Business and Employment Development Committee

 

 

Meeting Date:     Wednesday, 29 May, 2019

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

Time:                   4:00pm

 

Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.

 

 

Agenda

 

1.    Apologies

2.    Confirmation of Minutes

·      Business and Employment Development Committee - 27 February 2019................. 1

3.    Declarations of Interest

4.    Reports

BE19.7........ BE18.27 - Outstanding Action - AusIndustry Update - report received - sub-committee formed - Incubator Hub................................................................................... 7

BE19.8........ South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS)...................................... 9

BE19.9........ Development in Shoalhaven - Significant Projects...................................... 12

BE19.10...... Report of the NSW Premier & Cabinet - Illawarra Shoalhaven DPC Regional     18                         

5.    General Business


 

 Business and Employment Development Committee – Wednesday 29 May 2019

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Membership

John Lamont – RDA – Chairperson

All Councillors

General Manager or nominee

Ann Sudmalis MP (or nominee)

Shelley Hancock MP (or nominee)

Gareth Ward MP (or nominee Tony Emery)

Graham Baxter / Scott Inman – Southern Regional Business Enterprise Centre

Jemma Tribe – President, Shoalhaven Business Chamber

David Goodman – Shoalhaven Business Chamber

Fiona Hatcher – Regional Development Australia FSC

Anna Finch – Shoalhaven Professional Business Association

Lexie Meyer – Community

James Coburn – Community

Mary-Jean Lewis – Community

Alison Chiam – Shoalhaven Art Board Representative

Robert Crow – Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

Paul Keith – Aboriginal Advisory Committee Representative

Peter Masterson – Department of Industry, Innovation & Science

Ian Morris – Shoalhaven Secondary Schools

Donna Payne – NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet

Kate Morris – NSW TAFE

Representative – University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus

Representative – Milton Ulladulla Business Chamber

Representative – Defence

Representative – Manufacturing

Representative – Construction

 

 

Quorum – Six (6)

 

Purpose

·      To assist in the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy and monitor and report on performance.

·      Support the expansion of industry activities within the Shoalhaven, across all sectors.

·      Encourage the location of new industries in the region which will lead to an increase in the number of employment opportunities for the residents of the region

·      Grow the socio economic base of the Shoalhaven.

·      Examine and review employment development strategies and report on initiatives to carry their strategies forward.

 


 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee

 

 

Meeting Date:     Wednesday, 27 February 2019

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

Time:                   4:02pm

 

 

The following members were present:

Mr John Lamont – Chairperson

Clr Kitchener (left 4.47pm)

Clr Digiglio (arrived 4.10pm)

Mr Russ Pigg – General Manager

Mr Robert Crow – representing Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

Ms Kate Morris – representing TAFE NSW

Ms Jemma Tribe – representing Shoalhaven Business Chamber

Ms Anna Finch – representing Shoalhaven Professional Business Association

Ms Lexie Meyer (arrived 4.15pm)

Ms Alison Chiam (arrived 4.42pm) – representing Shoalhaven Arts Board

 

Others present:

Ms Marianne Jones – Economic Development Officer

Mr Darryl Anderson – TAFE NSW

Mr James Bonner – Unit Manager, Development Services

Mr Stephen Dunshea – Director, Finance, Corporate and Community Services

 

 

 

Apologies / Leave of Absence

 

Apologies were received from Clr Gash, Peter Masterson, Donna Payne, Mary-Jean Lewis, Paul Keith, David Goodman, Fiona Hatcher and Milton Ulladulla Business Chamber.

 

 

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Jemma Tribe / Robert Crow)

 

That the Minutes of the Business and Employment Development Committee held on Wednesday 21 November 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

Declarations of Interest

 

Nil.

 

 

Reports

 

BE19.4       Development in Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D18/431826

James Bonner, Acting Section Manager, spoke to the report. He noted that a number of developments had progressed, showing that development consent for significant projects can be idle for a number of years before being activated, eventually leading to employment opportunities.

James advised that the second table includes more recent developments still under assessment and includes the Bunnings development and highway service centre at Bomaderry.

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 Shoalhaven be received for information.

 

RESOLVED (John Lamont / Lexie Meyer)

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

CARRIED

 

 

BE19.1       Influence of Major Government CapEx on Shoalhaven Economy

HPERM Ref: D19/2794

Marianne Jones spoke to the report.

