We have developed a draft Economic Development Strategy 2026-2029 to strengthen local prosperity, support businesses and prepare for the long-term economic challenges and opportunities.

The draft strategy identifies priority actions over the next four years to build partnerships, boost business confidence, support industry growth, and provide jobs and services in our community.

Has the draft strategy and its actions captured the important things Council can do to support the future needs of local business and industry?

We invite you to tell us your level of support for each action proposed in the six strategy areas, to help refine Council’s plans for supporting local economic development.

This engagement closed 2 March 2026.

Thank you to all who read the draft Economic Development Plan and contributed.

From 29 January – 2 March 2026, we asked you to review the draft plan and provide feedback via an online survey, a hard copy survey, email or telephone.

A range of communication and engagement activities were undertaken to inform, consult, and involve the community, including:

• Displays at the libraries, Civic Centre and Holdfast Bay Community Centre
• Mayor-Council wrap-up videos
• Holdfast News e-newsletter and Business e-neweletter
• News articles on the council's websites

We received 466 website visits from 329 participants. 26 participants responded via the online survey, 3 via email, and 2 attended the drop-in session.

The following themes were identified:

1. Council’s role in relation to the strategies and actions

2. Issues, concerns and suggested improvements about Jetty Road, Glenelg

3. Concerns about focusing the strategy beyond Jetty Road, Glenelg

4. Concerns about amenity and security impacts of a 24-hour economy

5. Reviewing opportunities for greater collaboration

6. Somerton Park traffic and changing land use

7. Comments complimenting the actions

After reviewing the feedback, the plan was amended

• Modified eleven measures associated with the actions to improve their focus and measurability
• Updated statistics where 2025 data had become available
• Updated references to the latest Western Adelaide Tourism Destination Action Plan 2025-2029
• Clarified Council role in relation to hubs for co-working, and Brighton Road corridor improvements
• Adjusted the proposed timing of the Jetty Road Glenelg Destination Precinct Plan.

Council adopted the Economic Development Plan at the council meeting on 28 April 2026

Click here to read the engagement findings report

Next Steps

The focus of the EDS 2026–29 is now on delivery and turning strategy into action. Having clear ownership, measurable outcomes, and regular review will support implementation and help track progress over time. Insights gathered through the bi-annual Business Confidence Survey will provide ongoing feedback on what is working and where adjustments may be needed, ensuring the strategy remains practical, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of local businesses and the community.