business growth action plan - bega valley shire · for business growth. council’s key role in...

BUSINESS GROWTH ACTION PLANJANUARY 2014

Contents

An Enterprising Place: Vision 1

Executive Summary 2

Business Growth Outcomes and Actions 4

Key Business Development Functions 5

Acknowledgements and Thanks 13

An Enterprising Place: VisionThe Bega Valley is a community that works together achieving a balance between quality of life, enterprising business, sustainable development and conservation of the environment.

Our mission is to support a creative and innovative business community invigorating growth in employment and economic activity in partnership with government.

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Executive SummaryOne of the challenges for our Shire is to ensure that we continue to grow a diverse, vibrant, resilient and balanced economy for the future that will provide jobs growth and drive sustainable economic success for years to come. We should not ignore ageing business infrastructure, the rise of the ‘ageing wave’ community parochialism and operators who currently lack ‘exit strategies’ to their business.

The Bega Valley is in a stable position to encourage business growth. The detailed situation analysis generated by REMPLAN shows moderate growth and stability, an interesting result from the research indicates increased movement in persons with higher qualifications in the Bega Valley compared to previous years. This could be in part attributed to the rise in the last few years of improved education opportunities locally and reflect persons who have migrated to the Bega Valley over that period.

Whilst Council plays an important role in business growth for the Shire, it cannot be solely responsible for Business Growth. Council’s key role in business development is to create a ‘whole-of-place’ approach across the entire local government area so that the Shire is seen as a successful and liveable place; a place where people want to live, work, play and from a purely business development stance, invest.

As local government funding models shift over time sustainable business growth strategies need to have broader stakeholder support. Council may support, facilitate, advocate and undertake a range of business development programs, initiatives and opportunities, but will not necessarily be the party

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responsible for delivering a particular outcome. Future projects and programs will need to be delivered in conjunction with a range of other stakeholders.

From primary industries, fishing, forestry, dairy and more, to tertiary education service providers, the Bega Valley offers abundant employment and business opportunities. In a diverse range of community pockets, coastal and inland, with North, South East and West gateways capture opportunities. Local knowledge of these many opportunities has generated several successful business operators; some of these are ready for a second stage (economic gardening) development to their business.

To ensure our economic ‘voice’ has the best chance of success, it is essential that Council continues to integrate business growth considerations into its corporate governance and planning arrangements and ensures that there is a high level of coordination and cooperation across all Council functions. It is recognised that Council and the business community are becoming more focused on business and business needs and that means understanding in relation to the future, how business operate and what they need.

It will also mean a mind-set shift for some business and community sectors to engage differently with Council to enable sustainable growth, income and employment opportunities for the Bega Valley. We need to focus on maximising economic return and an efficient and effective business environment.

The purpose of the activity plan for the next two years is to encourage and engage business operators to work cooperatively together, engaging with Council and other stakeholders to increase business economic opportunities in the Bega Valley in a sustainable and strategic manner.

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Business Growth Outcomes & ActionsThese outcomes are pertinent to Council’s 2011 Business Growth Strategy, the Business Growth plan will integrate the following five elements as strategic action areas, however in the first two years the focus will be on delivering the immediate outcomes.

1. Embracing business and a stronger economy:

A Council that recognises the importance of a strong economy, and fosters a culture that is supportive of business and ensures the business development of the region is a central consideration in all its activities.

2. Providing the foundations:

A Council that leads and takes responsibility for contributing to the liveability of the region through improved planning, infrastructure and services.

3. Creating vibrant and desirable places:

A region where the townships, villages and business precincts are vibrant commercial, tourism, recreational and/or community hubs.

4. Embracing opportunity:

A region that embraces opportunities and attracts investment to create additional jobs and increase the wealth of the region and its residents.

5. Partnering for success:

A Council which works alongside key stakeholders in business:

• Advocate: Council will recommend a particular course of action or policy to other levels of government and/or other stakeholders.

• Facilitate: Council will assist in ensuring that all stakeholders come together to achieve the action and outcome.

• Support: Council will give assistance (financial and/or human resource assistance) to the achievement of these actions; however Council will be working in collaboration with other stakeholders to achieve specific actions and outcomes.

