Agenda of Business and Employment Development Committee

Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee

Meeting Date: Monday, 21 August 2017

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4:03pm

The following members were present:

Clr Amanda Findley – Acting Chairperson

Clr Patricia White

Clr Nina Cheyne

Clr Mark Kitchener

Mr Megan Cleary

Mr Paul Goodwin

Mr Steven Bayer

Mr Robert Crow

Ms Lexie Meyer

Mr James Coburn

Mr Peter Dryer

Ms Lynnette Kearney – Representing Ann Sudmalis

Mr Russ Pigg - General Manager

Others Present

Mr Phil Costello – Director Planning Environment and Development

Tony Fraser – Acting Director Assets and Works

Mr Greg Pullen – Economic Development Manager

Marianne Jones – Economic Development Officer

Cathy Bern – Development Services Section Manager

Coralie Bell – Tourism Manager

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from, Clr Gash, Clr Wells, John Lamont, Ann Sudmalis, Robbie Collins, Ms Fiona Hatcher, Alison Chaim and David Goodman.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee held on Monday 22 May 2017 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil.

Reports

BE17.22 Heavy Vehicle Access Forum

HPERM Ref: D17/259535

Many local government areas in Victoria and Queensland and some in NSW are participating jurisdictions operating in accordance with the National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2016. This means that special purpose vehicles which meet the conditions and requirements set out in the notice and relevant state and territory schedules may be able to access the road network without having to gain a permit.

Clr White advised that at the Heavy Vehicle Access Forum a PowerPoint Presentation was given by the RMS on the South River Bridge, it will be made available to Council and will be place on our webpage, when this happens, it will be worth watching.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Business and Employment Development Committee

1. Accept the report on the Heavy Vehicle Access Forum for information

2. Support Shoalhaven City Council’s participation in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s National Class 2 PBS (Performance Based Standards) level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Notice as soon as possible.

3. Support Shoalhaven City Council’s participation in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle network as soon as possible

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Business and Employment Development Committee

1. Accept the report on the Heavy Vehicle Access Forum for information

3. Support Shoalhaven City Council’s participation in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle network as soon as possible

CARRIED

BE17.23 Nowra Key Road Projects

HPERM Ref: D17/259664

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That

1. The report on the Nowra Key Road Projects be accepted

2. The Business and Employment Development Committee advise Council that the main priorities for the economic development (and facilitation of future urban release growth areas) of the Shoalhaven should be to:

a. Achieve HML access for southbound freight vehicles as soon as possible,

b. Achieve intersection treatments at both the northern and southern ends of the Shoalhaven River crossing that will from the outset perform better than the current situation,

c. Achieve a Princes Highway corridor with 6 lanes from Cambewarra Rd to Warra Warra Rd,

d. Address the east-west traffic movements in such a way to improve the north-south flow for the Princes Highway.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That

1. The report on the Nowra Key Road Projects be accepted

a. Achieve HML access for southbound freight vehicles as soon as possible,

b. Achieve intersection treatments at both the northern and southern ends of the Shoalhaven River crossing that will from the outset perform better than the current situation,

c. Achieve a Princes Highway corridor with 6 lanes from Cambewarra Rd to Warra Warra Rd,

d. Address the east-west traffic movements in such a way to improve the north-south flow for the Princes Highway.

CARRIED

BE17.24 Upskilling Shoalhaven's Youth - various assistance programs.

HPERM Ref: D17/262715

It is difficult to navigate all of the programs available in this domain.

The purpose of the report is highlight to the Committee what is on offer, so that the Committee can communicate that.

The Mayor advised that the Greens MLC Justin Field is looking at holding a Youth Unemployment Forum.

The Committee discussed the possibility of the Commonwealth or State Government creating a portal.

The Committee discussed asking the employment agencies what their ideas are and the reasons they see the youth unemployment rise.

27% Youth Unemployment Rate (combined Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee region figure and only represents those registered with Centrelink).

Cadetships with the AAC and Pathway Programs were discussed.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

1. That the report on various assistance programs to address the Upskilling of Shoalhaven Youth be received for information.

2. That the committee consider other initiatives to improve youth employment opportunities.

RESOLVED (By consent)

1. That the report on various assistance programs to address the Upskilling of Shoalhaven Youth be received for information.

2. That the committee consider other initiatives to improve youth employment opportunities.

CARRIED

Note: It was advised that this was Mr Robert Crow’s first Business and Employment Development Committee meeting as the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group Representative. The Committee introduced themselves.

BE17.28 Development in the Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D17/249409

It was advised that the Southern Gateway Application has now been withdrawn, as it failed to make progress and faced other issues.

Also an ongoing development that is not included is Manildra. Manildra has lodged a number of development applications including an additional gas plant application.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report of the General Manager (Planning Environment & Development Services) regarding the update on development in the Shoalhaven be received for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the report of the General Manager (Planning Environment & Development Services) regarding the update on development in the Shoalhaven be received for information.

