Agenda of Business and Employment Development Committee

Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 28 February 2018

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

Time: 4:01pm

The following members were present:

Mr John Lamont - Chairperson

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr Joanna Gash

Clr Patricia White

Clr John Levett

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr Bob Proudfoot

Clr Nina Cheyne

Ms Megan Cleary

Mr Paul Goodwin

Mr Scott Inman

Mr Steven Bayer

Mr Robert Crow

Ms Lexie Meyer

Mr James Coburn

Mr Peter Dryer

Mr Peter Masterson

Ms Alison Chiam

Mr Russ Pigg - General Manager

Others present:

Greg Pullen – Economic Development Manager

Marianne Jones – Economic Development Officer

Sara McMahon – Manager, Governance

Gordon Clark – Section Manager, Strategic Planning

Coralie Bell – Manager, Tourism

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Mr David Goodman and Ms Fiona Hatcher.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Clr White / Peter Dryer)

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

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

BE18.1 2018 Professional Snapshot

HPERM Ref: D18/49313

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the 2018 Professional Snapshot being conducted by the Economic Development Office and its partners, the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association and the Career Advisors at local High Schools, be received for information.

RESOLVED (Lexie Meyer / Clr Gash)

CARRIED

BE18.2 Business Training and Capacity Building

HPERM Ref: D18/55837

Greg Pullen spoke to the report.

Greg noted that Council is assisting South Coast Leadership Forum to run pilot workshops/seminars at Council, including: professional resume writing, “Brand Me” and “How to be an Entrepreneur” for school students. The Chair acknowledged Council’s support.

If the program is successful, further funding will be sought to run workshops at Ulladulla, then whole of South Coast.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on business training and capacity building opportunities that are co-ordinated and/or supported by the Economic Development Office be received for information.

RESOLVED (Lexie Meyer / Peter Dryer)

That the report on business training and capacity building opportunities that are co-ordinated and/or supported by the Economic Development Office be received for information.

CARRIED

BE18.3 Development in the Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D18/42405

Gordon Clark and Greg Pullen spoke to the report.

The General Manager also noted Terry Snow’s $100 million development “Willinga Park Equestrian Centre” at Bawley Point.

Clr Gash enquired whether Council follow up outstanding development applications.

Lexie Meyer noted the impact on the Manyana community arising from the residential lot subdivision in that location.

Greg advised that the Economic Development Unit follows up outstanding development applications. Gordon noted that it is often dependent on the developer to proceed. Gordon noted community turnover, and that in the case of the Manyana subdivision, State Government approval was granted in 2008.

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 (Steven Bayer / Lexie Meyer)

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

CARRIED

BE17.33 Inclusive Employment Conference 2018	HPERM Ref: D17/375579
Paul Goodwin provided an overview of the Conference. The plan is that the Conference be held in July 2018. There will be canvassing of local businesses to be stakeholders in the conference.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the report - Inclusive Employment Conference 2018 be received for information.
RESOLVED (By consent) That the report - Inclusive Employment Conference 2018 be received for information. CARRIED

BE18.4 Shoalhaven Professionals Business Association Update on Current Activities	HPERM Ref: D17/377207
Steven Bayer spoke to the report. Steven also promoted the SPBA networking breakfasts, which include guest speakers and member cameos.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the report regarding Shoalhaven Professionals Business Association Update on Current Activities be received for information.
RESOLVED (Steven Bayer / Peter Dryer) That the report regarding Shoalhaven Professionals Business Association Update on Current Activities be received for information. CARRIED

Addendum Reports

BE18.5 South Coast Regional Jobs Initiative

HPERM Ref: D18/62266

Greg Pullen spoke to the report and noted a record number of applications (over 65 applications) for the Regional Jobs Initiative.

The General Manager noted that the initiative generated $43 million in local investment.

Council submitted two applications for equipment which were successful – a boat lifter for inspection of commercial boats at Woollamia and a floating pontoon system to increase berth capacity at Greenwell Point.

Peter Masterton noted that Regional Jobs and Investment Package applications closed in August 2017 and spoke about the assessment process. Peter noted that it is a pilot project and there are no current plans for another round.

The Chair noted that Council’s Economic Development team offerred assistance to applicants to prepare their applications, resulting in a good outcome for the Shoalhaven region. The support offered by government agencies, other business and services to applicants was also acknowledged.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the outcomes of the South Coast Regional Jobs Initiative be received for information.

RESOLVED (Peter Dryer / Paul Goodwin)

That:

1. The report on the outcomes of the South Coast Regional Jobs Initiative be received for information; and

2. The public acknowledgment of the mentors to applicants be noted.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

BE18.6 Review of Regional Development Australia - July - December 2017

The Chair noted the re-appointment of Rob Pollock as Chair and John Lamont appointed as Deputy Chair for the Far South Coast.

BE18.7 Retirement of Robbie Collins

The Chair noted the retirement of Robbie Collins of the University of Wollongong and gave a vote of thanks for her active contribution on the Business and Economic Development Committee.

