Annual2010/2011 Report Table of Contents

CHAIR REPORT ...... 1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT ...... 2 STRATEGIC CONTEXT ...... 3 OVERVIEW OF THE REGION ...... 3 VISION ...... 5 MISSION ...... 5 THE ROadMap ...... 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMaRY OF THE ROadMap ...... 6 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2010/11 SUMMARY ...... 7 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS SUMMARY ...... 8 REPORT ON 2010/11 ACTIVITIES AND ACTIONS ...... 9 INVESTMENT ...... 9 BUSINESS CapaBIlITY dEVElOpMENT ...... 10 EMplOYMENT ...... 12 WORKS ...... 12 MIGRATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ...... 13 CaREER, SkIllS aNd WORkFORCE dEVElOpMENT ...... 15 CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (CDC) ...... 15 SKILLS TO DREAM ...... 17 WORKAbILITY PROjECT ...... 17 SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT ...... 17 THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT NETWORK ...... 17 NATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT WEEK ...... 17 KIMbERLY-CLARK AUSTRALIA (KCA) RETRENCHMENTS...... 18 FUTURE DIRECTIONS ...... 18 EMPLOYER bROKER - CLEAN jObS PROjECT ...... 18 SCHOOL bUSINESS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP bROKER ...... 18 NETWORKS AND ALLIANCES ...... 19 EXpORTS ...... 20 INFRaSTRUCTURE ...... 21 STATE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN ...... 21 GREEN TRIANGLE FREIGHT ACTION PLAN ...... 21 AIRPORT ...... 21 O.b. FLAT MObILE TOWER ...... 21 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA FUND (RDAF) ...... 22 DIGITAL SWITCHOVER LIAISON OFFICER...... 22 INNOVaTION ...... 23 SESAIIF ...... 23 pOpUlaTION ...... 23 REGIONal lEadERSHIp ...... 24 STATISTICS ...... 26 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...... 27 bOARD MEMbERS ...... 30 STAFF MEMbERS ...... 30 ROLE AND RESPONSIbILITIES ...... 31 ACRONYMS ...... 32 Chair Report

I am pleased to present this 2010/11 Annual drive the forest industry development agenda. Report, which comes after just eighteen months The Kimberly-Clark Australia announcement to into the life of the new Regional Development restructure its business at Tantanoola with the Australia board. loss of 170 jobs and possibly more with doubt During the past twelve months I transitioned over the future of its pulp mill, came on the heels from Deputy to the role of Chair, taking over from of the forward sale announcement, compounding Dale baker who had retired due to ill health, as the loss of confidence. reported last year. The RDA is working to address the career and Completion and release of the ‘Regional Roadmap’ workforce needs of those affected employees in September last year, marked the beginning of a and is also focused on delivering strong new strategic planning and reporting process for messages to Government about the need to the board. More importantly, the Roadmap will support our local manufacturing industries. Our continue to be updated to reflect the needs and broader regional development agenda, picks up the aspirations of our whole community. It is a the need to respond to calls for better access to planning document that will inform Governments a wide range of health services, new investment and investors as to what this region requires and in infrastructure, expanding opportunities for has to offer in moving towards the future that education and training and of course creating we are trying to influence. ongoing employment opportunities. It has been very much business as usual for staff, This Annual Report details the board’s activities who continue to provide services and advice in all these areas over the last twelve months across those in business and the community. and I encourage readers to take note and to This year we had the added impact of the follow up on any areas of interest with the board opportunity to tap into the first round of Regional and staff members. Development Australia funding. Nine projects I take this opportunity to thank the RDA funding were endorsed by the board and have gone partners, the State and Commonwealth Ministers forward for assessment, I take this opportunity for Regional Development and their agencies, the to wish our applicants well in this round. Department of Trade and Economic Development Local Government through the South East Local in South Australia and the Federal Department of Government Association and our seven regional Regional Australia. SELGA is the important third Councils, were active in the RDAF program party to our funding arrangements and we thank and I am pleased with the level of support and each of the seven Councils that are represented cooperation that exists between the RDA and under SELGA. Local Government. Our region stands to benefit Thank you to all board Members for your input significantly from such strong links. and service to the region, this effort clearly We have faced some challenges this year illustrates that you contribute to an important and there is still much to do on a number of facilitating agency. fronts. Confidence has been affected by the Finally to all members of staff, thank you for your long running issue of the ForestrySA forward ongoing work and delivery of services towards sale agenda. I hope that the newly established regional development in the Limestone Coast. Forest Roundtable will be able to advise and influence Government so that longer term risks to our timber industry are squashed and that Mark Braes we can actually get onto the front foot and CHaIR

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 1 Chief Executive Officer Report

Following last year’s report on the transitional and nine regional applications. We are hopeful of establishment phase of Regional Development success with at least some of the applications Australia Limestone Coast and through the and in any event, we can look forward to further activities and achievements for 2010/11 reported opportunities as more funding rounds are certain. here, we can see the impact of the RDA Network The strong interest of the Australian Government taking effect. in Regional Australia and the network of 55 RDAs Whilst our strategic planning processes are will continue to present funding opportunities always under review, the release of the first that are captured in the text of the RDA Regional ‘Regional Roadmap’ in September 2010 created Roadmap. a new starting point for gathering community We do have a serious challenge in the next input and reflecting in a planning document, twelve months to illustrate the very real value what the region represents and where it is going that the RDA provides, both in terms of services into the future. provided through various programs and through To further illustrate the need for constant the important planning and strategic projects review of our ‘Roadmap’, the region has been that we are involved in. This challenge follows challenged this year by two announcements the State Government announcement in its in particular. Firstly, the restructure of part of 2010 budget, that core funding to the RDAs in the Kimberly-Clark Australia plant at Snuggery South Australia will not go beyond june 2013. which involved the loss of 170 jobs and possibly The funding formula under the three levels 65 more in late 2011. Secondly, the South of Government is unique to South Australia Australian Government announced its intention and underpins the strength of service delivery to proceed with a forward sale of the ForestrySA capacity that RDAs offer. It will be critical to softwood harvest rotations for up to 100 years. better market the work of the RDAs and to build both announcements have the potential to cause a strong case for the State Government to stay some structural adjustment within the region’s firmly engaged. plantation forest and wood processing industries, In commending this report to you, I trust that resulting in an opportunity for a detailed review RDA Limestone Coast can illustrate through of that sector and associated service and support its various activities and programs, that it industries. represents value, a voice and an opportunity for In that context, we are pleased to be partnering the Limestone Coast region. with RDA barwon South West, PIRSA Forestry, In closing, can I take this opportunity to thank Department of Primary Industries and Chair Mark braes and the board Members Local Government to update the Plantation for their input, support and strong interest in Timber 2005 and beyond report, to create ensuring that the RDA is an important regional a current Green Triangle Timber Industry organisation. Information Guide and Prospectus. Thanks also to all staff members who have The continuing focus of RDA Limestone Coast contributed in so many ways, your work is highly to collaborate and work closely with our RDA valued and I might just add that the contribution neighbours and Local Councils across the wider of former business Development Manager, Roger region, will ensure better and more strategic babolka, over 14 years of service, has been outcomes for all involved. appreciated by many across the region. The Federal Government called for the first round of applications under the Regional Development Australia Fund early this year with a $100 Grant King million allocation and we were able to endorse CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 2 Strategic Context

OVERVIEW OF THE REGION The Limestone Coast Region (South East of South Australia) lies midway between the capital cities of and Melbourne, covering the south-eastern section of South Australia and encompasses the Local Government areas of the ; District Councils of Grant, Kingston, Robe and Tatiara; and the Naracoorte Lucindale and Wattle Range Councils. Together with the neighbouring Western Districts of Victoria, this wider region is often referred to as the Green Triangle Region and represents a very important political, community and industry based alliance. There is a real connectedness between the communities the Mount Gambier LGA. When combined with comprising the Green Triangle, geographically the Grant and Wattle Range LGAs, the Lower in terms of proximity to the State capitals of South East area accounts for 70% of the region’s Adelaide and Melbourne; at Local Government population, leading to a centralisation of level where the cooperation for strategic services and greater employment opportunities purposes is very deliberate; and across in that area. The City of Mount Gambier and businesses and the communities through sport, a number of towns across the region, including cultural and social interactions. Naracoorte, Millicent, Penola, bordertown, One of the key political and marketing strengths Keith, Robe, Kingston and Lucindale provide of each part of the region is the ability to unite a range of business, retail and community under the Green Triangle banner. services. The largest population centres are The Limestone Coast region supports a the City of Mount Gambier (24,000 people) population of approximately 65,000 people and townships of Millicent (5,500 people) and with approximately 40% of residents living in Naracoorte (5,000 people).

