Agenda of Business and Employment Development Committee

Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2018

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

Time: 4:05pm

The following members were present:

Clr Joanna Gash

Clr Patricia White

Clr Nina Cheyne

Mr Russ Pigg - General Manager

Mr John Lamont - Chairperson

Ms Deborah Langton – President, Shoalhaven Business Chamber

Ms Megan Cleary – Department of Premier and Cabinet

Mr Robert Crow

Mr Peter Masterson

Others present:

Greg Pullen – Economic Development Manager

Marianne Jones – Economic Development Officer

James Bonner – Acting Section Manager, Development Services

Coralie Bell – Section Manager, Tourism

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from David Goodman, Fiona Hatcher, Peter Dryer, Angela Byron, Scott Inman, Steven Bayer, Lexie Meyer, James Coburn and Alison Chiam.

Note: Angela Byron and Peter Dryer have resigned from the Business and Employment Development Committee.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Clr Gash / Clr Cheyne)

That the Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee held on Wednesday 28 February 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

BE18.13 Development in the Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D18/150691

James Bonner spoke to the report.

John Lamont asked staff about the progress of the multi-storey carpark. James Bonner advised that Council has written to the Joint Regional Planning Panel to request reasons for the deferral of their decision. Council is waiting for the JRPP response.

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 (Deborah Langton / Megan Cleary)

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

CARRIED

BE18.6 Employment Land Development in Shoalhaven

HPERM Ref: D18/155994

Greg Pullen spoke to the report.

John Lamont asked for an estimate of the number of jobs created from the development applications reported on. Greg Pullen estimated job creation to be 100-200 positions.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (Clr Gash / Robert Crow)

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

CARRIED

BE18.7 Current Major Projects of the Economic Development Office

HPERM Ref: D18/157866

Greg Pullen spoke to the report.

Greg noted that, in relation to Nowra Key Road Projects, some projects need to be completed before work on the new Shoalhaven River crossing is commenced.

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.

RESOLVED (Clr Gash / Clr White)

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.

CARRIED

BE18.8 Business Training Update	HPERM Ref: D18/159688
Greg Pullen spoke to the report and provided an updated on Business Training.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the report on the Business Training Update be received for information.
RESOLVED (Robert Crow / Clr Cheyne) That the report on the Business Training Update be received for information. CARRIED

BE18.9 Industry Forums of Importance to Shoalhaven	HPERM Ref: D18/159876
Greg Pullen spoke to the report and outlined which industry forums are of importance to the the Shoalhaven.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority). That the Report on Industry Forums of Importance to Shoalhaven be received for information.
RESOLVED (Megan Cleary / Deborah Langton) That the Report on Industry Forums of Importance to Shoalhaven be received for information. CARRIED

BE18.10 Current Activities - Business Networks

HPERM Ref: D18/160836

Greg Pullen spoke to the report.

Greg Pullen noted that attendance at the Naturally Good trade show resulted in business leads, including a business interested in relocating to the Shoalhaven.

John Lamont gave thanks to Greg Pullen and the Economic Development Office for organising and supporting the Blue BioTech Shoalhaven stand at the Naturally Good trade show. John said that he received a positive response from participants and that Council had been proactive in supporting local businesses for the event.

Greg Pullen noted that at the most recent meeting of South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS) there was a presentation from RMS on the Albion Park by-pass which is estimated to cut 12 minutes, equivalent to a 10% reduction in travel time. The RMS estimated that Mt Ousley will be at capacity in two to three years’ time (see attached RMS presentation to SEATS).

Greg Pullen reported that the NSW Department of Education will run a seminar in the Shoalhaven on career pathways in Shoalhaven.

Greg Pullen advised that the Federal Government is looking at a staff member to coordinate school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Clr Gash requested that the SEATS March 2018 Newsletter be tabled as part of the Council business paper so that other Councillors can be made aware of the work SEATS does. The newsletter is included as an attachment to these minutes (see attached).

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (Clr Gash / Clr White)

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

CARRIED

BE18.11 Economic Development Communications and Marketing Update

HPERM Ref: D18/160876

Greg Pullen spoke to the report.

Greg acknowledged funding from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet has been used to produce 20 videos and case studies to be incorporated into Council’s Economic Development website (https://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/For-Business/Economic-development). These will feature a variety of businesses from a range of industries. One of the videos was played at the meeting, featuring Steven Bayer of Edmiston Jones Architects. Greg reported that the consulting contractor noted that a large number of Shoalhaven business leaders are women.

