Recent investment in the health sector, which generates more than $70 million in gross revenue per year, employs 723 people, or 15.2 percent of the shire's workforce has been credited as a major contributor to employment and job generation in the shire.

Northern Grampians Shire Council's Team Leader Planning and Development Services Robert Newbury said the Economic and Development Partnerships Project report which has revealed the figures, provides a review of the projects being conducted within the shire by the Economic Growth department and the Environment and Regulatory Services department.

He said the report also provides a global backdrop to put the work of the Business Services and Tourism department and the Planning and Development Services department in context.

"Since the introduction of the Economic Development Partnerships program, Council's Economic Growth and Planning and Development teams have met weekly to focus on re-engaging the business community through one-on-one engagement from initial enquiry through assistance with obtaining required Permits and Approvals, right through to assistance with marketing new businesses," he said.

"Council has and continues to receive reports on both Planning Permit Applications and Building Permit Applications that are received and issued on a monthly basis.

"There are currently 24 Planning Permits worth $11,850,330 under consideration and 11 Building permits issued in January 2014 worth $346,860.

"This information provides not only an important indicator of the administrative work being undertaken by council in the provision of planning and building services, but also provides an important indicator as to the economic activity that is occurring throughout the municipality."