BE18.8 Proposal for infrastructure masterplan for Cunjurong Point, Bendalong and Manyana

Lexie Meyer of the Community Consultative Body for Cunjurong Point, Bendalong and Manyana noted that the area is a discreet region within the Shoalhaven and that the lack of public transport is a significant issue for the area, impacting on employment. Lexie also noted the release of land anticipated shortly and raised concern for the influx of residents and tourists during peak times. The CCB has identified the need for an infrastructure masterplan in consultation with the community. Lexie proposed a program of awareness building/skills building for employment in the area, such as in the area of business planning and mentoring in business skills, noting Centrelink has funds for pilot job creation programs. Aiming to do within next 12 months, seeks support of Council. If the pilot is successful, the program could be reproduced across the South Coast/Shoalhaven.

James Coburn of the Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce noted similar issues in Sussex Inlet and proposed working together with the Cunjurong Point, Bendalong and Manyana community.

The Chair requested that Ms Meyer provide a one page scoping document to promote ideas and linkages with whole region.

BE18.9 Industrial land sales

The General Manager requested a snapshot of industrial land sales from Greg Pullen.

Greg advised that overall Council has sold about 30 lots over last 12-18 months.

Council has developed over 300 industrial lots throughout the city, with three estate currently running:

1. Flinders Industrial Estate, South Nowra

Council is currently selling the last lots of stage 9 at Flinders. Greg noted that there was agreement last night to sell two further lots. The tender is planned for April/May, to come back to Council June/July. This will build an additional 15 lots. Expenditure will be approximately $2.5 million.

2. Woollamia

The last block at Woollamia was sold in October 2017. Woollamia – sold 9 blocks in 12 months. A tender to release 15 additional lots at Woollamia will go to the April Council meeting. Expect expenditure of $3 million.

3. Albatross Aviation Technology Park

There are a number of lots at Albatross Aviation Technology Park.

Future opportunities have been identified at Ulladulla. There hasn’t been new industrial land in Ulladulla for 15-20 years. There is a high demand for industrial land in Ulladulla as there is only one vacant block currently available for sale in Ulladulla. One proposal is to convert the old sewerage treatment plant to an industrial estate. It will take $2 million to decontaminate and clean up the site.

Greg also commented on the Crown Lands review, where industrial zoned land is to be assessed whether to retain in State ownership or handed over to local government. There is industrial zoned Crown Land at Sussex Inlet, Basin View, Ulladulla and Shoalhaven Heads. Some land is subject to Native Title claims. The review is expected to be completed in 2019/2020.

BE18.10 Princes Highway Upgrade Program

The General Manager noted that the Federal Government has announced $5 million study into Princes Highway to identify high priorities. South East Australia Transport Strategy (SEATS) has resolved to put together a common list of priorities for all councils.

Clr White, who is the Chair of SEATS, noted that a petition has been circulated across all local government areas affected to highlight concerns. The petition will be presented to the Minister in May, together with the list of priorities identified by the councils through SEATS.

BE18.11 Driving programs – You Turn the Wheel

Peter Dryer and Paul Goodwin noted that Rotary has picked up running the “You Turn the Wheel” driving program.

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

Mr John Lamont

CHAIRPERSON

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 23 May 2018

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BE18.6 Employment Land Development in Shoalhaven

HPERM Ref: D18/155994

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

To bring the Committee up to date with recent developments at Council’s Industrial Estates and future plans at these estates.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the status of Employment Land Development in Shoalhaven be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written.

2. An alternative recommendation be recommended.

Background

Council has taken the lead in the area of opening up industrial land for local and relocating industry. Current projects under development are at South Nowra, Woollamia, Yerriyong with initial plans to redevelop the former STP site at Ulladulla.

Since late 2015 there has been an upsurge in interest for industrial land and since that period sales at Sth Nowra have numbered 12 with a further 3 lots under conveyance. At Woollamia the numbers are 5 lots sold and 1 under conveyance. The AATP at Yerriyong has 3 recent sales completed.

These sales have now resulted in the following development proposals:

· 5x completed developments – $1,400,000

· 6x DAs approved/under construction – $2,627,840

· 5x DAs under consideration by Council – $9,362,442

· 5x no DAs as yet.

These sales have seriously depleted the developed land stocks with the following number of serviced lots available:

· Flinders Estate, Sth Nowra (stage 9) – 1 lot

· Flinders Estate (previous stages) – 4 lots

· Woollamia Stage 4 – 0 lots

· AATP Stage 4 – 2 lots

Future

Plans are well advanced on the development of the next stages of each of these developments.

Flinders Estate Stage 10

Sections 96 variations to the existing Subdivision consent are well advanced and are soon to be lodged with Council. This will yield 15 lots ranging in size from 2,700m² to 8,700m².

Tenders will be let in two stages, firstly to undertake major earthworks including inter-allotment and road drainage, road works and to level the general area at the same time. The second scope of works will be to undertake the actual subdivisional works to create the lots.

It is expected that these lots will be released to the market in the second half of 2018 after Council has set the pricing structure.

