business development and major projects …

AGENDA

_________________________________________________________________________________Business Development And Major Projects Committee - 19 January 2015 -

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR PROJECTS COMMITTEE MEETING OF GRIFFITH CITY COUNCIL TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL

CHAMBERS, GRIFFITH ON 19 JANUARY 2015 AT 5.30 PM

CL01 Apologies

CL02 Confirmation of Minutes

CL03 Business Arising

3.1 Business and Planning Forum 19 February Exies from 4.30 - 6pm

CL04 Declarations of Interest

CL05 p 07 Presentation by Col Rees - Freight Terminal

CL06 p 08 Resignation of Committee Member, Damian Bell

CL07 p 10 Support for Inland Rail Food Bowl Alignment

CL08 p 25 Correspondence for Minister for Communications

CL09 p 28 Action Report

CL10 General Business

CL11 Next Meeting

DISTRIBUTION LISTCouncillor John Dal Broi (Chair), Councillor Anne Napoli, Councillor Paul Rossetto, Councillor Christine Stead, (Councillor Leon Thorpe - Alternate), Damien Bell (Community), Paul Snaidero (Community), Peter Bonaventura (Stakeholder), Steven Murray (Stakeholder), Paul Pierotti (Stakeholder), Allan Bennett (Community alternate), Marilyn Green (Community alternate) , General Manager, Brett Stonestreet; Director Sustainable Development, Neil Southorn; Manager Tourism & Economic Development, Greg Lawrence; Tourism & Economic Development Officer, Nicola James, Principal Planner Urban Design and Strategic Planning, Peter Badenhorst; Minute Secretary, Leanne AustinQuorum = 5

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Development and Major Projects Committee - Agenda - 19 January 2015 - Page 1

MINUTES

_________________________________________________________________________________Business Development And Major Projects Committee - 24 November 2014 - Page 1

MINUTES OF THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR PROJECTS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, GRIFFITH ON

24 NOVEMBER 2014 COMMENCING AT 5.30 PM

PRESENTCouncillor John Dal Broi (Chair), Councillor Anne Napoli, Councillor Paul Rossetto,

Councillor Christine Stead, Councillor Leon Thorpe - Alternate, Paul Snaidero (Community), Peter Bonaventura (Stakeholder), Paul Pierotti (Stakeholder), Damien Bell

(Community)

STAFF PRESENTGeneral Manager, Brett Stonestreet; Director Sustainable Development, Neil Southorn;

Tourism & Economic Development Officer, Nicola James and Minute Secretary,Leanne Austin Quorum = 5

CL01 APOLOGIES

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillor Thorpe and Peter Bonaventura that apologies be received from Steven Murray and Manager Tourism & Economic Development, Greg Lawrence.

CL02 CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillor Thorpe and Peter Bonaventura that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 September 2014, having first been circulated amongst members, be confirmed.

CL03 BUSINESS ARISING

3.1 Proposed Project - Development of Lake Coolah Water Storage

Councillor Napoli requested an update on this initiative. Councillor Dal Broi advised he had met with The Hon. Barnaby Joyce, Minister for Agriculture, who indicated he would support this project in principle. Councillor Dal Broi advised that the NSW Irrigators Council had also met recently but have not indicated support for this project as yet. There is still a lot of work to be done and the three Councils are working well together on this project.

______________________________________________________________________________________________Business Development and Major Projects Committee - Agenda - 19 January 2015 -

MINUTES


3.2 Revised Terms of Reference Development Review Panel

Mr Southorn advised that Council had considered the revised terms of reference at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held 14 October 2014. Council adopted the recommendation that the terms of reference be adopted, set a threshold of $500,000 in relation to value of development that applies and set a fee for this service as listed in the SMT comment to the previous minutes.

Councillor Stead entered the Chamber the time being 5.33 pm.

3.3 Heavy Vehicle Strategy Funding Proposal

Mr Southorn advised that Council has made two funding applications with a third application currently in preparation.

3.4 Council Amalgamations

Mr Bonaventura requested an update on Council amalgamations. Councillor Dal Broi advised that RAMROC put in a submission for a pilot scheme as a Joint Organisation but were not successful. Mr Stonestreet advised five pilot projects were being established with the Eastern Riverina being successful in their application. The pilot project will take place over a 12 month trial period then Joint Organisations will be rolled out.

CL04 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Nil.

CL05 ADOPTION OF TOURISM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2014 PLAN AND KPIs

Ms James advised that the Tourism Economic Development Plan was initially developed two years ago, linking in with state and regional plans and relevant to funding that may become available. Statistics have been updated and the document reviewed.

Mr Bonaventura enquired what the priority projects were. Ms James advised the Hermits Cave signage and seating has been completed. More funding is required to make the Citrus Sculptures and Festival of Gardens more sustainable. Other projects such as the intermodal logistics hub and higher education partnerships remain important priorities also. Visitor economy encompasses all day visits not just tourists on holidays. Council is positioning itself to attract businesses.

