2018 Second Year Report Card DESTINATION. A Vision for Canberra

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1 2030 DESTINATION

2 Overall Progress Summary Canberra s positive economic growth and fast-growing population testify that we live, work and play in a place that is progressive and moving toward the aspirations of the 2030 Destination. However, we cannot afford to be complacent if we want to continue to enjoy the economic prosperity we experience today. We need to continue to work on a broad range of activities to ensure our city and the Region has the right economic conditions to be resilient and grow. Progress to the 2030 Destination is on track with some major initiatives laying the foundation for the future, these include: Strategies for planning and infrastructure that will form the basis of future alignment with the Territory Plan the reference point for all development into the future. Forward In 2017, the Canberra Business Chamber continued to be guided by the Destination 2030: in undertaking its role in representing and advocating on behalf of the business community. Destination 2030 articulates a vision for Canberra and the region that seeks to develop a city that is Connected, Agile, International, Liveable and Resilient. The Destination 2030 is a shared vision for Canberra and the region which needs to be supported through actions by business, Government and the community for it to be realised. This Report Card represents Canberra Business Chamber s ongoing commitment to achieving the 2030 vision and the contribution it makes to enhance the lives of the people who live, work and visit Canberra. The second-year Report Card highlights the Chamber s continued progress towards the 2030 destination and the collective decisions and actions that are facilitating our journey. A climate change strategy that will drive innovation and create opportunities for business to be at the forefront of leading technology and adaptation. A fresh food freight handling facility at the Canberra International Airport that will provide opportunity for Canberra and the region to export into interstate and overseas markets. An additional international airline into the Canberra International Airport providing more opportunity for inbound and outbound visitor and freight. The development of a pilot ACT Tourism Data Dashboard demonstrating the power of data to inform business and economic decisions. Business participation in the Inclusion in Employment Project which has educated business and provided employment for people with disability. Recognition of Canberra based companies as leaders in their fields of expertise in information technology and cyber security. Progress Photography, design and production by Monica Shanahan, Designer - Canberra Business Chamber Copyright Failure to achieve objective on track Destination reached

3 Challenges for Future Success The ongoing progress to the 2030 Destination will require commitment and perseverance by Government, business and the community. There are several key factors specific to the ACT that may challenge and delay our progress in the coming years. Some of these factors can be mitigated, others may be a consequence of the uniqueness of the ACT and its economy: The reliance of the ACT economy on the Federal Public Service. Whilst the Australian Bureau of Statics reported in May 2018 that 64% of the workforce was private sector any move to decentralise Federal Government departments could have a significant flow on effect for the economy as a considerable proportion of private sector work in the ACT supports the federal public sector. The 2019 Federal Election has the potential to be an economic disrupter political uncertainty and changing budget priorities can influence business confidence, monetary policy and overall spending. In addition, if there is a change of Government, the Federal Labor Party has announced that it will reduce outsourcing of Federal Government work. The estimated population growth from the ACT Government budget estimates are not realised population growth rates underpin the economic projections for the ACT. In recent years conservative estimates have given rise to positive budget outcomes due to the greater than expected growth. A shortfall in growth could negatively impact the ACT Government budget. ACT Government investment in services, planning and infrastructure is not aligned with the growth of the ACT underinvestment or poor timing could jeopardise the vision of the 2030 Destination of the city being Connected, Agile, International, Liveable and Resilient. Workforce constraints the business community has identified a key inhibitor to growth is attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. With unemployment in the ACT at 3.6 per cent in September 2018, workforce strategies will need to be focused beyond our boarders. Liveable The Canberra Business Chamber s 2030 vision for a liveable Canberra is one where its city and town centres are connected by a transport network that seamlessly integrates a range of transport options. Autonomous vehicles are a key mechanism supporting a socially inclusive Canberra in 2030 where barriers impeding access to services for the elderly and people with disability are no longer relevant. Canberra continues to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding region and is a hub for cycle-tourism and health activity. The ACT Government invested $34.1 million into accelerating Canberra s urban renewal which includes upgrades and new works to activate public places in the city and town centres. The ACT s annual population growth rate rose from 2.08 per cent in September 2017 to 2.15 per cent in the December quarter the strongest growth rate in over 5 years. The Canberra Business Chamber continues to play a significant role in the ACT Government s light rail initiative due for completion by the end of Advocacy for this project has been significant, prompting a Federal Government inquiry into Stage 2 light rail and its route through the parliamentary triangle. The Chamber continues to advocate for consistent, inclusive and clear planning controls for the ACT through a multitude of submissions and forums including the City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework, Kings and Commonwealth Avenue Draft Design Strategy and the overarching Planning Refresh which feeds into other strategies for Waste, Infrastructure and Town Centre Master Plans to name a few. Continue to facilitate member consultations with ACT Government on the Climate Change Strategy which includes the co-designing of incentives for business transition and adoption of practices and technology to realise the zero-net emissions goal at 2045 for the ACT.

