Minutes of the Shoalhaven Economic Growth & Advocacy Group
Meeting Date: Wednesday,
7 June 2023
Location: Jervis
Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 4.00pm
The following members
were present:
Mr John Lamont - Manufacturing - Chairperson
Clr Evan Christen –
Voting Councillor Ward 2
Clr Patricia White -
Voting Councillor Ward 3
Ms Anna Finch - Human Resources
Ms Brenda Sambrook - Tourism
Ms Holly Pastor – Education (Remotely)
Ms Kaye Morris – Education
(Remotely)
Ms Michelle Bishop
– Tourism (Remotely)
Mr Robert Crow – Tourism (Remotely)
Ms Sandra Gray - Small Business Operator (Remotely) – Left meeting
4:57pm
Mr Iain Chalmers - Human Resources & Small Business
Others Present:
Ms Bron Hewson - Regional
NSW
Mr Peter Masterson
– AusIndustry
Mr
Paul Mitchell – Representative for Member of Gilmore
Mr
Sandy Peters – Observer – Joined 4:11pm
Ms
Deb Maddison – Observer – Joined 4:11pm
Ms
Coralie Bell – Acting Director City Futures
Mr
Greg Winchester - Tourism Investments & Events Specialist
Ms
Kristy Mayhew - Tourism Marketing Specialist
Mr
Phil Schafer - Tourism Manager
Mr
Gordon Clark - Section Manager Strategic Planning
Ms
Jenna Tague - Coordinator Policy Planning Team – Left meeting 4:26pm
Mr
Richard Carter - Strategic Planner - Left meeting 4:26pm
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Apologies / Leave of
Absence
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Apologies
were received from Clr Gray, Ms Lindy Pitt, Mr Tony Emery, Ms Fiona Phillips MP
and Mr Ryan Schulter
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Confirmation of the
Minutes
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RESOLVED (By consent)
That the Minutes of the
Shoalhaven Economic Growth & Advocacy Group held on Wednesday 15 March
2023 be confirmed.
CARRIED
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Nil
Reports
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EG23.11 Employment Zones Reform
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HPERM Ref: D23/175043
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Council staff presented
to the Group on the NSW Government’s Employment Zones Reform. The
information presented is attached to these minutes.
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That the Shoalhaven Economic
Growth and Advocacy Group note the update provided on the NSW
Government’s Employment Zones Reforms including the changes that have
been implemented and implications for Shoalhaven.
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RESOLVED (By consent)
That the Shoalhaven Economic Growth and Advocacy Group
note the update provided on the NSW Government’s Employment Zones
Reforms including the changes that have been implemented and implications for
Shoalhaven.
CARRIED
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EG23.10 Advocacy and Growth -
Staff Update
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HPERM Ref: D23/162690
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Mr John Lamont raised a question
regarding uptake and awareness of the Small Business Storm and Flood Recovery
Grant.
Council staffed advised that they would resend the
information on the Small Business Storm and Flood Recovery Grant June/July
2022 to Shoalhaven Business Chambers to continue to raise awareness.
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That the Shoalhaven Economic Growth and Advocacy Group
receive this report for their information.
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RESOLVED (By consent)
That the Shoalhaven Economic
Growth and Advocacy Group receive this report for their information.
CARRIED
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EG23.12 Update on Advocacy
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HPERM Ref: D23/180990
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Council staff presented a copy of the updated Advocacy
Document to the Committee, which is attached to these minutes.
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That the Shoalhaven Growth and Advocacy Group note the
new updated Advocacy Document for information, which will be provided to the
Group at the meeting of 7 June 2023.
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RESOLVED (By consent)
That the Shoalhaven Growth and
Advocacy Group note the new updated Advocacy Document for information, which
will be provided to the Group at the meeting of 7 June 2023.
CARRIED
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EG23.13 Action Update
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HPERM Ref: D23/213762
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Shoalhaven Economic Growth & Advocacy Group note
the updates to the Action Table.
