“We, for example, have a pressing need for workers in our shire. We’re going to need to go through a process to build our workforce to meet future demand,” he said.
“We agree with Mr Sounness that the time is now to consider how we might make use of opportunities that could well come our way when socio-economic circumstances return to some form of normality.”
Cr Emerson said one of the few things that was certain amid all the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic was that society would change.
“Things will change and that will include how people think, act and consider the future. We know there are going to be people looking for lifestyle changes and we have to be ready, encouraging and welcoming if they want to come our way,” he said.
“We believe more people will start migrating to rural and regional areas and Northern Grampians Shire provides plenty of reasons why they might want to come here. If and when they do, we will be welcoming them with open arms – to ensure we can satisfy our employment needs going forward into the future and to also build on our social and cultural strengths.
“Our doors are open.”
Ararat mayor Jo Armstrong said she also strongly believed there was a post-COVID opportunity for the region to tap into a predicted movement of people across the country.
But she added that providing adequate housing would be critical in making any migrant-
attraction program formula work.
“In Ararat we certainly have the jobs available with employers reaching out in efforts to find skilled workers,” she said.
“We’re always keen to promote industry and development. With the infrastructure we have in Ararat we could easily support more people.
“We will need to work with property developers and builders to look at what land might be used to provide housing.
“We need to make sure people have somewhere to comfortably live to be able to fully participate in what regional lifestyle has to offer.”
The entire July 8, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
