Regional Priorities,

Transcription

1 MID NORTH COAST NSW Regional Priorities, Summary Document Many communities, one region.

2 Contents Introduction 3 Comparative Advantages 3 Regional Priorities Table 4 Top Ten Industry Sectors Table 5 Infrastructure Backlog 7 Skills Shortages 8 Ageing Population 9 Indigenous Communities 10 Industry Growth 11 Food Production 12 Sustainability 13 Cultural Assets 14 Who is RDA? 15 References 16 MID NORTH COAST, NSW Population: 262,682. (2011 ABS Census data.) Area: 17,218 square km. The Mid North Coast region comprises the six Local Government areas of Coffs Harbour, Belligen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie Hastings, Greater Taree and Lord Howe Island. The Region is linear from north to south and stretches from the Great Divide to the east coast. The principal catchments of the Mid North Coast are the Macleay and the Manning. Federal Parliament Seats x Cowper x Lyne NB: Lord Howe Island is in the Federal electorate of Sydney. State Parliament Seats x Coffs Harbour x Oxley x Port Macquarie (NB: Lord Howe Island is in the State electorate of Port Macquarie) x Myall Lakes (includes Great Lakes Council) Local Government boundaries x Coffs Harbour City Council x Bellingen Shire Council x Nambucca Shire Council x Kempsey Shire Council x Port Macquarie Hastings Council x Greater Taree City Council x Lord Howe Island 2

3 Introduction This summary document contains a brief description of the regional priorities that were identified in RDA Mid North Coast s Regional Plan. The Plan was commissioned and approved by the Department for Infrastructure and Regional Development and was developed through extensive consultation with local government and key partners from across the region. Rather than focusing on individual communities, the plan takes a whole of region approach, looking at the priorities for development that have a broad consensus. The purpose of this summary document is to provide a quick snapshot of the region, its current economic development priorities and some of the possible opportunities for addressing these priorities. If you would like more detailed information, we encourage you to download the Regional Plan from our website, along with the accompanying Regional Profile Statistical Overview. To find out how RDA is working towards these regional priorities, simply visit our website at Comparative Advantages The Mid North Coast has many advantages that support a strong and progressive region. The challenge is to exploit these opportunities and find solutions to ensure the region is poised to grow. The region is supported by a rich and diverse natural environment which boasts diverse attractions: beaches, river valleys, hinterland villages, national parks, major centres, indigenous culture and world class events. These cultural and natural assets make the Mid North Coast a popular tourist destination and a renowned sea and tree change destination, supporting an ideal work-life balance. The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector is the largest employer in the region (17.2%) and is growing at 5% per annum. Recent government funding on hospital infrastructure to the tune of almost $200m has added fuel to this growth. Educational opportunities are following this trend, with specialist medical training facilities now allowing a full medical degree to be offered in Port Macquarie. Construction of a flagship Charles Sturt University campus in Port Macquarie will further help to close skills gaps and stem the flow of youth out-migration. Our geographic distance from the major cities has always been a challenge for Mid North Coast industries, but recent infrastructure changes are levelling the playing field. Construction of the dual carriageway Pacific Highway, between Sydney and Brisbane, is due to be completed by 2016 and will greatly improve our connection to these major population centres. Similarly, our airports are an important link for industry and tourism in the region. Coffs Harbour airport is the Mid North Coast s primary airport. Port Macquarie airport is Australia s 5th largest regional airport and a recent $21m upgrade has increased its capacity to accommodate larger aircraft. Furthermore, in terms of digital connectivity, the NBN rollout is seen as a potential game changer for the region, allowing improved access to global markets, healthcare services, education and social communication. Many parts of the Mid North Coast already have an active NBN connection. 3