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 3 Greater Green Triangle Region

Australian born people make up 85.9% of the population of the region. Migration is principally from the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and more recently from New Zealand and South Africa. The Aboriginal population grew by 17.9% from 2001 to 2006 to 776 persons and has a young profile with 36.1% aged less than 15 years. The region houses many of South Australia’s key resource based companies and covers an area of some 21,376 square kilometers with fertile soils, reliable rainfall and abundant underground water. Key regional industries include agriculture, forestry and fishing (which includes wood processing; wine (viticulture and winemaking); fishing/ aquaculture; horticulture; beef ; dairy; sheep; grain and seed production); manufacturing; retail trade; education; health and community services; construction; accommodation, cafes and restaurants; and transport. The climate is characterised by cool wet winters and mild to hot, dry summers. Average annual rainfall varies considerably, from approximately 850mm in the south of the region to 450mm in the north of the region.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 4 VISION A key overarching objective for the RDA is to harness regional leadership capacity to such an "The limestone Coast is a dynamic, sustainable extent that through the acknowledgement of region which is well balanced where lifestyle, Government, communities are empowered and education and employment opportunities motivated to take on the challenges of driving contribute to overall community well being; measurable results against the key priorities with diverse industries and businesses and goals set out in the Regional Roadmap. competitive in local, national and global On the formation of Regional Development markets; and where the environment and Australia Limestone Coast, programs, services natural resources of the region are highly and roles previously undertaken by the former valued." Limestone Coast Regional Development MISSION board and Limestone Coast Area Consultative Committee, have been picked up and continue To ensure the longer term growth and to be an important part of the service and sustainability of the limestone Coast region program delivery of the RDA. and the well-being of its communities, Ongoing services and programs conducted in through:- partnership with stakeholders, including the • Ongoing engagement with the community South Australian and Australian Governments, and the provision of advice, information and are identified as part of the strategies attached feedback to Governments, policy makers and to each of the goals in achieving the overall stakeholders regarding issues and activities objectives of this Roadmap. that are important to the development and well being of the Limestone Coast region. THE ROadMap • Promotion and support of the policies, The RDA committee is responsible for the strategic plans and priorities of the development of a Regional Roadmap, which Commonwealth, the State Government describes the selected region, its attributes, and the South East Local Government industry and employment base and key Association, that facilitate community advantages. The Roadmap sets out the economic development outcomes in the economic, environmental and social vision region. for the region, articulates the drivers of • Provision of services and undertaking change, identifies strengths, weaknesses and projects that facilitate community economic opportunities, and lists priorities for action. development outcomes in the region that The Roadmap can be used by all stakeholders are consistent with the policies, strategic including parties who may have an interest in plans and priorities of the Commonwealth, becoming future residents or investors in the the State Government and the South East region. Local Government Association.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMaRY • Ensure the Limestone Coast is a high OF THE ROadMap priority region for participation in the national broadband rollout and other In compiling the Regional Roadmap a series telecommunications initiatives to achieve of consultations were undertaken throughout similar capacity and quality enjoyed by the community, to gather information on the metropolitan australia. key priorities, issues and opportunities for • Improve social outcomes by addressing the the region. The main body of the document shortage of affordable housing options describes in detail those issues and they are and removing the financial, physical, summarised below as the 11 key actions for emotional and geographic barriers for priority attention of the RDA. citizen’s accessing adequate aged care, • Drive population growth to a vibrant and dental, health and allied health and mental industrious 140,000 by 2030 through health care facilities in the region. influencing the strategic regional • Assist the District Council of Grant to development planning and policy settings achieve the upgrading of runways, taxiways of Governments. and facilities at the • Develop regional leadership capacity to to meet industry and regulatory standards support empowerment and motivation as associated with a modern, major regional a key regional development objective. airport. • Achieve targeted economic development • Ensure that maintenance and renewal of outcomes to ensure jobs for an increased structures associated with the Upper and population. lower South East drainage Schemes is a • Increase the skills level across the region continuing high infrastructure priority. through better access and participation in It is intended that the Roadmap will be secondary schooling, vocational training constantly under review and update and that and higher education. regular consultation with the community will • Support the South East Natural Resource occur. Management Board to deliver on their regional plan, whilst at the same time maximising available economic, social and environmental opportunities from our natural resource base. • Pursue funding as a “mini metro” model for the Mount Gambier Hospital and support the cluster of health services in the region to increase access to Gps, specialist services, mental health and community health services. • Fast track the implementation of the Green Triangle Freight action plan, including significant upgrade of the princes Highway from kingston through the Coorong to just South of Tailem Bend.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 6 Key Performance Indicators 2010/11 SUMMaRY aGaINST STaTE aNd lOCal GOVERNMENT TaRGETS

Outcomes Key Performance Indicators Targets Outcomes

Investment • Number of businesses assisted, • 40 businesses • 157 businesses (432 general and the value of investment by (The target number does not enquiries + 114 MWdO) businesses assisted include all business contacts • $985,000 investment by which is estimated at a further 400) businesses (Does not include project money • $8m investment attracted to the region - $1,461,900 for general project & $591,560 for MWDO, Sa Works and Export program delivery. See Page 25)

• Number of local businesses assisted • 1 business • 1 business to participate in major projects, and • $2m local content • NIL the value of local content secured

Employment • Number of jobs (FTE’s) created and • 40 jobs created • 10.9 FTE's retained in businesses assisted (This number does not (201 through SA Works program include employment to date which includes Career outcomes or training hours development Centre) delivered through the SA Works program)

Skills • Identification of emerging labour • 3 programs • 4 programs skills issues in the region (includes Small Business On-Line • Programs developed with State and program; partnership Broker program; Local Government and industry to Workforce attraction & Retention project meet workforce demands in meat industry; Cleans Jobs project)

Exports • Number of exporters assisted and • 10 exporters • 36 exporters value of their export • $3m of exports • $10,306,465

Infrastructure • Number and value of economic • 4 projects • 15 projects infrastructure development projects • $5m value • $12,000,000 assisted (projects associated with implementation of Green Triangle Freight action plan)

Innovation • Number of businesses assisted to • 3 businesses with • 1 business with new products bring new products to market new products • 2 businesses introducing • Number of businesses assisted to • 3 businesses processes introduce processes that boost introducing productivity and competitiveness processes

Population • Share of State’s population • 4.5% • 4%

business • Number of workshops and • 6 workshops • 11 workshops Capability participating businesses, and • 200 participants • 234 participants Development outcomes achieved for businesses