• Undertake: Council will undertake the action specified (with or without other stakeholders) in order to achieve the desired outcome.

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Key Business Development Functions There are five key outcomes that are considered the short term outcomes that this plan will drive towards achieving.

Each outcome is supported by a range of actions that will be undertaken during the life of the plan. Each outcome is then matched to a range of performance measures, which will be reported to Council and community via a yet to be implemented 355 Committee of Council, the Business Growy Advisory Committee (BGAC).

Our goal is to facilitate, encourage and support the Shire’s commercial sector across all industries, aiming to foster a vibrant, diversified, and resilient local economy for our residents and visitors.

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Development Function

What:

Business growth, as implemented within this function of Council, relates to the broader commercial sector without focusing on any one industry at the expense of another.

• This role provides support to established businesses of the Shire in navigating regulatory processes, business education and excelling at business practises (marketing, finances, employment, etc.), as well as building relevant relationships within and outside of our borders.

• This role seeks to identify gaps in the local economy and present those gaps to the relevant industry bodies to encourage investment to strengthen those areas.

• This role is to investigate means and methods in which the Council can leverage its resources to assist, kick-start or even develop within the local economy to achieve real outcomes.

Above all else, this function must aim itself at achieving real results in the local communities and providing real support to those communities.

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How:

1. Establish a Business Development 355 committee. The Committee will be chaired by a Councillor and include as members a Senior representative of Council as well as a number of highly experienced and knowledgeable members of our community. This committee will be used as the sounding board for broader community ideas and initiatives towards larger economic improvements. This Committee will function as a two way communication vehicle, it will allow business owners to directly communicate with Councillors and senior management and vice versa, minutes of committee will be tabled at Council meetings.

2. Implement an economic gardening initiative. That is, providing quality information to the business community and providing education opportunities to embrace improving local economies. Also looking for gap analysis to promote the local area. As an example, remote area benefits to all employees within the Shire, REMPLAN economic modelling for events, connecting graduates with business fields, and others. An Economic Gardening implementation plan has been generated for this purpose.

3. Implement internal regulatory guidance processes. Assist local and incoming businesses navigate the regulatory environment of our community. There exists an opportunity to assist developing business deals with government agencies (federal, state and local) as well provide key information in a central and easy to navigate system.

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4. Implement land investment strategy by strategically releasing developable land in communities to trigger development. Consider strategic development to assist in local growth.

5. Complete existing projects. Projects such as:

• Tourism signage• Entrance signage• Operator signage• Business Development Skills Expo• Support of NBN roll out & fixed wireless• Support initiatives which will arise from the development of the South East Regional Hospital• Support and encourage business initiatives which will arise from the Eden Port development• Support associated airport initiatives

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Outcomes: Actions: Councils Role: By When: Who

Embracing business and a stronger economy

A Council that recognises the importance of a strong economy and fosters a culture that is supportive of business and that ensures the Business Development of the region is a central consideration in all its activities.

1. Ensure a whole-of-organisation / solutions-focused culture & approach to supporting business - providing information and solutions focused outcomes.

Facilitate, Undertake

Immediate & Ongoing

General Manager

2. Business Growth considerations are central to the activities of Council.

Undertake Immediate & Ongoing

Senior Management

3. Establish an effective enquiry management system within Council for businesses & potential investors.

Undertake 28 February 2014 Business Growth Coordinator

4. Promote the capabilities, products and services of the region’s businesses and suppliers to key opportunities.

Support, Facilitate, Undertake

Ongoing Business Growth Coordinator

5. Analyse existing policies of Council to improve alignment with Business Growth objectives.

Undertake Ongoing Business & Technology Manager and Business Growth Coordinator

6. Develop and implement an annual business confidence survey

Undertake 31 March 2014 Business Growth Coordinator

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Providing the foundations

A Business Development unit that leads and takes responsibility for contributing to the liveability of the region through improved training, work shop seminars and support tools for the business community.