Councillor Rossetto enquired if the documents have given consideration to the impact of the private hospital. Council also needs to be able to attract retirees as this is a growing demographic. Ms James advised staff have prepared a package for people wanting to relocate/set up businesses.

Damien Bell, Paul Pierotti and Vince Staltare entered the meeting the time being 5:43 pm.

Mr Bonaventura enquired if any funding was available for improving signage and town entrances.Mr Southorn advised this is not listed in the current budget however this will be considered in future budget deliberations.


MINUTES


Mr Bell stated that the KPIs are very extensive and perhaps overly ambitious. Ms James responded that the KPIs have been set by staff and are a goal to work towards but also provide substance for funding applications. Mr Snaidero suggested that more tangible, relevant goals be determined.

Mr Southorn advised that the documents are prioritising efforts which are likely to stimulate population growth. This could then lead to job creation, create opportunities for people to move to Griffith and opportunities for residents.

Councillor Stead questioned the Growing Events section which listed La Festa and the Citrus Sculptures, suggesting that the Salami Festival be added also. Ms James clarified that the events were specified due to funding opportunities. Mr Pierotti suggested that there is an opportunity to expand the Salami Day event by incorporating other activities such as a beer festival as participants are already here.

Councillor Napoli left the meeting the time being 5:56 pm.

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillors Napoli and Rossetto that the Tourism Economic Development Plan 2014 and KPIs be adopted.

CL06 REQUEST TO ADDRESS COMMITTEE BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC, MR VINCE STALTARE

Mr Vince Staltare addressed the Committee the time being 5:58 pm.

Mr Staltare advised he engaged a consultant to submit a development application with Council and is having some difficulty with certain requirements. Mr Staltare requested that the Committee meet with developers to discuss issues developers are experiencing.

Councillor Dal Broi advised a meeting with developers could be convened in order to convey some of the changes the Committee has instigated recently and also to discuss any concerns or issues developers may have. Councillor Dal Broi acknowledged Council has made some effective changes but there could be more we can do.

Mr Stonestreet welcomed positive, constructive criticism advising that developers need to let Council know what the problems are and whether internal policies or processes can be improved.Council staff are working on economic development processes and being proactive in this area.A host of programs have been successfully implemented and this needs to be communicated.

Mr Pierotti stated there has been significant change recently. The Business Chamber has had similar feedback however it is somewhat difficult to communicate to developers and attendance at meetings has been disappointing. Mr Pierotti suggested holding a forum with the objective of creating a positive outcome and instilling confidence in developers. Developers need to know there is a significant change in attitude, for example, pre lodgement meetings are incredibly helpful before you start committing financially. Mr Pierotti stated the business community needs to look to Council for assistance earlier in the process and this needs to be better communicated.

Mr Staltare left the meeting the time being 6:18 pm.

Mr Southorn advised the Committee could further review the Engineering Guidelines. Consideration also needs to be given to the Access Code. The Pre-lodgement process is important and staff are happy to help come up with ideas to assist developers.


MINUTES


Mr Snaidero stated that a lot of policy is based on guidelines not legislation and questioned if Council could review this. Mr Southorn responded that it depends on how far a Council is willing to depart from guidelines and Council needs to support its staff should it make that decision.

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillors Rossetto and Stead that a Developers forum for existing and new developers be held with the purpose of exchanging information and issues.

Councillor Rossetto stated that an effective communication strategy needs to be implemented to ensure developers are engaged and that developers could be asked for feedback as to what form of communication they prefer.

CL07 PLANNING SESSION FOR 2015 AGENDA TOPICS IN MEETING COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES

Mr Pierotti commented that the Committee should focus on visionary concepts that will produce results, identifying where there are opportunities, strengths and weaknesses. Community confidence will come from action and results. Need planning, vision and improved communication with the community.

Mr Bonaventura stated that water security is a key strategy in boosting confidence levels.

Mr Pierotti advised the Business Chamber had met with The Hon. Adrian Piccoli in relation to the Chamber's top five priorities, the first of which is water security. Economic development is a regional concern. Communication between our Member, Mr Piccoli and our community could improve.

Councillor Dal Broi advised the Coleambally Mill is closing due to lack of water security and that the guidelines for carry over need to be investigated.

Mr Pierotti suggested meeting with the Minister for Local Government/Regional Development to develop strategies for achievable results and accountability measures.

Councillor Dal Broi expressed his concern with power issues/infrastructure constraints to development.

Mr Pierotti advised there are opportunities available in relation to transferable water. The Committee needs to be proactive in attracting new businesses.

Councillor Rossetto advised that the free trade agreement with China will have an impact on the nut industry and that this information needs to be communicated to the community.