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RESOLVED (By consent)
That
Shoalhaven Economic Growth & Advocacy Group note the updates to the
Action Table.
CARRIED
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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EG23.14 Additional
Item - EV Charging Stations - Presentation from Councils Lead Sustainability
Officer
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Following discussion on EV Charging Stations under
item EG23.10, Council staff advised that Pip Hildebrand – Lead
Sustainability – will be invited to a future meeting to present on EV
charging stations across the Shoalhaven
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EG23.15 Additional
Item - Six Cities Vision - Invite Greater Cities Commission
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During discussion on item EG23.10 the Group raised
questions regarding what the Six Cities Vision will mean for the Shoalhaven
region. Council staff advised that relevant staff from the Greater Cities
Commission (GCC) will be invited to a future meeting to present to the Group
regarding the Six Cities Vision strategy.
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EG23.16 Additional
Item - Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy - Desktop Review Progress -
Report Back
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During discussion on
item EG23.10 Clr Christen raised a question regarding the progress of the
desktop review of the Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy. Council staff
advised that the review is almost complete and that staff would report back
at the next meeting, scheduled for 13 September 2023.
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EG23.17 Additional
Item - Job Data Snapshot - Presentation by Sandra Gray
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Following discussion
regarding job vacancies and employment data under item EG23.10, the Chair
requested that Ms Sandra Gray be invited to present on the employment data
available to her at the next meeting, scheduled for 13 September 2023.
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Nowra
Bioenergy Project
A
question was raised by Clr Christen regarding whether there are further
opportunities for the disposal of waste with the Nowra Bioenergy Project.
Following
the meeting Council staff sent an invitation to the Group for the Nowra
Bioenergy Project Community Drop-In Information Session, 14 June 2023 and
advised the following for further information:
State Significant DA on
exhibition for review and comment until 15 June 2023.
Description
of project notes: Construction and operation of a bioenergy facility utilising
anaerobic digestion with a capacity to process up to 30,000 tonnes per annum of
food waste and up to 74,400 tonnes per annum of cow manure to generate up to
2.2 megawatts of electricity
Exhibition
material available: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/nowra-bioenergy-project
The
EIS Notes:
· Transport
of cow manure from 18 local dairy farms to the Site
· Transport
of food waste from local sources to the Site
· Transport
of digestate by-product back to participating farms for reuse as biofertilizer,
and to an external third-party fertiliser manufacturer
· The
Project would contribute directly to the goals of the Illawarra REZ through the
investment in bioenergy production and the growth of new low carbon industries
across the region.
· Taking
advantage of opportunities to grow new industries in NSW
Nowra Riverfront
Activation Update
A
question was raised by Mr John Lamont regarding the current status of the Nowra
Riverfront Activation.
Following
this meeting, Council staff advised the following for further information:
Brief
next steps for the current community engagement piece that is being facilitated
by arki_lab (consultants) regarding the Nowra Riverfront Precinct:
· The
arki_lab team are currently analysing the feedback from the community on the
draft vision for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.
· Council
will receive the draft Activation Plan for an internal review in the coming
weeks.
· The
Activation Masterplan will be presented back to the community on Wednesday 2
August 2023.
· The
Nowra Riverfront Advisory Taskforce will then subsequently consider as part of
the broader Activation Plan for the precinct.
There being no further
business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5:21PM.
Mr John Lamont
CHAIRPERSON
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Shoalhaven
Economic Growth & Advocacy Group – Wednesday 18 October 2023
Page
0
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EG23.22 Advocacy
and Growth - Staff Update
HPERM Ref: D23/341003
Department: Tourism
Approver: Carey
McIntyre, Director - City Futures
Reason for Report
The purpose of this report is to provide
the Shoalhaven Economic Growth and Advocacy (SEGA) group with an update on key
projects in the City Futures Directorate.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That
the Shoalhaven Economic Growth and Advocacy Group receive this report for
their information.