4 Regional Priorities (Tables taken from the Regional Plan ) First Order Priority Second Order Priorities Address the backlog of infrastructure investment and plan and develop new infrastructure. Address education and skills shortages to support, maintain and grow industry sectors. Plan for an ageing population. Foster economic and employment growth, innovation and training needs for indigenous communities. Develop innovative ways to connect our products, services and capacity to our neighbours, nationally and internationally. Maintain and grow competitive rural industry sectors. Regional Projects x Leverage current infrastructure commitments. x Address local roads & bridges infrastructure backlog. x Review Infrastructure Investment Priorities. x Lord Howe Island Infrastructure. x Explore sustainable and diverse energy sources including gas and renewable energy. x Explore infrastructure models to bridge supply and demand technology gaps and optimise current technology. x Key LGA economic development infrastructure priorities. x Roads & Bridges Infrastructure Funding Model- High Level Review. x Region of National Significance. x Assist and service organisations devoted to skills, education, vocational and employment transition. x Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (S187). x Housing & Construction skills and labour development with a focus on affordable housing. x Leverage skills and training for a range of health care services within Mid North Coast Local Health District. x North Coast Ageing Strategy. x Health Economy Analysis. x Understanding the barriers and building on strengths and initiatives for improved employment growth and participation. x Expansion of indigenous owned and controlled enterprises. x Demonstration and engagement activities encouraging high speed broadband uptake. x Development of product and destination tourism. x Invest Mid North Coast Develop a portal and industry investment prospectus. x Opportunities for improved cooperative buying and distribution groups. x Explore export and value added opportunities for timber and agriculture sectors. Plan for regional sustainability and resilience particularly with respect to climate variation. x Energy Efficiency Information portal for Mid North Coast Businesses and Industry. x Support the Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (CAP2) core set of priorities. x Communication of and access to core research and data that supports natural resource management and mitigation measures. Integration of this information into regional economic development initiative creating incentives or minimising impact. x Lord Howe Island Climate Change Planning. Strategically align the region s cultural assets, infrastructure needs and economic profile. x High technology and Creative Industry Development. x Brisbane Commonwealth Games (2018) Pre-Training Facilities Opportunities. 4

5 Top 10 Industry Sectors, 2013 (by Output, Employment, Value-added & Exports) Rank Output* % MNC Industry Output Rank +/- from Manufacturing 16.00% - 2 Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 3 Construction 10.60% Health Care & Social Assistance Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services Employment Health Care & Social Assistance % MNC Employees in industry Rank +/- from % % - Retail Trade 14.60% -1 Accommodation & Food Services 7.70% +1 Education & Training 9.40% - Value Added** Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services Health Care & Social Assistance % Value added in industry Rank +/- from Exports % MNC exports in industry Rank +/- from % - Manufacturing 28.30% % % - Manufacturing 7.60% - Financial & Insurance Services 7.20% % +5 Manufacturing 6.60% - Retail Trade 7.10% - 6 Retail Trade 5.60% -2 Construction 6.30% - Construction 6.90% Accommodation & Food Services Financial & Insurance Services Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 5.30% % % -2 Public Administration & Safety Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Accommodation & Food Services Health Care & Social Assistance Transport, Postal & Warehousing 13.70% % % % % % - Education & Training 6.50% - Construction 4.30% % % % -1 Other Services 4.10% -1 Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services Public Administration & Safety Accommodation & Food Services 6.40% +3 Financial & Insurance Services 4.30% % -1 Wholesale Trade 3.60% % -1 Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 3.20% -2 5

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7 Infrastructure Backlog Priority: Address the backlog of infrastructure investment and plan and develop new infrastructure. Infrastructure investment is a significant issue for the Mid North Coast. Numerous expert groups have identified the overwhelming infrastructure problem facing regional NSW. Active and public transport infrastructure provides connectivity, accessibility and affordability for the whole of the region. Addressing the backlog of infrastructure is considered a first order priority, as many of the other priorities for the region depend on suitable infrastructure. Sustainable economic development, community wellbeing and much of local government service delivery all depend on adequate infrastructure, especially roads, bridges and buildings. Mid North Coast councils are adamant that they don t have adequate budgets to maintain local infrastructure. There is also an inequity of State and Federal funding between urban and rural infrastructure, particularly roads. Cash-strapped councils have to contend with retiree driven growth, dispersed populations, difficult terrain, extensive floodplains, numerous timber bridges, coastal erosion and the demands of tourism. Many ageing timber bridges and inadequate local roads have become pinch points, hindering carrying capacity, agricultural growth, investment and links to regional, national and international markets. Inadequate infrastructure is expensive to maintain and is at risk from natural disaster and extreme weather. If the region is to manage its growing population and to achieve steady economic growth, it needs additional investment in transport infrastructure, particularly at the local level. Reliability of funding needs a whole of government approach and should not solely rest with Local Government. Local infrastructure needs to be maintained or developed to enable regional growth and connections to regional infrastructure such as highways, rail links and airports. The location of the Mid North Coast, halfway between the growth regions of southeast Queensland and Sydney/Newcastle, provides a unique opportunity for improving transportation and infrastructure links to support regional economic growth and tourism. In addressing this priority some key projects include: working with all levels of government to address the local infrastructure backlog, with a particular focus on roads and bridges and their impact on tourism and agricultural productivity; and exploring infrastructure funding models that provide a more equitable whole of Government approach. 7