CARRIED

BE17.25 Recent Grant Applications and Announcements

HPERM Ref: D17/263385

Note: Cathy Bern left the meeting, the time being 4:55pm.

The Building Better Regions Funds were announced recently and in the attachments includes all the approved applications.

No feedback as to why the applications were not funded has been received yet.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on recent grant applications and announcements be received for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the report on recent grant applications and announcements be received for information.

CARRIED

BE17.26 Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026 - Workshopping of Broad Based Action (Chapter 6)

HPERM Ref: D17/263555

Item dealt with later in the meeting.

BE17.27 Membership Update - Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group Representative

HPERM Ref: D17/216532

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee note the change of representative for the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group to Mr Robert Crow.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Committee note the change of representative for the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group to Mr Robert Crow.

CARRIED

BE17.28 Development in the Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D17/249409

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

BE17.29 Regional Growth Fund

HPERM Ref: D17/254517

The purpose of the report is to promote the Regional Growth Fund and alert the Committee to the opportunities.

It is a $1.3Bil fund expended through six programs (listed in report).

The departments are engaging closely with Councils and other organisations that would be eligible.

The strict legislation surrounding the Fund are that there must be a benefit cost ratio > 1 included. The constraints are the funds available.

The Resources for Regions Fund opened in a round and closed last Friday all others remain open.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Fund be received for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the report on the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Fund be received for information.

CARRIED

BE17.30 Shoalhaven Professionals Business Association Update on Current Activities

HPERM Ref: D17/262869

Included are the complete or partially complete projects.

At the Young Mentors Program graduation it was advised $2,600 was donated from the hero businesses to the Shoalhaven Education Fund.

The Shoalhaven Professionals Business Association’s part in the Leadership Compass Program is now complete. The program now moves into leadership management and diploma (national accredited qualifications).

Shoalhaven Professionals Business Association and these programs are strongly supported by Shoalhaven City Council.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on Update of Current Activities of Shoalhaven Professional Business Association (SPBA) be received for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the report on Update of Current Activities of Shoalhaven Professional Business Association (SPBA) be received for information.

CARRIED

BE17.26 Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026 - Workshopping of Broad Based Action (Chapter 6)

HPERM Ref: D17/263555

Note: Phil Costello and Tony Fraser left the meeting, the time being 5.15pm.

The feedback received from the workshop will be collated and reported back to the next Business and Employment Development Committee meeting.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Business and Employment Development Committee undertake a workshop session on the Actions emanating from the Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026 with recommendations being considered by a working party of the Committee, with the power to co-opt other representatives, and to report back to a future meeting of this Committee.

RESOLVED (By consent)

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.17pm.

Clr Findley

CHAIRPERSON

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 22 November 2017

Page 13

BE17.32 South Coast Youth Leadership Forum

HPERM Ref: D17/366170

Submitted by: John Lamont and Avalon Bourne

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report – South Coast Leadership Forum, be received for information.

Details

South Coast Youth Leadership Forum (SCYLF) proudly sponsored by Regional Development Australia Far South Coast (RDAFSC), Bomaderry Bowling Club, Shoalhaven City Council and Nowchem was held for the fourth year over the weekend of October 21^st to 23^rd 2017.

The Day starts at Council, who provide meeting rooms, lunch and storage. The Students also spend time in the Council Chambers listening to an address by the mayor.

This year 57 students took part in the course, to educate, inspire and give them the skills set to become young leaders in the community. The forum was also supported by Colin Salisbury, Elisa Petrie from bamboo. We also welcomed our first international student, Katie Salisbury to the forum.

Following the successful curriculum from previous years, slight refinement and improvements were made based on last year’s feedback.

The curriculum was mainly delivered by our local youth mentors and other leaders. This gave the true impact that youth can really lead the youth.

Sessions were run by our youth mentors; Lauren Beaufils, Nicola Panopoulos, Avalon Bourne, Christian Endel and Savanagh Lamont. All are either ex or present UOW students and have attended the forum in previous years. Thank you to Stuart Thompson from the media faculty at UOW for filming the event.

The mentors handled the workshops with great passion, empathy and knowledge. We had great feedback from the students.

This training was an important step to the sustainability of the program. Whilst it is positive to bring in international presenters into our region, the costs continue to grow and logistics become more detailed.

School spilt

Kiama High School

Bomaderry High School

Nowra Anglican College

Nowra High School

St Johns Evangelist

Shoalhaven High School

Nowra Christian

Ulladulla High School

Please note a spilt of eight per school was given. The schools that failed to take up this allocation were taken by other schools.

A very special thank you to our excellent student coordinator, Rhonda McGuire. Without her dedication to SCYLF, the program would not be as organized as it is.

All students received specific life skills information from our sponsors on topics such as;

· Insurance for rental accommodation and cars

· Signing a lease

· Mental health information and where to seek help

· Establishing a budget

· Healthcare

· Legal rights if arrested

· Mobile phone contract requirements

· Getting into a local TAFE or university

· Your employee rights at work

· Buying a car

This valuable information greatly assists our young leaders - it is information that students may other otherwise overlook. It is important to prepare these students and mentor them for things that may not be aware of when they become legally responsible for themselves and any debts that they may incur.

