail mapping, feasibility studies for proposed activities and supporting community driven initiatives. Each initiative contributes to a larger vision of sustainable development that is locally driven, economically smart, and socially inclusive.
In essence, the Swifts Creek Future Local Development Strategy is more than just a plan—it’s a community-driven movement toward a stronger, more adaptable future. It reflects the resilience, creativity, and commitment of a region determined to not just weather change, but to thrive through it.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact the Project Manager the Project Manager - contact us