8 Skills Shortages Priority: Address education and skills shortages to support, maintain and grow industry sectors. Building a diverse economy requires increased investment and alignment between business, education and government to meet local skills and training needs, retain youth, support vulnerable communities and attract skilled workers to the region. Unemployment rates on the Mid North Coast are higher than the state average, while participation rates in the workforce are significantly lower. Alarmingly, our youth unemployment rate is 50% higher than the state average and the number of youth receiving unemployment benefits is more than double. Education and training is seen as a key measure to increase employment, particularly in areas of skills shortages. The Mid North Coast has current skills needs in the areas of construction and manufacturing, digital technology, creative industries, professional and management roles, healthcare and allied health. However, limited access to tertiary education in these fields limits the region s industry growth. Youth unemployment and retention is an area of particular concern. While the overall Mid North Coast population has been slowly growing, there has been a sharp decline in the number of our young people over the last seven years. High school graduates are also engaging far less in tertiary education and full time employment than the New South Wales averages. Our research clearly shows the intention of youth to attend post-secondary education is heavily influenced by their access to higher education. While the Mid North Coast has a healthy TAFE participation rate, the number of youth attending university is less than a third of the NSW average. Furthermore, the Indigenous community in our region are even less likely to attend university. At the high school level there is steady growth in the number of students completing years This is a positive trend, though a decrease in public school attendance in favour of non-government schools presents a challenge to increase the quality of education and the educational environment provided in our public schools. The question continues to be: what opportunities exist for our school leavers, given the dramatic outmigration of young people aged from the region. Providing varied learning opportunities and building education and employment pathways offers opportunities to retain youth, attract professionals and families, and support ongoing industry development. Some significant developments to watch include the construction of a permanent Charles Sturt Campus at Port Macquarie that will eventually accommodate 5000 students, and specialised medical training facilities in both Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, including a facility that will enable students to complete their six year medical degree in Port Macquarie. 8

9 Ageing Population Priority: Plan for an ageing population. The Mid North Coast has one of the fastest growing ageing populations in New South Wales. Currently, 21% of the region s population is over 65 years. It is expected that the number of people over 65 will double in the next 25 years. An ageing population unbalances the social structure and implies servicing issues. It increases the demand for health and aged care facilities, and it also poses questions concerning the future of the Mid North Coast workforce, as there is a significant decline in 20 to 34 year olds in the region. The region s ageing population is quite active and therefore supports the service industries. In some cases, retirees make a lifestyle choice to migrate to the Mid North Coast but their monetary input into the local economy may be limited. Many elderly persons are asset-rich but cash-poor: having bought a house, they then live quite frugally on their super or investments. Conversely, young people are typified by a high disposable income, while young couples and families go through many transitions of life that support a wide variety of industries. It is important that the region attracts and retains a balance of younger people to support social structures and the local economy. Accordingly, there is a need for higher education institutions to offer training that aligns with the future demographic profile of the region, to take advantage of the ageing population by providing skills that link with full time employment potential. In particular, there is a growing need for regional skills in Allied Health, for example paramedical, dentistry, aged care and physiotherapy. There are also opportunities for technological innovation in the ageing and healthcare research sectors, such as e-heath and linking institutions with home-based care. An ageing population requires efficient and affordable transport to access services, especially health services. Aged persons are high users of health services. The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector is the largest employer of the working population (17.2%) on the Mid North Coast. An additional 2,744 jobs have been created in this sector over the past 5 years, representing a 5% per annum growth rate. This growth will continue to be fuelled by our ageing population in years to come. Notably, many older people are now choosing to retire later and strategies to maximise employment of mature age workers are an important consideration. Similarly, many retirees work in a voluntary capacity. Voluntary work across the Mid North Coast is higher than the state average. This is in part a reflection of the number of elderly people on the Mid North Coast. There is potential for increased engagement within this sector of the population to utilise their skill sets and provide mentoring to younger members of the community. 9

