Mayor Wayne Johnston said there was a growing demand for residential development such as Carrick and Hadspen.

"A major focus is facilitating large scale private residential development in the Hadspen Urban Growth Area, including infrastructure upgrades to enable subdivision and development of around 1000 new homes, a new retail precinct and possibly a primary school," Councillor Johnston said.

"Council's efforts to rezone the green field site has been the catalyst for commencement of staged subdivision and may potentially lead to grant funding to support future development of the town."

Councillor Johnston said agriculture, manufacturing, transport and logistics businesses remain strong while construction of a Bioenergy Hub at Valley Central would lead to significant expansion in electricity, gas, water and waste services sector, with circular economy benefits for regional supply chains and local energy users.

The state government's Northern prison would also boost the local economy within the public administration sector. Councillor Johnston said the projects or developments that had the greatest potential to deliver economic growth were:

The Expansion of Hadspen Urban Growth Area to provide for increased residential housing; A Bioenergy development at the Valley Central Industrial Precinct, which would provide value to adjoining businesses and future industrial development; The state government's potential Northern prison project with the preferred site north of Westbury; Commercial and residential development in the Eastern end of the municipality areas of Prospect Vale, Blackstone Heights and Hadspen; Tourism and hospitality operators and the Northern drive journey project.

Meander Valley Council has had a successful decade with the Valley Central Industrial Precinct winning a National Local Government Award, the Northern Lights Project, which involved the rollout of LED streetlights across six Northern councils, showing the power of collaboration in local government, and potential for greater leadership and sizeable savings in costs, energy and emissions through sustainability initiatives.

Councillor Johnston said the traditional industries that were performing well were largely unchanged over the decade and were:

Agriculture (forestry and fishing) - dominated by the pharmaceutical contribution from Tasmanian Alkaloids, which will hopefully continue to perform well with a potential transition into medicinal cannabinoids; Health care and social assistance - growth potential in aged care and disability services (e.g. Giant Steps); Manufacturing - received interest from developers for large scale meat and dairy processing; Construction - residential, commercial and industrial.

Meander Valley Council was excited about further cementing its reputation for being one of Tasmania's more progressive councils

"There are opportunities to develop sustainable industry sectors to ensure growth and prosperity for the municipal area," Councillor Johnston said.

"Continuing to remain proactive in exploring sustainable development and energy alternatives such as bioenergy and electric vehicles. Promoting the region, Meander Valley has some of the state's best short walks, world heritage listed wilderness, cycling trails, trout fishing and gourmet food producers."

By the end of the decade, Meander Valley would continue to be a region that is a great place to visit, invest, live and work and, contains an abundance of natural, cultural and built heritage.

"We have a vibrant voluntary sector that punches well above its weight and delivers significant social and economic outcomes. Examples include the Tasmanian Craft Fair, Agfest, Deloraine Car Show, festivals, community art projects, service clubs and sporting clubs."

In 2020 we the council will be developing a revised Meander Valley Community Plan and will be seeking feedback from the community.

"The plan will identify economic and social goals to guide the growth of the Meander Valley municipality over the next 10 years," Councillor Johnston said.

"It will be an expression of all sectors with relevance to organisations and individuals alike.Council always welcomes community approaches to discuss opportunities to work together."