The General Manager noted that the Economic Development Office uses this graph to lobby State and Federal agencies and Ministers.

Clr Digiglio noted the Hospital Plan and the difficulty attracting neurologists to the hospital due to a lack of a nuclear medicine facility.

Lexie Meyer sought clarification about resourcing and Part 3 of the recommendation as printed.

It was noted that the recent Service Reviews of the Economic Development Office and Tourism Section looked at strengths and gaps in service.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That

1.    The Business & Employment Development Committee accepts the report of the Economic Development Office into the influence and effect of attracting major Government budget allocations for infrastructure developments in Shoalhaven,

2.    The Business & Employment Development Committee congratulate Council on its pro-active approach to achieving infrastructure development through presenting well sounded cases and lobbying hard for the implementation of improvements to assets such as the Princes Highway and the Shoalhaven Health Precinct, the establishment of the Shoalhaven Education Campus and the South Coast Correctional Centre and the expansion of HMAS Albatross as a major Australian Defence base,

3.    The Business & Employment Development Committee urges Council to continue to provide dedicated resources, both labour and financial, to prepare business cases for the improvement of critical infrastructure to bring about the growth of the Shoalhaven.

RESOLVED (Lexie Meyer / Anna Finch)

That

1.    The Business & Employment Development Committee accepts the report of the Economic Development Office into the influence and effect of attracting major Government budget allocations for infrastructure developments in Shoalhaven,

2.    The Business & Employment Development Committee congratulate Council on its pro-active approach to achieving infrastructure development through presenting well sounded cases and lobbying hard for the implementation of improvements to assets such as the Princes Highway and the Shoalhaven Health Precinct, the establishment of the Shoalhaven Education Campus and the South Coast Correctional Centre and the expansion of HMAS Albatross as a major Australian Defence base,

3.    The Business & Employment Development Committee urges Council to continue to provide dedicated resources, both labour and financial, to prepare business cases for the improvement of critical infrastructure to bring about the growth of the Shoalhaven.

CARRIED

 

 

BE19.2       School to Industry Update

HPERM Ref: D19/37493

Marianne Jones spoke to the report and noted that:

·    The Teacher to Industry Tour and Defence Industry Tour may be alternated in future years.

·    The University of Wollongong Shoalhaven Campus careers expo is to be held on 2 July 2019.

John Lamont noted that the combined Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group and Shoalhaven Business Chamber stand at the Nowra Show won Best Stand in Show. John thanked the Chair of the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group for promoting Shoalhaven job opportunities at the Nowra Show.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on the School to Industry program be received for information.

RESOLVED (Jemma Tribe / Kate Morris)

That the report on the School to Industry program be received for information.

CARRIED

 

 

BE19.3       Business Training Update

HPERM Ref: D19/37779

Marianne Jones spoke to the report and noted that Illawarra iTeC will run the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management again this year.

Members asked about participation rates and were advised:

·    Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre seminars attract up to eight participants. The Federal Government supported places. It was noted that the focus of training was on the NDIS and some business owners may not see the opportunities.

·    The Business Sessions run by Sue Brodie were well received and attract between eight to 16 participants. Topics included social media platforms and human resources.

Clr Digiglio noted initiatives for Allied Health Professionals to work with the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association (SPBA) as a chapter of SPBA.

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 (Robert Crow / Kate Morris)

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

 

 

BE19.4       Development in Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

HPERM Ref: D18/431826

 

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

 

 

BE19.5       Shoalhaven Business Chamber MoU Report

HPERM Ref: D19/44476

Jemma Tribe spoke to the report and noted that:

·    There were limited tickets to the Twilight Garden Party at Merribee with a guest speaker.

·    Lunch and Learn continues one a month, this month in partnership with AusIndustry on 28 February.

·    Advanced Marketing Strategies a focus for this year’s Lunch and Learn series.

·    The Super Dinner and Safe Work NSW workshop were both well attended. Jemma acknowledged the Safe Work sponsorship of Shoalhaven Business Awards. This resulted in the Safe Work workshop attracting the highest number of participants than other areas around the State.

·    There are four project proposals to Regional Development Australia, including a project to transform Nowra office into a digital business hub.

·    The Women’s Conference will be held in May.

Lexie asked whether the format of the Women’s Conference would remain on presentations or whether there would be a shift towards more of a workshop style. Jemma advised that there are ongoing talks about the format and content.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee notes this report for information.