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Options
1. Receive this report for
information.
Implications: The SEGA group
will be provided with a high-level overview of key priorities and projects.
2. Request additional information.
Implications: Staff will
provide additional information during the meeting if possible, or later after
further investigation.
Economic Growth Update
Council staff have participated
in, or provided feedback towards the following Economic Development matters:
o Attended and supported the Shoalhaven
Business Awards on 18 August 2023.
o Attended workshops explaining the
Australia-India Trade Agreement
o Attended meetings of the Shoalhaven
Motor Sports Working Group
o Attended workshop for the
Milton/Ulladulla Bypass
o Stakeholder for the development of an
Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Economic Development Strategy.
o Attended the launch of the”
Think Regional” project
o Attended Movement and Place workshop,
hosted by the Greater Cities Commission
o Partnered with Investment NSW to
deliver an Export Workshop on 11 August 2023
o Participated in the Illawarra South
Coast Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce
o Attended Workforce Australia
Providers meetings
o Attended Australian Regional Tourism
Board meetings
o Member of the Nowra Riverfront Action
Taskforce
o Participated in Vincentia Shopping
Village reactivation project discussions
o Member of the Shoalhaven Careers
Advisors Network (SCAN)
o Support of the Shoalhaven Business
Chamber – Business After Hours events
o Support and attend Shoalhaven
Professional Business Association‘s meetings and events
o Organise an attend Illawarra
Shoalhaven Regional Defence Network meetings and events
o Assist with the running of the
Shoalhaven CEO Business Forum
o Attended the launch of the Illawarra
Shoalhaven 10-Year Defence Industry Strategy
o Supported Telstra – Shoalhaven
Connectivity Action Plan
o Supported NSW Government –
Business Connects free health check program
o Attended the launch of an Affordable
Housing report from Business Illawarra
Strategy Reviews
o Initial preparations to review the
Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy
o Council contributed to the
development and recent launch of the
Affordable Housing for key workers in the Illawarra Shoalhaven, led by
Business Illawarra.
o The review of the Shoalhaven Regional
Economic Development Strategy was completed in early 2023, and Council are now
part of a working group to develop a broader Illawarra Shoalhaven Economic
Development Strategy, which is being led by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint
Organisation. The Shoalhaven Regional Economic Development Strategy can be
viewed here.
Defence and Manufacturing
Sector Development
o Shoalhaven Defence Industry and
Manufacturing Round Table
o Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Defence
Network - member of the Steering Committee
Industrial Land Updates
o Ongoing development of Flinders stage
11
o Ongoing development of AATP stage
5
o Ongoing development of Woollamia
stage 5a
Local Business Support
o CEO Business Forum networking event
o Advocacy for businesses affected by
the closure of Pleasant Way, Nowra in relation to the Nowra Bridge Project
Tourism Marketing Snapshot
Research
and Insights:
o Year to date March 2023 figures from
Tourism Research Australia* show a strong visitor spend of $1.432 billion and
total visitors of 3.59 million. The strength of the visitor economy, however,
is predicated on 2022 post-lockdown inflated visitation.
o Future occupancy figures via Localis
Data Company show strong forward bookings for summer, but lower than usual
spring bookings, down around 10% on previous years.
o Offseason visitation remains vital
for the overall health of the economy and is therefore the continued focus of
marketing efforts. Over the last 10 years’ Tourism Research Australia
shows an 85% increase in offseason visitation to Shoalhaven*** attributing to
year-round jobs and a boost to supporting industries.