Regional • Identification of barriers to regional • 5 barriers; • 24 cases of identifying barriers Leadership growth and mitigation strategies 2 strategies • 54 cases of leadership barriers • Demonstration of leadership • 10 • 88 cases of providing regional provided by the Association in • 2 intelligence community in building the capacity Refer to section on Regional leadership in the region on page 24 • Provision of regional intelligence to Government on significant economic development issues and opportunities across the regions

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 7 Key Performance Indicators Summary TOWaRdS COMMONWEalTH OBJECTIVES (1ST JULY 2010 TO 30TH JUNE 2011)

Outcome 1 – Improved Community and Economic development Outcome 2 – Enhanced Community Engagement and Consultation Outcome 3 – Improved Regional planning Outcome 4 – Enhanced Whole-of-Government approach Outcome 5 – Enhanced Awareness of Government programs

Regional Development Australia Limestone Outcomes against the Federal Government Coast has two separate core funding objectives are reported comprehensively to the agreements, each with specific reporting Government under the terms of our funding requirements against set outcomes and agreement. targets. Those outcomes and actions of the RDA The outcomes listed above and set by the in addressing each specific criterion, are Federal Government are broad based strategic contained within the general reporting context actions which are complimentary to those of this annual report. specific activities of the RDA which target investment, employment, skills development, trade related and infrastructure development projects.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 8 Report on 2010/11 Activities and Actions

INVESTMENT • Facilitating a briefing evening as part of Small business Month entitled “Doing business RDA LC continues its aim to provide a “one- with Defence” for targeted businesses with stop-shop” environment for the community potential to engage with and supply to the through the delivery of business development Defence sector. Participants were able to programs including the Small business Advisory find out about business opportunities with Service and Export Advisory Service. Defence, learn the best ways to engage The Small business Advisory Service is with Defence and learn how to prepare their provided through funding from the State companies to take advantage of potential Government’s Department of Trade and opportunities. Economic Development. This service was • Presenting to the ‘Agri-Links’ meeting held delivered by Roger babolka up until October in Mount Gambier with regards to accessing when he left the organisation to pursue other Government assistance / support for interests after fourteen years of significant businesses and the agricultural sector. contribution to the growth of the region’s • Providing advisory services and ongoing small business community. mentoring to new Indigenous businesses Delivery of the service has subsequently been through Indigenous business Australia (IbA). continued by Mike Ryan with enquiries received • Providing information and assistance with ranging from an understanding of cash flows, Regional Development Infrastructure Fund business planning advice, business licence applications. information, and human resource management. • In conjunction with AusIndustry, providing 283 enquiries were received by the Small information and assistance to businesses on business Advisory Service during the year with the South East South Australia Innovation and more than $985,000 being spent by individual Investment Fund (SESAIIF) with information businesses in establishment or expansion costs sessions held at Millicent, Mount Gambier, and at least 10 jobs being created. This figure Naracoorte, Penola and bordertown. only incorporates investment and jobs that we are aware have actually occurred or have been • Australian and State Government funding reported back to us, and there are no doubt programs have been promoted by staff to many instances where the business Adviser has the business sector, community and industry provided advice to an individual about starting where appropriate and they continue to up or expanding a business where this has assist businesses through provision of advice subsequently occurred without us being made in relation to completing applications, or aware that it has taken place. A total of 117 through the provision of letters of support. enquiries were in relation to establishment of • A number of businesses have also been a new business. referred to the Australian Government’s Activities undertaken by the business Enterprise Connect program. Development Manager/Officer included:- • Assisting TAFE SA in the organisation and hosting of the highly successful Smart eSkills for Small business series of workshops and on-line follow up sessions provided under the Australian Government’s Small business On- Line program. • Supporting New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) participants with industry and regional intelligence to assist them establish their business.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 9 BUSINESS CapaBIlITY dEVElOpMENT 11 workshops / forums were held across the Limestone Coast Region with a total of 234 participants covering a variety of topics including, marketing on-line (in conjunction with Inner West bEC) networking (in conjunction with the Limestone Coast Food Group), running regionally based family businesses (in conjunction with the Family business Association), doing business with the defence industry, developing on-line business skills (in conjunction with TAFE SA), and a number of better business Series workshops in conjunction with Women in business and Regional Development including advertising at low or no cost, doing business in difficult times and cash flow management. RDA LC staff also provided assistance with coordination and attendance numbers for workshops held by various Government agencies, including the Reserve bank of Australia.

10 11 4% 4% 22 ENQUIRIES BY COUNCIl aREa 8% City of Mount Gambier (38% pop: 23,493) 117 District Council of Grant (12% pop: 7,868) 32 41% (19% pop: 11,888) 11% (11% pop: 6,864) Naracoorte Lucindale Council (13% pop: 8,080) Kingston District Council (4% pop: 2,324) (3% pop: 1,699) 41 14%

22 50 18% 10 8% 4% 96 34% ENQUIRY TYpE

69 PLANNING 24% FINANCIAL TAXATION MARKETING LICENCES/LEGAL EDUCATION/TRAINING 18 GENERAL MGT 6% 53 15 19% 5%

8% 8% ENQUIRIES BY INdUSTRY 13% AGRICULTURE 17% MANUFACTURING CONSTRUCTION 7% RETAIL WHOLESALE TRANSPORT 15% bUSINESS SERVICE REC/PERSONAL 25% HOSP/TOURISM 4% 3%

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 10 BUSINESS dEVElOpMENT / TRaINING WORkSHOpS HEld

WORkSHOp paRTICIpaNTS Accessing Government Funding programs (Mount Gambier Harness Racing 13 Club) Accessing Government assistance / support (Agri-Links seminar) 30 Opportunities and potential support available (Keith business community) 7 “50 ways to advertise at a low or no cost”, in conjunction with Family 31 business Australia Workshop for regionally based family businesses in conjunction with Family 25 business Australia “Marketing On-line” (3 day workshop in conjunction with bEC Inc, 12 AusIndustry and DFEEST) “Doing business with Defence” briefing session for businesses on supplying to 16 the defence sector “Smart eSkills for Small business” (3 workshops and follow on sessions 69 developing on-line business skills in conjunction with TAFE SA) “Doing business in Difficult Times” in conjunction with Women in business 8 and Regional Development “Cash Flow Management” in conjunction with Women in business and 9 Regional Development “Networking - More than just working the room” in conjunction with 14 Limestone Coast Food Group 234