4 Work closely with the City Renewal Authority to activate the city corridor and city centre precincts. Advocate for investment in major infrastructure projects which drive economic growth and new business opportunities. Continue to partner with the ACT Government to deliver the Healthier Choices Canberra program to assist participating businesses such as supermarkets, clubs, cafes, restaurants, entertainment and sports venues to promote and provide healthier food options. In 2017 population growth was the strongest that we have seen in 5 years which has placed a greater emphasis on future planning and infrastructure of the ACT and region. Extensive public consultation by the ACT Government on matters relating to the planning of the city, transport and other infrastructure provides the basis for forward action. A key decision taken by the ACT Government to bring forward the 2050 zero carbon emissions target to 2045 has placed a greater focus on how we, as a business community, will adapt and transition to low emissions technology and practices and grow a local renewable industry. International Canberra 2030 is a global city and a destination of choice for Asian business and tourism, it is also a regional hub for diverse and competitive exports. Canberra 2030 has built on is unique strength as a centre for national politics and international diplomacy and has extended its reach as a hub for conferences of international significance. Canberra was ranked third place in Lonely Planet s Best in Travel - Top 10 Cities The establishment of the Pak Fresh Handling facility at the Canberra International Airport providing perishable export services to the ACT region. The new partnership means local growers and producers from the region will be able to send their produce, meats, cheeses and wines to locations around the world using the carriers who fly in and out of Canberra International Airport. Qatar flights commenced on 12 February 2018 providing greater access to markets for exports and visitors. International student numbers have continued to increased year on year with more than 1500 students commencing studies in 2017 providing international outreach promoting the merits of Canberra to live, study and play. A record 243,000 international visitors and 4.7 million interstate day and overnight visitors experienced Canberra last year. Engage with embassies to promote Canberra and the CBR brand whilst simultaneously fostering international connectivity and new trade and tourism partnerships. Support investment opportunities which drive international tourism and leverage Canberra s unique environmental strengths and access to regional areas of interest. Continue to work with the ACT Commissioner for International Engagement to deliver a program of international engagement activities to enhance diplomatic relationships, expand networks and provide opportunities for Canberra and the region to trade. International business was given a significant boost in 2017 with the introduction of a perishable food handling facility at the Canberra International Airport and a second international carrier. This single action will open the door for producers in Canberra and the region to export their produce all around the world. This facility coupled with the increase in direct international flights is supporting our visitor economy which has continued to grow and flourish.

