Jobs for the Future

The 2018 Jobs for the Future Blueprint research was a collaboration between Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the Centre For Regional and Rural Futures and Deakin University. The key project aim was to assist Macedon Ranges Shire Council in the planning process of a sustainable and prosperous community, by analysing the potential of the shire to create jobs over the following 20 years with a focus on agriculture.

One of the objectives of the project was to inform the development of the next Economic Development Strategy.

The research included a survey to local businesses to understand projected growth and employment opportunities for the 20 years from 2018. A further survey, asking residents about their skills and future work priorities, revealed that many who leave the shire for work each day would rather have a job closer to home.

As a case study, the shire’s potential to create employment through agriculture identified the sector as a key competitive strength. It noted that for every 100 jobs in agriculture, a further 70 jobs are being created in the rest of the economy. The research also focused on the potential challenges to be experienced as a result of climate change, including potential negative impacts as well as opportunities that may arise. Despite being completed in 2018, the detailed research is worthy of consideration and can be accessed via the links below.