7. Promote appropriately zoned land to encourage business investment and the development of new industries.

Undertake Ongoing Business Growth Coordinator

8. Support key stakeholders to implement associated initiatives surrounding Eden Port development.

Support, Facilitate, Advocate, Undertake


9. Continue to support and advocate for infrastructure projects that enhance the Bega Valley as an attractive place to live, work, play and invest.



Creating vibrant and desirable places

A region where the townships, villages and business precincts across the Local Government Area are vibrant commercial, tourism, recreational and/or community hubs.

10. Engage with landowners and businesses to investigate the viability of Economic Gardening opportunities for their businesses.


30 June 2014 Business Growth Coordinator

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Embracing opportunity

A region that embraces opportunities and attracts investment to create additional jobs and increase the wealth of the Shire and its residents.

11. Develop in conjunction with stakeholders, strategies and collateral that focus on encouraging existing businesses to become high performing operations and excite new businesses and potential employees to relocate to the Bega Valley.

Undertake 31 March 2014 Business Growth Coordinator

12. Continue to develop the “Live, Work, Invest” section of the Council website to ensure it is an informative and effective tool for business.

Undertake 31 March 2014 & Ongoing

Business Growth Coordinator and Web Administrator

13. Analyse economic data to identify key trends, opportunities and gaps in the market and relay this information to business networks and stakeholders.

Undertake All of 2014 & Ongoing

Business Growth Coordinator

14. Work with key stakeholders to develop information and communications technology opportunities and digital strategies working with NBN and other organisations to maximise current technologies and future opportunities.

Advocate, Facilitate, Undertake

30 June 2014 Business Growth Coordinator

15. Support the implementation of the 355 Business Growth Committee then further assist its growth and development within the Bega Valley by relaying information, opportunities and strategies to promote business growth.

Support, Advocate, Facilitate, Undertake


16. Work with industry partners to improve route options at the Merimbula Airport.

Support, Facilitate, Advocate, Undertake

Ongoing General Manager and Group Manager of Infrastructure, Waste and Water

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Partnering for success

A Council which works alongside key stakeholders in business, government and the community, with a focus on maximising economic return and an efficient and effective business environment.

17. Utilising key economic driver information and relevant data, assist stakeholders by sector in gap analysis planning.



18. Work with local business and industry groups to promote business education opportunities. Use an ‘out of business hours’ delivery model and Economic Gardening platforms here.

Support, Facilitate, Undertake

All 2014 & Ongoing Business Growth Coordinator

19. Undertake a Business Skills Expo and the 18 month training calendar for the Shire.

Facilitate, Advocate, Undertake


Acknowledgements and thanksIn no specific order: BVSC Mayor Bill Taylor; BVSC Councilors: Clr Russell Fitzpatrick, Clr Tony Allen, Clr Michael Britten, Clr Hughes, Clr Liz Seckold, Clr Ann Mawhinney, Clr Kristy McBain and Clr Sharon Tapscott; BVSC Senior Staff: GM Leanne Barnes, BVSC Senior Staff; John Grace, AusIndustry; Professor Patrice Braun, University of Balart; Peter Dunnage, Power FM; Peter Masterson, AusIndustry; Niamh Iball, Hannover Fairs; Stephen Ollerensh, Workforce Future; Rhonnie South, Regional Education Partnership; Maegan Baker, Regional Education Partnership: Steven Picton, Regional Education Partnership, Sydney Port Authority; Fiona Powell, Indigenous Community Volunteers; Peter Bailey, Country & Regional Living Expo; Megan Cleary, NSW Trade and Investment; Narelle Sargent, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet; Karl Brough, NSW RMS; Tracey Maguire, Southern Councils New South Wales; Rowan Rafferty, ACW; Andrew Greenway, ACW; Bruce Leaver, ACW; Franz Peters; Anthony Osborne,

The creation of this Business Growth activity plan (BGAP) uses the concepts and elements and builds on the Bega Valley Shire Councils adopted 2011 Economic Development Strategy. This EDAP aligns with several of BVSC current planning strategies. The 2011 EDS and this document did not happen in isolation. The earlier document relied on research and survey work to determine needs. This document has built on that information. As a result of those early learnings and 100 days of look, listen and learn this document , the supporting background, appendixes, document sets and additional paper will be able reflect all the learning, ideas and suggestions sourced. Attendance at Chamber meetings, seminars, workshops, f2f discussions, exit interviews with a developer, an in-house survey sent to 300 persons and interviews with Councillors and BVSC Senior staff. Many reports and papers from various Councils and local and state government were also perused. This strategy has generated more draft papers and ideas than reflected in this document.