Megan Cleary noted that it was a competitive process to receive funding.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (Deborah Langton / Megan Cleary)

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

CARRIED

BE18.12 Nomination of Representative - Sustainable Futures Committee Working Party

HPERM Ref: D18/160213

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Business and Employment Development Committee nominates a member to attend the Working Group meeting of the Sustainable Futures Committee for 9 August 2018.

RESOLVED (Clr White / Clr Cheyne)

That the Business and Employment Development Committee nominates John Lamont to attend the Working Group meeting of the Sustainable Futures Committee for 9 August 2018.

CARRIED

BE18.13 Development In The Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D18/150691

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

Note: Clr Gash left the meeting, the time being 4.47pm.

Addendum Reports

BE18.14 Shoalhaven Professional Business Association Update on Current Activities

HPERM Ref: D18/169645

John Lamont spoke to the report.

John noted that the Great Debate, part of the Young Professional Mentor Program, will be held at the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association networking breakfast on Thursday 14 June at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre and encouraged Committee members to attend.

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 (Deborah Langton / Robert Crow)

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

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

BE18.15 Additional Item - Report from Shoalhaven Business Chamber President

Deborah Langton gave the Committee a report on current activities of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber.

Deborah noted that the Shoalhaven Business Chamber has a Memorandum of Understanding with Council. The Business Chamber has held a number of events already this year to increase membership. These include:

1. Two Lunch and Learn workshops – marketing ideas;

2. Two Women in Business events – the Chamber is aiming for four events per year;

3. One Business Masterclass on social media;

4. One Breakfast Bites networking breakfast; and

5. Two Business After Hours sessions. The third will be held on 23 May at Silos Estate Winery with over 75 attendees.

Deborah reported that there are 15 new members this year, which is an 8% increase. It is expected that membership will grow further this year.

Deborah also advised that the Business Chamber has made a submission to the Roads and Maritime Service about the Nowra Bridge.

Deborah tabled the Business Chamber’s White Paper (see attached).

Brendan Goddard is the Shoalhaven Business Chamber’s representative on the Illawarra Regional Advisory Council, which is the advisory committee to the NSW Business Chamber Council.

The Shoalhaven Business Awards 2018 were launched last month.

RESOLVED (Deborah Langton / Megan Cleary)

That the report be received for information.

CARRIED

BE18.16 Additional Item - Updates from Members

Megan Cleary advised that she and her Regional Director spoke to a councillor briefing recently about Regional Growth funding opportunities, including Growing Local Economies. Megan also advised that they are waiting on the outcomes of the Stronger Country Communities Fund projects.

Megan noted that $1.2million funding was awarded for upgrades and improvements to the Shoalhaven Heads River Road Foreshore Precinct under the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.

Peter Masterton advised that 12-14 projects were approved under the South Coast Regional Jobs and Investment Packages and all but one have signed their contract with the Commonwealth.

John Lamont asked Megan Cleary about Jobs for NSW – interest free loans in the region. Megan advised it applies to certain sectors and the eligibility criteria are strict. It is a competitive grant program aimed to kickstart small business, jobs and investment.

BE18.18 Additional Item - Membership

Council has written to the University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus seeking a replacement representative as Robbie Collins has retired and resigned from the Committee.

In relation to the resignation of Angela Byron, representing Shoalhaven secondary schools, Council is writing to the Director of Educational Leadership, Shoalhaven region to seek a nomination for a replacement to represent secondary schools. Angela has recommended Ian Morris from Bomaderry High School. A report will be submitted to the Committee once Council receives a nomination.

Greg Pullen advised that Peter Dryer has submitted his resignation from the Committee.

Greg Pullen also recommended Terry Penton as an additional representative from TAFE.

Clr Cheyne suggested that Council writes to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to nominate a member as a community representative.

Robert Crow suggested that Council seek a representative from the health industry. Clr Cheyne agreed to raise at the Coordinaire, the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, at the next meeting.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That Council:

1. Accept the resignation of Peter Dryer and write to him to thank him for his contribution.

2. Advertise for nominations for membership from the community for the vacant position of community representative.

3. Increase membership of the Business and Employment Development Committee as follows:

a. A replacement member representing TAFE NSW;

b. A second position for the Shoalhaven Business Chamber, being for the President of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber; and

c. A representative from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.23pm.

Mr John Lamont

CHAIRPERSON

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 22 August 2018

Page 0

BE18.18 Growing Local Economies Fund

HPERM Ref: D18/266126

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

To provide the Business and Employment Development Committee an overview of the NSW Growing Local Economies Fund.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on Shoalhaven City Council’s response to the Growing Local Economies Fund be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written

2. An alternative recommendation be recommended.

Background

The Growing Local Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.