Note: Assistance also provided with coordination and attendance numbers for a variety of workshops held by other Government agencies.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 11 EMplOYMENT bus transports disadvantaged individuals three days per week. This service has moved SOUTH aUSTRalIa WORkS many people into productive and meaningful South Australia Works provided employment work. 18 participants – 17 employment and training opportunities for those most outcomes, 16 accredited training hours, 650 disadvantaged in the labour force. During a non-accredited training hours delivered. transition in the 2010 / 2011 financial year, two • Second Tickets: A small ticket training subsidy project periods were run, one from july 2010 to assist individuals with limited funding to December 2010 and the other from january options to obtain sustainable employment 2011 to june 2011. This resulted in a diverse opportunities. This project was successfully range of opportunities for targeted participants administered by Gramac Solutions. 86 in the Limestone Coast. participants – 56 employment outcomes, RDA LC, in partnership with the South Australian 7108 accredited training hours delivered. Department of Further Education, Employment, january – june 2011 Targeted Projects (still Science and Technology (DFEEST) delivered operational): the South Australia Works program for the • life Skills: Designed to engage people who Limestone Coast. Mike Ryan was the Project are capable of working, but have low self Officer delivering this program until january esteem, attitudinal slippage and personal 2011, when julie Mattinson took over this role. deportment needs. The project is providing both worked in collaboration with the Regional them with the necessary skills and knowledge Coordinator for DFEEST, David Hill. to step up to the labour market. This program The Project Officers managed $338,000 is being undertaken by Uniting Care Wesley in DFEEST funding in the Limestone Coast Port Adelaide and delivered across the area, and all targeted outcomes for the full Limestone Coast. financial year will be achieved. These were; • llNp: (Language Literacy Numeracy Project). to engage 482 participants, with 280 to gain This project is supporting those with low an employment outcome and the purchase of language and literacy to raise those skills to 20,528 accredited training hours. The outcomes an occupational level and gain employment. for the first part of the financial year resulted It is administered through Interwork Ltd. in: 441 participants, 201 employment outcomes and 7,108 accredited training hours. The • digital Skills: This project supports mature remaining projects for january – june 2011 are aged people to undertake training in basic still operational. computing and modern communications that may assist them in gaining employment. 10 The Career development Centre (CDC) based participants are supported through this by in Mount Gambier, continues to be the flagship ac.care. project for the South Australia Works program. The CDC has been operating successfully for • Training assistance: This project supports five years and an overview of this project is individuals with unique circumstances provided later in this report by Manager, Helen who face barriers involving small training Strickland. requirements. It provides limited financial assistance to individuals who wish to engage Highlights of the projects undertaken throughout in the workforce. This project is undertaken the year by the South Australia Works funding by Gramac Solutions. recipients are listed below:- • Increasing Occupational Mobility: This june – December 2010 Targeted Projects: project is a continuation of the highly • Expressed Twice: This project, successfully successful ‘On the Move’. It continues to contracted to Interwork Ltd, enabled young transport individuals from Mount Gambier adults to overcome barriers such as self to Millicent and return, to enable them esteem and dressing appropriately. 28 to undertake employment and training participants – 18 employment outcomes, opportunities. 4050 non-accredited training hours delivered, 9 achieving further education / training outcomes. • On the Move: Transport is a major barrier for job seekers. bedford Industries, RDA LC and South Australia Works provided transport by subsidising an existing bus service from Mount Gambier to Millicent and return. The

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 12 EMplOYMENT CONT. office two mornings a week in Mount Gambier, along with supporting skilled migrants and their Other activities: families with English language, networking, Since 2010, South Australia Works has shifted social activities and information. its focus towards assisting those most In 2010 / 11, the Migration and Workforce disadvantaged in the labour market and in Development program received 114 new doing so has collaborated more with human enquiries. In brief: service agencies such as the Mount Gambier • The program has averaged between 1 to 2 Men’s Shed, The junction, the Domestic employer enquiries per month. The majority Violence Conference Committee, the Limestone of employers who make contact have been Coast Community Services Round Table, Wattle previous ‘clients’ or who have been referred Range Social Issues Committee, Hayes Crescent by other employers or government agencies. Group and the Youth Workers Network. The vast majority of these enquiries result in South Australia Works continues to support a successful employer sponsorship. industry engagement in connection with this • The bulk of enquiries received by the shift in focus aiming to provide solutions to MWDO are from potential skilled migrants. skills shortages in the Limestone Coast region. Many are still overseas and are looking for Specific linkages the South Australia Works ways to migrate. Some are in Australia team has engaged with are; the Career Expo, temporarily and are looking for permanent the Automotive Industry Group South East, the options. Others are in the region and may Teacher Practicum project, Forest Industries also need help with migration matters, or Training Network and the Human Resource just as commonly, have settlement issues or Managers group. challenges. South Australia Works has also provided • The origin of new enquiries by Limestone individual support to those most disadvantaged Coast Council region varies – on average, through co-contributed funding to assist with over half of these contacts come from the individualised training after all other avenues City of Mount Gambier, followed by Wattle have been exhausted. Range, Grant and Tatiara Council areas. MIGRaTION & WORkFORCE dEVElOpMENT During the 2010 / 11 financial year the Limestone The Migration and Workforce Development Coast region recorded 10 Regional Sponsored initiative is administered by RDA LC through a Migration Scheme (RSMS) certifications, down funding arrangement with the South Australian from 24 in the previous financial year. This Government via the Department of Trade and reduction in successful certifications can in the Economic Development (DTED) and Immigration main be attributed to the changing economic SA. The current funding agreement is in place climate in the region. However, the uncertainty until june 2013. The program was likely to regarding the status of the MWDO initiative be not funded beyond late 2010 however, the in the latter part of 2010 clearly had some most recent review allows the project to be impact. continued and further monitored for outcomes The project records enquiries according to the by DTED into the 2011 / 12 financial year. Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial A partner program since 2006 - the ‘Welcome Classification (ANZSIC). The highest numbers Program for Skilled Migrants’ ceased in of enquiries as per this classification were December 2010 after funding was redirected received in the following categories, in order: to the Migrant Resource Centre. In November Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Manufacturing, 2010, the District Council of Grant agreed Health and Community Services and Transport to auspice the ‘Skilled Migrants’ Friendship and Storage. Group’ to continue some of the work previously undertaken by the ‘Welcome Program’. The group is volunteer in nature and operates an

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 13 EMplOYMENT CONT. The Australian Government’s Sustainable Australia – Sustainable Communities (2011) Overall, numbers of independent skilled strategy highlights improvements in regional migrants coming to the region looking for migration as a way to meet labour market employment has continued to decline since challenges in regional Australia and includes late 2010. This is consistent with the lower a proposal to introduce regional migration numbers of new arrivals attending Immigration agreements where decision making about the SA’s on-arrival information sessions in Adelaide nature and focus of overseas migration can each month. Issues and challenges related to be made locally. If actioned, this proposal career and work are still those most reported will allow our region to better align skilled by skilled migrants and their family members migration with our labour market needs whilst residing in the Limestone Coast. allowing us some flexibility with general Since 2005, the meat processing sector in the migration requirements. Limestone Coast has employed new migrants The Migration and Workforce Development from many countries including temporary initiative continues to maintain membership skilled workers. Almost six years later, some of the South Australian Multicultural and progress has been made with regard to these Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC), South temporary skilled workers obtaining permanent East Regional Advisory Committee and the residency, however challenges remain. Where Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) Limestone possible, the board supports skilled workers Coast Migrant Settlement Committee. The on temporary or provisional visas to obtain MWDO has also supported the work of other permanent residency as a priority, as in our RDA funded projects and both government and experience, residency status is one of the non-government agencies and services in the major factors integral to long term settlement Limestone Coast. success.

4%

15% ENQUIRY TYpE

MIGRATION - SKILLED MIGRATION - OTHER

13% SETTLEMENT SUPPORT OTHER

68%

14 ENQUIRIES BY 12% 4 COUNCIl aREa 4%

8 City of Mount Gambier (38% pop: 23,493) 43 7% District Council of Grant (12% pop: 7,868) 38% Wattle Range Council (19% pop: 11,888) 5 4% Tatiara District Council (11% pop: 6,864) 3 Naracoorte Lucindale Council (13% pop: 8,080) 3% Kingston District Council (4% pop: 2,324) 2 2% State Interstate 21 Overseas 14 18% 12%

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 14 CaREER, SkIllS aNd WORkFORCE dEVElOpMENT CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (CDC) As the Career Development Centre (CDC) celebrated its 5th birthday early this year, it is timely to reflect on this initiative and its impact both within the region and across South Australia. The CDC was established in February 1996 as a community based model and has provided the model for CDCs across South Australia. It is nationally recognised as a model of best practice and each year provides guidance and mentoring to other services across South Australia. Manager, Helen Strickland, is currently scoping a toolkit of resources to support other services, at the request of the Department of Further Education, Employment Science and Technology. The CDC has grown each year as locals spread the word – advertising does not need to be in the budget as good word of mouth means that the CDC consistently outperforms against its targets. The CDC started with a clear vision of Career development services and information for everyone in the Limestone Coast region of any age, at any stage in their career. It is an individual’s decision to use the CDC service, there is no compulsion. This means that participants use the service based on their desire to have greater skills to manage their career, and leads to empowerment of the individual to take control of their career – we can guide and support but they are the decision maker. The CDC supports them with an intervention at a key point in their working life. Our statistics over time show some interesting demographics.

paRTICIpaTION BY GENdER

Male 45% Female 55%

paRTICIpaTION BY aGE COHORTS 30% 15 - 24 25 - 39 44% 40 +

26%

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 15 CaREER, SkIllS aNd WORkFORCE dEVElOpMENT CONT.