Woollamia Stages 5 & 5A

Stage 5 approvals are in place and a local contractor is in place to undertake the subdivisional works. This will create 11 lots ranging in size from 1,645m² to 5,500m².

Stage 5A is a subsequent stage that will yield a further 6 lots and the Subdivision application is currently being prepared. Works on this stage should take place towards the end of 2018.

AATP Stage 5

This is an additional stage and is yet to be finalised but will yield approximately 9 lots which have previously received subdivisional consent.

These works will include a dedicated firefighting supply which will be operated by Shoalhaven Water but offline from the main reticulated supply.

Ulladulla STP

There is a commitment by Council to decontaminate the former Sewage Treatment Plant at Ulladulla to an industrial subdivision. Currently an application to demolish the existing structures is being prepared and a subdivision application will follow.

Cost of CapEx

Estimates are advanced for the capital outlay for the above and this has been totalled at $17,150,000. This combined project will be the subject of a grant application under the NSW Growing Local Economies program aimed specifically at the AATP Firefighting water supply, decontamination of the Ulladulla STP and roads/utility services external to the actual subdivisions.

The construction rollout will be over 4 financial years 2018/19 to 2021/22. Maps will be available at the meeting.

The 61 industrial lots to be created will ultimately generate in excess of 1000 direct jobs according to employment generation indices for current developments at the estates.

Community Engagement

The rollout of employment land has become a core activity of this Council. The wider community does become aware of the construction activity once it commences. For those seeking out land to purchase and develop there is a greater awareness and conversation with Council’s Economic Development Office that occurs.

Policy Implications

No policy implications except that this project will form part of Council’s application for grant funding under the NSW Growing Local Economies program.

Financial Implications

Council has the bulk of the funds for the development. Grant monies will be sought to supplement this. If funding is not obtained, the program will be rolled out over a longer period and some employment opportunities will be lost in the short term.

Risk Implications

Council has a well-established record as a developer of employment land. Economic cycles do come and go but there has always been sufficient demand to transfer assets to enterprises that seek to expand their business.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 23 May 2018

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BE18.7 Current Major Projects of the Economic Development Office

HPERM Ref: D18/157866

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

This report will give an overview of the more significant projects being undertaken by the Council’s Economic Development Office.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That:

1. The report on the Current Major Projects of the Economic Development Office be received for information.

2. The Business and Employment Development Committee support Council’s applications for funding under the Growing Local Economies Fund to assist with:

a. Employment Land Development;

b. Marine Infrastructure for Economic Activity; and

c. Nowra Key Road Projects.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written.

2. An alternative recommendation be determined.

Background

The Economic Development Office (EDO) within Council sits within the General Manager’s Group and as a section within the Council structure has three staff – ED Manager, ED Officer and an Administration Officer.

The guiding principles for the EDO is the current economic strategy “Productive Shoalhaven – Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026”. This document prepared by the Economic Development Office with the assistance of Locale Consulting Pty Ltd and a Project Steering Group comprising representatives from internal and external organisations.

The Strategy also builds on the Community Strategic Plan’s prosperity objectives to create:

- An economy with growing employment opportunities based on Shoalhaven’s distinct characteristics, advantages and natural qualities;

- An economy that supports and is supported by growing, diverse and changing communities; and

- Effective promotion of Shoalhaven’s investment, business and job opportunities, lifestyle attractions and vision.

The vision for economic development over the next 10 years is:

To build upon the already high levels of local productivity, entrepreneurialism and inter-connected business relationships to provide sustained economic growth, through a diverse and robust economy, that is supported by a skilled and educated workforce that is able to balance work with an attractive and healthy lifestyle.

In delivering the required outcomes, the EDO undertakes several major projects/programs to meet the objectives of the strategy:

Objective 1: To grow the number of employed people within the Shoalhaven commensurate with population growth

Objective 2: To increase the level of Gross Regional Product per worker

Objective 3: To sustain, as far as possible, the level of workforce participation despite an aging population

Objective 4: To enhance the liveability of the Shoalhaven

Transport Connectivity (for freight)

The EDO continues to perform a co-ordinating role with improvements for freight corridor connectivity into and out of Shoalhaven working with industry and government agencies.

Several grant applications are currently with Transport for NSW under the “Fixing Country Rail” program having been lodged by the Manildra Group and the ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) to improve network links in Shoalhaven, Kiama, Shellharbour, Wollongong , Wingecarribee and Cabonne local government areas. These effectively will allow the Manildra Group to haul longer and heavier trains and remove the necessity for some road transport and provide greater efficiencies per train load.

The inadequacy of the southbound bridge at Nowra for the more efficient heavy vehicles remains the focus for road transport issues as it affects industries not only at Sth Nowra and Albatross but in Milton and further down the coast.

Nowra Key Road Project

With the primary limitation of the current crossing of the Shoalhaven River at Nowra being the inability for HML (Higher Mass Limit) trucks and oversize loads to utilise the southbound iron bridge, the need to correct this “weakest” link on the Princes Highway needs to be addressed with urgency.

