Milestones & Goals

The Chamber has an economic development plan for our district which provides direction and keeps us focused on our goals. The plan identified what the Stanthorpe business community could look like in the future, and what would need to be implemented for this to eventuate. This involves strong partnerships with key organisations particularly the Southern Downs Regional Council, strong leadership and advocacy from the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce and the agreement by the community of what can be achieved in a unique region such as the Granite Belt.

Key milestones reached were:

A formal working relationship with the Southern Downs Regional Council.
A close working relationship with our State Member James Lister.
A close working relationship with our Federal member David Littleproud. David has agreed that our Chamber will be a conduit for him to the businesses of our district.
The formation of the Granite Belt Alliance, with the Southern Downs Regional Council, Granite Belt Growers Association and Granite Belt Wine Tourism.
Formation of three working committees –

Economic Development Committee
Membership, Training and Development
Events and promotions

Snap Shot – Chamber 2020/2021 Priorities

Priority	Status
Water Security	Chamber will continue to advocate for water security for the Granite Belt. Irrigation water has been secured via the Granite Belt Irrigation Project with options for Urban Water still being investigated. Chamber will advocate for investigations to include SDRC becoming a customer of Emu Swamp Dam as an option to secure urban water.
Stanthorpe Streetscape	The Stanthorpe Streetscape plan was developed by John Mongard Landscape Architects in 2015 with extensive community consultation. The replacement of Canarvon Bridge and regulated parking were identified in this plan and Chamber will work with Council to implement further stages of the plan.
Regulated Parking	Chamber submitted feedback to council’s parking study. This is an ongoing project and Chamber will continue to work with council to implement.
Replacement of Canarvon Bridge	Chamber has written to the State Government regarding the Federal bridges renewal program to upgrade and replace bridges. An unsatisfactory response was received. Canarvon bridge was constructed in 1922 and in 2009 Main Roads indicated to Chamber that there were plans to replace the bridge in 10 years’ time – it is now 11 years and Chamber will continue to advocate for the replacement.
Shop Local	A Shop Local Sub-committee has been formed and the “Why Leave Town” community gift cards have been launched. The initiative is co-funded by Chamber and Bendigo Bank and is FREE for ALL businesses within Stanthorpe & the Granite Belt. 100 businesses have signed up to be redemption points. Chamber will continue to support and grow the shop local movement.
Granite Belt Identity	Chamber will continue to work with Granite Belt Wine Tourism and Granite Belt Growers Association to develop and build our businesses community, investigate opportunities and continue to build on the Granite Belt Identity.
Membership Building and Disaster Recovery	Chamber will focus on building its membership base to strengthen our voice in the region. Our community has been affected by drought, fires and COVID-19 and Chamber will be working with other agencies to ensure steps are in place for our recovery from these disasters.
RV Friendly Status	The Chamber has been working with SDRC to gain RV Friendly Status – Project in progress.
B-Double Access	Long term project, SDRC has been working on an overlay map of b-double access roads to improve access to farms and packing sheds. Chamber has been actively working with SDRC on this project.

Projects Delivered by Chamber

Big Thermometer	Official opening was held on 1 September 2018. This project was championed by Mick Spiller and Chamber will continue to advocate to have the official weather readings taken at the Big Thermometer.
Emu Swamp Dam Feasibility Study	The final Detailed Business Case was submitted to the Queensland Government in 2019. The Chamber was the ONLY community organisation to deliver a detailed Business Case for water infrastructure with funding promised from state, federal and local private investors for $84 million. The construction of Emu Swamp Dam will provide food security for Australia and over 700 new jobs for the region.

Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce – proudly representing business in Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt
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stanthorpecoc.au
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Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce – proudly representing business in Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt.

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