Mr Southorn advised a communication strategy is required with the development industry. Council's role is to introduce and facilitate discussion and lobby.

Councillor Rossetto suggested an option to address the lack of local WIN TV coverage could be to establish a Griffith YouTube channel. Ms James advised Wagga has an on line TV project running. A meeting could be organised to provide ideas and strategic focus.

Mr Bonaventura raised the issue of the availability of Crown land for housing. Mr Southorn stated that there needs to be enough land in a diversity of locations for people to have a choice.

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Development and Major Projects Committee - Agenda - 19 January 2015 -

MINUTES


CL08 ACTION REPORT

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillors Thorpe and Rossetto that the Action Report be noted.

CL09 GENERAL BUSINESS

9.1 Promotion of Local Wine Industry

Mr Snaidero advised of a recent trade exhibition held in Shanghai for exporters and suggested discussion be held with local wineries to determine how we can help promote the local wine industry. Councillor Dal Broi advised the free trade agreement with China would help open up trade. Ms James advised that Austrade had held a workshop recently in relation to exporting however forums have generally been poorly attended. Ms James suggested arranging a meeting with the Committee.

9.2 Relocation Grant Funding

Ms James advised of recent changes to the NSW relocation grant funding which will cease on 30 November 2014. The skilled regional relocation grant will continue. This grant provides a payment of $10,000 if you relocate from metropolitan centre and stay a minimum of 2 years.

9.3 Population Statistics

Mr Southorn advised Council is working with the Bureau of Statistics in relation to data, specifically the number of dwellings in Griffith. This may have a positive impact on population statistics.

CL10 NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Development and Major Projects Committee is to be held on 19 January, 2014.

There being no further business the meeting closed the time being 6:59 pm.

0430RESOLVED on the motion of Councillors Rossetto and Napoli that the minutes of the Business Development & Major Projects Committee Meeting held on 24 November 2014, having first been circulated amongst members, be adopted.


_________________________________________________________________________________CL05 - Business Development And Major Projects Committee - 19 January 2015 - Page 1

GRIFFITH CITY COUNCILREPORT

CL05SUBJECT: PRESENTATION BY COL REES - FREIGHT TERMINAL FROM: Nicola James, Economic Development Coordinator

SUMMARY

All Councillors have been invited to attend a presentation by Col Rees in relation to the freight terminal.

RECOMMENDATION

For the information of the Committee.

BACKGROUND



GRIFFITH CITY COUNCILREPORT

CL06SUBJECT: RESIGNATION OF COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR DAMIAN BELL FROM: Brett Stonestreet, General Manager

SUMMARY

Council has received notification of Mr Damian Bell's resignation from the Committee (attached).

RECOMMENDATION

(a) Council accept the resignation of Mr Damian Bell from the Committee and a letter of thanks for his participation be forwarded to him.

(b) Council advertise for nominations for a replacement Community Representative to the Business Development and Major Projects Committee.

BACKGROUND

Council has received an email from Mr Damian Bell advising he is resigning from the Committee due to his relocation to Queensland.

The current Terms of Reference for the Business Development and Major Projects Committee includes:1 Mayor3 Councillors (Crs Napoli, Rossetto, Stead, Thorpe - alternate)2 Community Representatives (Damian Bell, Paul Snaidero) Alternates are Allan Bennett and Marilyn Green 3 Representatives of the business community (Peter Bonaventura, Steven Murray, Paul Pierotti).

ATTACHMENTS

(a) Email from Damian Bell dated 18 December 2014



(a) Email from Damian Bell dated 18 December 2014

From: Damian Bell <[email protected]>To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, Cc: Leanne Austin <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, Neil Southorn <[email protected]>, Brett Stonestreet <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, Nicola James <[email protected]>Date: 18/12/2014 09:06 AMSubject: RE: Business Development and Major Projects Committee - Proposed Committee Dates 2015

Dear Mr Mayor,

I wish to advise of my resignation from the Griffith City Council Business Development and Major Projects Committee.

I am relocating to Queensland early next year and will not be able to fulfil by duties as a committee member.

I hope to have the opportunity to catch up before I leave.

Kind regardsDamian Bell

Damian Bell | Executive CounselCappello Rowe Lawyers

www.cappellorowe.com.auTelephone | + 61 2 6962 3433 Fax | + 61 2 6962 1319

This email contains confidential and privileged information intended only for the use of the abovenamed recipient. Any other recipient is requested to notify us immediately by telephone. Solicitor/client legal profession privilege attaches to this transmission. That privilege will not be waived,

lost or destroyed by reason of a mistaken transmission.



CL07

FOOD BOWLALIGNMENT Inland Rail

The Food Bowl Inland Rail Alliance


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Urgent need to reconsider the Inland Rail route alignment

Melbourne - Brisbane Inland Rail is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the movement of goods in eastern Australia, not only to consumers within the major capital cities, but growing export markets around the globe.

