First steps for Lithgow Jobs and Investment Committee to set the course for economic transition

Lithgow City Council recently adopted its bold economic transition plan, the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP) and subsequently established the ‘Lithgow Jobs and Investment Committee’ which met for the first time in the past week. The committee is tasked with implementing the LEEP and is progressing the Council’s economic transition plan at an increasing pace.

The committee comprises representatives of all three levels of government, Energy Australia, Centennial Coal, Western Sydney University, and union representatives from the workforce most likely to be impacted by the transition from coal.

Council also recently appointed three new roles to facilitate the actions outlined in the LEEP transition plan. The roles include a Senior Manager – Enterprise and Economy, Emerging Economy Manager and an Engagement Officer. These new roles will be crucial for the delivery of the LEEP outcomes. The appointment of these new roles is a massive leap forward for Lithgow’s economic transition. The roles will begin implementing several of the actions outlined in the LEEP plan including comprehensive engagement with community, industry partners and both state and federal Government about the vision for Lithgow’s industrial innovation potential.

The first meeting of this committee prioritised several tasks, including the delivery of a targeted strategy to improve access to STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) facilities for local primary and secondary schools, and a commitment to refresh and review the LEEP engagement and communications plan with a specific focus on developing a First Peoples Engagement Plan.

Jonathan Edgecombe, Director of Infrastructure and Economy, said “This committee is important as it represents the core principles of collaboration required to bring the LEEP to life. This is not a challenge that Lithgow Council can or should tackle alone.  The committee will be focussed on those early interventions required to best support Lithgow as it approaches an economically challenging future. It will also develop and implement appropriate performance measures to ensure an approach to change that meets the complex needs of its local economy. The agreement by the member organisations and businesses to comprise the Jobs and Investment Committee is a significant display of commitment from each organisation to Lithgow’s future. I am excited by what the future holds for Lithgow and its economy as we move toward the net zero emissions future”.