RESOLVED (Jemma Tribe / Lexie Meyer)

That the Committee notes this report for information.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

 

BE19.6       Additional item - Information Updates from Members

John Lamont – less than significant non pecuniary interest declaration – John is the Chair of TAFE South Regional Advisory Committee. Remained in the room and took part in discussion and voted.

Kate Morris of TAFE NSW introduced Darryl Anderson of TAFE, tabled some flyers (attached) and advised:

·    TAFE Institutes have been disbanded to form a single TAFE that can use resources from around the State.

·    Kate covers student and stakeholder engagement from Nowra to Eden.

·    TAFE will develop customised, place-based delivery of courses and is working with local businesses and business chamber to develop and deliver necessary training.

·    A lot of courses are being offered in Nowra. Some are fee-free and other places are supported by NSW Government Smart & Skilled Funding.

·    Free training for business owners employing less than 200 staff under “Skills for Business” as part of the Certificate IV in Small Business. It will be delivered online and participants can enrol in one or two subjects or the whole qualification.

Clr Digiglio noted improved staff retention where they are trained in place.

 

Anna Finch of the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association (SPBA) noted:

·    SPBA has been running for 10 years and the mentoring program is in its sixth year, with great feedback from participants.

·    SPBA has an MoU with Council to deliver bi-monthly business networking breakfast and business snapshot program. At the latest breakfast John Lamont Snr was the guest speaker, interviewed by Grant Gleeson.

·    A current project of SPBA is to map the life cycle of a professional in the Shoalhaven to look at resources available to professionals and where there might be gaps.

 

Robert Crow of the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group acknowledged Council receiving a State level award for tourism campaign – the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge, with the National Awards being held this week.

Stephen noted the impact of tourism on local infrastructure and that the 360 Model captures the impact on amenity as well as visitation numbers. He also noted that Council is looking at grant opportunities to improve tourism infrastructure and acknowledged the support of the Economic Development Office.

Jemma Tribe noted the Airbnb statistics and how they will support hotel chains to develop in the Shoalhaven.

Lexie Meyer noted that the Dunn Lewis Centre had received enquiries for weddings of 300-400 people.

Robert Crow noted the Archer Resort development and addition of Quest Apartments to accommodation options in Nowra.

 

Alison Chaim of the Shoalhaven Arts Board noted:

·    Six community members received Australia Day Awards.

·    The Arts Board is seeking sponsors for the NOW ContempoRAry Arts Awards, which is a national arts prize. Sponsorship details will be circulated.

Robert added that the Shoalhaven Arts Board has $9,000 in grants of up to $3,000 for professional artist development.

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.24pm.

 

 

Mr John Lamont

CHAIRPERSON

 

 

 


 

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BE19.7       BE18.27 - Outstanding Action - AusIndustry Update - report received - sub-committee formed - Incubator Hub

 

HPERM Ref:       D19/66520

 

Group:                General Manager's Group  

Section:              Economic Development   

Purpose / Summary

To provide information and review an outstanding Business and Employment Development Committee action.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the action to form a sub-committee to consider options for an Innovation Hub in Nowra be reviewed. 

 

 

Options

1.    Accept the recommendation as written

 

2.    Propose an alternative recommendation

 

Background

Peter Masterton gave an update from AusIndustry at the 22 August 2018 Business and Employment Development Committee meeting.

At that meeting Peter Masterton advised that:

·    Expressions of interest for “export hubs” were released in September and councils can apply. There are four weeks to apply.

·    The Stronger Communities grants program is now open for councils.

·    AusIndustry is looking for a new location for an Incubator Hub as part of the Incubator Support Program. Nowra is a possible location. Funding is one third from the applicant and two thirds from the Federal Government. Bega was the first regional location for an Incubator Hub. Applicant funding came from a partnership between Council, University of Wollongong Bega campus and Bega Cheese.

Clr Findley noted the possible utilisation of former Betta Electrical building/site for an Incubator Hub.

As part of that discussion it was suggested that the BED Committee form a sub-committee and the following was resolved:

That the Committee form a sub-committee comprising of Fiona Hatcher, Regional Development Australia, Deb Langton, President of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber, Clr Findley, a representative from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, Regional NSW, and Peter Masterton, AusIndustry, to consider options for an Incubator Hub in Nowra.