Marketing
and Promotion:
o The focus of the winter quarter is a
foodie campaign promoting leads to industry via shoalhaven.com/food landing
page via an integrated marketing campaign including: eight publicity famils;
two influencers; social and digital marketing; advertising partnerships such as
Gourmet Traveller and Concrete Playground; and outdoor advertising in Sydney,
inner and north-west shopping centres.
o Additionally, for winter, the Love
Local Campaign was created to support all in Shoalhaven. The premise is to
encourage locals to Shop, Eat, Play, Staycation via local radio, editorial and
social media during the offseason.
o Reporting for the autumn wellness
campaign is underway. Digital advertising returned 1.1 million impressions and
a reach of 420,000 which is more than double targets. Cost per click was
estimated at 50c came in at 14c. All media famil editorial had a combined
circulation of 4.1million across Womens Health, Canberra Times, Sitchu,
Australian Traveller, The Australian and Explore.
o The 2024 Visitor Guide achieved 24
pages of advertising to support production of 80,000 copies. Design and content
is underway and looking good for an early summer release date.
o The team successfully hosted TODAY
Show live weather crosses on 10 August in Kangaroo Valey, promoting the whole
Shoalhaven as well as featuring 8 Kangaroo Valley businesses live on air with
Channel Nine.
Industry
Support:
o A business after hours networking
night at Ponte Bar and Dining on 2 August, partnered with Shoalhaven
Business Chamber was well received with over 100 people attending.
o Shoalhaven towns had incredible
success at the Top Town Awards winning two of the three categories Tiny Town
for Huskisson and Berry for Small Town and achieving Silver for the remaining
category, Top Town, for Ulladulla and bronze for Kangaroo Valley in Tiny Town.
The National Awards are held in Canberra on 14 September.
o A Precinct Marketing Grant of $5,000
was given to both Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and
Shoalhaven Heads Business Chamber.
Digital Marketing Update:
o June 2022 – June 2023 There
were 396,055 total users of shoalhaven.com, of which 395,717 are new users.
This is a 1% growth of users and 1.5% growth of new users compared to last
year. This is lower than the expected 5% growth year on year, likely due to the
large influx of 2022 visitors post-COVID. Further improvements are needed to
enhance the user experience and functionality of the site, and measures have
been put in place with our digital and web team to complete this.
o Social media followers on Instagram
are 41,500 and 59,000 on Facebook, TikTok currently with 300 followers.
o The new Tik Tok channel has reached
13,600 people and had 17,400 video views in the past 3 months. New security
measures and operating procedures have been put in place to manage Tik Tok on
Council devices in line with Cybersecurity NSW guidelines.
o There are 9,805 monthly newsletter
subscribers with a 30.6% open rate.
o 70.7% of total web users are viewing
content on mobile devices, 26% are viewing on a desktop and 3.3% on a tablet
and our content strategies are following these trends.
*Tourism Research Australia
Shoalhaven & Jervis Bay Monitor year to date March
2023.
**Localis Data Company 2019
– 2023
*** Tourism Research Australia
Shoalhaven & Jervis Bay June & Sept quarters 2012 - 2022
Event Update General
o Recruitment of new events team is
nearly complete.
o Total Shoalhaven run Events from
22-23FY = 131*
*This count taken from
internal events calendar run by events team
Event Support
Program (Grants)
o Round
1 of the 2023-24 Tourism Event Support Program closed on 14 July 2023. The
funding program received a total of 19 x Applications.
o The
Events Advisory Committee reviewed applications and made recommendations. The
Tourism Manager approved 11 x successful applications with a council investment
of $68,000 total.
o Australian
Standup Paddleboard Titles – December 2023
o Sussex
Inlet Classic Car Show – March 2024
o Cupitts
Live outdoor Comedy Show – October 2023
o OktoberFest
at SwordFish Brewing – October 2023
o Huskisson
Gin Festival – November 2023
o Buangla
Music & Arts Festival – May 2023
o 2024
NSW Gymnastics State Championships – March 2024
o Brumbies
South Coast 7s Rugby Tournament – March 2024
o NSW
Seniors Master’s PGA Championships – October 2023
o Sand
and Sea Festival – October 2023
o NSW
Open Golf Women’s Regional Qualifier – November 2023
The next round of the Tourism
Event Supports Program will open Jan/Feb 2024.
