"My job is to bring investors to opportunities in the shire and equally to bring local businesses to export or other opportunities," said Carl Pemberton, who began work as economic development officer this week.

A former engineer with extensive experience in the mining industry, Mr Pemberton has owned and managed his own businesses, and has also worked for large corporations.

He was most recently a Lecturer at the University of Wollongong, and previously co-ordinator of the Pacific Investment Program for the Pacific Island Trade and Investment Commission.

Mr Pemberton has lived and raised his family in Moss Vale since 1984 when he joined Joy Manufacturing as chief draftsman for the engineering division and project co-ordinator.

He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Master of International Business, and is currently completing his Doctorate of Business, with his area of specialisation in regional economic development.

Mr Pemberton said his first action as economic development officer would be to assess how Wingecarribee Shire stands in relation to other shires and develop a strategic plan for economic development in consultation with the community.

"The Southern Highlands has quite a unique lifestyle and the challenge is to maintain that lifestyle and achieve growth without negatively impacting on what we have," he said.

Mr Pemberton said Wingecarribee Shire's economic strengths included its ability to combine country living with city lifestyle, as well as its proximity to a market of 4.2 million people.