Retrenched workers by financial year as a percentage of total participants

14.5% KCA retrenchments

8% 9% 5.1% other retrenchments

2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

The statistic that is usually not celebrated or services. The CDC website at www.cdc.org.au recognised as part of our work is the ‘pathway’ has a huge following and contains a daily job or ‘low level’ participants who can take just as vacancies board, a seasonal labour calendar, much time as participants who are officially information for travellers seeking work, listed and counted. They usually require one comprehensive information about services career development session rather than many and training available in the region, job search and have a range of needs, from information information and local industry information. job about work options to career coaching to the vacancies have been tracked since May 2008 need for contemporary tools to seek work. and show a decrease over time in published Tracking and counting them is tricky – the vacancies. This may be due to a decrease in CDC conservatively estimates that they have actual job vacancies, or to a shift in the way seen 600 pathways participants this financial that jobs are identified and filled. We know year, and have developed a system to more that word of mouth and informal strategies accurately track them. They are supporting form a large part of recruitment practice. increasing numbers through email and phone

Job advertisements on-line and in local papers over time for the limestone Coast

1000 500 0

May-08 jul-08Sep-08Nov-08jan-09Mar-09May-09 jul-09Sep-09Nov-09jan-10Mar-10May-10 jul-10Sep-10Nov-10 jan-11Mar-11May-11

Statistics for the last financial year are shown the CDC without using the one to one service below. Of these numbers, 3.3% of participants with a career practitioner – these numbers were Indigenous, 3.3% were migrants and 7.6% have increased this year and far exceed formal had a disability. These statistics do not include participants. people who seek advice or information from

Female age Male

11.1% 50 16-24 44 9.8%

11.8% 53 25-39 44 9.8% 21.2% 95 40+ 163 36.3%

44.1% 198 251 55.9%

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 16 CaREER, SkIllS aNd WORkFORCE THE CaREER dEVElOpMENT NETWORk dEVElOpMENT CONT. The CDC has provided leadership for the establishment of the Career Development The Career Development Centre has been Network. The Career Development Network involved in a number of initiatives this year, vision is to link all people working within Career which are outlined below. Development in the Limestone Coast Region. SkIllS TO dREaM The network will provide research, networking Skills to Dream is a 10 week program which and professional development opportunities to allows young people in primary school to the sector and is committed to the delivery of explore their interests, understand how these high quality, consistent and coordinated career relate to learning and teaches the importance development services in the Limestone Coast of foundation skills. Key benefits from this region. Its objectives are to; program for students include increased levels • Promote quality frameworks to all of self confidence, better self awareness and stakeholders improved information relating to education and • Provide opportunities for networking work decisions. Skills to Dream is based on the • Raise awareness of career development key curriculum ideas and outcomes for Career • Support career planning, coaching and Education as outlined in “The South Australian mentoring Curriculum Standards and Accountability • Provide encouragement of best practice and Framework”. These are; upholding a code of ethics • Learning about self in relation to work • Provide a forum to share and reflect on • Learning about the world of work information, experiences, resources and • Learning how to make career plans and issues decisions • Provide opportunities for professional • Implementing career decisions and managing development work transitions Currently the network has members from a This program is currently being delivered in 2 broad range of regional organisations including schools in the region. job Services Australia, Disability Services, WORkaBIlITY pROJECT Registered Training Organisations, Regional High Schools, Uni SA, DFEEST, Centrelink, This project supported mature aged people with Apprenticeships & Traineeships Sector, Health a disability to gain skills to become employed Care Sector, Career Development Centre, and was carried out in partnership with the Flexible & Independent Learning Centres, National Disability Coordination Officer and Private Practitioners. local Disability Employment Services. NaTIONal CaREER dEVElOpMENT WEEk SCHOlaRSHIp SUppORT National Career Development Week is The CDC is now taking responsibility for a celebrated each year with competitions, project which was initiated by Rotary last year, displays and promotions. This year the CDC which aims to ensure that people (particularly partnered with the City of Mount Gambier and young people) have an awareness of and access the Limestone Coast Media Centre (5SE963AM to information about scholarships which are and 96.1starFM) to coordinate a Career bucket available to them. There are literally hundreds List competition. There were many entries from of scholarships available, but often people primary and secondary school students and are not aware of them, or do not have an adults. This provides a great way to focus on understanding of how to write an application career as a key part of our lives. for them. Rotary is providing a small amount of funds to address this issue, and promotion through the website and other marketing is being processed through the CDC, with one to one support also provided as needed.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 17 CaREER, SkIllS aNd WORkFORCE SCHOOl BUSINESS COMMUNITY paRTNERSHIp BROkER dEVElOpMENT CONT. Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast KIMBERLY-CLARK AUSTRALIA (KCA) has been successful in receiving funding through RETRENCHMENTS the School business Community Partnership broker The CDC is playing a major role in supporting program funded by the Australian Government. retrenched workers from KCA, and has currently The Australian Government is committed to provided support to over 80 workers. This will providing opportunities and support for all young continue over the next 12 months. Career Australians to acquire the knowledge and skills development support is available both on site and they need to participate effectively in society and at the CDC. employment in a globalised economy. FUTURE dIRECTIONS To achieve that goal, the Commonwealth, State The CDC sets goals for action each year. Our focus and Territory Governments have agreed to a this year is: Compact with Young Australians (the Compact) • Outreach through a face to face presence in that provides incentives to stay in, or return to, an other towns in the region. We are scoping education or training pathway. All young people service provision in Millicent, Naracoorte and aged 15 - 24 will have an entitlement to a place Kingston and will implement this as processes in school, training or higher education, subject to are put in place and as resources allow. availability and meeting admission requirements. • Increased use of email, phone and other All young people up to the age of 17 years technology to support individuals unable to must be engaged full time in school, training or access the CDC in Mount Gambier. This