Whilst strongly supportive of the Inland Rail project, the Food Bowl Inland Rail Alliance (FBIRA) is adamant that the selection of the Albury-Wagga route is flawed because the 2010 study options evaluation was based on capital cost and travel times only.

In 2009, potential Inland Rail route alignments were considered by consultants advising the ARTC culminating in the 2010 Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Alignment Study. That study did not adequately consider:

- the massive rail-contestable export demand from the Food Bowl region, including the greater opportunity for competition between export gateways.

- improvement to national freight network reliability and resilience and provide greater security of logistics chains.

- the benefits that the creation of a true network will create for the freight rail industry.

- reduced operating costs through shorter route length and transit times, and lesser gradients and curvatures.

- the opportunities to maximise the use of existing intermodal and rail corridor infrastructure.

- the wider externality benefits that will be derived through attracting more freight from the Food Bowl to rail, in particular reduced road damage costs borne by local government.

We believe our submission clearly demonstrates the strategic benefits that should be evaluated further before Ministerial sign-off on the project. Further analysis of the route options should be undertaken and should include:

- Broadening route selection criteria to encompass the commercial and economic upside available to the project through harnessing regional export demand.

- Industry stakeholder engagement, supply chain analysis and agricultural production forecasts.

- Further assessment of the capital costs required to construct the Food Bowl Route and consider value engineering of this option.

We request that the Minister defer his decision on the Melbourne to Parkes alignment of Inland Rail until further options analysis is undertaken. This will not negatively impact the timing of construction of the Parkes to Moree and Moree to Brisbane sections of Inland Rail which we believe should proceed as soon as practicable.


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The Food Bowl Inland Rail Alliance (FBIRA) represents the local governments of Mitchell, Greater Shepparton and Moira in Victoria, and Berrigan, Jerilderie, Urana, Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera in NSW. The Alliance has been formed with the sole aim of ensuring the Australian Government gives proper consideration to routing the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project through one of Australia’s most economically diverse regions.

The region covered by the FBIRA is home to a broad range of agricultural commodities produced and processed for consumption in both domestic and international markets. With growth since the initial Inland Rail alignment studies much stronger than forecast, the region’s export potential is set to boom driven by the recent free trade agreement with China and the growing middle class in our Asian trading partners. The region has also seen massive private sector investment in value adding industries in the regional centres of Seymour, Shepparton, Griffith, Tocumwal, Leeton and Narrandera.

The Food Bowl Route is essential for unlocking the economic prosperity in Australia’s agricultural powerhouse. The Australian Government must defer a decision on the preferred alignment for Inland Rail and undertake further route options assessment.

In making this submission, the FBIRA has consulted industry widely across the nine local governments represented as well as neighbouring municipalities and the Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland Governments and the Port of Brisbane Corporation. The FBIRA is strongly supported by the extensive network of producers, value adding processors and suppliers within the region.

The Food Bowl Inland Rail Alliance


5

Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail has rightly been championed by the Australian Government as a key piece of national infrastructure. This project will dramatically increase the efficiency and productivity of Australia’s freight rail industry resulting in a more competitive inter-capital freight transport market.

However Inland Rail can be much more. If the Food Bowl Route alignment is built, the project can also unlock unprecedented economic growth and productivity gains through Australia’s major agricultural heartlands, well beyond the inter-capital demands. With more detailed options analysis and foresight we can link some of our most innovative and diverse regional producers with domestic markets in our burgeoning cities, as well as the massive export market potential in Asia and beyond.

Inland Rail has the potential to deliver unprecedented economic growth and productivity gains through Australia’s major agricultural heartlands, well beyond the inter-capital freight markets. Whilst strongly supportive of the Inland Rail project, FBIRA believes that the Australian Government should undertake more detailed route options analysis to assess the considerable benefits that an alignment through the Food Bowl will bring to the project.

A project of national significance

The ARTC’s 2010 Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Alignment Study recommended a route through southern NSW via Albury, Wagga Wagga, Junee and Cootamundra. Selection of the route was based solely on capital cost and journey time between Melbourne and Brisbane.

The FBIRA supports a more westerly alignment, passing through Shepparton, Tocumwal, Jerilderie, and Narrandera. We believe this “Food Bowl Route” will:

- provide greater opportunities for access to agricultural export markets, particularly through rail connection to the Port of Brisbane, as well as the Port of Melbourne, Port Botany and Port Kembla.

- improve national freight network reliability and resilience and provide greater security of logistics chains.

- reduce operating and maintenance costs through shorter route length and transit times, and lesser gradients and curvatures.

- maximise the use of existing intermodal and rail corridor infrastructure.

- minimise externalities from road freight, particularly road damage costs borne by local government.