The associated road network through Nowra needs addressing with improvements to links like Flinders Rd (currently under construction), Northern Collector Rd (at pre-construction stage), ENSA (East Nowra Sub-Arterial), Yalwal Rd/Albatross Rd intersection, Kalandar St intersection and Princes Highway to 6 lanes between Cambewarra Rd & Warra Warra Rd.

ENSA is the next project that needs to be funded and an application under the Growing Local Economies fund is recommended to be lodged by Council shortly for this project which will cost up to $25m.

Provision of Employment Lands within Shoalhaven

In the business paper for this Committee meeting there is a detailed report of the current activities in this project area.

In summary,

- there have been 24 lots sold (or selling) in the past 2 years.

- 16 DAs have been submitted so far to Council for assessment for a total value of $13.4million.

- A program of further development of Council’s employment land is being developed and will yield a further 61 lots at a CapEx of $17.15m over the next 4 years.

- A new subdivision at Ulladulla is anticipated providing the costs associated with the demolition and decontamination of the former STP site can be subsidised by government grants.

Marine Infrastructure for Economic Activity

In the current Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan marine tourism is a key industry sector going forward. In the Council ED strategy the need for waterfront development to stimulate a marine tourism industry is raised as important.

Assets required include marinas for commercial craft and vessel servicing areas with the view to supporting a greater level of commercial marine activity. There is a level of government commitment to activate this industry sector and berthing facilities like those proposed at Ulladulla Harbour and Greenwell Point support that initiative.

Facilities for the servicing of the smaller to medium commercial vessels in Shoalhaven are limited to the slipways at Greenwell Pt and Ulladulla. Within Jervis Bay where most of the commercial craft operate, there has been no approved maintenance facility. Council is piecing together a facility at Woollamia that will include a dedicated boat maintenance yard, a boat liftout machine, a cranage point for launching of new craft or transferring craft to a low loader, a wharf for loading/unloading commercial craft (including mussel boats).

Grant funding amounting to $2.11m has already been accepted by Council for Ulladulla, Woollamia and Greenwell Pt and a further $3.03m is required for unfunded works at Ulladulla and Woollamia. Funds are available under the NSW Growing Local Economies fund to complete this $6.99m program of which Council will contribute $1.85m.

Development Application for a Motor Sports Facility

New environmental legislation applies to this project and the studies required to comply with the new Biodiversity Conservation Act as it applies to site selection and environmental offsets meant that basically the application for development had to start from the beginning again.

Consultants have been undertaking studies for the EDO. The EDO has been working with the South Coast Motor Sports group as the project progresses and progress reports are being provided to Council with the next report anticipated in June.

Nowra CBD Revitalisation

Working with other groups within Council, there is a realisation that the development of the Stewart Place precinct and the Nowra waterfront precinct is vital to reinvigorating Nowra as a regional centre.

Preliminary plans have been submitted to government to prepare both precincts for redevelopment. Scoping of this task will be stage one, with the follow up stage to be undertaking some of these works like utility consolidation and realignment, road realignment, drainage management, public space consolidation and definition

Applications are currently before government for stage 1 and depending on the outcome further government assistance will be sought.

Business and Skills Training

The EDO works with business groups and training providers to offer a range of business training opportunities. A separate report to this Committee will specifically address this issue.

Also, a part of this program is working with the local high schools, especially through the Careers Advisor network to help both teachers and student be aware of the opportunities available locally for employment and careers. The need to have employers take advantage of the schemes surrounding apprenticeships, traineeships and vocational education placements is now one of the biggest impediments to youth employment in the local area. There will be a push in the later part of 2018 by all levels of govt to better articulate this and provide practical assistance to employers of SMEs to take up these opportunities.

Working with Business Clusters

The EDO works with a number of groups which includes business and government in a collaborative fashion to create business liaison and growth. A separate report to this Committee will elaborate further on these initiatives.

Addressing the Objectives of the ED Strategy

With the current ED strategy one year in, it is prudent to review progress against the 4 key objectives.

Objective 1: To grow in number of employed people within the Shoalhaven commensurate with population growth.

From the latest statistics available through the ABS and Dept of Employment in December 2017 the following table has been created:

	Population	5yr growth	Employment	5yr growth
Dec 2007	92,067		33,438
Dec 2012	97,740	6.2%	35,143	5.1%
Dec 2017	103,486	5.9%	37,089	5.5%

For the most recent year to December 2017 the comparable figures are 1.1% growth for population and 2.1% for workforce but the 5-year figures do even out any statistical variations.

Objective 2: To increase the level of Gross Regional Product per worker

From REMPLAN

	Shoalhaven GRP	Shoalhaven GRP/Worker
Jan 2013	$3,738m	$130,027
Jan 2014	$4,056m	$141,091
Jan 2015	$4,193m	$145,842
Jan 2016	$4,439m	$154,395
Apr 2016	$4,626m	$160,926
Dec 2017	$5,750m	$160,831

Objective 3: To sustain, as far as possible, the level of workforce participation despite an aging population

Census Counts	Labour Force	Population	Participation rate
2001	31,146	84,719	36.76%
2006	34,479	88,405	39.00%
2011	36,647	92,812	39.49%
2016	38,914	99,650	39.05%

Objective 4: To enhance the liveability of the Shoalhaven

No definitive indicator, but each of the above are adding to this factor!