is a employment, or a combination of these, that is, huge growth area for the CDC and now forms a learning or earning. The Governments are aiming core part of our service. to have at least 90 per cent of all young people • Focus on best practice with retrenched workers. attain Year 12 or its equivalent by 2015. The provision of services to KCA and other In support of the Compact with Young workers has enabled the CDC to focus practice Australians, the Commonwealth, State and so that we can support people at this critical Territory Governments have entered into a time of change in their working life. National Partnership on Youth Attainment and • Increased strategies to gather feedback Transitions. As part of the Australian Government’s on effectiveness of the CDC service. The contribution to this National Partnership, existing CDC has incorporated pre and post surveys youth, transitions and career programs will be with participants to gather data about the consolidated into two new programs from 1 effectiveness of the service. january 2010 that will work together to improve Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates and EMplOYER BROkER - ClEaN JOBS pROJECT support successful engagement and transitions for The Employer broker project in this region is all young people. The programs are: targeted in the agricultural industry. The project, 1. A national network of School business Clean jobs, is supporting employers and job seekers Community Partnership brokers (Partnership to gain skills and knowledge to develop sustainable brokers) to build partnerships that support agricultural practices, with a focus on dairying, improved education and transition outcomes viticulture and broad acre farming. It works with for all young people. farmers to generate demand for and understanding 2. A national network of Youth Connections of environmental management systems, and with providers to ensure young people at risk of not job seekers to ensure they have skills to implement attaining Year 12 or its equivalent or making these plans. by providing employer training and job a successful transition, get the support they seeker screening, training, job search assistance, need to remain engaged, or to reengage in job matching and transition to work support, the education. project will meet employer needs for suitable staff and will ensure the region has a higher level of sustainable agricultural practice. To date the project has supported 23 farmers to engage in training to develop sustainable business models, 41 participants have been involved in training in sustainable agriculture, 54 participants have received targeted assistance to find employment, and 21 have gained employment in agriculture. The project will be completed later this year.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 18 CaREER, SkIllS aNd WORkFORCE NETWORkS aNd allIaNCES dEVElOpMENT CONT. The Manager, Skills, Career and Workforce Development participated in a variety of forums, The Partnership broker program in the Limestone discussions and committees, including; Coast has been facilitating a number of • UniSA Mount Gambier Regional Centre partnerships for a range of projects to support Advisory Council successful transitions for young people. These • South East Education and Training include; Association • Support for the What Happens Next committee • Career Expo planning committee which is implementing a process for young • Employment Services meetings people with disabilities to make a successful • KCA Steering Committee transition from school. This group recently • Humanitarian Refugee meetings signed a MOA to ‘cement’ their partnership. • Strategic Planning facilitation for ac.care • Support for the establishment of a regional • Lions Youth of the year judging Youth Wellbeing group, which is looking at • CDAA, Indigenous Education, Transition access to and awareness of services within and Employment and SEGRA conference the region, and a regional Early Years group participation which will investigate community use of early • Support for other CDC services across the childhood services and strategies to support State increased usage. • South Australia Works network meetings • Support for the Career Development Network, • State Partnership Brokers network which is managing the Career Expo event • State delegate on the National Partnership this year. This group has also coordinated the brokers Network delivery of Certificate IV in Career Development • UniSA Teacher Practicum committee and to 14 practitioners in the region. research project • Scoping of an Industry Exploration Centre. • Support for the evaluation process for the iPoP project, which aims to involve young people as peer mentors in the areas of sexual and mental health. • Establishing a process to define a regional framework for mentoring for young people, through discussions with the CEO of the Australian Youth Mentoring Network. • Support for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) working group, which aims to support teachers in schools to support CALD young people who need information and assistance with transition planning. • Research to produce an online directory of youth services as part of the gearingup website which is now live. (www.gearingup. org.au) • Scoping of the issues and models for Work Experience, leading to a Work Ready project. • Scoping a Youth Space concept in Naracoorte, and support for the process of establishing a Youth Space in Mount Gambier. Helen Strickland represents South Australia on the National Partnership broker Network, and leads the National Network Stakeholder Engagement committee.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 19 EXpORTS • 9 SA companies showcased their products at the Seoul Food & Hotel Expo in May 2011. Through a cooperative arrangement with • In conjunction with SA Government the Department of Trade and Economic Singapore office showcased 5 companies’ Development, the board is contracted to provide products at meetings in Singapore in May. support services for Export Advisor, bruce • Out-bound missions assisted: 2 Limestone Rodda, as part of their delivery of Austrade’s Coast companies deliver agribusiness services TradeStart program. bruce is based in the into Armenia as project managers of a World board’s Naracoorte Office but works closely bank tender (sheep genetic project). with our business Development Staff. • Limestone Coast company to showcase The TradeStart program provides export at Saudi Agriculture Show (Riyadh-small assistance services to new and potential seeds). exporters. bruce provides advice on getting • 5 companies showcased at Hong Kong started as an exporter, potential markets, International Wine Fair. overseas business practices and etiquette and • Assisted 2 companies with market entry overseas import regulations. issues into Milan & USA. Assistance is also offered to eligible clients • In-bound buyer missions: Malaysia (beans, applying for the SA Government’s export nuts), Moscow business Development assistance package - ‘Gateway business Manager (wine, agribusiness), Pakistan- Program’. Quetta (rose rootlings), China (oaten hay- A significant part of identifying appropriate dairy) export markets is through the coordination As outlined in the Key Performance Indicator of local businesses participating in overseas summary a total of 36 companies were assisted delegations, either to attend Expos / Trade to make an export sale in various overseas shows or to meet with specific companies, for markets, to the value of $10.3 million. example:-