- broaden the commercial agricultural opportunities between the states.

The Food Bowl route benefits


6

Dairy – The region produces over 20% of Australia’s dairy output, contributing approximately $4.3 billion to Australian GDP and directly employing around 10,000 people.

Grain – In 2012-13 the region produced $3.8 billion in broad acre crops—over 20% of Australia’s total supply. Substantial volumes of feed are also imported into the region.

Livestock – Production within the region was valued at almost $1.5 billion in 2012-13. This growth will continue in line with the expanding Asian middle classes and recent free trade agreements. The Riverina Beef processing plant near Leeton process 30-40 refrigerated containers of beef per week.

Wine – The Food Bowl is home to major producers De Bortoli Wines, McWilliams and Casella Wines. Casella Wines is responsible for 27% of Australian bottled table wine exports, including over 12.5 million cases per annum of the iconic Yellow Tail brand to 50 countries.

Cotton – Production around Griffith and Leeton has expanded rapidly with the value of exports from southern NSW reaching around $150 million in 2012-13.

Fruit and Vegetables – In 2012-13 the region produced around 45% of Australia’s fruits. Vegetable production is worth over $400 million for the region. Citrus production is Australia’s largest fresh fruit export, with the Riverina producing 180,000 to 200,000 tonnes annually worth $98 million. The Berri juice factory at Leeton processes 70,000 tonnes of citrus fruit annually.

Rice – Rice production in Australia is located almost exclusively within the Food Bowl region, with 1,500 growers producing up to 1 million tonnes and generating annual revenues over $800 million. SunRice employs over 2,000 people and exports to over 60 countries.

Tree Nuts – The value of almonds and walnuts grown in the region is over $1.2 billion annually and is expected to grow by over 30% to 2025 with exports accounting for 75% of production.

Timber – Grants Sawmilling in Narrandera produces flooring, cladding and structural timber and exports to Japan.

Fertilisers – The back-haul transport of fertiliser is intrinsically linked with agricultural production and poses a significant opportunity for freight rail.

Unlocking economic prosperity in Australia’s agricultural powerhouse

The Food Bowl region is home to almost 175,000 residents and produces over $10 billion of the nation’s agricultural produce. This represents a 50% increase in the value of production since the Inland Rail study was undertaken in 2009. With some industries exporting up to 80% of their production, local producers and processors rely on efficient transport options between farm, plant and port.

The variations in geographic and climatic conditions across the Food Bowl, coupled with extensive irrigation infrastructure, means the region is home to a vast array of primary produce. As the region continues to evolve, producers are adapting and diversifying into new crops.


7

This snapshot of the region demonstrates phenomenal recent growth, well above the assumed annual growth rate of 2.2% assumed as part of the 2010 ARTC study. Increasing exports to Asia have played a key role in this growth. Further growth is expected with the recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed with Korea, Japan and China expected to boost demand for Australian produce. In particular, Dairy, Livestock, Wine and Cotton exports are expected to boom with tariff reductions under the China Free Trade Agreement of between 15 and 25% for these commodities.

The clear potential for export growth will underpin increased demand for landside freight access to efficient and competitive ports, with Melbourne and Brisbane ideally located for export supply chains from the Food Bowl Region. Increasing food production requires efficient supply chain infrastructure that both delivers our products to domestic and international markets and brings in essential inputs such as fertilisers, fuel and packaging.

The 2010 ARTC study was dismissive of network benefit driven demand from the NSW Riverina determining that it was insignificant relative to other flows. However, the Food Bowl Region already generates nearly 70,000 containers of intermodal freight per annum destined for the Port of Melbourne, despite the inadequate rail infrastructure.

Deniliquin – 15,000 containers per year of rice with services 6 days/week.

Tocumwal – 10,000 containers per year of hay, grain, rice, cottonseed and dairy running 3 days/week.

Mooroopna – 3,000 containers per year of cottonseed attached to the Tocumwal train.

Griffith/Leeton – 40,000 containers per year of grain, rice, wine, grapes running 5 days/week.

There are currently 25 active grain receival sites within the Food Bowl Region owned and operated by numerous enterprises. Many of these terminals will take advantage of gauge standardisation and access to alternative export ports at Geelong, Melbourne and Kembla.

An Inland Rail alignment via the Food Bowl Route will further increase rail modeshare from the region by:

- reducing operating costs.

- inducing more frequent services.

- providing real competition between the export gateways.

- optimising supply chains for products destined for domestic markets in Brisbane and Sydney.

- capturing commercial agricultural trade importunities between the Goulburn Valley, Riverina and Darling Downs. Such opportunities include livestock and feedstock movements across borders depending on seasons and gypsum transported north.

