Mr Familton addressed the North Otago Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.
He gave an outline on how the district was placed at the halfway point of his second term as mayor.
He noted the next decade would be economically challenging nationally, but said the Waitaki District Council was determined to make progress.
Taking economic development from the Waitaki Development Board into the council headquarters had already been a "step forward", he said.
"The advantages of our district include innovative business and appropriate support systems.
"We have the advantages of major business enterprises, a sound multicultural base, a substantial agricultural economy backed by investment in irrigation, astute business leaders, outstanding educational and health facilities and other facilities.
"All of these advantages are assisted, where appropriate, by council but depend for their success on innovative, enterprising people.
"My personal stance has been, and will always be, for a free-enterprise, democratic society."
Mr Familton acknowledged the challenging economic climate meant "careful budgeting" was required, but said his council would "push through" the current "cost crest".
"We will fix the rural roads. We will continue our work on water as required by legislation. We will continue to maintain our assets and we will push ahead with projects to support long-term development of the district," he said.
"As well, we have tasked management with achieving operating efficiencies throughout the 10 years of the plan."
The Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, the North Oamaru business park, the Oamaru historic precinct and districtwide upgrades: all had the potential, in the next 10 years, to ensure the district could become a thriving, innovative and sustainable community, Mr Familton said.