Community Engagement

Most of the above projects are very strategic in nature and slow in their evolution. Media engagement and the involvement of the “community of interest” is achieved but the wider audience is looking for more tangible results rather than the preparatory planning and government lobbying.

Policy Implications

Each of the above projects do impact on Council’s program delivery across all aspects of the Community Strategic Plan.

Financial Implications

The major projects have significant implications for Council’s finances. The winning of government grants to “subsidise” these important projects is a critical part of the achievements in these areas.

Also important is the creation of income streams to allow Council to afford such projects.

Risk Implications

Many of the above have risks associated with timing, budgets, weather, global economic conditions, willingness of govt to grant financial assistance, ability to articulate a positive BCR.

These considerations are made on a case by case basis, but some risk will always be necessary to get projects like the ones above across the line and the appetite for risk can be rewarded by the results or not.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 23 May 2018

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BE18.8 Business Training Update

HPERM Ref: D18/159688

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

The purpose of the Business Training Update report is to inform the Business and Employment Development Committee on the 2018 scheduled training and capacity building opportunities that are co-ordinated and/or supported by the Economic Development Office of Shoalhaven City Council.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the Business Training Update be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written.

2. An alternative resolution be proposed.

Background

The Economic Development Office of Shoalhaven City Council supports a number of business training and development programs for local businesses. The Economic Development Office does this through partnering with other government and non-government entities who provide business training. This partnership approach has been extremely successful and has resulted in the delivery of quality training by skilled and knowledgeable trainers as well as networking and capacity building opportunities.

Shoalhaven Professional Business Association

The SPBA support Shoalhaven professionals and encourage

The SPBA have the following events scheduled for 2018.

· 5 Business Networking Breakfasts

o 55 pax

o 15 February 2018 (delivered), 19April (delivered), 14 June, 9 August and 11 October.

· Mentor Program

o Successfully enrolled 15 mentors, and secure 15 mentorees, for the 2018 SPBA Mentor program.

· SPBA Professional Snapshot – date to be determined but will occur in Term 1, 2019.

The Business Sessions

The Economic Development Office supports “The Business Sessions”, a local business trainer, by providing training rooms for training sessions. The Business Sessions are delivering Council supported training in both Nowra and Ulladulla. Ulladulla training rooms are made available through support from Council’s Ulladulla Customer Service staff.

The Business Sessions have 18 training sessions scheduled for 2018. These are as follows:

Nowra Admin Centre	Ulladulla Council Training Room
Digital Marketing Part 1 - 6th Mar (delivered)	Digital Marketing Part 1 - 9th Mar (delivered)
Digital marketing Part 2 - 4th Apr (delivered)	Digital marketing Part 2 - 5th Apr (delivered)
Advanced Instagram - 9th May (delivered)	Advanced Instagram - 10th May (delivered)
Advanced Facebook - 6th Jun	Advanced Facebook - 7th Jun
Create Awesome Content - 4th Jul	Create Awesome Content - 5th Jul
Email marketing - 7th Aug	Email marketing - 9th Aug
Social Media Road Map - 4th Sep	Social Media Road Map - 6th Sep
Ready for Pinterest - 16th Oct	Ready for Pinterest - 19th Oct
Your Social Plan for Xmas - 7th Nov	Your Social Plan for Xmas - 8th Nov

Shoalhaven Business Chamber

The Economic Development Office has partnered with Shoalhaven Business Chamber to deliver a number of training, information sharing and networking opportunities. The Chamber has scheduled the following activities for January to June 2018.

8/3/2018	Women in Business (delivered)	Silos
28/3/2018	Lunch & Learn (delivered)	Marketing – the great unfair advantage
12/4/2018	Breakfast bites (delivered)	Rocking the Ship
16/4/2018	Business Masterclass (in progress)	Four sessions in total
26/4/2018	Lunch & Learn	Data breach privacy laws
17/5/2018	Women in Business	Networking event
24/5/2018	Lunch & Learn	Digital Marketing Workshop
6/6/2018	Breakfast Bites	Energy Crisis
14/6/2018	Lunch & Learn
22/6/2018	Women in Business	Coffee morning

Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre

SRBEC have 10 scheduled training events for 2018 to be held on the;

· 18 April (delivered)

· 4 May (delivered)

· 15 May (delivered)

· 8 June

· 5 July

· 2 August

· 6 September

· 18 October

· 8 November

· 6 December

SRBEC training sessions are becoming more and more popular as evidenced by increasing numbers of participants.

Other Activities

The Economic Development Office of Shoalhaven City Council supports a number of activities that encourage economic development. The Economic Development Office has provided access to training rooms for the South Coast Youth Leadership Forum workshops and supports the Leadership Forum.

Summary

In the 10 months from July 2017 to April 2018 the EDO has supported 14 business training/networking events with 305 attendees in total.

Community Engagement

Activates are guided by the ‘Productive Shoalhaven – Economic Development Strategy’ and through consultation with key industry and business groups in the Shoalhaven.