Capturing regional demand

The diversity and sheer volume of commodities produced in the Food Bowl leads to year-round freight transport demand which, coupled with the distances to our capital cities and export gateways, is ideally suited to an efficient intermodal rail system. The Australian Government has the opportunity now to select an alignment that best captures the huge contestable volumes available through the Food Bowl Route.


8

Walnuts Australia – $11 million processing plant in Leeton

Casella Wines – considering a second processing line, doubling capacity at their Yenda facility

Casella Wines has also formed the Australian Beer Company in a joint venture with CC Amatil, with production expected to exceed 500,000 hectolitres (15% of Australia’s beer market) at their Leeton brewery

Since purchasing Riverina Beef plant and feedlot in 2010, JBS Australia has added a 600 per day processing capacity that is fed purely by the adjoining feedlot that has a carrying capacity of 53,333 head

Agri Australis – $70 million investment in a 1 million tree hazelnut plantation in Narrandera creating 34-full time jobs. The company is also investigating development of a processing plant for value adding

Campbell’s Soup – $5 million in new plant, securing 250 full-time jobs in Lemnos

Coca-Cola Amatil – $78 million invested in Shepparton cannery

Pactum Dairy Industries – $40 million in an export focussed UHT facility with 52 extra full time jobs

GrainCorp Oilseeds – $35 million upgrade to its processing facility at Numurkah

Australian Meat Group – $50 million to revitalise the Deniliquin meat processing facility, generating 450 jobs

Tatura Milk Industries – $7.8 million expansion of facilities at Australia’s largest domestically-owned infant milk formula producer

Pental Soaps – the makers of White King cleaning products – relocating their Port Melbourne production to Shepparton along with 100 additional jobs


CASE STUDY

Casella Wines

Casella Wines, producer of the global wine label Yellow Tail, is based just outside of Griffith. Their extensive premises are responsible for processing 160,000 tonnes of Australia’s best wine grapes annually to produce around 12.5 million cases of wine for distribution across 50 countries. The current production line is capable of bottling, boxing and palletising 36,000 bottles per hour. Two more production lines are being considered which would increase capacity to 65,000 bottles per hour.

This huge production volume feeds a growing export demand, with exports accounting for 85% of the $344 million annual revenue reported in 2013. Casella Wines is responsible for 27% of Australian bottled table wine exports. This results in almost 13,000 TEU being shipped by rail annually from the Griffith Intermodal Terminal to the Port of Melbourne for exports. The single rail route to the Port of Melbourne reduces the fragility of the supply chain and leaves the company reliant on road transport for most of its freight movements.

Empty bottles are delivered by truck from Adelaide, while the company receives 10% of Australia’s grape production from both local and Australia wide sources via road freight movements. This places extensive pressure on the local road system as well as imposing safety burdens on local communities. An inland rail option within the region would increase transport options for the region, reduce the impact of heavy vehicles on the local communities and allow businesses to benefit from competition across ports.

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Private Sector Investment in the Food Bowl

Businesses in the region are investing heavily to ensure the Food Bowl meets the growing world demand for top quality food and agricultural products. This investment will deliver real income and employment growth to the region.

Food manufacturing and processing industries have developed around the local agricultural bounty, creating value added products including dairy, meat, processed nuts, oils, wines and milled grains for export and domestic consumption.

Over the past five years, the private sector has demonstrated its confidence in the bright future of the Food Bowl by investing over $1.0 billion in food processing and other manufacturing.

The Food Bowl is a hub for processing product from other regions, driving demand for packaging materials, processing consumables, and specialised plant and equipment. There are considerable economic flow-on effects for supporting industries such as mechanical and construction services.


10

Enhancing our national freight network

The strategic advantages of the Food Bowl Route to the Inland Rail project can be summarised in four key points:

- it maximises regional rail freight demand potential, without compromising inter-capital demand.

- it will transform Australia’s interstate rail system into a true network, providing substantial reliability and resilience benefits to all east coast rail customers.

- it makes productive use of existing underutilised or abandoned rail corridors and intermodal terminals.

- it will reduce operating costs through shorter route length and transit times, and lesser gradients and curvatures.

Maximising opportunity for rail freight

Customer demand preferences mean that interstate freight rail between Melbourne and Brisbane is dominated by high demand for peak train paths and almost zero off-peak demand. Every rail operator competes for train paths that leave Melbourne after 6pm to arrive in Brisbane in the morning three days later and vice versa. Although this is a competitive market, it is very inefficient.

By tapping into the huge export potential along the Food Bowl Route, rail operators can schedule additional services destined for export gateways in the off-peak periods. The Food Bowl offers the consistent volumes, distances and scale needed by freight rail to be commercially and economically viable.

Similarly, packaging and other inputs into the Food Bowl’s processing centres will open opportunities for intermodal freight from across the country including Adelaide and Perth via the network intersection at Parkes.

This will not only better utilise the railway, it will also provide greater revenue streams through access charges.