Upcoming Events 2023
o Kangaroo Valley Beer & BBQ
Festival – 16th and 17th September
o Shoalhaven River Festival – 30th
– 1st October
o NSW State Tour – Beach
Volleyball – 13th and 15th October
o Spring into Sanctuary Point Fair
– 21st October
o Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival –
20th to 22nd October
o Little Husky Triathlon – 4th
and 5th November
o Carols in the Park – 17
December
Grants Updates – Business Community Group
Focus
Innovate with NBN Grants
Program – Regional Australia Institute & NBN
Applications Close on 29
September 2023.
This opportunity has been shared
with local business chambers.
Grants up to $15,000 are
available to digital businesses in regional and remote Australia who live
and breathe technology and are:
o Harnessing the benefits of the nbn network
to enable regional Australians to live, learn and work in a digital
society.
o Innovative digital businesses
challenging traditional markets in regional Australia.
o Businesses who are lifting digital
participation and stimulating regional economies.
o Champions of digital adoption for
regional and remote communities.
As the organisation behind
Australia’s digital backbone, NBN decided to develop the Innovate
with nbn Grants Program in partnership with the Regional
Australia Institute (RAI). Now in its fourth year, the program will again
recognise and showcase regional and remote businesses.
More information and access to
guidelines are located here.
Women Leaders in Sport
– Australian Sports Commission
® Applications close
Sunday 17 September
Grants up to $15,000 to
support leadership initiatives.
To help achieve more leaders in
sport and business, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) established the
Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program which to date has supported more than 26,000
women and more than 800 sport organisations to develop future leaders. The ASC
manages the WLIS program through the support of the Office for Women who have a
vested interest in this space. There are FOUR streams for applications
including:
o Executive Program
o Leadership Workshops
o Individual Grants
o Organisation Grants
More information and access to
guidelines are located here.
Animal Foundation Grants
Program – Petstock
® Applications – No
Closing Date
Grants available between
$10,000 and $30,000
Supports organisations or
projects that create long-term change and care for animals or help rehabilitate
those in need. The Petstock Foundation grant program seeks to leave
organisations and communities stronger than they found them. The Foundation
supports businesses that align with their vision and purpose.
Which
projects do we fund?
o Projects that support pets through
rescue, rehabilitation and/and rehoming initiatives
o Projects that support
organisations that require assistance with companion animal projects and
disaster assistance
o Will help raise AWARENESS
about rescue pets, animal health and the impact of animals on human happiness
and health.
The majority of funding is
allocated to locally based, grassroots organisations that are best placed to
make a real difference but have limited resources and often struggle to find
funding.
More information and access to
guidelines are located here.
Visitor Information
Services
During the last few months at
the Nowra and Ulladulla visitor centres we have seen a steady influx of
caravaners filling our holiday parks staying for extended periods, as well as
couples looking for a fun overnight getaway. Enquiries have centred around
attractions and experiences to fully enjoy the beautiful winter weather as well
as great places to grab a bite to eat and a tasty beverage.
The Visitor Services team have
been out on the road recently visiting Northern Shoalhaven businesses and
attractions as well as attended the Tourism after-hours networking event at Ponte
Bar and Dining.
The management team is planning
the 23/24 FY with focus of the month being the implementation of the e-commerce
project, visitor services business plan and strategies for the ambassador and
familiarisation programs.
Staff Updates
Updates to staff changes in
Economic Development and Tourism
· Emelie
Einarsson and Lindsay Conway continue to job share the Visitors
Centre Manager role
· Greg
Winchester has resigned as Event Liaison Officer
· Renee
Wenban has started on 23/08/2023 as Event Liaison Officer
· Recruitment
is underway for the Business and Events Coordinator position