The Regional Growth Fund is made up of six separate funds, each dedicated to a specific area of need. The Growing Local Economies fund is the biggest of the six funds, with $500 million to invest in the infrastructure that will enable businesses in regional NSW to expand and thrive.

Funding will be made available through the Growing Local Economies Fund over four years to turbocharge new regional economic opportunities and enliven local economies. The NSW government has taken a new approach toward the allocation of Growing Local Economies funding. The government has provided an allocation to each Functional Economic Region (FER). A FER is an area that has common similarities and linkages, including: historical, regional geography, natural resources, agricultural production, tourism and local administration, and the spatial definition (area) of the region captures these similarities. Most FER’s consist of more than one local government area. The Shoalhaven is fortunate in that we are our own FER with our own funding allocation thus making project identification a much more straightforward process.

Growing Local Economies is designed to unlock growth in regional NSW by delivering the infrastructure that supports projects of economic significance. Funding will be available for projects in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

The Growing Local Economies fund is open to projects that:

· have the capacity to deliver jobs and economic growth

· help regional communities capitalise on their strengths or broaden and reposition their industry base

· demonstrate benefits beyond one organisation

· have a minimum project size of $1 million

· align with state and regional priorities and achieve Benefit to Cost Ratio greater than 1.0

Growing Local Economies is a two-stage application process. The first stage is an Expression of Interest to determine if a project is eligible. Projects deemed eligible will proceed to the second stage where Council will be invited to submit a business case for consideration. Shoalhaven City Council has identified a number of projects that will enhance the economy of the Shoalhaven.

On 22^nd May 2018 (MIN18.370) Shoalhaven City Council has resolved to:

1. Endorse the following projects to proceed to Expression of Interest under the Growing Local Economies Fund:

a. Employment Lands Project to the value of $17.15m, seeking grant funding of $7.5m with the Council contribution of $9.85m coming from the Industrial Lands Development Reserve over the period 2018/9 to 2021/2.

b. Marine Infrastructure Project to the value of $6.99m, seeking $3.03m with the Council contribution of $1.85m coming from the Economic Development Reserve and the Industrial Land Development Reserve over the period 2018/9 to 2021/2 (Note that Council has already been granted $2.11m from other government funding sources).

c. Nowra Key Road Project (ENSA) to the value of $25.0m, seeking grant funding of $20.0m with the Council contribution of $5.0m coming from the Strategic Projects Reserve over the period 2018/9 to 2021/2.

2. Endorse the following projects to be worked up to Expression of Interest as reserve projects under Growing Local Economies Fund if needed, as outlined in this and preceding reports:

a. Nowra CBD.

b. Nowra Waterfront.

c. Vincentia Plaza makeover.

The Economic Development Office is currently working on developing Business Cases for the following projects:

· Ulladulla Harbour Berths

· Woollamia Commercial Boating Infrastructure

· Industrial Land Development in Ulladulla, Woollamia, AATP and Sth Nowra (Flinders).

The Economic Development Office is working with other key Council departments to progress the development of a business case to support funding ENSA.

Community Engagement

The purpose of this report is to inform the Business and Employment Development Committee.

Policy Implications

All projects that are being considered for funding fit into Council’s strategic vision and the Economic Development Productive Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026. The identified projects are also strategically aligned to the Shoalhaven Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022.

Financial Implications

Shoalhaven City Council’s financial implications are outlined in the body of this report.

Risk Implications

The Growing Regional Economies Fund provides Shoalhaven City Council with the means to fast track economic development projects to enhance our local economy and support our community. The development of business cases for submission is a priority task of the Economic Development Office.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 22 August 2018

Page 0

BE18.19 South Coast Beef Producers Association Inc - 2018 School Steer Spectacular

HPERM Ref: D18/269725

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

To provide the Business & Employment Development Committee with a report on the 2018 South Coast School Steer Spectacular which was sponsored by the Economic Development Office of Shoalhaven City Council.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the 2018 School Steer Spectacular conducted by the South Coast Beef Producers Association be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written

2. An alternative recommendation be recommended.

Background

The Economic Development Office (EDO) has supported the South Coast Beef Producers Association (SCBPA) for a number of years as a business development network that assists this agribusiness sector within the broader Shoalhaven region. The Assn undertakes training and educational programs for its members, many of whom are new to farming and operate from “lifestyle” lots.

The School Steer Spectacular was introduced by the SCBPA a number of years ago to stimulate agricultural studies within the local high schools. In 2018 the EDO provided sponsorship of $5,000 to support the initiative to stimulate Agriculture as a High School STEM subject.

