The Economic Development Officer position is a major initiative requested within the TEAM Harden project and will run for at least three years.

Funding for the economic development officer’s position include the recent grant of $80,000 from DI&I, $80,000 from the Kruger Trust and $80,000 from an allocation of council’s 2010/2011 budget.

Applications are currently being sought for the position with the successful applicant to be responsible for assisting the general manager and council to develop and implement an economic development strategy for Harden shire.

Applications are being received up until Friday July 30, 2010.

Continuation of the development officer’s position after the initial three years will be subject to assessment and resolution of same by council.

The TEAM Harden project was formally adopted at the June monthly council meeting with the TEAM Harden board to have formally commenced as of July 1.

Putting their hands up to be part of the new board as council representatives were councillors Tony Flanery, Tony Campbell and Neil Reid.

The action plan was put on display for two months and council received two written submissions.

It is hoped the new board will meet for their first initial meeting this month and will comprise of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Kruger Trust, Murrimboola Community Bank, Community Action Group and two local community members plus the three councillors.