All training courses are advertised via various media – websites, newsletters, social media etc. A comprehensive list can be found at: https://business.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/business-support/business-training

Outcomes are reported via the Business and Employment Development Committee and through corporate reporting mechanisms.

Policy Implications

Activates outlined in this report are directed by the ‘Productive Shoalhaven – Economic Development Strategy’.

Financial Implications

The Economic Development Office has an MoU in place with both the SPBA and the Shoalhaven Business Chamber to deliver business training. Financial obligations outlined in the MoU’s are funded through the Economic Development budget.

Costs incurred through other support, such as the provision of training rooms, is minimal and also funded through the Economic Development budget.

Risk Implications

Risk implications are minimal as the Economic Development Office has ongoing communications with the SPBA and the Shoalhaven Business Chamber. Activities in this report are informed and supported by local business and industry groups.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 23 May 2018

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BE18.9 Industry Forums of Importance to Shoalhaven

HPERM Ref: D18/159876

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

Several forums have been held for business that are of interest to Shoalhaven business.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority).

That the Report on Industry Forums of Importance to Shoalhaven be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written.

2. An alternative resolution be recommended.

Background

Since the beginning of 2018 there have been several inquiries or forums that would be of interest to the Shoalhaven economy and local businesses.

NSW Food and Beverage inquiry

In April the NSW Department of Industry (Department) partnered with the Food & Beverage industry to co-design a NSW Food & Beverage Industry Development Strategy. As this Strategy was to be developed in collaboration with the sector, the Dept hosted workshops with industry representatives to help shape the Strategy and future direction of the NSW Food & Beverage sector. A workshop was held in Nowra on 17^th April.

The Strategy will align with existing State and Federal Government strategies and initiatives. It will also leverage the efforts of government and industry partners, including the Commonwealth, Austrade, and the broader NSW Government cluster.

The workshop participants were asked to:

· discuss current characteristics and trends of the NSW Food & Beverage industry

· discuss the barriers and opportunities for growing the sector, including opportunities to leverage Federal Government initiatives (this includes identifying existing programs to avoid duplication of activities and effort)

· co-design a series of themes for developing NSW Food & Beverage.

The workshops were facilitated by KPMG who had been engaged to support the development of the Strategy.

Council’s Economic Development Manager attended the workshop and followed up with some specific comments:

Strategic Overview.

· The Food and beverage industry is a vertically integrated industry that transforms produce from the paddock to a meal on a plate!

· The agribusiness sector is usually rurally based (or imported) and as such moves product around the country in trucks or trains.

· To produce a packaged food product or a fresh food product the journey is similar. From grower to initial packer/grader/sorter then to a processor for packaged product or to warehouse/distribution centres or food markets. For a processed/manufactured good, the journey may criss-cross the nation, go backwards and forwards to processing houses that perform a value added process in the manufacturing chain. For example - the cereals processing industry. From farm to silo, to initial processor (flour mill) to a variety of on processors (usually via warehousing agents) – bakeries and the like or to the Manildra plant at Bomaderry where it is made into – variety of sugars, starch, animal feeds, ethanol (food grade), ethanol (fuel grade), ethanol (aerosol industry) and CO² for the beverage industry. As you can see Manildra is a food ingredient manufacturer. These products go out in various forms – liquid, powder, gaseous, and are distributed to ports for overseas distribution, nationally to food manufacturers of confectionary, beer, soft drinks, and most food products.

ISSUES for the F&B industry

Freight

· All roads in NSW that form part of the National and State road network (including bridges) need to be HML (Higher Mass Limits) compliant

· All rail passing loops to take freight trains need to be a minimum of 1200m

· Freight corridors between regions are vitally important for the F&B industry. The Sydney centric nature of the transport corridors creates inefficiency when moving products in the food chain from processor to processor.

o Rationale – freight forms a major cost in the cost hierarchy of food production. Having freight to be moved an extra 100km on a haul of 600km so that HML vehicles can be utilised for “efficiency” is not sustainable.

o Rationale – Freight passing through the Sydney joint user rail networks need to accommodate freight as well as passengers.

o Rationale – Food processing is primarily a regional based industry and freight is required to move between regions – Gunnedah to Nowra, Nowra to Shepparton, Nowra to Wetherill Park, Greenwell Pt to Canberra, Forbes to Milton, Milton to Canberra, ……

o Government needs to understand the regional nature of the F&B industry including the inter-regional trade necessary to add value to the product.

Energy

The F&B industries are usually large consumers of energy. The continuous processors are such because of the cost of shutdown & start-ups.

· Their base loads are usually a combination of electricity, gas, steam (usually fired by coal or gas). Recent fluctuation and instability in energy prices are an enormous unknown with regard to pricing. Solar or renewables are usually not an option as the continuity of supply is essential.

· Smaller producers are less impacted, but refrigeration becomes their highest energy use. Some work with solar may be possible.

· Govt needs to recognise that the uncertain nature of energy pricing could be the straw to break the tie with local production and send F&B industries off shore.