10 Indigenous Communities Priority: Foster economic and employment growth, innovation and training needs for Indigenous communities. The Mid North Coast region has a relatively high Indigenous population. 5.1% of the region s population identify themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI), more than twice the state average. The region s Indigenous population is also growing at a much faster rate than the total population, around 5.1% per annum compared with 1% per annum. In saying that, there are large differences in Indigenous populations within the region s local government areas. Both Bellingen and Port Macquarie have a 3% Indigenous population, while Kempsey has 11.1% and Nambucca 7.3%, making these priority areas of focus. Among the Indigenous community generational unemployment is high and participation rates are low. The region needs to identify opportunities for Indigenous communities that foster employment growth, innovation and training needs. Notably, our Indigenous population has a very young demographic profile. An incredible 58% are under 24 years old. Unlike the wider population, youth retention is not an issue as the majority of Indigenous people choose to stay within the region. Many Indigenous communities in our region could be classified as vulnerable and unsupported. This can contribute to social disadvantage, economic disparity, poor workforce participation and low productivity. Social issues related to crime, safety and antisocial behaviour are an issue for the region. It needs to be acknowledged that social dysfunction is often a factor of poor housing, homelessness, low levels of education and employment, and reduced access to health services. Education and training can play a key role in reducing this disadvantage. The region needs to improve Indigenous inclusion in education and training to help close the gap between education, employment, housing and health related issues. Matching training opportunities with skill shortages is one way to support sustainable employment in key sectors like Healthcare and Social Assistance, education and retail. There are also opportunities to look at developing sustainable Indigenous tourism and for the establishment of Indigenous owned and controlled enterprises. However, the first step is to support our local Indigenous communities wherever possible in developing a strong voice and becoming more involved in the economic development of the region. 10

11 Industry Growth Priority: Develop innovative ways to connect our products, services and capacity to our neighbours, nationally and internationally. The Mid North Coast is a relatively small region in size and population and is positioned halfway between the major population centres of Sydney and Brisbane. Sustainability of current business and employment is a significant issue for the region, so we need to develop pathways for increased exposure and accessibility to regional, national and international markets. To achieve this we need to target industry and business sectors that have a natural competitive advantage and create innovative strategies to connect them to our neighbours, nationally and globally. We also need to assist industries that are strategically important for the region. The location of the Mid North Coast does provide us with some advantages. As a corridor between Sydney and Brisbane, by improving transportation and infrastructure links we can enhance the competitiveness of freight dependent industries for like manufacturing and food processing. We can also take advantage of travelling tourist numbers by offering a diverse and coordinated range of tourist attractions. Looking at our high growth industries, the healthcare and social assistance sector stands supreme as the largest employer in the region, employing 17.2% of the working population. This growth is being driven by a growing and ageing population as is predicted to continue well into the future. This creates opportunities to expand the reach of our health services and for other industries to service this growing sector. On the other end of the spectrum, creative industries are growing and should be recognised to support regional diversification and investment. The majority of businesses in the region are micro or homebased businesses (85%) and the vast majority of creative industries operate in this space. If we can find ways to assist the growth and competitiveness of micro and home-based business then creative industries will be a direct beneficiary. Collectively, business and industry on the Mid North Coast frequently grapples with its geographic distance from the large population centres. For this reason, we see the National Broadband Network (NBN) as playing a key role in levelling the playing field of regional competitiveness. Digital technologies provide wide ranging opportunities that can support business development, purchasing power and links to national and global markets. They open the door to improved teleworking opportunities, like smart work hubs, and greater opportunities for government department decentralisation to regional centres. However, the NBN is a staged process, estimated to take 6 years to complete. Inequity of the rollout creates a supply gap and this is a hindrance to business and organisation advancement and connectivity. There is also a demand gap whereby current broadband technology that is used at present is neither taken up nor used efficiently. 11