‘’STEM education is the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an interdisciplinary or integrated approach. Students gain and apply knowledge, deepen their understanding and develop creative and critical thinking skills within an authentic context’’.

SCBPA was granted funding from ABC Heywire through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal in 2016 to conduct a pilot project to provide mentoring to students studying agriculture in three local high schools. The project was for participating schools to feed, train and prepare a steer for competition in the 2017 Sydney Royal Easter Show Hoof and Hook Competition.

Over 60 students from Bomaderry, Nowra and Shoalhaven High Schools participated in the preparation of three steers bred by local beef producers. The project gained considerable attention for its innovative approach to engaging students with industry in a learning experience that delivered real out comes.

Such was the success of the project that SCBPA used the outcomes to model a local hoof and hook competition in 2018 with the same objectives to engage more schools and more students across SE NSW in this learning experience.

The objectives of the event were to:

a) Provide a vehicle for South Coast Beef producers to evaluate their beef breeding and management programs with respect to market specifications.

b) Provide school students in South East NSW with an opportunity to conduct a beef cattle project to improve their knowledge and understanding of the industry that might provide a pathway for them into a career in agriculture.

c) Mentor school students in the development of skills and knowledge of beef cattle production .

d) Inform and demonstrate to students the career opportunities available particularly in the beef industry and more generally in agriculture .

e) Provide a pathway for school students to experience the beef industry as a potential career choice.

The 2018 School Steer Spectacular was an outstanding success involving 11 schools, over 200 students preparing 20 steers for the hoof and hook competition.

The participating schools were:

· Bomaderry High School

· Dapto High School

· Moruya High School

· Narooma High School

· Oak Flats High School

· Nowra High School

· Picton High School

· Shoalhaven High School

· St John The Evangelist Catholic College

· Vincentia High School

· Yass High School

The event was held at the Nowra Showgrounds over two days of competition and skills development with the led steers followed by a presentation and viewing of the carcasses at Milt on District Meats.

Participating schools prepared one or two steers for the competition during the first school term of 2018 (from early February until early April, 60 days). The steers were supplied by members of the South Coast Beef Producers Association (SCBPA).

During this preparation time the students from Years 9 to 12 fed, trained and groomed the steers under the watchful eye and guidance of members of SCBPA.

Prizes were awarded in two classes for led steers based on how well the steers met the commercial trade specifications for the markets supplied by Milton Meats. In this way both the students and the breeders of the cattle received feedback on their respective inputs.

In addition to the led steer competition, SCBPA conducted a number of skills-based workshops to build the students understanding of the techniques required in preparing and showing cattle in this type of competition. These included the selection, grooming, parading and judging of cattle, and carcass assessment.

The project also required students to present a report on their project to a panel of judges.

The reports required students to detail four aspects of their projects which closely reflect the range of skills and careers in the real world of Australian agriculture.

These aspects are:

§ The hands-on preparation of the steer for the Show

§ The animal science and recording of the steer performance

§ The agribusiness and commercial outcomes of the project

§ Recording and reporting the project throughout the project.

§ The steers were then slaughtered, and the carcasses judged for their compliance to the designated market specifications and for their commercial retail meat value.

Points were

§ allocated for each attribute and Gold, Silver and Highly Commended medals were awarded for the superior carcasses.

The Champion School was awarded to the school with the highest aggregate points for:

1. Led Steer (90 points)

2. Report Presentation (50 points)

3. Steer Carcass (100 points)

Community Engagement

Strengthening school-industry partnerships

The event was an outstanding success for all stakeholders. Schools in particular were very pleased with the outcome and enthusiasm shown by their students, some of whom have now formed beef cattle clubs at their schools and are already preparing cattle for the 2019 Spectacular competitions. Another of the highlights was the success of our producer members winning Gold and Silver medals and Champion carcass with Bomaderry High School taking out the overall Champion School.

Policy Implications

This project falls within the economic development of the Shoalhaven in a number of ways. It provides education to industry linkages for students through STEM subject areas. It creates a better understanding of the agribusiness sector as a contributor to the Shoalhaven economy.

Financial Implications

Sponsorship came from Council’s Economic Development Office budget for the networking of industry.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 22 August 2018

Page 0

BE18.20 NSW Government's 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW

HPERM Ref: D18/278091

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Attachments: 1. 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW (under separate cover) ⇨

Purpose / Summary

To inform the committee about the recently released NSW Government’s 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the NSW Government’s 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW be received for information.

Options

1. The recommendation be accepted as written

2. An alternative recommendation be recommended.

Background

In June 2018 the NSW Government released its 20-year economic vision for Regional NSW, which sets out a clear pathway for ensuring that Regional NSW will continue to be a vibrant and growing part of our economy, and that people are supported in their decision to live in the regions.