Post the 22 August 2018 meeting, Shoalhaven City Council, through the Economic Development Office, applied for funding through the SME Export Hubs program. The aim of the project was to create a facilitated network which would include existing exporters and businesses wishing to find out more about export and where experienced businesses would provide mentoring. This application was unsuccessful.

Since that time a number of commercially operated co-working spaces have been developed. One of the most notable is WorkLife. WorkLife is a co-working space with locations in Berry and Kiama. WorkLife was founded by Kate Dezarnaulds in 2017 and aims to bring professionals together who would rather be working in an office space rather than feeling isolated in a home office. This unique space offers more than just work space. Being part of WorkLife is being part of a business community. WorkLife states:

‘We’re big believers in the energy that comes from bringing a diverse group of can-do people together. Inspiration by osmosis. Serendipitous connections. Opportunities for collaboration. So we’ve made it our mission to be more than a first-class office space. We’re a community. There’s nothing better than connecting with your office neighbour.’

The purpose of this report is to ask that the BED Committee review this action item, being the formation of a sub-committee to investigate the formation of an Innovation Hub, to determine:

1.   If the item has been completed or

2.   The item is now irrelevant or

3.   The formation of such a sub-committee would still have some merit. 

It could be argued that the action item is now out of date as evidenced by the suggested sub-committee make up and that Shoalhaven City Council was unsuccessful in its bid for funding for an incubator hub. Additionally, is the creation of an Innovation Hub something that a sub-committee of the Business and Employment Development Committee should pursue when the commercial sector has a successful business model and is operating a commercial enterprise?  

 

Community Engagement

Engagement of the business community would be essential to determine if an additional innovation hub is required in the northern Shoalhaven. 

 

Financial Implications

The Economic Development Office was unsuccessful in securing funding for the SME Export Hub and has no funding available or staff capacity to support the development of an Innovation Hub at this time. 

 

Risk Implications

The Economic Development Office has previously financially supported the creation of a co-working/remote office space at 12 Berry Street, Nowra. This was not as successful as hoped. Further investigation and market research is required to determine the level of interest in an Innovation Hub in the northern Shoalhaven. 

 


 

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BE19.8       South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS)

 

HPERM Ref:       D19/167289

 

Group:                General Manager's Group  

Section:              Economic Development   

Purpose / Summary

To inform the Business and Employment Development Committee about the Economic Development Office’s involvement with SEATS (the South East Australian Transport Strategy).

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee receive the report about the involvement of the Economic Development Office in SEATS for information.

 

 

Options

1.    The recommendation be accepted as written

 

2.    An alternative recommendation be recommended.

 

Background

SEATS (the South East Australian Transport Strategy) was formed in 1995 when the SEATS committee received a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Housing and Regional Development to undertake a study of the region’s transport needs. Shoalhaven City Council (the then Shoalhaven Shire Council) was a founding member of SEATS.

The SEATS region is from Wollongong NSW to Dandenong Victoria and out to Goulburn/Tumut NSW. Membership consists of local governments, state government (represented by VicRoads and Transport for Victoria, RMS and Transport for NSW), Port Authorities and industry representatives. The aim of SEATS is to lobby and advocate for improved regional transport links throughout the region. SEATS advocates for over 1.5M people who live in the region, and the many more that rely on the network for the safe and efficient transport of people and goods.  The Vision of SEATS is that:

“The South East Australian region between Wollongong and Dandenong, will have high quality transport links forming a regional network that facilitates economic growth and production, and enhances the lifestyles of the region’s population.”

SEATS aims:

·    To stimulate and facilitate investment in transport infrastructure in south eastern New South Wales (NSW), eastern Victoria (Victoria) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) region.

·    To provide a highly coordinated and influential advocacy for the development of transport infrastructure in the South East Australian region that supports sustainable economic development and the prosperity of its constituents.

SEATS is now in its 24th year and Shoalhaven City Council has remained a continual member. The Economic Development Manager recognises the importance of SEATS and has held positions on the Executive Committee. Like many things Economic Development, SEATS is a “slow burn”. Lobbying and advocacy take a considerable amount of time and effort and this is often not recognised as funding announcements can appear to be the beginning of a project rather than a response to an identified need. 