12 Food Production Priority: Maintain and grow competitive rural industry sectors. The highest ranking output industry in the Mid North Coast is the Manufacturing sector, of which Food Manufacturing is the largest sub sector. The largest food product manufacturing sectors are: x Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing. x Processed Seafood Manufacturing. x Dairy Product Manufacturing. x Bakery Product Manufacturing. x Fruit and Vegetable Product Manufacturing. Add in the Agriculture sector, of a comparable size and output, and it s clear the total food production industry is a crucial one for the Mid North Coast. Unfortunately, the structure of our economy is typically focused around urban centres and more thought needs to be given to producers in rural areas. These outlying areas of agricultural production, that in many ways underpin our region s competitive advantage, need more investment and better infrastructure. The food manufacturing sector across the Mid North Coast is underdeveloped compared with other rural regions. The region is not realising the full potential of the rural economy, due in part to small land holdings and infrastructure issues that inhibit potential productivity. One important issue we need to address is how we can replace more imported food with locally grown and manufactured produce. For example, the fruit and vegetable product manufacturing sector is a net importer, meaning we import more than we produce. To achieve this, we need to build stronger links between our food growers, producers, distributors and buyers. Similarly, we need to explore export opportunities, like the Asian market, and look at investment opportunities for food production in our region. The region also needs to invest in further research to define regional productive lands and aquaculture areas which will assist planning and development of sustainable food production into the future. 12

13 Sustainability Priority: Plan for regional sustainability and resilience particularly with respect to climate variation. Changing population demographics, changes to land use and an increase in natural disasters all present sustainability issues for the Mid North Coast. The region is challenged by a need to maintain water quality and quantity, manage development pressure, understand ecosystem health, identify environmental threats and understand the risks associated with climatic variations. A changing climate will present issues with respect to sea level rise, flooding, drought, bushfires and severe storms. These would threaten existing infrastructure, private property and community resources and would require innovative management. Lord Howe Island is one area of the Mid North Coast region that is particularly vulnerable to changing climatic patterns. There are opportunities to undertake research and monitoring to determine threats to the Island s world heritage status and its visitor economy. Recommendations could assist the Lord Howe Island Board to prepare the Island s community for climate variation and the requirements to mitigate impact. One key sustainability consideration for the local economy and the natural environment is our energy production and use. The Mid North Coast imports around 95% of its power requirements. In the absence of power generation (including alternative sources like renewable energy) our diverse economy is highly susceptible to power price fluctuations. There are also significant issues around our ageing electricity infrastructure including the reliability of its provision, inefficiencies and infrastructure faults, the frequency of brownouts and associated risks. The maintenance of existing business and the potential for growth is therefore heavily reliant on the region s capacity to achieve energy efficiency and its uptake of renewable energy technologies. Consequently, we need to identify and advocate for alternative energy sources, for example: piped natural gas, coal seam gas and renewable energy technology such as solar and wind power generation. There are also opportunities to investigate the feasibility of micro hydro energy generation in parts of the region with contoured topography, like the Dorrigo plateau. The identification of sustainable energy sources will support employment growth, increase regional investment, improve economic resilience and help to maintain the natural environment. 13