Perception of the F&B industry

· Working in the sector – The sector has to be seen as an industry in which workers seek to be employed

· Public perception – The F&B industry is perceived to be a good, clean and green industry. However, the actual when applied to workers (heat, smell, noise, shiftwork, …) it does not attract the skills and workers required especially within the SMEs.

· Environment & regulation – The industry is generally beset with strong requirements on record keeping and governance (a positive when required). The environmental issues with noise, smell, waste, appearance and air emissions make it difficult for new or existing enterprises to expand or gain approvals to operate.

· Urban encroachment – many larger F&B plants are located in and adjacent to urban areas. As the urban area has grown the protection of zoning or existing use right may not be sufficient to protect that industry. The option to relocate can be cost prohibitive and moving offshore is always a considered option.

· Govt need to introduce buffer zones around critical industry to protect their future.

Creating a better image

· Traditionally, older F&B plants used to incorporate a “public viewing” area. An opportunity then existed for community education. Sadly, the WHS restrictions have assigned the end to these opportunities.

· Government should consider giving $ assistance to F&B producers that incorporate a public viewing area, incorporated with an interpretive educational offering. This cost does not directly relate to the profit bottom line and therefore assistance needs to be forthcoming. A positive use of this aspect can relate to industry image, community education, career introduction (incl STEM), ….

Waste and Packaging

An additional element needs to be added to the mix around WASTE but it is believed that packaging will assume a greater cost to food processors and manufacturers.

Southern NSW Marine Tourism Strategy

The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils, the NSW Department of Industry – Lands and Forestry and Department of Planning and Environment, has commissioned the preparation of a Southern NSW Marine Tourism Strategy.

The Strategy will provide a blueprint for how the three levels of government and the tourism sector can effectively work together to market and develop marine tourism opportunities across Southern NSW over the next 20 years.

The Strategy objectives are to:

· Increase the economic contribution of marine tourism to Southern NSW on an annual basis and create new job opportunities for the Region;

· Identify future and current infrastructure required to facilitate this economic growth.

· Ensure the marine assets and infrastructure in Southern NSW are better connected and utilised to increase tourism visitation to Southern NSW.

Consultants – EarthCheck and TRC Tourism have been commissioned to work with stakeholders to prepare the strategy. Work to do date has included; a review of policy and strategic frameworks currently in place, a program of key infrastructure site audits, consultation with key stakeholders and a visitor market review.

Council’s Tourism and Economic Development sections have been consulted and attended regional workshops.

Gas Proposal to supplement the Eastern seaboard market

In April, a consortia of Australian and international businesses outlined a proposal to position a gas “mother ship” in Port Kembla to supplement the supply on the eastern seaboard.

The Australian Industrial Energy Group is seeking to disrupt the east-coast gas market by building an LNG import terminal at either Newcastle or Port Kembla. As a secondary step, the consortium is also looking at a possible new 850MW gas fired power station. First gas through the import terminal is planned for 2020.

These projects have the potential to significantly reduce gas and electricity costs, and to secure the Illawarra as a major manufacturing region in Australia. Major industrial customers including Bluescope, Manildra and Bisalloy are amongst the consumers talking to the AIE Group.

CRC (Co-operative Research Centre) on Marine Bio-products and Biotechnology

A new round of Australian Government funding for CRCs is currently inviting submissions for proposals.

A consortium of universities and the CSIRO have now held 3 workshops to cover:

· Progress made by MBB-CRC bid team to secure potential partners

· Explore and develop research agenda for the MBB-CRC programs

· Synthesising research projects into research program supporting Industry challenge

· Focus on developing outputs that the MBB-CRC will deliver over the 10 years, and

· Set a forward agenda of actions for the development of the stage 1 CRC bid

The workshop is supported by MBB-CRC bid research partners, National and International industries, and government and non-government agencies.

Local interest has been expressed by some partners within the Blue BioTech Shoalhaven partnership in the areas of marine material properties, marine product refining and marine product handling.

Community Engagement

Engagement in the above forums have been by invitation and a representative group of businesses attended.

Financial Implications

No financial commitments directly accrue to Council other than staff attendance costs when incurred.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 23 May 2018

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BE18.10 Current Activities - Business Networks

HPERM Ref: D18/160836

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Attachments: 1. SEATS Newsletter March 2018 ⇩

Purpose / Summary

To update the Committee on some business networks that operate within Shoalhaven.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on Current Activities – Business Networks be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written.

2. An alternative resolution be recommended.

Background

Within Shoalhaven there are a number of business networks that operate. The Economic Development Office (EDO) collaborates with a number of different agencies to varying degrees to enable/facilitate business co-operation and development.

This report will feature some of the activities of these groups.

Blue BioTech Shoalhaven

The most recent activity for this group was attendance at the “Naturally Good” trade show at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. Naturally Good Expo is a total business event that’s 100% devoted to all things healthy, organic and natural. As the largest event for healthy retailers, brands and practitioners in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the place where buyers meet with suppliers for two days of business, networking, education and to celebrate the latest exciting opportunities within the health and wellness retail market.

