In response to a comment from the floor about the "gobbledegookness" of the existing economic development strategy adopted in August 2015, Whanganui & Partners interim manager Mark Hughes said he "couldn't agree more".
"That's why it's in the bin."
Whanganui & Partners' new manager Philippa Ivory, who starts work in January, has been involved in initial discussions on the new strategy and would have a key role in its development and implementation, Mr Fothergill said.
The new strategy would be at a high level with a focus on "growing Whanganui". Input from the organisation's partners and the community would be essential to its success.
"In our collaboration discussions, we will be looking at high level things about what Whanganui will look like in 10 years and where we want Whanganui to be," he said.
"There will be a consultation process with all our stakeholders. Our goal next year primarily, as a board, is to focus on the strategy. Last year doesn't matter to us much but we can use the figures from last year for benchmarking."
Mr Hughes said the draft strategy would be available for public consultation in March as part of the council's 10-Year Plan process.
"There will be a new business plan so you will be able to monitor Whanganui & Partners' performance," Mr Hughes said.
"That will also be part of the consultation next year so you can understand what we are doing, why we are doing it and hold us accountable."