For the Food Bowl’s producers and manufacturers, the Food Bowl Route will provide greater competition and lower prices for land transport making our produce more competitive in international markets. Similarly, it opens up the opportunity for true competition between the east-coast ports.

“The Melbourne—Brisbane Inland Rail Project is a unique opportunity to get the right infrastructure in place to generate regional growth and wealth for Australia.

This is not just about updating the present railway system based on what we’re doing today; it is a nation building project that requires long term vision for what we want to be doing tomorrow.

Our objective here should be to increase productivity, lower the cost of doing business and give future generations the ability to compete by exporting into an increasingly competitive world. We need to let that guide our decision making rather than assessing route alignment solely on least cost or narrow engineering criteria that are really only about making our system ‘fit for today’.

If we get that vision right, then we will be able to open up new opportunities and keep growing the economic pie. If we don’t, then we’ve missed the point in doing such a project and future generations will judge it a costly failure.”

Col Rees, 40 year freight rail industry veteran and owner of the Ettamogah Rail Hub

Better use of existing infrastructure

Rail cannot operate in isolation. It relies on complementary investment in road and intermodal hubs to provide the connections to the farm gate. With existing intermodal terminals located at Griffith, Leeton, Tocumwal and Deniliquin, and a proposed facility at Mooroopna, the Food Bowl is well serviced with infrastructure that will complement Inland Rail.

Easements already exists for much of the Food Bowl Route alignment, with entirely new track construction only required between Finley and Jerilderie, and potentially Narrandera and north of Caragabal.


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Reduced operating costs

The Food Bowl Route will reduce operating costs through shorter route length and transit times, and lesser gradients and curvatures.

Converting the Mangalore to Tocumwal line to standard gauge will provide significant operating benefits to the rail industry. With all of Victoria’s North East converted to standard gauge, rail freight operators will be able to move rolling stock quickly and efficiently between lines, reducing costs and providing superior levels of service to customers.

Creating a national freight rail network

For the freight industry, reliability is often more important then transit time and cost. The lack of alternative routes on the rail line, because it is not a true network but just a chain of single lines between cities, means that the interstate railway has little resilience when there is an incident and long delays are not unusual. Consequently, derailments or breakdowns on the interstate network are often cited by freight forwarders and cargo owners as a reason for selecting road over rail.

The Food Bowl Route provides resilience in the network: if an incident occurs on one route between Mangalore and Parkes, trains can be rerouted via the other. This flexibility also makes scheduling and delivery of maintenance works less time sensitive.

Longer term, the Food Bowl Route will be an enabler for further national freight network enhancements including re-instating the Hillston–Roto rail line. The Hillston Roto link will provide an alternative connection between the Inland Rail and the main East West line through to Broken Hill and the west.



CL08

ACTION REPORT

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Date of Meeting Agenda Item Action Action Officer Comment

24 November 2014

Adoption of Tourism Economic Development 2014 Plan and KPIs

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillors Napoli and Rossetto that the Tourism Economic Development Plan 2014 and KPIs be adopted.

Greg Lawrence Adopted by Council at the meeting of the 9 December.

24 November 2014

Request to Address Committee by Member of the Public, Mr Vince Staltare

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillors Rossetto and Stead that a Developers forum for existing and new developers be held with the purpose of exchanging information and issues.

Neil Southorn Letter sent to participants advising them to keep the date free for February. Date scheduled at the Exies for Thursday 19 February from 4:30-6pm.

24 November 2014

Planning Session for 2015 Agenda Topics in Meeting Council and Community Objectives

Planning, vision andimproved communicationwith the community.

Water security Meeting with the Minister

for LocalGovernment/RegionalDevelopment to developstrategies for achievableresults and accountabilitymeasures.

Powerissues/infrastructureconstraints todevelopment.

Investigate opportunities

Various Improved communication is ongoing. Communication Strategy to be developed in conjunction with Strategic Planning and Communications.

A customer service review is being conducted including customer surveys. This will form the basis of our improved communication strategy with the community.

Strategy will need to be developed in conjunction with the BDMP Committee in relation to the Meeting with the Minister for Local Government / Regional Development – timing important with an election approaching soon.

Held discussions with Adam Drummond,


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re transferable water. Communication strategy

is required with the development industry. Council's role is to introduce and facilitate discussion and lobby.

Address the lack of local WIN TV coverage could be to establish a Griffith YouTube channel. Ms James advised Wagga has an on line TV project running. A meeting could be organised to provide ideas and strategic focus.

Investigate availability of Crown land for housing.

Wagga Wagga’s First Online TV. Costs to have Adam present to the Committee are prohibitive.

Griffith could replicate their own YouTube channel in partnership with Win TV and Communications to develop a library of interviews. Communications could also develop their own sound bites after Council meetings and special events and upload to facebook – referred top Communications department.