Many sponsors also provided gifts such as pens, notepads, drink bottles, lanyards and lollies for our young leaders. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to helping these students achieve their goals.

Thank you to the following sponsors for contributing to the life skills pack

Webics	Peoplecare
Telstra Business Centre	Norwood Accounting
Specsavers	Bendigo Bank
TafeNSW	Kinghorn Motors
University of Wollongong	Macey Insurance
Commonwealth Bank	WorkforceXS
Integrity Real Estate

Volunteers

The program would not be possible without the time and energy that our volunteers dedicate to the forum. Your commitment, loyalty and passion to inspiring our young leaders into creating positive change is admirable.

All mentors and facilitators are present or current UOW students and have attended the forum before as a mentor or past participant.

Thank you to the following mentors for volunteering your time

· Christian Endel

· Christie Arthur

· Lachlan Lamont

· Savanagh Lamont

· Nicola Panopoulos

· Jaiya Aryal

· Ari Kimber

· Britney Bierton

· Dylan Anderson

· Nicole Fetchett

· Elisa Petris

· Stuart Thompson for filming the entirety of the event and Ben Dootson, first aid

· Rhonda McGuire – Student Coordinator

· Shanyn King – Volunteer Coordinator

Facilitators

· John Lamont – Public Speaking

· Lauren Beaufils - Globalization

· Avalon Bourne – what is your why?

· Nicola Panopoulos – Setting goals

· Sav Lamont – Privilege

· Christian – Stereotyping

Guest Speakers & Workshops

· Daren Flanagan – Motivational Speaker

· BATYR – Mental Health Workshop

· Bamboo – Opportunities

· Sonder Youth – Opportunities

· Leadership Panel

· Peter Russell – Integrity

· Paul Elle- RMB Lawyers

· Lauren Beaufils

· Avalon Bourne

Friday – Day 1

The day started with a Flag Raising Ceremony, inside the Shoalhaven City Council, followed by Indigenous Dancing and a Welcome to Country, by Gerry Moore.

The main focus of the 3 days is for the students to look at global issues that affect them, how these issues impact their community, and how they could be solved.

Lauren introduced this session, and based the issues around five of the 14 Sustainability goals presented by the United Nations. In total, 14 groups were formed by the students, with the ability to work with other passionate individuals.

Morning tea, followed by “Discovering your why” workshop

Lunch - Address by – Amanda Findley}

{Talk from Peter Wilkes}

{Values Katrina Norwood and Lauren}

Kennedy Bus Service then supplied buses to transfer the young leaders to Waterslea on the upper Shoalhaven. Thank you to you Kennedys for your continued support and professionalism.

Saturday – Day 2

Saturday highlights included the Drumming workshop, the mental health workshop by BATYR, and our highly passionate guest speaker Daren Flannigan. He had all the students on the edge of their seat, and had some positive words on mental health, especially for young men.

The groups spent parts of the day working on their Globalization topics. Two powerful workshops were run, “Challenging Stereotypes” and “Privilege”. The night held the annual SCYLF Olympics, which is always fun and full of high energy!

Sunday – Day 3

Students presented their one-minute plan on their Globalization issue. They worked very hard on their presentations and public speaking skills, and some great ideas were shared! Mentors assisted the students over the three days. Three groups made it to the final round, facing a judging panel consisting of Colin, Ben, Britney and {..}, who offered positive feedback. Two finalists won Roxy cinema movie tickets and the overall winning team won passes to Jamberoo Action Park.

The program would not have been possible without the tireless effort of everyone involved. Thank you to the volunteers who dedicated their weekend to the forum. Young mentors are so fundamental to the program, as they develop deep connections with their groups, which further empowers them to learn and grow.

A special mention to Shanyn King who organized and coordinated 20 volunteers for the program. Shanyn is also our trusted nurse and first aid person.

To all the sponsors listed in the report, thank you for investing your money and resources into our youth. It is truly inspiring when all local businesses that you ask for support, all respond with a yes! It shows the great commitment the business community has towards our young leaders.

To our major sponsor RDAFSC, thank you for your sponsorship, being the treasurer and providing a central meeting place with freddo frogs on hand. Thank you to Fiona Hatcher for all of this organization and input. Other major sponsors include Bomaderry Bowling Club and Nowchem, again thank you.

To date, this group has invested over $130,000 in the last 4 years in training over 220 young leaders. This couldn’t have been done without the 30 different volunteers, trainers, teachers and adults dedicating their time.

All volunteers learn a lot and grow with this experience, whilst learning how to connect with our regions youth. This year was our biggest year, and many people stepped up and volunteered their time to enhance the weekend for the young leaders.

This wonderful event, focusing on inspiring youth and bettering their opportunities, does not happen without the generous support of the business community and our valued sponsors so therefore we offer a very big thank you to our contributors for their generosity.