14 Cultural Assets Priority: Strategically align the region s cultural assets, infrastructure needs and economic profile. Liveability. It s an intangible asset that attracts people to a community and encourages them to stay. The Mid North Coast s wide array of natural and community assets create a cultural palette that is aesthetically, emotionally and intellectually pleasing to people who might choose to live, work and do business here. As the world becomes more globalised, localisation and cultural identity are becoming increasingly important assets which help to brand our region and enhance its communities. Indigenous culture, cultural festivals, sporting and special events, and creative industries all need ongoing investment. First and foremost, the attractiveness of the Mid North Coast is dependent on the quality of its natural resources and landscapes. To protect this delicate balance, the region needs to consider its economic and environmental interests when determining the scale of future development. The natural assets and sporting facilities of our region provide opportunities to attract world class sporting events, like Port Macquarie s Ironman and the Coffs Harbour International Rally Championship. Major events like these promote the Mid North Coast as an alternative tourist and cultural destination. The region also has a strong Indigenous presence that has not been supported, nor presented, to its full potential. When shared with the wider community, Indigenous cultural industries such as arts and tourism can provide a cultural connection rarely experienced elsewhere in Australia. It also promotes Indigenous identity, community collaboration, employment and training. In general, there are opportunities for increased coordination and networking between arts, social, sporting and community groups, along with educational institutions, government and the business sector, to identify needs and support the region s cultural assets. At present, we do not have many cultural education opportunities and this, in part, contributes to youth migration from the region. Our creative industries, while in many respects still in their infancy, are a growing part of the regional economy. These industries include: advertising, architecture, communication, design, fashion, film, media, visual arts, and software development. Creative industries are unique in that they support our cultural identity and artistic sophistication. The vast majority of businesses in this space are micro businesses, often based in the home, and uses of technology and innovative work solutions, such as smart work hubs, need to be explored to grow, retain and sustain these industries. The region also suffers from a lack of adequate performance spaces. Coffs Harbour, in particular, has no large scale performing arts centre. Additionally, many of the small spaces used for cultural events are in need of renovation, particularly small community halls. 14

15 Who is RDA? Regional Development Australia (RDA) Mid North Coast is an information and advocacy organisation. Our role is to inform all levels of government, and the community as a whole, about issues that affect the development of the Mid North Coast region. We act as a broker between all levels of government and our community, substantiating local priorities with research, communicating the issues clearly, and bringing key players together to leverage opportunities for positive change. While the Mid North Coast is made up of many communities, as a region there is much that we all have in common. We want the people of the Mid North Coast to live and work in a place of innovation, opportunity and inclusion. This is only possible if we work together for the common good of the region. At RDA Mid North Coast we ve coined the phrase: Many communities, one region. Therefore, the primary objectives of RDA Mid North Coast are all about connecting: Connecting our people, coast and valleys Connecting our region to our neighbours and our country Connecting our products, services and capacity nationally and globally The key tools we use to leverage positive outcomes for our region are: Research, Communication, Alignment, Facilitation and Leadership. Regional Plan As part of this ongoing collaboration, RDA Mid North Coast commits to identify local priorities for the region. The flagship document of RDA Mid North Coast is our Regional Plan which outlines the priorities for regional development on the Mid North Coast and guides us in strengthening the communities in our region. Our primary focus is on economic development that affects the wider region and delivers a positive outcome, not only economically, but also socially, culturally and environmentally. For more information, please visit our website at 15

16 References RDA Mid North Coast is a not for profit organisation funded by the Federal Government and NSW State Government. We are part of a national network of 55 RDA committees who work with all levels of government, industry and community groups to support the development of regional Australia. RDA Mid North Coast is administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and is a joint Australian Government and NSW State Government initiative. The Regional Plan was prepared by: RDA Mid North Coast Board Members: Tony Marshall (Chair) Richard Wilson (Deputy Chair) Dawn Thornton (Secretary) Richard O Leary (Treasurer) Tony Rothacker Stewart Dowrick Jo-Anne Stavely Andrea Caldwell Jan Strom Jim Hutcheon Jacquie Holden RDA Mid North Coast Staff: Executive Officer: Peter Tregilgas Operations Manager: Jenni Kew Communications Officer: Justyn Walker Project Officer-Engagement: Megan McGill Project Officer: Ilana Batchelor Contributions: Project Consultant: Todd Green Research Assistant: Cassie Crompton Suite 3 Oxley House Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: E: admin@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au W: Follow us on Facebook > Disclaimer: While every effort is made to plan our activities a year ahead, economic, political and policy change happens very quickly and it is paramount that RDA Mid North Coast is flexible and able to assist our community to respond. We are also reliant on the timely response of state and federal departments and our stakeholders and partners. This Summary Document and the corresponding Regional Plan was produced by RDA Mid North Coast and does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government, its officers, employees or agents. MID NORTH COAST NSW 16