24 November 2014

Promotion of Local Wine Industry

Ms James advised that Austrade had held a workshop recently in relation to exporting however forums have generally been poorly attended. Ms James suggested arranging a meeting with the Committee.

Nicola James Meeting scheduled for Wayne Murphy to present to the Committee in March.

15 September 2014

CBD Strategy Workshop

The CBD Strategy is to be presented to the Committee in more detail at a Committee Workshop to be held in the next few weeks.

Nathan Farnell Completed – Meeting held 28 October 2014 in the Murray Room.


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15 September 2014

Cost-Benefit Analysis of NBN

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Paul Pierotti and Councillor Rossetto that Council make representation to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull, with a view to connecting the Central Business District including educational facilities and health facilities to the NBN as a matter of urgency.

Greg Lawrence Letter sent to the Minister.

15 September 2014

Proposed Project - Development of Lake Coolah Water Storage

Councillor Dal Broi requested that the Committee consider submissions to the review of the water sharing plan and review of the Water Act at the next Business Development and Major Projects Committee meeting.

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Councillor Napoli and Peter Bonaventura that Council request Leeton and Narrandera Shire Councils provide copies of relevant documents on the Lake Coolah project for review.

Neil Southorn Letter drafted and sent on. Council actively supporting project.

15 September Revised Terms of RECOMMENDED on the Neil Southorn Terms of Reference adopted by Council.


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2014 Reference - Development Review Panel

motion of Steven Murray and Damien Bell that:

(a) The Terms of Reference for a Griffith Development Review Panel attached to this report be adopted by Council. (b) Council advertise for members of the Panel.

Advertising will occur after holiday period.

15 September 2014

Requirement to Confirm the Availability of Services for New Development

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Peter Bonaventura and Steven Murray that Council rescind adoption of the recommendation of the Business Development and Major Projects Committee of 20 January 2014 regarding documentary evidence of the availability of utility services, because Clause 7.10 of GLEP2014 now applies. RECOMMENDED by Steven Murray and Councillor Napoli that in regard to development assessment documentary evidence from a gas supplier and or telecommunications supplier that satisfactory arrangements have been made for the provision of these services not be

Neil Southorn Recommendation adopted by Council. No further action required.


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required, except in the case of a development application for the subdivision of land where a dwelling entitlement is to be created, a development application in this instance shall clearly state if service from a gas supplier and or telecommunications supplier is to be provided.

28 July 2014 Western Riverina Intermodal & Logistics Freight Hub

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Paul Snaidero and Councillor Rossetto that Griffith City Council call for Expressions of Interest for parties to develop and operate a regional freight intermodal and logistics facility for the Western Riverina.

Neil Southorn Report has been raised from the table at the meeting of Council 9 December with no further action required as private enterprise is working on a plan for an intermodal and logistics hub.

26 May 2014 Proposal for a Griffith Local Economic Development Assistance Program

RECOMMENDED on the motion of Paul Pierotti and Paul Snaidero that: (a) The Griffith City Council Local Economic Development Assistance Program be created with the following features, applicable to a significant group of people in the planning, development, construction,

Neil Southorn 22/07/2014: Currently on exhibition until 15/08/2014.

Finalised: Adopted.

Promoted heavily in media and at forum in February.


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employment and service industries:

i) to commence on 1 July 2014, or as soon as possible thereafter pending exhibition; ii) all types of development are eligible; iii) developments receive the following percentage rebates of the value of section S94A contributions specified in the conditions of consent for the development as follows: 30% of the value of section 94A contributions for developments approved and either commenced or not yet commenced but have not been issued with a final occupation certificate or other certificate of completion; 60% of the value of section 94A contributions for developments lodged and not yet determined; and 100% for new applications made after July 1st or commencement of this Griffith Local Economic Development Assistance Program, which ever is the


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latter;

iv) the rebate is available only to developments which receive final approval for occupation or other certificate of completion by close of business 30 June 2016;

v) the program is available to all existing and new development applications that have not yet received final approval for occupation or other certificate of completion for the development;

vi) the rebate be made to the entity that holds the benefit of the consent at the time of occupation or completion.

(b) The Program be advertised for 28 days and considered in conjunction with Council's exhibited Operational Plan. (c) The level and value of development activity be monitored and reported annually to this Committee and Council with a view to determining the success of the program and if


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continuance past the sunset period should be warranted.

18/11/2013 Mechanical Services Workshop and Depot Upgrade

Council proceed with a further Expression of Interest to close mid-January and that information be presented to the next BD&MP Management Committee meeting.

Neil Southorn 20/01/2014: Verbal update to be given by the General Manager.

15/09/2014: Council has approved plans to go to tender.

9/12/14: Council has entered negotiations with preferred tenderer.


business development and major projects …

Documents