Some of the successes of SEATS include:

Project

Funding commitment

Pambula River floodplain crossing

$17M

Princes Highway NSW - South Nowra (Forest Rd-Jervis Bay Rd - 4 lane highway) 

$23M

 

Princes Highway NSW -  Safety Program

$30M

Princes Highway NSW - Mt Conjola realignment

$45M

Princes Highway NSW - Bega Bypass SID

$1M plus $30M commitment

Kings Highway (Queanbeyan to Bungendore)

$23.3M Fed/$10M RTA

Main Road 92 - Nerriga

$120M

Princes Highway - Traralgon - Sale upgrade Vic

$140M

Princes Highway NSW - Victoria Creek/Digmans Creek - route selection studies    

 

Princes Highway, Pambula

$5M

Princes Highway, South Nowra

$15M

Princes Highway, Mount Conjola

$10M

Princes Highway, North Kiama

$34M

Princes Highway Bega Bypass

$30M

Main Road 92

$40M

Kings Highway

$23.3M

 

More recent successes include commitment to an 80:20 funding split for a number of significant projects including the replacement of the Nowra Bridge, replacement of the Batemans Bay Bridge and the upgrade works to the Princes Highway south of Nowra. 

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the importance of SEATS and the commitment of Shoalhaven City Council and the Economic Development Office to continual advocacy for our region. Greg Pullen, Economic Development Manager of Shoalhaven City Council, has been part of SEATS since its inception in 1995 and his advocacy has resulted in much improved economic conditions within the Shoalhaven.     

 

Community Engagement

SEATS is an advocacy group that lobbies for investment in road projects that will have a benefit to the local community and the region. Shoalhaven City Council, through SEATS advocates for funding for projects that have often been identified by the Shoalhaven community. 

 

Financial Implications

SEATS membership is funded through the Economic Development budget. There are 4 SEATS meetings per year with alternate meetings held in NSW and Victoria. The cost of the Economic Development Manager to attend these meetings is funded through the Economic Development budget.

 

Risk Implications

SEATS, over the last 24 years, has proven itself to be an influential and effective lobbying body resulting in numerous projects that have strengthened the economy of the Shoalhaven and SE Australian region. It is imperative that Shoalhaven City Council remain an active member of SEATS and continue to advocate for improved transport outcomes for our region.

  


 

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BE19.9       Development in Shoalhaven - Significant Projects

 

HPERM Ref:       D19/169312

 

Group:                Planning Environment & Development Group 

Section:              Development Services 

Attachments:     1.  No progress or recent approvals

2.  Significant applications under assessment   

Purpose / Summary

To provide a list of:

·    Development approvals that have issued that have not progressed further. This also includes relatively recent approvals;

·    Larger applications under assessment.

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 Shoalhaven be received for information.

 

 

Options

1.    Receive the report for information.

Implications:  the report will be noted.

 

2.    Resolve and alternate resolution and direct staff accordingly.

Implications:  this would be dependent on the decision.

 

Background

This is a regular report to inform the Committee of larger developments under assessment and list applications that appear to have been stalled / not progressed (noting also that the list would contain relatively recent approvals).

 

 


 

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BE19.10     Report of the NSW Premier & Cabinet - Illawarra Shoalhaven DPC Regional

 

HPERM Ref:       D19/158758

 

Submitted by:    Donna Payne, Business Development Manager – NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet  

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That this report be received by the Committee for information.

 

 

Details

Machinery of Government changes

Effective 1 July 2019 the Regional Coordination and Regional Development functions of DPC Regional will be integrated into a new Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. These changes will improve coordination of programs and services by bringing together into one department key agencies with responsibility for delivery of regional programs and services. There will be no changes to the structure or staffing of the DPC Illawarra Regional branch.

 

STEMship Program

Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group (SDIG) is supporting the implementation of the STEMship VET pre-employment program by RDA Far South Coast on behalf of RDA Hunter with funding from the NSW Government. SDIG joined RDA to promote the program at the recent Illawarra Schools Expo. The 17-week program combines training to complete a nationally recognised skill set plus work placement and industry tours. The first group of students are expected to commence the program in July/August.

 

Regional Youth Strategy

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, Small Business and Regional NSW has announced the NSW Regional Youth Strategy and a new Office of Regional Youth. The next round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) will include at least $50 million, or 50% of available funds, for projects and programs specifically aimed at supporting young people in the regions.