The 20-year plan focuses on economic growth that promotes wellbeing in regional communities. It maximises economies of scale in infrastructure and services, while minimising ‘big city’ characteristics of traffic congestion, pollution and affordability issues. Many regional centres have room to grow to a size that can bring benefits including greater cultural and leisure activities, knowledge economies, and more specialist goods and services, without compromising a sense of community and connectedness.

The 20-year vision is an extension of the Regional Development Framework, which launched three core objectives:

1. Amenity – Providing quality services and infrastructure in regional NSW

2. Growth – Aligning effort to support growing regional centres

3. Potential – Identifying and activating economic potential

Please refer to page 21 of the attached strategy to see where and how the 20-year visions fits within the NSW Government’s hierarchy of policies and strategies.

Regional NSW refers to all of the state except the metropolitan areas of Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. The strategy divides Regional NSW into five types of regional economy, based on their underlying geography, population and economic features. The five classifications are:

· Metro Satellite

· Growth Centre

· Coastal

· Inland

· Remote.

The Shoalhaven has been classified as a ‘Growth Centre’. Characteristics of Growth Centres are that they are areas of high population growth and have key centres that provide sophisticated health, education and cultural services. The vision expects that over a third of the regions’ population growth and almost half of its jobs growth will occur in Growth Centres and has identified Nowra-Bomaderry along with Wagga, Albury, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tamworth and the Northern Rivers as having the largest growth rates of regional NSW.

The 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW contains 10 priorities for investment. The priorities are:

1. Leverage existing infrastructure and other technologies in Growth Centres for a digitally connects future.

2. Make regional travel faster and easier between and within regional centres, and to metropolitan areas.

3. Improve freight networks from regional NSW to global gateways, to increase exports.

4. Manage vital energy and water resources sustainably to ensure supply will meet long-term regional needs.

5. Provide clear skills pathways to jobs in regions.

6. Boost regional NSW’s knowledge economy and excellence in innovation, particularly in agricultural technology, aged care, energy, aerospace, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and other areas linked to the future of regions.

7. Draw in more domestic and international tourists in areas with tourism potential.

8. Attract more domestic and international students to regional NSW.

9. Provide an attractive environment for business to establish and invest in regional NSW locations, consistent with regions’ economic endowments.

10. Grow vibrant places to live and work to encourage business and population growth.

Community Engagement

The purpose of this report is to inform the Business and Development Committee about the NSW Government’s ‘A 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW’.

Policy Implications

The Shoalhaven City Council Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026 informed the development of the Shoalhaven Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022, developed with the NSW government. The 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW sits over the Shoalhaven Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022. As each document was used to inform the other there should be no policy implications.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications.

Risk Implications

The 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW outlines a number of priorities for investment. These are helpful in determining potential opportunities for the Shoalhaven.

Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 22 August 2018

Page 0

BE18.21 Proudly Shoalhaven Launch

HPERM Ref: D18/278252

Group: General Manager's Group

Section: Economic Development

Purpose / Summary

To advise Committee of the launch of the “Proudly Shoalhaven” marketing campaign.

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

Shoalhaven City Council, via the Economic Development Office, has received funding from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Regional Growth – Marketing and Promotion Fund to develop an economic marketing campaign for the Shoalhaven.

The Regional Growth — Marketing and Promotion Fund aims to promote the benefits for businesses, investors and skilled workers of setting up, investing or moving to regional NSW. Under the funding guidelines, projects that aim to attract tourism to regional NSW were not eligible under this program. This was because the NSW Government already provides assistance to attracting tourism and visitors to regional NSW through Destination NSW.

The Economic Development Office decided to develop a ‘Proudly Shoalhaven’ campaign. The thinking behind this concept that is the best way to promote the benefits of the Shoalhaven is to showcase the amazing businesses that already exist here. Showcasing the available skills and how local businesses can trade all around the world from the Shoalhaven could encourage other businesses. The original concept was ‘You’re in good company’ but that has morphed into a Proudly Shoalhaven campaign.

The campaign will officially be launched on the 12^th September at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

Campaign materials that have been developed consist of 20 case studies – video and written. These case studies will be available on our website. The participating businesses also receive a copy of the video and photos for their use.

The case studies are varied, and each business had their own story to tell and why they are ‘Proudly Shoalhaven’.

The Economic Development Office would like to thank the following businesses for their participation in the campaign:

· IJED

· Kardia HR

· Climax

· South Coast Dairy

· MIEngineers

· Edmiston Jones

· Venus Shell Systems

· Tovedale

· Air Affairs

· SMETEC