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 20 INFRaSTRUCTURE MOUNT GaMBIER aIRpORT The RDA has provided support to the District STaTE INFRaSTRUCTURE plaN Council of Grant, through an application to the During the course of the last 12 months, State Regional Development Infrastructure Fund. the Department for Transport, Energy and A successful application resulted in $500,000 Infrastructure commenced a process to update being granted to assist with the upgrading of the State Infrastructure Plan. RDA Limestone pavements to the runways, taxiways and aprons Coast and the South East Local Government at the airport. Association worked closely to ensure that material gathered and submitted to the review O.B. FlaT MOBIlE TOWER was as up to date as possible and that it was The RDA worked with The barn Complex at O.b. representative of the infrastructure plans and Flat and Telstra, to construct an application to needs of each Local Council area. the State Regional Development Infrastructure The RDA and SELGA provided a joint submission Fund, seeking a contribution towards the cost to the review. Each Council provided an of erecting a mobile telephone tower in the overview of current infrastructure and O.b. Flat area. The request was based on the participated in a review process to check the importance of coverage in that region to assist final details in the new Draft Regional Profile. general business, conference delegates and the The RDA assisted with workshop participation Transport Industry sectors. A grant of $250,000 and provided overarching commentary to assist was announced by the South Australian Minister the preparation of the new document. for Regional Development, the Hon. Gail Gago. An updated plan that, is agreed by all stakeholders, will assist in the various Grant Funding Programs that will be pursued in order to assist with the funding of new regional infrastructure assets. GREEN TRIaNGlE FREIGHT aCTION plaN This major piece of work is constantly under review by the Implementation Monitoring Group, established by the South Australian and Victorian Governments. The group comprises members from both state transport agencies, Local Government, industry and RDA representatives. Various parts of the plan are being implemented through the Annual Capital Program of both State Governments and is substantially reflected in shoulder widening of the Princes and Riddoch Highways. The plan continues to be a focus of applications for Federal Government funding support through Infrastructure Australia, with an updated application in the process of being lodged. Meanwhile, with the commencement of blue gum harvesting and the export of hardwood chips through Portland, the need to fast track some elements of the plan have become more important.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 21 INFRaSTRUCTURE CONT. Outcome The switchover went very smoothly with almost REGIONal dEVElOpMENT aUSTRalIa FUNd all viewers well-prepared for the analogue (RDAF) switch-off. This was a great achievement given Following a call for applications to the first that in june 2010 the Digital Tracker report was round of funding under the newly created RDAF, showing that an estimated 23% of households the RDA Limestone Coast board endorsed nine still had not converted to digital television. The infrastructure related projects for the region. Digital Switchover Taskforce had advised that it • South East Local Government Association was evident that by 15 December 2010 this figure to upgrade and refurbish bridge structures would have reached a point well in excess of the associated with the Upper and Lower South 95% for which we were aiming. East Drainage Schemes. There were many initiatives contributing to the • District Council of Robe seeking investment success of the switchover in the Limestone Coast, in infrastructure upgrade at the Lake butler including the public information campaign, the Marina. Household Assistance Scheme, the Endorsed • District Council of Grant to assist with the Port Antenna Installers and Retail Digital Advisors MacDonnell Marina Infrastructure Project. Schemes, and the support of the “digitalready” • District Council of Grant to assist with the website, and the information line. Tools such Mount Gambier and District Regional Airport as “Myswitch”, which were implemented along Pavement Strengthening upgrade project. the way, were also particularly useful in raising • District Council of Grant to assist with the awareness. Mount Gambier Liveweight Selling Centre The challenge in helping people who were likely project. to encounter the most difficulty in making the • Glenelg Shire Council to assist with the switch (the elderly, infirm, people with disabilities, upgrading of the Condar Hotspur Upper Road or facing financial, linguistic or social barriers) / Ratcliffes Road project which is part of the could only be done by engaging the community Green Triangle Freight Action Plan. at the local level to prepare for the change. • Wattle Range Council to assist with construction of the CWMS project. The project was broken down into three main • A consortium to assist with the residential stages: and community care shared ICT infrastructure 1. Orientation and Research project. 2. Consultations and Networking • Tatiara District Council to assist with the Keith 3. Community Engagement and Review and District Sport and Recreation Complex Different engagement strategies were used project. with different community groups, with the Successful applications will be announced in the approach being tailored to meet specific needs. early part of the 2011 / 12 financial year. For example, the indigenous groups requested one-on-one presentations rather than group dIGITal SWITCHOVER lIaISON OFFICER presentation sessions. Conversely seniors’ groups Objective were far more interested in group sessions on a The Digital Switchover Liaison Officer Program regular basis. aimed to ensure viewers of free-to-air television The Digital Switchover Liaison Officer found that in the Limestone Coast region were prepared for the most valuable contacts in this phase were the transition to digital television, with particular Local Government personnel – e.g. local Council regard to residents with special needs. This was to CEOs as well as South East Local Government be achieved in partnership with Local Government Association personnel. They appeared to be the by engaging with local residents, organisations best informed in terms of suggesting who would and institutions at the community level. be worthwhile contacts in relation to the specific The objective of the DSLO Program in the target groups, and also proffered useful ideas in Limestone Coast was to assist in achieving as other regards. close to 100% conversion of households in the region as possible by 15 December 2010, with 95% being the focus. The real challenge was in helping people who were likely to encounter the most difficulty in making the switch – the elderly, infirm, people with disabilities or facing financial, linguistic or social barriers - to prepare for the change.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 22 INNOVaTION pOpUlaTION Working in close collaboration with the Growth in the Limestone Coast population AusIndustry Regional Manager, the Small has remained very steady, generally consistent business Advisory Service assists a range with previous years and the region remains of businesses with access to Government at between 4 and 4.5% of the State's total funding for innovation where appropriate. population. 20 clients have become eligible for Research Indicators are that the region will continue to and Development Tax concessions under the grow at a steady rate at around 1 to 1.5% per Australian Government program as a result annum. of referrals. 11 clients have been referred A key strategic objective of the RDA however, to the Enterprise Connect Program and 3 to is that we seek to work with Governments to Commercialisation Australia. significantly increase the rate of population SESaIIF growth in the region to reach 140,000 by Following the announcement by Kimberly- 2030. Clark Australia in December 2010 that the Progress towards that objective can be achieved company was closing two of its older paper by the RDA promoting the opportunities, assets converting plants and placing the Tantanoola and resources in the Limestone Coast and upon Pulp Mill on the market, causing up to 235 which, population growth can be sustained and redundancies over 12 months, the State and by working with Governments to seek policy Federal Government announced a package of and program interventions that will act as assistance measures. incentives for growth. Included in those measures was the creation The RDA initiated and maintains the www. of a $12 million Innovation and Investment livelimestonecoast.com.au website, which Fund, aimed at facilitating new investment in provides information to those considering plant and equipment that would lead to new moving to the region. employment opportunities within existing or In addition, 2,634 brochures showcasing the start up businesses. region have been distributed to a range of The program was launched officially in May organisations regionally, intrastate, interstate 2011 and the first round of applications close and overseas. in August. At the time of preparing this Annual Report, interest in this funding program from across the whole Limestone Coast Region, has been very strong and we look forward to a number of successful applicants.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 23 REGIONal lEadERSHIp Triangle Freight Action Plan Implementation Working Group on the 23rd of March at board Staff are regularly called upon to provide Myamyn with much of the focus on an regional intelligence and advice to Governments application being prepared for further State and others in relation to the regional economy, and Federal Government funding. A significant issues or opportunities and the impacts of part of the Princes Highway upgrade has various policies. Examples include:- commenced with shoulder widening east of • CEO continues to Chair the Community Rennick. Consultation Group in Kingston formed to • Discussions with Commissioner for Charitable assist Hybrid Energy with their potential coal Funds in relation to progress with finalising mining operation in that area. the Mount Gambier hydrotherapy pool • CEO Chair of the Lower South East Marine project. Parks Local Advisory Group. • Facilitated a visit by Minister O’Brien and • Assisted with facilitation and participated Senator Farrell to the region to discuss in the State Government’s consultation infrastructure requirements and opportunities session around updating the South in light of future funding programs becoming Australia Infrastructure Plan. RDA members available through the Federal Government. participated in a second workshop in relation Meeting included Local Councils and RDA to development of the Plan particularly in board Members. relation to the Limestone Coast. CEO provided • CEO and Chair participated in a forum further detailed information to DTEI to facilitated by the Local Government clarify issues raised. joint RDA LC and SELGA Association in relation to the preparation submission provided, which incorporated of a Local Government Association Regional comments from Councils. Development Policy Position. • Regularly attend meetings of the Regional • Submission provided to Forest Industry Coordination Network, which is made Development board in relation to the Draft up of the heads of all State Government South Australian Forest Industry Strategy. Departments within the region. • Advice and regional intelligence provided to • Participated in SA Strategic Plan Update Governments in relation to the announcements Consultation process held across the region. of partial plant closure at Kimberly-Clark in • Discussions with Regional Manager of Millicent. RDA is supporting applicants for the Limestone Coast Tourism and representatives Industry Assistance package announced by of the South Australian Tourism Commission the SA and Federal Governments, established in relation to cooperative arrangements to assist businesses to expand and offer new between RDA and the Tourism Marketing employment opportunities. CEO appointed board in assisting and building the tourism to the Advisory Committee to assist the industry. Discussions held regarding changes Department in the funding approvals to Tourism funding for marketing in the process. Negotiated with the Department Region. RDA LC interested in supporting of Further Education, Employment, Science a new model especially aimed at tourism and Technology for funding support to product development. assist retrenched workers. Up to $167,350 is • Assisted the facilitation of a meeting of available to assist 235 people from KCA and rock lobster industry stakeholders in Mount from affected service delivery companies to Gambier to discuss the apparent ban on obtain career development advice. Australian Rock Lobster into China. • Participated in GGT University Department • RDA LC in partnership with RDA Barwon of Rural Health Meetings. Topics discussed South West, is actively seeking to progress included the next round of funding for the implementation of the Green Triangle Freight UDRH program and the ongoing provision of Action Plan, through regular dialogue and support to medical students working across joint support. Participated in meeting of Green the Green Triangle Region.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 24 REGIONal lEadERSHIp CONT. In addition to the core operational funding, the board continues to negotiate additional funding • Meetings with Minister Hill for discussions to deliver various programs across the region, around regional health and in particular bringing a significant amount of money into the raised the issues around centralisation of region on an annual basis. In 2010/11, the board services and the impact on Mount Gambier attracted and provided project management and other smaller Hospitals; and progress support for the following:- with the implementation of plans for the Lower South East Health Services. • Submission made to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the National broadband Network. • Submission made to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture, Resources, Fisheries and Forestry in relation to the Inquiry into Growing Australian Forestry.