The generosity of time and in depth insights from many local business operators both relatively new and long term stalwarts, as well as those persons not in business in the Shire, was greatly appreciated. Their passion, visions and concerns for the Shire were strong platform to builds a report on .The key objective in establishing the 100 day Look Listen and Learn strategy was to enable an open platform for information gathering to take place. A forum in which local government, working in partnership with business and industry leaders, could discuss and debate, plan and progress local and regional ideas leading in future years to significant economic outcomes that will continue to stimulate the growth of the economy in our local government area. To this end, the Business Growth Coordinator would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their efforts in working towards the creation of this Business Growth Action Plan:

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Sapphire Coast Tourism; Andrew Constance MP, Member for Bega; DR Michael Kelly; Auricon GHD; Dr. Kim Houghton; Tracey Craig; Kris Laird, BEC Aussie Host; Lynette Kearney; Mary Anne Barker, CTP Adult Ed; Vanessa Ford; Christian Hanley; Leanne Atkinson, CTP; Paul Morris; John Whelan, EDN; Steve Harvey; Shaun Murphy; Tanya McCormack, Tourism Australia Destination NSW, Destination Tamworth; Peter Valerio, Tourism Solutions; SEGA; TASAC; SEROC; David Vass Abercrombie and Kent; Paul Judge, Banks Town City Council; John Whelan, Marrickville Council; Lana Zegura, City Of Sydney; Nathan Pratt, City of Ryde; Jenny Coppock, Auburn City Council; Sasha de Silva, On Board Media; Matt Osborne, Brisbane Cruise Terminal; Pandora Shelley Fishburners; Patrice Crooks, Fusion Labs; Bruce Williams, Launceston City Council; Tony Moore, Remplan; Caroline Veldhuizen, Hunter Valley Research; Andrew Ross, Port Arthur Historic Sites; Chris Jones; John Watkins; B Smith; Ray Miller; Rowan Rafferty, Creative Design; Peter Mitchel, SEFE; Peter Rutherford, SEFE; Aiden Coleman, Bega Cheese; David Armstrong, Elders Bega; Gail Ward, Cruise Eden; Fritz Drenkhan, Delamere Fish Company; Julian Mclaren, City of Waga Waga; Phil Rickards, East Gippsland Shire Council; Peter Webster, Industry Capability Network; Denis McGuin, LGA; Dimitri Scordalides, Murrindindi Shire Council; James Murray,Ulysses; Chris Nichols, Sistema; Michael Deegan, Infrastructure Australia, Armidale Council; Karl Brough, RMS; McKay Regional Council; Taryn Qaurmby and Wally Hirsh, ICN; Deidre Jory; Nigel Ayling; Ross Maddock, ATBC; Geoff Hay, Moira Shire, Auswide Colleges; Megan Lurs; Mark Grimson, Wollongong City Council; Wayne Gates; Luke McNara, Wollongong City Council; Capt. Phillip Holiday, Sydney Ports; Barry Myler, Local Government Super; Megan Hutchinson, Kiama Municipal Council; President, Executive and Members, Eden Chamber of Commerce; President, Executive and Members, Merimbula Chamber Commerce; President, Executive and Members, Bega Chamber Commerce; President, Executive and Members, Bermagui Chamber Commerce; CTP, Port Macquarie Hasting Council the primary content source and template for this report; Various Bemboka residents; and Regional Australia Institute.

Any errors or omission are mine alone. BM. BGC

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BEGA VALLEY SHIRE COUNCILZingel Place, Bega

Postal address: PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550. DX: 4904. Phone: (02) 6499 2222, Fax: (02) 6499 2200. Email: [email protected]

ABN 26 987 935 332

Website: www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

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