Economy Highlights

	City of Wanneroo and Wanneroo Business Association Launch 'Hybrid' Co-Working Space The Hybrid Co-Working Space Trial at Enterprise House, a joint initiative of the City of Wanneroo and Wanneroo Business Association was approved by Council and launched in April 2016. This was a major milestone for the City in providing a dedicated facility for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, freelancers, digital start-ups and home-based business owners. The purpose of the trial, which will continue until December this year, is to further develop the economic aspirations of the City and to test the viability of such a facility in Wanneroo.
	City of Wanneroo on WA Weekender The City participated in its first television tourism promotion ‘Wanneroo Weekender’ which aired three episodes on tourism opportunities in the City of Wanneroo. Over 200,000 people viewed these episodes. This was a new and exciting initiative to raise awareness of the City of Wanneroo as a destination, as part of the City’s Tourism Strategy to ‘Maximise visitation through effective promotional activities’. The three episodes highlighted: Natural Attractions Heritage and Culture Activities
	Economic Development Strategy The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2016 – 2021 was unanimously endorsed by Council in June 2016. This strategy has been recognised as setting a new standard for local government economic development. The plan will consolidate support for local business; stimulate investment; drive economic growth and diversify our economic base.
	Wanneroo Business Expo A two-day Expo partnership initiative between the City and the Wanneroo Business Association (WBA) attracted over 400 local business owners and included a series of events and workshops. The speed networking and Facebook sessions were sold out, with 50 attendees at each session. At the business breakfast, students from local high schools on the ‘Just Start It’ program pitched their tech start-up ideas to a full house of business people and WBA members. The students have since received interest from local business people who were at the breakfast, both to use their services and as potential investors. Inside the expo hall, stalls included a 3D scanning machine courtesy of Mini-U; a stationary bike which generated power to produce smoothies as it was cycled; and even a business radio station. The Women in Leadership Forum, organised by North Metropolitan TAFE, was also well attended, with World Fitness title holder Sami Renouf-Bromley, CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Allison Hailes, and OAM Western Australia of the Year for Community, Dr Ros Worthington sharing their heartfelt personal stories and pathways to success - including the trials, tribulation and celebrations they faced and overcame along the way. More than $3,360 was raised for Youth Futures WA in a silent auction and fundraising sundowner to close the expo, with items donated by many of the local businesses
	Biz@Wanneroo App The City developed and launched the Biz@Wanneroo app, which improves the way the City is able to directly communicate information to local businesses.
	Agribusines Council at its meeting in February 2016 supported the elevation of agribusiness as a priority under the Region section of the Advocacy Strategy. This additional advocacy priority area seeks to preserve and grow agribusiness in the City of Wanneroo as well as address related issues of water management and land use. An agribusiness position statement has been developed and included into the suite of Advocacy documentation available on the City’s website. The City commenced working with local agricultural growers, the WA Food Growers Association, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Water to investigate mechanisms and opportunities to improve water use efficiencies. This is a direct result of the Department of Water’s new water restrictions requiring growers to reduce their water usage by 25% over the coming years.
	Wandjoo to Wanneroo Residents and visitors entering the City will soon notice something different on arrival, after Council approved the final design of new City of Wanneroo entry statements. The new signs will be constructed during the 2016/17 financial year and will incorporate the Nyoongar word Wandjoo, alongside ‘Welcome’ with a mix of natural elements, which appropriately represent the City of Wanneroo’s natural environment and corporate colour palette. The image of the kangaroo paw remains core to the City of Wanneroo branding and entry statement. It reflects the native bush which is inherent to the City of Wanneroo and is a wonderful way to celebrate who we are and our history, from ancient times through to today.