Blue BioTech took a stand which was shared by members NowChem, Shoalhaven Health Co., Venus Shell Systems and the EDO. Another member of Blue BioTech, the Essence Group, had its own stand.

All exhibitors found the trade show to be beneficial and received trade leads for their range of products.

Several members of the Blue BioTech group have been involved in the CRC bid on Marine Bio-products and Biotechnology being developed by a number of Universities and the CSIRO. The practical experiences of the Blue BioTech group had been sought out by the bid team and members have attended a number of the workshops on this matter.

South Coast Beef Producers

The EDO has supported the South Coast Beef Producers for a number of years with the network being quite mature and relatively independent of Council. Our most recent support for the South Coast Beef Producers was by way of sponsorship of the 2018 Steer Spectacular. The purpose of the Steer Spectacular is to provide school students in SE NSW with an opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the beef industry through involvement in steer raising competition that might provide them a pathway into a career in agriculture. This program provides students with exposure to the variety of careers within agriculture and a focus on the importance of STEM.

Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group

The Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group has approximately 70 members consisting of businesses with an interest in the defence and defence support industries. Members range in size from BAE, globally the third largest supplier to defence with over 85,000 employees worldwide, to SME’s consisting of a couple of staff. The most recent focus of the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group is to increase awareness of the range of career opportunities that exist in this sector and promote this to local high school students. To this end the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group has been liaising with local career advisors and attended a recent SCAN meeting.

SEATS (South Eastern Australia Transport Strategy)

Two quarterly meetings have been held in recent times, one at Inverloch in Victoria in February and more recently at Shellharbour.

The March 2018 SEATS newsletter is attached.

Promotion of the upgrades to the Princes Highway both in NSW & Victoria is a major for SEATS as is the connectivity to industry and intermodal hubs. Industry representations to improve specific safety concerns is always a focus as outlined by Burra Foods in the newsletter.

Shoalhaven Careers Advisor Network

The Shoalhaven Careers Advisor Network is a collective of local careers advisors and other relevant stakeholders such as TAFE, UoW, HVTC etc. The network meets once a term and shares information pertinent to career advisors.

The NSW Dept of Education has advised the SCAN :

The NSW Department of Education Senior Pathways team are planning a Conference. The conference is planned to be held at UOW Shoalhaven Campus the first week of December 2018. At this stage the conference is planned for Thursday 6 December and Friday 7 December 2018 (TBC). The two day conference will focus on "the opportunities and challenges facing schools in regional communities in maintaining a local skilled workforce in a global market place". The program will deliver information from national research as well as input from local agencies, with a focus on VET.

Community Engagement

Business networks are open to participants that wish to attend and contribute. Regular meetings are held (usually quarterly) and are advertised on websites or newsletters. New members are usually invited by existing participants.

Policy Implications

The growing of business through networks or clusters is well regarded as a Economic Development tool. Within Shoalhaven there are several networks that are supported by Council’s Economic Development Office.

Financial Implications

The costs involved in the Business Networking program are mainly to do with staff time and if Council participates in an event or trade show the share that attributes to Council involvement.

For outside promotional events the costs are shared amongst participants as with “Naturally Good”.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 23 May 2018

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BE18.11 Economic Development Communications and Marketing Update

HPERM Ref: D18/160876

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

To inform the Business and Employment Development Committee about activities undertaken to promote Economic Development and the Economic Development Office.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on Economic Development Communication and Marketing Update be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written.

2. An alternative resolution be proposed.

Background

The Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy – Productive Shoalhaven 2017-2026 identifies “Marketing and Promotion” as a key objective. Recommended actions include:

6.7.1 Shoalhaven “Business Attraction Plan”: Develop and implement a Shoalhaven Business Attraction Plan as a structured approach to marketing activities.

6.7.2 Business champions and success stories: Establish a range of “business champions” and “success stories” that provide positive factual examples of business in the region to be used in promotional activities.

6.7.3 External promotion: Support activities such as attendance at key trade shows, events, awards and conferences where the Shoalhaven’s opportunities can be highlighted.

In response to these recommended actions, the Economic Development Office has undertaken the following tasks.

· With support from Council’s Communication Team have developed an Integrated External Communication Strategy. This is an internal working document that identifies, among other things, key stakeholders, messaging and communication channels.

· Successfully applied for funding from the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Regional Growth – Marketing and Promotion Fund to deliver the “You’re in Good Company” campaign consisting of a number of video and written case studies showcasing the exceptional range and quality of Shoalhaven businesses.

As part of the You’re in Good Company campaign the Economic Development Office engaged the services of Relativity to produce a number of video and written case studies and associated photography. Seventeen local businesses, from the tourism, finance, defence, manufacturing, construction, engineering and education industries, have participated in this project. This project has progressed well, and the EDO expects to be in receipt of final marketing material by the end of June 2018.

A new look Economic Development website has been updated and is now live. It is expected that this will be officially launched at the same time as the collateral for the ‘You’re in Good Company’ campaign is added. https://business.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/

Community Engagement

The business community has been engaged with this activity and when released it will be publicly available on the ED website.