5 Connected The Canberra Business Chamber s 2030 vision for a Connected Canberra is one where the region has Australia s best IT infrastructure and is a hub of collaboration between research and tertiary institutions, business, embassies and Government. The 2030 vision also sees businesses across the Canberra Region being connected regionally, but also nationally and internationally. The Canberra Business Chamber secured an ANU Techlauncher Project with an aim to develop an ACT Tourism Data Dashboard. This will identify insights from existing open data sources, events and business data that can benefit ACT Tourism Industry decision making by understanding the interaction of the various elements that contribute to the tourism environment. Worked closely with ANU School of Business and Economics by hosting over 10 interns to support work integrated learning and development of work experience skills for students. Develop a demonstration ACT Tourism Data Dashboard as part of the Techlauncher Project for consideration of industry and Government commercialisation. Continue to build and facilitate links between research and tertiary institutions, business, embassies and Government. Support regional business to identify export opportunities utilising the fresh food handling facility at Canberra Airport. Advocate to increase investment in cyber IT skills development in both a business and educational context. Whilst connectivity between research, tertiary institutions and business continues to grow more can be done to leverage the respective opportunities to the benefit of all. Canberra has a number of world leading tertiary and education institutions, producing highly skilled and innovative graduates. It will be important for the Chamber to continue to work with these providers to ensure our education systems remain agile and responsive to the work of the future. The Chamber will continue to work with the educational institutions through the recently established Future Workforce Taskforce that will provide a vehicle to understanding the type and delivery of education for the future workforce. Agile The 2030 Vision recognises Canberra as a smart city that celebrates knowledge and invests in innovative ideas. Canberra 2030 is a preferred destination for innovative business start-ups and has a responsive and competitive labour force. Canberra 2030 has capitalised on its education and training strengths where local Universities, vocational and educational institutions attract and retain the best people and best minds and link them with local business opportunities. The Canberra Business Chamber, the ACT Inclusion Council and the ACT Government have partnered and developed the Inclusion in Employment Project. The project supports business to business engagement for promoting the employment of people with disability. More than 7 people with disability have found employment through this project to date with more expected to be paced by the end of the year. The Canberra Business Chamber continues to build capability of local businesses through its suite of support programs, workshops and seminars with over 3200 participants attending 75 events throughout the year.

6 The Canberra Business Chamber continues to support local business in meeting their employment obligations through comprehensive advice and information of workplace relations laws through the Workplace relations Advice line, Apprentice wage advice line in addition to delivering a variety of employment related workshops and forums. The University of Canberra study, The Knowledge City Index, ranks Canberra/Queanbeyan as one of the top 5 cities qualified as A knowledge city which recognises Canberra s preparedness for transition for the technological revolution and knowledge transition. Continue to work with the ACT Government and advocate for further economic diversification into Cyber Security and the development of related skills, training and education in this field. Advocate for the development of Canberra as the centre of excellence in areas where we have competitive advantage including areas associated with information technology, research, renewable energy, defence industries and education. Continue to advocate for business on the key workplace relations issues relating to the extent of insecure work in the ACT and impacts of the proposed Secure Local Jobs Code and changes to the ACT Government Procurement Bill Whilst the Chamber continues to support business to understand the business environment and their broader regulatory obligations, there is more to be done. The business environment is changing rapidly in terms of digital technology and the need for vigilance around cyber security is critically important. Businesses in Canberra are vulnerable to cyber attack if they do not deploy the necessary practices and infrastructure. The Chamber is working to raise awareness and profile of the need to be cyber secure to mitigate risks to business and to assist with an understanding cyber hygiene as a precursor to participating in supply chains such a defence, telecommunications, ICT and space industries. Resilient A diverse industry base is the key to Canberra s resilience in 2030 with strong environmental credentials in renewable energy as Canberra approaches zero net carbon emissions by Recognition by the World Economic Forum that QuintessenceLabs, an ACT firm, as a Technology Pioneer, an honour previously bestowed on international powerhouses such as Google and Twitter. This demonstrates the strength and global esteem of the ACT s growing cybersecurity sector. Canberra based company, Penten, has been recognised for its AltoCrypt Stik as the Infrastructure and Platforms Innovation of the Year at the 2018 at the National Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) iawards. The ACT Government passed legislation to bring forward the zero net carbon emissions 2050 target forward to Continue to advocate for and support partnerships between Government and business which work to establish Canberra as a world leader in the development and application of renewable energy technology and other sustainable business practices. Work to support vulnerable members of the community by advocating for smart and environmentally friendly transport options. The Chamber recognises that resilience is something that needs to be fostered and built upon. Continuing to assist business growth in the renewable energy industry is a key area of focus to ensure that Canberra has the tools available to be ready for the 2045 zero carbon emissions target. The Chamber will continue to work closely with the ACT Government to identify opportunities for business growth, transition of existing business to new practices and technologies.

7 2030 canberrabusiness.com DESTINATION