People have been saying for years that we need to diversify our economy to insulate us from downturns in tourism and agriculture and my Council has initiated a small and highly productive Economic Development and Innovation Unit to help us achieve that goal.

One of the recent things the staff has done is to start developing a business case to attract the National Broadband Network Company to consider this region when it continues with the national roll-out. We'll be looking at how businesses can be aware and ready to take advantage of faster broadband speeds.

The second monthly Mayor's Business Breakfast was held on 21 January and it was valuable to listen to the issues concerning different businesses, and to get ideas and suggestions on how Council may be able to help. This year 9 more breakfasts will be held across the whole region. Whilst some businesses are going well, particularly those associated with health and well-being, we are all aware that others are continuing to struggle in the current economic climate.