Service Investment partner Small business Advisory Service $69,997 Department of Trade & Economic Development Migration & Workforce Development $115,500 Immigration SA (through DTED) South Australia Works in the Regions $441,060 Department of Further Education, Support Officer + Program Delivery Employment, Science and Technology TradeStart Program (Export Advisor) $35,000 Department of Trade & Economic Development Partnership broker Program $1.2m Department of Education, (over 3 years) Employment, Workplace Relations Clean jobs Program $199,400 Department of Education, (over 2 years) Employment, Workplace Relations Digital Switchover Liaison Officer $62,500 Department of broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy KCA Retrenchments $167,350 Department of Further Education, Employment, Science & Technology board staff also continue to assist businesses, industry and community groups with development of applications to a variety of Australian and State Government programs, as well as providing an advocacy role. We continue to place a high emphasis on maximising opportunities for this region to leverage funding from the limited funds there are available in a competitive environment.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 25 Statistics

ENQUIRIES BY pROGRaM

Small Business advisory Service 283 General - CEO, Executive assistant enquiries 149 Regional Skilled Migration project 114 546

FUNdING BROUGHT INTO THE REGION FROM VaRIOUS GOVERNMENT pROGRaMS aSSISTEd/SUppORTEd BY REGIONal dEVElOpMENT aUSTRalIa lIMESTONE COaST

Green Triangle Freight Action Plan $12,000,000 (Infrastructure upgrades implemented during the year) Update of Plantation Timber Report (in partnership with PIRSA Forestry, $30,000 RDA barwon South-West and DPI Victoria)

BUSINESS RESUlTS WHERE THE BOaRd HaS pROVIdEd SERVICES

Investment by companies in business establishment and growth $985,000 Export sales achieved by local companies $10,306,465

SOUTH aUSTRalIa WORkS IN THE REGIONS pROGRaM

actual anticipated Outcomes as Outcomes* at 30/06/11 Total employment outcomes 201 280 Total participants 441 482 Total accredited Training Hours delivered 7,108 20,528

* At the completion of all 2010 / 11 projects. Due to various commencement dates throughout the year most projects are completed during the following financial year and as such, outcomes cannot be reported at the time of producing this report.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 26 Audited Financial Statements

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 27 ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 28 ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 29 Board Members

• Mr Mark Braes, Chair • Mr Glen Schultz, Secretary • Mrs Gwenda Lawlor, Treasurer • Mayor Richard Vickery • Mayor Evan Flint • Mayor Steve Perryman (until 1st April 2011) • Mr Rob Foggo • Dr Ruth Schubert • Mrs Sally Klose • Ms Moira Neagle • Ms Nadine DiGiorgio (from 4th March 2011) • Mayor Peter Gandolfi(from 3rd june 2010) • Mayor Erika Vickery (from 1st April 2011) Observers Representatives of both the State and Commonwealth Government are invited to attend all meetings of the board.

Staff Members

• Mr Grant King, Chief Executive Officer • Mr Roger Babolka, Business Development Manager (until 24th September 2010) • Mr Mike Ryan, Business Development Officer(from 24th October 2010) • Ms Linda Polomka, Migration & Workforce Development Officer • Ms Helen Strickland, Manager, Career, Skills and Workforce Development • Mr Mike Ryan, Project Officer Employment and Training Programs(until 21st October 2010) • Mrs Julie Mattinson, Project Officer – Employment and Training Programs(from 17th january 2011) • Ms Julie Johnson, Digital Switchover Liaison Officer(from 1st july 2010 until 28th january 2011) • Ms Nikki Driscoll, Executive Assistant • Mrs Jan Shanahan, Finance Officer • Miss Lorelie Ellis, Receptionist • Ms Julie Scott, Administration Officer • Ms Helen Groves, Project Officer(from 17th March 2011) • Ms Emma Handford, Research & Communications Officer (Partnership Broker) • Ms Ali Auld, Career Development Practitioner (Career Development Centre) • Mr Martin Montgomery, Career Development Practitioner (Career Development Centre) • Ms Maree Beale, Administration Officer (Career Development Centre) • Ms Julie Johnson, Project Officer (Career Development Centre)(from 4th April 2011) • Ms Sarah Smith, Trainee (Career Development Centre) (until 14th january 2011) • Miss Caitlin Lewis, Trainee (Career Development Centre) (from 18th April 2011) • Mr Bruce Rodda*, Export Advisor (*employed by DTED but working in collaboration with the board through a contractual agreement)

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 30 Role and Responsibilities

Regional Development Australia is a partnership The RDA committees: between three levels of Government:- • support informed regional planning; • the Australian Government through the Department • consult and engage with the community on of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development economic, social and environmental issues, solutions & Local Government; and priorities; • the State Government through the Department of • liaise with Governments and local communities Trade and Economic Development; and about Government programs, services, grants and • Local Government through the South East Local initiatives for regional development; and Government Association (comprising the City of • contribute to business growth plans and investment Mount Gambier; District Councils of Grant, Kingston, strategies, environmental solutions and social Robe and Tatiara; and the Naracoorte Lucindale and inclusion strategies in their region. Wattle Range Councils). In South Australia RDAs will also continue to play a The role of the RDA Network is to enhance growth and service delivery role through the ongoing provision strengthen the regional communities of Australia and of small business assistance programs. The following it will have a pivotal role in ensuring the long term programs are delivered across the Limestone Coast sustainability of Australia’s regions. RDA is delivered Region:- through a national network of 55 committees/ • Small Business Advisory Service boards across Australia with a network of 8 boards • Regional Migration Program established in South Australia (one metropolitan and 7 • SA Works in the Regions regional bodies). These boards have been established • Career Development Centre as incorporated associations under the Associations • Partnership Broker Incorporations Act (1985) and represent the integration • Employer Broker of four non-metropolitan Area Consultative Committees • Export and thirteen Regional Development boards. RDA is based on building partnerships between Governments, regional development organisations, the private sector and other key regional stakeholders to provide a strategic and targeted response to issues in each region and to facilitate community leadership and resilience. RDA will work with all stakeholders to develop and strengthen local communities.

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 31 Acronyms

ANZSIC Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification bEC business Enterprise Connect CALD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse CDAA Career Development Association Australia CDC Career Development Centre CEO Chief Executive Officer CWMS Community Waste Water Management Scheme DFEEST Department of Further Education Employment Science and Technology DPI Department of Primary Industries DSLO Digital Switchover Liaison Officer DTED Department of Trade and Economic Development DTEI Department for Transport Energy and Infrastructure FTE Full Time Employment GGT Greater Green Triangle GPs General Practitioners IbA Indigenous business Australia ICT Information Communications Technology KCA Kimberly-Clark Australia LGA Local Government Area LLNP Language Literacy Numeracy Project MOA Memorandum of Agreement MRC Migrant Resource Centre MWDO Migration and Workforce Development Officer NEIS New Enterprise Incentive Scheme PIRSA Primary Industries and Resources South Australia RDA Regional Development Australia RDAF Regional Development Australia Fund RDA LC Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast RSMS Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme SAMEAC South Australian Multicultural and Ethnics Affairs Commission SEGRA Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia SELGA South East Local Government Association SESAIIF South East South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund UDRH University Department of Rural Health

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 | 32

HEad OFFICE: BRaNCH OFFICE: Old Town Hall 90 Ormerod Street Commercial Street East (PO box 155) (PO box 1445) Naracoorte SA 5271 Mount Gambier SA 5290 PH: 08 8762 3255 FAX: 08 8762 1768 PH: 08 8723 1057 FAX: 08 8723 1286 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.rdalimestonecoast.org.au

Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast acknowledges and thanks our core funding partners for their support

SOUTH EaST lOCal GOVERNMENT aSSOCIaTION

INCORpORaTING: