Regional Plan 2013

Regional Plan 2013 - 2018 G R E A T S O U T H E R N W A DISCLAIMER This report was produced by Regional Development Australia Great Southern WA and does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government, its officers, employees or agents. Any representation, statement or opinion expressed or implied is made in good faith and on the basis that the Committee, Government, its employees and agents are not liable for any damage or loss whatsoever which may occur as a result of action taken or not taken, as the case may be, in respect of any representation, statement, opinion or advice referred to herein. Professional advice should be obtained before applying the information contained in this document to particular circumstances. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This project was funded by the Australian Federal Government. RDA Great Southern WA would like to acknowledge our Committee for their contributions to this Plan. We appreciate input from our key stakeholders, in particular Local Governments of the Great Southern and the Great Southern Development Commission, who have had input into this Plan along with other organisations. We also wish to acknowledge local contributors Delma Baesjou of Ayton Baesjou Planning, Melanie Price of Aurora Environmental, and Eleanor Barber at Stirling Print, Albany for production support. A list of Photo Acknowledgements is included in end matter.

FURTHER INFORMATION This Regional Plan is available on the following website: www.rdagreatsouthern.com.au For further information regarding this Plan please contact: Regional Development Australia Great Southern WA PO Box 716 ALBANY WA 6331 Phone: (08) 9842 5800 Fax: (08) 9842 5811 Email: [email protected] Website: www.RDAgreatsouthern.com.au

Contents Image: Little Beach at Two Peoples Bay, Albany Western Australia Contents

1. Background �� 8

2. Regional Analysis �� 12

3. Regional Influences �� 25

4. Regional Priorities �� 30

5. Review and Stakeholder Consultation �� 37

6. About the Great Southern Region �� 40

7. Appendices �� 64

List of Abbreviations �� 78

References �� 79 Tables in Text Table 1: Competitive Profiles for RDA Great Southern, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers Table 2: Business Sophistication Across the Great Southern Table 3: Comparative Advantage of the Great Southern – Raw Data Table 3A: Comparative Advantage of the Great Southern – Graphic Table 4: Competitive Profiles for RDA Great Southern, South West and Pilbara – Raw Data Table 4A: Competitive Profiles for RDA Great Southern, South West and Pilbara – Graphic Table 5: Human Capital: Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats Table 6: Sustainable Communities: Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats Table 7: Access To Market: Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats Table 8: Great Southern Median Trends Table 9: Great Southern Business Classified by Industry Sector to June 2012 Table 10: Great Southern Unemployment Rates June 2010 to 2013

Appendices Appendix 1: RDA Great Southern – Education and Training Services Appendix 2: RDA Great Southern – Primary Health Services Appendix 3: Great Southern Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Appendix 4: Great Southern Strategic Projects Chairman’s Foreword It is with pleasure that RDA Great Southern presents the revised Regional Plan 2013 - 2018. The previous Plan has served our organisation well by identifying issues impacting on the Great Southern and recognising priority projects in a number of locations across the region. This update has been informed by current State and Local Government strategic planning, a priority project review and considers some of the bigger picture trends facing the region. While many priorities are unchanged, our organisation remains alert to internal and external influences to our social and natural environment and aims to be responsive to emerging issues and megatrends such as the carbon economy, climate change, industry innovation and the growing economies of Asia. These trends will challenge every level of government and the community. However, opportunities within and beyond our region will continue to evolve and we must adapt to those changes as we plan for a vibrant and sustainable future. I commend our key stakeholders and partners for sharing their local knowledge and experiences from across the region, especially those who have so willingly contributed to the review process. Our regular Committee and community consultation in the region highlights the importance of local decision making and demonstrates how working together will achieve a better outcome for regional development in WA’s Great Southern. This high level document recognises the strengths of Federal, State and Local Government operations in the region and captures the community’s needs and aspirations into an integrated development strategy for the region. The priorities and opportunities highlighted will assist our Committee in determining its own Business Planning and taking appropriate action to deliver program outcomes and contribute significant progress on shared project initiatives. It is a privilege working with the dedicated RDA Great Southern Committee and staff, who I believe can take pride in delivering real benefits to the region in just a few short years. As we enter another three year contract with the Australian Government, I look forward to enriching partnerships leveraging opportunities, and collaborating with other stakeholders in serving our community and growing a stronger Great Southern. Milton Evans JP CHAIRMAN Executive Summary

Regional Development Australia – Great Southern This RDA Great Southern Regional Plan considers: The Great Southern is well placed to support (RDA Great Southern) has a key role in assisting the emerging new industries and attract investment by • Australian, State and regional priorities; alignment of Local, State and Federal Government value adding to agricultural produce, developing planning initiatives, so that priority projects can be • Available resources relating to various industry resources and expanding tourism. The region undertaken to build more resilient and diversified sectors; offers amazing opportunities, with many highlights regional economies for our communities. • Updated research and statistics, primarily from and much untapped potential and human capital. RDA Great Southern has a strong Committee the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and In considering further development of the region’s with representatives from many sectors of the the Regional Australia Institute (RAI); potential, RDA Great Southern has identified four community. Through consultation with key • Overarching RDA Great Southern Priorities Key Priority Areas; all are complex, all offer planning stakeholders and partners, the Committee has Framework to guide future investment challenges, and despite the relative strengths of developed a vision and mission for the RDA Great (including priority areas, objectives and the region, all require more cross-community Southern. opportunities and outcomes); collaboration and co-ordination in order to be fully realised. • Planning initiatives and projects which have been identified by the community as important to provide essential services and infrastructure in the Great Southern; OUR FOUR KEY PRIORITY AREAS: • Megatrends including the economic growth of Asian economies; and • Industry and infrastructure development, Our Vision: • Comparative regional advantage. including tourism As a community, the Great Southern needs to • Education, training and employment Empowering Local Communities be proactive in considering these influences and • Environment and NRM, including water taking advantages of possible opportunities, while and land use planning Our Mission: minimising risks and threats. • Community development and social The Great Southern borders the Southern Ocean To work in partnership with the community inclusion on the southern coast of Western Australia and to develop a thriving sustainable region. extends inland for 200 kilometres. It comprises 11 Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and covers 39,007 square kilometres of prime natural and agricultural land with magnificent scenery. It represents 1.5% of Western Australia’s total land mass and has a population of nearly 60,000 people.

1 The first Key Priority Area is Industry and Infrastructure Development, including Tourism. The ¹ region has a strong agricultural sector which is attracting foreign and capital investment and is ¶ growing in diversification. And yet the sector faces challenges which threaten potential Lastly, RDA Great Southern considers integration and advancement, such as diminished access to emerging technologies and Community Development and Social communications networks, Inclusion integral to our region’s The region is serviced by a regional airport and a port with safe natural anchorage, both located in development and has therefore identified Albany; these facilities support trade and tourism and offer opportunities for further capital investment it as the fourth Key Priority Area. We are a and industrial diversification in the region. However, the Great Southern is facing future issues of power culturally and historically rich and diverse supply and reliability. In addition to this, regional population increase has placed additional demand on region. The Great Southern has the ageing infrastructure and its safety, efficiency and maintenance requirements. An address to these issues capacity to offer a high quality of life style is critical to the ongoing progress and development of the region. through harmonious and well supported local communities and networks. Nonetheless this Regional Plan identifies and suggests improvements to the The second Key Priority Area is Education, Training and Employment. The Great Southern has management of the challenges and the capacity to offer its residents world class education and training opportunity. Albany is a threats to the region’s community; we are · regional University Centre, and the Great Southern Institute of Technology (GSIT) has campuses geographically isolated, we have higher located in Albany, Katanning, Denmark and Mt Barker. However there is statistical evidence of poor than national and state average ageing educational outcomes in many of the region’s schools, and a legacy of youth leaving the region to explore population rates, and we are not able to opportunity elsewhere. These trends may only be mitigated by improved and sustained quality of access health and education support and education and vocational training in the region. public services at the level experienced by Increased and diversified industry would also create greater service and trade employment opportunity urban dwellers. and skilled worker retention, and therefore increased participation in the localised labour markets. This Priority Area will benefit from more effective community and Government partnerships, as well as a Whole-of- Government approach to planning and The region is recognised globally as a biodiversity ‘hotspot’ and offers abundant natural development challenges. The region resources. Our unique environment guided us to identify our third Key Priority Area: Environment has made recent inroads through the ¸ and Natural Resource Management, including Water and Land Use. Whilst it’s crucial that we development of quality recreational secure adequate water, resources, and affordable housing to support industry and community, it’s equally and cultural infrastructure (such as the crucial that we do so in a sustainable and sensitive manner which accommodates integrated landscapes Albany Entertainment Centre), but still and land use. In addition to these issues the RDA Great Southern Committee has considered climate requires the provision of further quality change and the trend toward reduced rainfall in this edition of our Regional Plan. recreational spaces and amenities.

2 Through this Plan RDA Great Southern outlines a community priority framework that clearly articulates the region’s vision, mission, priority areas, objectives, and opportunities and outcomes up to 2018. A number of strategic initiatives have also been identified to meet longer term objectives. Importantly this revised edition of our Regional Plan includes detailed analysis and discussion of issues that are likely to provide opportunities or influence Great Southern communities, including global influences, changing demographics, technological advances, climate variability and consideration of natural resource management (NRM). The Great Southern is influenced by forces from outside the region, including: • The rise of Asia in world trade and commerce; • Increased globalisation in the world economy; • Changing demographics e.g. ageing population; • Increased use of technology and the digital age; • Increased awareness of the need for sustainable NRM; and • Potential impacts of climate change (especially relating to food production and water resources). This Plan provides a comprehensive picture of projects and partnerships in the Great Southern, and informs their context and relevance. The Plan will be reviewed and updated as required to ensure that it accurately reflects regional influences, and any changes to our priorities or implementation strategies. The RDA Great Southern Business Plan 2013-2014 supplements this Regional Plan, and identifies Key Performance Indicators and activities which complement our Vision and Mission Statements.

3 Our Vision for the Region

The RDA Great Southern Committee’s vision for OUR DIRECTION the region is to empower local communities to fully participate in the long-term development of RDA Great Southern has determined upon priorities the region through the key areas of industry and and actions that address both short and longer infrastructure development, education and training, term goals. In the short term of 1-5 years we have the environment, and community development. supported initiatives and projects with demonstrated evidence of need and which are consistent with RDA Great Southern’s Vision is Empowering Local Federal and State priorities and planning. For the Solutions and its Mission Statement is To Work medium to longer term we have developed an action in Partnership with our Community to Develop a agenda which expresses our intent that the Great Thriving Sustainable Region. Southern will: OUR APPROACH • Support a diverse range of industry, including new operations and have adequate regional In working toward achieving these goals RDA Great infrastructure to support transport, industry and Southern has considered some of our obvious community; comparative advantages; a strong agricultural sector, our clean green credentials, technology and research • Attract visitors and tourists from intrastate, and development opportunities, regional arts and interstate and overseas to world class attractions creative industries, and our capacity to provide and to experience our unique lifestyle; services. • Provide diverse education and training options In addition to this RDA Great Southern identified and for all age groups and ethnic backgrounds; considered relevant Megatrends, which are major • Manage its natural resources sustainably using shifts on a global scale that will affect the way we innovative community based management, have live in the future. Five key Megatrends have been sufficient water resources through development identified that are already impacting the Great of alternative sources, pursue the reduction of Southern: the Asian Century, Ageing Population, waste, and increase alternative energy supplies. Global Economy, the Digital Age, Natural Resource Management including climate and water. Each of • Be viewed as a premier place with a vibrant these will affect our economy and our social fabric in community supporting all age groups fundamental ways, some of which are outlined in the with a diverse cultural base provided with following sections. comprehensive community and health services.

4 Industry and Infrastructure, including Tourism

OUR FOUR KEY PRIORITY AREAS: To promote and support investment in industry and infrastructure development • Industry and infrastructure development, • Support improved regional planning to promote growth and development of safe and efficient including tourism infrastructure, including improved road and rail major service networks. • Education, training and employment • Encourage capital investment in utilities, transport and the Albany Port to support trade and • Environment and NRM, including water attract commerce and industry. and land use planning • Support implementation of new information technology and improve access to communication • Community development and social services. inclusion • Strengthen regional tourism marketing and coordination to develop destination branding and maximise tourism opportunities.

Education, Training and Employment

To facilitate and work collaboratively with the providers of education, training and employment • Increase retention and completion rates through strengthening education and training opportunities and strategies that extend higher education and vocational training pathways. • Support planning for larger regional schools to provide education services equal to metropolitan standards, including ICT education infrastructure. • Advocate for increased engagement and opportunity of the Great Southern’s Indigenous people. • Support strategies that address generational poverty, disadvantage, and greater parental engagement in education. • Promote initiatives that attract and retain skilled workers in service and labour occupations, and which grow employment 5 opportunities. Community Development and Social Inclusion

Advocate and encourage community development and social inclusion • Encourage improved strategic leadership and About Our Plan community partnerships and services which promote the health and wellbeing of residents. The purpose of this Plan is to: • Support initiatives to access medical specialists, services and infrastructure. • Identify the factors that influence economic, environmental and social outcomes in our region; • Encourage sufficient planning for our growing proportion of aged persons across all service • Provide a snapshot of the region’s economy, society and environment, areas. including trends; • Support the arts as a major economic, cultural • Summarise and prioritise initiatives and projects and programs that will and social contributor and foster a coordinated help the community to meet its goal of prosperity and wellbeing for all; approach to provide community development and and infrastructure for the arts, sport and • Provide a well-informed overview of the region to help guide the recreation. RDA Great Southern Committee in its own strategic planning and key operational activities. Environment and Natural Resource Management, Through consultation with key stakeholders, this Regional Plan articulates including Water and Land Use the economic, environmental and social vision for the RDA Great Southern region. The Plan continues to be a major promotional tool for the region; it is based upon a structured and analytical approach to regional development Partner with others to enhance, value, protect and to maximise the leveraging of funds for projects and assist with regional manage the diverse and unique environment planning processes. • Support development of adaptation responses This Plan includes Great Southern priority projects and programs to guide to seasonal variability caused by climate future investment by the State and Federal governments and other funding change through increased community self- sources. The projects identified are based on their strategic importance sufficiency. for the local community and will assist the RDA Committee in future • Assist in the development of community prioritisation of projects. partnerships which lead to innovative local As a living document, this Plan will be reviewed as required so that it remains solutions to manage natural resources, such as current and continually reflects the needs of the Great Southern community. the use of bio-fuels. Review will allow for re-examination of issues and opportunities arising in the • Encourage innovative approaches to more region as identified by the community and RDA Great Southern Committee. sustainable use of natural resources and world- leading green business opportunities based around biodiversity and energy. • Support the development of affordable land and housing to attract and retain potential residents. 6 Background

Contents

1.1 Structure and Role of RDA...... 8

1.2 Australian Government Framework...... 8

1.3 Western Australian Government Framework...... 8

1.4 Regional Framework ��10

7 1. Background 1.2 Australian Government Framework

The Australian Federal Government has identified six national priorities. These are skilling Australia, lifting productivity, maximising the opportunity for broadband, sustaining our environment, social 1.1 Structure and Role of RDA inclusion; and water and energy efficiency.

RDA Great Southern is one of nine RDA Committees in Western Australia, incorporated under the And in 2012 the nation’s regional development Incorporations Associations Act 1987 and is funded by the relevant Federal Department. RDA Great priorities were outlined as: Southern is guided by 12 Committee members representative of community, Local Government and • Development of a Regional Development State Government. Policy Statement; RDA is a partnership between the Australian, State, Territory and Local Governments intended to • Skills and Regional Economic Growth; develop and strengthen regional communities of Australia. It has an important role in ensuring the • National Broadband Network: regional benefits long term sustainability of Australia’s regions. and Federal Government funding initiatives; RDA works with key stakeholders and partners with a focus on the economic, environmental and social • Clean Energy Futures: regional benefits and issues affecting communities. RDA is a contributor and driver of: associated Federal Government funding • Regional business growth plans and strategies that support economic development, the creation initiatives; and of new jobs and skills development; • Regional Infrastructure: consideration of • Environmental solutions that support sustainability initiatives and the management of climate regional priorities including investment change (including the impact of drought, flood or bushfires); and readiness. • Social inclusion strategies that bring together and support all members of the community. RDA supports the growth and development of regional communities across the country. The national 1.3 Western Australian network of 55 RDA regions is made up of committed volunteers who represent the best interests of Government Framework the community, business and Local Government sectors to deliver better services to their regions. RDA supports, promotes and disseminates information on Government policy initiatives for the The State Government’s priority areas for funding benefit of local communities. RDA Committees have a strong understanding of Federal, State and over the next four years include health, education, Local Government policies and initiatives, and the ways in which communities can engage with them. disability services, mental health and child RDA takes a leadership role in bringing together organisations to take advantage of Government protection.1 The Government of Western Australia’s programs, policies and initiatives, acting as a conduit between Governments and regional communities. Royalties for Regions Program supports regional It enables all communities to provide input to Governments about the strengths and weaknesses of WA communities and distributes benefits through regional Australia. the Regional Community Services Fund and the Regional Infrastructure and Headworks Fund.

1 Budget WA Great Southern Presentation, Buswell, Hon Troy BEc MLA & Grills, Hon Brendon MLA, State Budget 2013-14: Building Stronger Communities - $41.1m for Great Southern (8 August 2013).

8 Like RDA, the State Government has a focus A total of 190 projects have been identified for on sustainable regional development. The WA the Katanning SuperTown initiative which is being Department of Regional Development facilitates driven by State Government funding with a 15-20 local decision-making in regional areas through the year timeframe.3 identification of strategic projects. Some initiatives A number of other general State-wide programs and projects in the Great Southern supported by that benefit the Great Southern region include: the Department of Regional Development and Lands are the Bunbury to Albany gas pipeline and • Health (Regional Health Investment, enhancing the Regional Schools Program.2 Royal Flying Doctor Service, Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, St John Ambulance Services in Recent health and education projects supported by Country WA); Royalties for Regions include upgrades to Albany Regional Hospital and Denmark District Senior • Education (Regional Schools, Assisting Students High School, as well as the provision of grants to Living Away From Home, Better Beginnings – LGAs. Early Literacy Program); More specifically, Royalties for Regions is investing • Training (Development of training facilities – $538 million in the Southern Inland Health Initiative skills development for Indigenous trainees, (SIHI) which is transforming health care in the trade workshops and improving access to southern half of the state by boosting doctor trades training programs, and other high and nurse practitioner numbers; upgrading and demand programs to address critical skills expanding hospitals and nursing posts; developing shortages); new aged and dementia care options and investing • Environment and Conservation (Water in tele-health systems. and NRM initiatives, Conservation Parks The SuperTowns program aims to prepare key infrastructure and roads, Living Lakes); regional centres for an expected doubling of • Transport (Country Age Pension Fuel Card, the State’s population over the next 30 years. Regional Airport Development Schemes, Katanning is one of nine regional towns selected Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme); to accommodate the expected population growth. As such, the State Government is assisting the • Tourism (e.g. Munda Biddi Trail, Fitzgerald Shire of Katanning in developing the facilities, National Park, Walpole Wilderness Area); infrastructure and amenities required to attract and • Arts and Culture (Screen West – Drift, Perth retain residents in the area. International Art Festival (PIAF) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra simulcast);

2 Other initiatives are expansion and consolidation of medical services, Regional Schools Program (upgrades to 3 Department of Regional Development and Lands, Katanning Katanning and Denmark) High Schools, Installation SuperTown Growth and Implementation Plan: A SuperTown of mobile communications infrastructure, Regional Airports Project (November 2012), http://www.katanning.wa.gov.au/ Development Scheme, Establishment of a Clontarf Academy fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/11360%20 Katanning%20 in Katanning and the Katanning SuperTown Initiative. Townsite%20Growth%20Plan%20Rev%20G.pdf

9 • Aboriginal Initiatives (Remote Indigenous Health Clinics, Clontarf Colleges, Aboriginal 1.4 Regional Framework Emergency Response Fund); • Community Resource Network (Community A number of governance arrangements are in place to ensure the future sustainability of communities Resource Centres); through resource sharing, diversification, and establishment of Regional Organisations of Councils to achieve future economic, environmental and social sustainability.4 Existing arrangements include • Regional Grants Scheme (Administered by the Southern Link Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (VROC) that includes the Shires of the nine Regional Development Commissions Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Kojonup and Plantagenet. These LGAs exchange knowledge with support from the Department of Regional and work practices to achieve a better level of services and economies of scale in the region. The Development and Lands, to improve economic City of Albany and Shire of Denmark work closely together on service provision to reduce costs, for and community infrastructure and services in example, for waste disposal and recycling. regional WA); and Sub-regional groups are an important component of the Great Southern, with a number of LGAs, • Other (Attracting and retaining key personnel not-for-profit organisations and/or community groups collaborating on projects that address in regional WA, Regional Workers Incentive, common issues: for example, the development of sub-regional tourism groups like Denmark etc.). Tourism Inc. and Hidden Treasures. The State Government has a strong presence Larger not-for-profit organisations, such as South Coast Natural Resource Management (South in regional development through the activities Coast NRM) and Great Southern Employment Development Committee (GSEDC), work with Local undertaken by the Great Southern Development Governments and community groups to achieve tangible results across the Great Southern. Commission. The Commission’s Strategic Directions Regional delivery of landscape scale programs and initiatives including landcare, coastline and 2010-2014 Strategy defines the role of the wetlands management and food biosecurity are best achieved through cross-sectoral and inter- organisation as building partnerships for regional government partnerships. prosperity through the planning, coordination and promotion of sustainable development. The four A coordinated and collaborative approach is essential to achieve the shared priorities of Federal, goal areas identified in the Commission’s Strategy State and Local governments. Strategic community planning processes undertaken by Local include Regional Leadership, Industry Development Governments reveal consistent themes across the Great Southern including water use, waste and Attraction, Improved Infrastructure and Services management, promoting tourism, maintaining road transport networks, community development, and Natural and Cultural Asset management. population growth and industry diversification. The issues and recommendations contained in respective Local Government Community and Planning Strategies are reflected in this and other RDA Great Southern will work with the Great Regional Plans, wherein specific actions and priorities are identified accordingly. Southern Development Commission (GSDC) and other State government agencies to achieve tangible outcomes through project work identified 4 WA Government Local Advisory Board Ensuring the Future Sustainability of Communities, Department of Local in this Regional Plan and collaboration on a Great Government and Regional Development 2006. Southern Regional Blueprint.

10 Regional Analysis:

Contents

2.1 Comparative Advantage...... 12

2.2 Key Determinants...... 18

2.3 Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats...... 19

11 performance and drivers of future success. Factors 2. Regional Analysis such as market size are obviously the most significant factor that advantages large cities compared to regional areas. However, the status 2.1 Comparative Advantage of technological readiness, human capital (health and education) and innovation correlate strongly The RDA Great Southern region has some obvious with overall competitiveness. When the influence comparative advantages which either are, or could of large cities is taken out of the picture, the relative be translated to economic strengths: status of growth is explained by human capital, • Strong agricultural sector (if some inherent infrastructure, technological readiness, innovation, threats are addressed); and institution availability. Infrastructure, while important, has less of an impact on overall • Clean, green credentials; competitiveness. There is a relatively low correlation • Technology, research and development between natural resources and advantage due to opportunities; the relative impacts of other theme areas. • Regional arts and creative industries; and It is also important to explore the connectivity between themes and issues for the region. For • Ability to provide services (e.g. health, example: education, training and tourism). • Is human capital stronger in areas with better Australia as a whole needs a clear pathway to access to services? transition from bulk iron ore, coal and gas exports as the overwhelming drivers of economic growth to • Are exporters well connected by infrastructure create a more diverse economic future. For the Great to key export hubs (e.g. ports, airports and Southern, adding value to agricultural products for major highways)? the Asian market is likely to be a strong driver for • Can technology based industries thrive without economic success. The transition to a balanced good broadband access? and profitable agriculture sector can be achieved through investment in post-production research, • Does better education correlate to lower with support and coordination of industry groups. unemployment? In the longer term, the provision of services could • Is the business community linked to provide opportunities (health, education, tourism innovators? etc.). Regions which rank highly for some themes Insight85 is a tool developed by the Regional can have very different overall competitiveness Australia Institute (RAI) which ranks regional areas profiles. So while regions may appear similar, in Australia by a number of features which are used the variability across competitiveness indicators to determine comparative advantage in a number can be significantly different, as shown in Table 1. of sectors. Insight spans ten themes (Table 3) The three regions illustrated have similar business and 59 indicators to reflect the fundamentals of sophistication profiles, but differ greatly in other sustainable growth, capturing the competitiveness theme rankings. of LGAs and RDAs according to current economic

5 Regional Australia Institute, Insight, at http://www. regionalaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RAI- InSight-Major-Findings-130624-5.pdf 12

Competitive Profiles for RDA Great Southern, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers Institutions Infrastructure Natural 0 10 and Essential Resources 20 Services 30 Economic Market Size 40 Great Southern WA 50 Fundamentals 60 Sunshine Coast (QLD) Human Innovation Northern Rivers (NSW) Capital Business Technological Sophistication Readiness Labour Table 1: Market Efficiency Table 2: Competitive Profiles for RDA Great Southern, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers 6 Business Sophistication across the Great Southern

Competitive Profiles for RDA Great Southern, Sunshine Coast and Business Sophistication across the Great Southern

Northern Rivers 600 Institutions 500 Infrastructure Natural 0 400 10 and Essential Resources 300 20 Services 200 30 Economic Market Size 40 Great Southern WA 100 50 Fundamentals 0 60 Sunshine Coast (QLD) Human Northern Rivers (NSW)

Innovation Relative National Ranking Capital Business Technological Sophistication Readiness Labour Market Efficiency The comparative advantage of the RDA Great Southern region is summarised in Table 3 and Table 3A.

Overall, the RDA Great Southern region could build on responsiveness to markets by: Competitiveness withinBusiness a region Sophistication is often concentrated across the in Great particular Southern local areas as is shown • Being flexible and nimble enough to respond to for the RDA Great Southern region for business sophistication in Table 2. What this means opportunities; 600 is that Regional Plans such as this one allow for local knowledge to overcome the risk 500 • Diversifying to buffer shifts in demand and seasonal of national, state or regional averages being too broad for effective prioritisation and variability; and implementation of400 projects and other activities. 300 • Closely observing and responding to global and 200 national trends. 6 [In]sight- Australia’s 100Regional Competitiveness Index. Snapshot of Major Findings for 2013, p10 http://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RAI-InSight-Major-Findings-130624-5.pdf0 Relative Relative National Ranking

13 Table 3: Comparative Advantage of the Great Southern – raw data 7

Rank of Great Southern Theme (of a total of 55 Comments RDA regions across Australia)

Institutions: As a Region: • Financial burden of LGAs is high. How much local government 47 assistance is available for • LGA assistance for businesses is high. business? How influential is the • Public services offered by LGAs ranks in the local government at State and medium range. Federal Levels? How clear is local government policy?

Infrastructure and Essential As a Region: • Aviation infrastructure ranks low; Services: 37 How close is the nearest higher • Access to tertiary institutions ranks low; education institute? How far is • Access to technical or further education the nearest police station? How ranks high; far is the regional centre from the • Access to allied health services ranks low; nearest highway? • Access to GP services ranks low; • Access to police services ranks medium; • Road infrastructure ranks medium; • Access to primary education ranks low; • Access to secondary education ranks low.

Economic Fundamentals: As a Region: • Building approvals rank low; What is the value of building 47 approvals? How stable is the • Wage and labour costs rank as low (i.e. low local economy? What is the incomes); total income per person? How • Business confidence ranks high. confident are local businesses?

7 Regional Australia Institute, [In]Sight – Australia’s Regional Competitiveness Index, Results Guide, 2013 Note: High rank = 1-18, Medium rank = 19-36, Low rank = 36 – 55. A comparison of competitiveness was undertaken between RDA

14 Rank of Great Southern (of a total of 55 Theme RDA regions Comments Business As a Region: across Sophistication: 14 • Low rank for economic Australia) Is there a diverse diversification; representation of • Dominance of large employers ranks Human Capital: As a Region: businesses? Is there high; • University qualifications - medium a dominance of large • Exporters, importers and wholesalers What is the median 33 age of the workforce? rank; employers? To what ranks How healthy is the • Technical qualifications - high rank; extent are there low; exporters, importers workforce? What levels • Lifelong learning - medium rank; and wholesalers? • Income source – own business ranks of education has the • Early school leavers - medium rank; low; workforce achieved or Access to local finance? • Health rank - medium; • Access to local finance ranks low. is undertaking? • English proficiency - medium rank; • Early childhood performance - Innovation: 42 As a Region: medium rank; How willing are local • Human resources in science and • Primary School performance - Denmark ranks medium rank; businesses to try new highest in WA technology ranks medium; methods for improving for regional • Research and development • Secondary School performance - productivity? What high rank innovation. managers ranks low; is the average expenditure on • Expenditure on research and development ranks high. Technological As a Region: research and • Internet connections rank low; development? Readiness: 43 How effective • Broadband connections rank are businesses medium; Market Size: As a Region: and individuals in • Businesses in technology related How big is the local 47 • Size of economy ranks low; industries – low rank; the region using market? How many • Population ranks low. information and • Workers in ICT and electronics – businesses are in communication low rank. the area relative to technologies (ICT)? population size? How How prepared close is the region to is the region for the nearest economic technological centre? development?

Labour Market As a Region: Natural Resources: As a Region: • Unemployment rate ranks high; Efficiency: 15 Does the region have 10 • Mineral resources ranks medium; What are the • Youth unemployment ranks high; access to natural • Timber resources ranks high; unemployment rates • Participation rate ranks medium; resources? What are • Commercial fishing and aquaculture in the region? What the physical attributes ranks high; are the levels of labour • Skilled labour ranks high; of a region and are • Coastal access ranks medium; force participation • Welfare dependence ranks medium. they conducive to • National Parks rank high; in each region? How industry? flexible is the labour • Net primary productivity ranks low. market?

15 Institutions Infrastructure Natural 0 10 and Essential Resources 20 Services 30 Economic Market Size 40 Great Southern 50 Fundamentals 60 South West

Innovation Human Capital Pilbara

Business Technological Sophistication Readiness Labour Market Efficiency

Table 3A: Comparative Advantage of the Great Southern – Graphic Table 4: competitive profiles for rda great southern, south west and pilbara – raw data9

Ranking Compared to the other 55 RDA Regions Ranking (Out of 55 RDA Regions) Themes Great Southern South West Pilbara Lower numbers Institutions Institutions 47 50 15 Infrastructure Natural 0 rank more highly. and Essestial Infrastructure and Essential Services 37 44 52 Resources 10 20 Services Economic Fundamentals 47 27 1 30 Economic Market Size 40 Fundamentals Human Capital 33 25 55 50 Ranking Compared to other RDA regions (55). Technological Readiness 43 31 26 Innovation Human Capital Labour Market Efficiency 15 21 11 Business Sophistication 14 49 45 Business Technological Sophistication Readiness Innovation 42 38 24 Larbour Market Efficiency Market Size 47 35 51 Natural Resources 10 8 3

A comparison of competitiveness was undertaken between RDA Great Southern, South West and Pilbara from the Insight regional competitiveness index8. This was done to compare fundamental indicators and to show which indices have an overarching influence This comparison indicates that influencing factors for current competitiveness may include on how a region may expect to perform when the bias for large cities previous levels of investment, inherent marketable products, global demand for resources is removed (Table 4 and Table 4A). and history of service provision (including education and/or tourism). The strongest correlation between regional competitiveness and theme areas is for technological RDA Great Southern ranks more highly than the South West and readiness, innovation, market size and human capital, which tend to overshadow natural Pilbara regions in terms of institutions, infrastructure, labour market resources and institutions. and business sophistication. RDA South West ranks more highly for economic fundamentals, human capital, technological readiness, This analysis indicates that while already high ranking theme areas should not be innovation, market size and natural resources. ignored; strategic projects in lower ranked theme areas should form the highest priorities. Determining priority actions is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders and partners Compared to RDA Pilbara, RDA Great Southern ranks more highly in in the RDA Great Southern region. The actions required to achieve improvement in terms of infrastructure and essential services, human capital, business competitiveness are discussed in subsequent sections. sophistication and market size. RDA Pilbara ranks more highly for institutions, economic fundamentals, technological readiness, labour market efficiencies, innovation and natural resources. 9 Regional Australia Institute, [In] Sight, 2013. http://insight.regionalaustralia.org.au/. Note: High rank = 1-18, Medium rank = 19-36, Low rank = 36 – 55, accessed October, 2013. 8 [In]sight- Australia’s Regional Competitiveness Index, Snapshot of Major Findings for 2013, p. 11, http://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ RAI-InSight-Major-Findings-130624-5.pdf 16 Table 4a: This restructure could be competitive profiles for rda great southern, south west and pilbara – graphic facilitated through:

• Identification and analysis of major export Institutions markets and niche markets, especially the Infrastructure Natural 0 10 and Essential expanding Asian market; Resources 20 Services 30 • Vertical integration of research, production, Economic Market Size 40 Great Southern processing and marketing; 50 Fundamentals 60 South West • Active support from all levels of government to reduce compliance, transport and marketing Pilbara Innovation Human Capital constraints; and

Business Technological • Provision by State and Federal governments Sophistication Readiness to provide export incentives and assistance in Labour Market gaining access to overseas markets. Efficiency

Market providers will need to: Building on Existing Strengths – • A wide range of climates which provide the Agriculture in the Great Southern opportunity for the production and export of • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability; out of season temperate and tropical crops and When the term comparative advantage is applied their value added products; • Focus on making operation resilient in the face to Australian agriculture, it is implied that there of challenges related to climate change, labour is an advantage in terms of the nature, scale or • Australia’s reputation as a “clean country” free shortages and global uncertainty; from industrial and other forms of pollution; efficiency of our agricultural production, processing • Develop economies of scale in processing, or distribution, by comparison with other producers • An advanced scientific and technological transportation; and in or out of the region. Some of the factors that research base servicing the agricultural contribute to this comparative advantage include10: community; and • Form alliances with each other and market partners to gain insight into Asian sales and • Efficient production of food and fibre from • Proximity to the rapidly developing market distribution. large scale, low input, mechanised agricultural economies of Asia and the growing demands systems which because of our small for agricultural imports. consumption, has the potential to produce To realise the potential of these advantages, the Researchers will need to: relatively high exportable surpluses; Ranking Comparednature, to the otherobjectives 55 RDA andRegions priorities of Australian • Adequate land and irrigation potential to agriculture must continue to evolve, along with the • Move from focusing on adaptation of animal expand the potential for more intensive, high research and development that will be essential to production and cropping systems to Australian value production; Lower numbers conditions, to greater investment in adding Institutions assist with this transition. To improve competitive 10 Infrastructure value ‘post farm gate’; William J.R., Research and the Restructuring of AustralianNatural 0 advantage in the agriculturalrank more sector, highly. there is a need and Essestial Agriculture: Transforming Comparative AdvantageResources into a 10 to restructure industries to build on the export of • Think more commercially from the point of 20 Services Competitive Advantage, . Proceedings of the 7th Australian bulk food, fibre and minerals and focus on adding Agronomy Conference, 19-24 September 1993, University of30 Economic view of prospective market needs; and Market Size 40 value and product diversification for domestic and Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, at. http://www.regional. Fundamentals • Consider how agricultural production systems org.au/au/asa/1993/invited/mcwilliam.htm. 50 export markets. Ranking Compared to other RDA regions (55). need to adapt to a drying climate. 17 Innovation Human Capital

Business Technological Sophistication Readiness Larbour Market Efficiency • Introducing monitoring and evaluation such as In order to represent the Great Southern and 2.2 Key Determinants the Australian Early Development Index; achieve overarching government priorities, the RDA committee is committed to: • Addressing socio-economic issues (e.g. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) unemployment rates); and • Consultation and engagement with the community; aims to develop a framework for regional economic • Providing regional community sport and development and the Regional Australia Standing recreation opportunities and infrastructure to • Carrying out informed regional planning; 11 Council has agreed that the key determinants of stimulate participation. long term economic growth are: • Considering a whole of government approach; These matters have been considered for the RDA • Promoting key government initiatives; and • Continue to address the impediments to Great Southern region in the form of a strengths, investment in local government infrastructure, challenges, needs and opportunities analysis. • Progressing community and economic including through debt and options for development. innovative funding models; Sustainable Communities • A shared approach to regional economic More sustainable communities can be developed development, which will assist in shaping through: programs and policies, and facilitates collaboration across jurisdictions, and • Encouraging economic growth and increasing employment; • Initiatives to strengthen region-to-region links that unlock strategic opportunities for regions • Strengthening NRM, including consideration in the Asian century. of climate change, securing sustainable water sources, investing in carbon sequestration and These determinants provide a common lens alternative energy source development; and through which regions can consider development and transition, where necessary to achieve regional • Alleviating social factors including population goals. COAG has recognised that regions play a growth pressures (e.g. affordability and vital role in driving the national economy and the availability of housing, infrastructure, health mechanisms available to strengthen and diversify and ageing services and demographic change). the economic base of regions. Access to Markets The strengths, challenges, needs and Regional infrastructure challenges which currently opportunities related to key determinants limit access to markets include ageing road in the Great Southern are discussed below. infrastructure, relatively limited transport options Human Capital (road, rail, air and maritime) and the need for a To strengthen human capital, consideration needs greater uptake in communication technology. to be given to: Partnerships and Stakeholders • Overcoming workforce challenges; RDA Great Southern bases its activities on • Providing an adequate and diverse education; building partnerships and working with all levels of government and stakeholders to respond to • Ensuring that skills can be acquired through local priorities and needs. RDA Great Southern training and associated infrastructure; and its committee act as a conduit between local government and local communities and strive to 11 COAG (2012) Communique 5 6 analyse and disseminate information. 18 2.3 Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats Strengths Challenges

An analysis of Great Southern attributes indicates strengths, challenges, Demographics: Demographics: opportunities and threats as outlined in Tables 5-7. Mature population contributes greatly to Ageing population and loss of young knowledge network with high levels of people had led to a skills shortage in volunteer activity. some areas. Many younger people are Table 5: seeking tertiary education, employment Human Capital: Strengths, Challenges, Opportunites and Threats and other opportunities in Perth and beyond.

Strengths Challenges Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation: Workforce: Workforce: Education and health have monitoring Selecting and undertaking measures for evaluation strategies for early intervention evaluation are complex and difficult. The region has a relatively low Incomes in the region are significantly (e.g. Australian Early Development Index). unemployment rate (as does WA as a lower than elsewhere in WA. whole). Some segments of the community find the labour market limited (e.g. Aboriginal youth) Workforce: Workforce: Cultural diversity: Cultural diversity: Opportunities for FIFO workers to be Ageing workforce will create skills Activities related to festivals and Some sectors of the community face based in Great Southern. shortage on retirement. performances well attended and generational poverty, social exclusion supported (e.g. Perth International Art and other complex issues which increase Festival). health issues, lower school attendance, Cultural diversity: Cultural diversity: Katanning has a rich multicultural and reduced completion rates. Respectful sharing of Aboriginal culture. Loss of elders and associated knowledge community with a demonstrated regarding Aboriginal culture. approach to welcoming immigrants. Education and training: Education and Training: Productivity: Productivity: Improved communication and Increasingly competitive market for Denmark ranks highest in Western In terms of gross regional product per collaboration between tertiary institutions provision of education services (e.g. on- Australia for innovation (Insight, Regional capita, the Great Southern ranks relatively and provision of services in the Great line and distance) reduces local market Australian Institute, 2013). low compared with the rest of WA. Southern. share. Raise the profile of Albany as a University Muresk College (rural training centre) City. Education and training: Education and training: Funding for tertiary institutions Develop Technology Park. competitive and reducing. The region supports a strong education Limited opportunities for education and training sector, including GSIT and and training in smaller regional centres UWA campus. (primary, high school and further Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation: education). Establishment of nurse training facility in Effective monitoring and evaluation will Collection, collation and interpretation Albany. guide and improve future investment of evaluation data is difficult and time decisions. consuming and therefore not often undertaken.

19 Table 6: Sustainable Communites: Strengths, Challenges, Opportunites and Threats

Strengths Challenges Strengths Challenges

Housing and Land: Housing and Land: Natural Resource Management: Natural Resource Management: Adequate supply of residential land in Significant number of lots approved, but Biodiversity hotspot combined with clean, Large areas of conservation estate to major centres. not created (marginal viability) green environment. manage with minimal funding available. Shortage of affordable and adaptable Establishment of highly experienced and housing, especially in the rental market. motivated network with skills in natural Unmet demand for Lifestyle Lots. resource management. Short supply of housing, industrial and commercial land in inland towns Sport and recreation: Sport and recreation: where greenfield development is not economically feasible (due to cost of Previous and recent investment in key Costs associated with maintenance of infrastructure and head-works). sporting and recreation facilities across existing facilities. the region.

Energy: Energy: Agriculture: Agriculture: Existing investment in renewable energy Securing investment in new technologies. infrastructure is high. Promotion of sustainable industry Ageing population involved in farming Ageing infrastructure across the region. development- clean, green image. with associated succession issues. Significant take-up of photovoltaics (residential) and wind power (community Carbon farming initiatives likely to provide Costs involved in innovation and based). avenues for diversification. introducing best practice into agricultural Growing export market to Asia. enterprises. Uncertainty regarding carbon market. Population Growth: Population Growth: Export gateway via Albany Port. Uptake of local retail opportunities such Drying climate. Visitors and residents are attracted to the Infrastructure and services may not be as farmers markets. Fluctuations in demand for traditional and region for lifestyle, climate, natural assets able to cater for additional population emerging products (e.g. sheep and wool, and beauty which has resulted in coastal unless early planning and implementation Use of technology and best practice wine, olives and truffles). areas of the region measuring growth is undertaken. (e.g. no till, crop rotation) protects NRM resources. Limited water supply including rates of more than 1.5% per year over the Ageing population likely to increase groundwater. 2002 to 2012 period. demands on the regional economy and Land managers recognised as being services (health, recreation and social). innovative and adaptive. Shortage of skilled and non-skilled labour (especially in inland areas). Establishing and maintaining supply Health: Health: chains. Investment in healthcare infrastructure Confusion regarding linkages between Marketing value added vs. bulk products. (e.g. Albany health campus). health services (e.g. mental health Southern Inland Health Initiative. services). Establishment of nurse training centre in Water: Water: Albany. Relatively regular rainfall in coastal areas. Seasonal variability, including drought in inland and eastern areas leads to increased reliance on water storage.

20 Opportunities Threats Opportunities Threats

Housing and Land: Housing and Land: Population growth: Population growth: Incorporation of sustainable design in Lack of affordable housing options for Projected population growth – significant Affordability (cost of living, residential and other land use areas (e.g. some sectors of the community. drivers may contribute to future accommodation). power, orientation, water storage, energy Low ‘perceived’ demand for population growth, including climate Loss of population from some inland efficiency). ‘unconventional’ housing product. change. areas where employment and services are Purpose built and adaptable housing to Cost of developing land and creating Promotion of lifestyle options and balance lacking and diminishing (schools, health meet the needs of the ageing population. Residential and Industrial lots is is likely to be attractive for young families. facilities). Mixed use developments in town centres prohibitive. ABS predicts that much of the population and nodes. growth will be via childbirth vs. Strengthen partnerships between immigration to region. planning agencies to progress Precinct Retention of youth by providing and Structure Plans training and higher education, nurturing employment opportunities through business diversification and support. Energy: Energy: Immigration of skilled people in areas Opportunities for expansion of renewable Changing policies and uncertainty where current skills are lacking. energy generation (solar, wind) and regarding rebates and feed in tariffs new technologies (e.g. wave power may reduce uptake of renewable energy generation). options. Natural Resource Management: Natural Resource Management: Technological advances and reduced Increasing expense of traditional energy Research and development to drive best Climatic change likely to impact on costs for photovoltaics. generation. practice in NRM. biodiversity values when combined with Increased investment in wind generation Establishment of carbon sequestration existing stressors. and other technologies. industry with biodiversity outcomes. Loss of expertise from region due to Marginal agricultural land could provide employment uncertainty, short term inexpensive areas to invest in solar, wind contracts and reduced funding. and geothermal technologies. Increased risks from invasive species and ‘Waste to Energy’ technology could be dieback disease. used to divert non-recyclable materials Salinisation, acidification and other land from landfill and utilise biomass by- degradation of natural resource assets. products. Agriculture: Agriculture: Water: Water: Opportunities for value adding. Reduced rainfall and increase in extreme Development of conservation, efficiency Climate change is likely to result in Opportunities to market agricultural climatic events (storms, frost, hail, and storage methods to ensure security of reduced and irregular rainfall in the products to northern hemisphere due to unseasonal weather) related to climate water supply for residential and industry region, combined with much lower runoff. counter seasonal production advantages. change. use. Waning investment in research and Combine renewable energy production development. with desalination processes to provide water, when necessary. Sport and recreation: Sport and recreation: Develop water harvesting, recycling and storage technologies. Growth in equine industry through Ongoing maintenance and running costs collaboration between clubs and of infrastructure, particularly for smaller organisations. communities. Development of multi-use facilities in rural towns and the Centennial Park Sporting, Recreation and Event Precinct. 21 Table 7: access to market: Strengths, Challenges, Opportunites and Threats

Strengths Challenges Strengths Challenges

Economic diversification: Economic diversification: Agriculture: Agriculture: Current regional economic development High Australian dollar reduces export The region’s stable agriculture based Over-dependence on the agricultural builds on natural and infrastructure assets opportunities, international investment in economy relies on climatic influences industry means that the region is – dramatic landscape for tourism, climate region and tourism. with relatively predictable rainfall and vulnerable to seasonal variation and (for agriculture and tourism) and mineral Freight costs high. productive agricultural land. commodity pricing. potential. Need to ‘future proof’ regional Agriculture across WA has outperformed Ageing population and loss of youth from communities for telecommunication and the rest of Australia in terms of export sector. broadband. revenue. Identifying and reducing communication The viticulture industry in the region black spots. accounts for over a quarter of the area in WA under vines. Sound infrastructure (e.g. saleyards). Infrastructure: Infrastructure: Well-developed supply chain for bulk Regional Saleyards; Sheep - Katanning & Upgrades to road and rail networks are products. Cattle - Mount Barker. essential for efficiency and safety. Supertown development in Katanning Limited supply or infrastructure at Albany Entertainment Centre and capacity for water and power. Tourism: Tourism: Waterfront Potential for heritage based tourism Lack of coordination within the tourism ANZAC Interpretive Centre (Aboriginal, earliest European settlement industry and under promotion of the in WA, ANZAC links). region. Need to recreate distinct brand, Albany to Bunbury Gas Pipeline separate from the south west region. (committed) The natural resources of the region, particularly biodiversity and range of Expensive flights to and from the region. Investment in health infrastructure across environments (e.g. Stirling Ranges and Distance from Perth the region coast) are key attractions. Lack of capacity in accommodation; 5 Star Existing world class events and festivals. facilities closed. Finance, Planning and Governance: Finance, Planning and Governance: Growing food based tourism. High level of seasonality. Effective networking amongst regional Government regulatory burdens need to players adds value to funds invested in be streamlined. the region. Access to capital and investment. Minerals: Minerals: LGA amalgamations and other The region has significant mineral Capital investment difficult to secure in governance issues leading to uncertainty. deposits (gold, magnetite) light of global economy. Short term rather than strategic outlook.

22 Opportunities Threats Opportunities Threats

Economic diversification: Economic diversification: Tourism: Tourism: Development of knowledge based Global competition and reduced ability to Opportunities related to ANZAC Slow uptake and lack of leadership businesses and existing businesses that compete due to high costs of compliance centenary celebrations. in planning and implementation of use technology to capture market share and operation. Events to complement existing activities. infrastructure and events. (e.g. encourage local purchase of goods Ord River, Gascoyne Food Bowl and Turbulence in economy, including on-line). Strategically focused tourism branding, Eastern States. marketing and promotion (regional and reduced discretionary spending in many Economic diversification through value Water supply for industry not secured sub-regional). families and impact on visitor numbers adding activities for agriculture and which is barrier to expansion and (including larger interstate segment). forestry products. Use of internet and other technologies to establishment of many industries. further promote the Great Southern. Potential to increase use of technology Local purchases via internet from retailers in business to capture local market share outside the region leading to reduced (e.g. buy local via internet) through use of market share. Minerals: Minerals: search engine technology. Development of minerals sector and Volatility in world economy, including NBN scheduled for implementation in key associated value adding opportunities. slow-down in China’s economic growth. areas with hub in Katanning. Engineering and manufacturing sectors would benefit from key industry developments. Planning and Governance: Planning and Governance: Training for FIFO workers. Regionalisation of key government Increased competition through agencies to allow for more tailored globalisation. Albany Port has capacity for expansion. services in regional centres. Limited access to finance for essential projects. Competition for funding. Agriculture: Agriculture: Contraction of the public sector means Adding value to agricultural products via Drying climate and reduction of areas reduction in expertise in key areas (e.g. boutique produce value adding (e.g. dairy, with reliable rainfall. agriculture). aquaculture, viticulture). Volatility in global demand. Researching Asian market needs and Competition and seasonal influences. tailoring products to suit. Infrastructure: Infrastructure: High Australian dollar. Construction of the Bunbury to Albany Infrastructure not able to provide Diversifying agricultural products (dairy, Gas Pipeline to service towns along competitive networks (e.g. rail) without poultry, pork meat and horticulture). alignment and provide consistent fuel capital investment. supply for existing and potential industry. Road structures ageing and degraded due Upgrades to improve efficiency of Albany to heavy haulage. Port. Power and water infrastructure at limits of Expansion of rail transport services to capability. include general freight. Industrial and services areas not accessible by permit vehicles. Closure of part of the tier three rail network and lack of maintenance of rail infrastructure. Safety, capacity and maintenance issues related to road network and use for heavy haulage. Time lag in getting environmental approvals. 23 Regional Influences:

Contents

3.1 Megatrends and Futures...... 25

3.2 Asian Century...... 25

3.3 Global Economy...... 25

3.4 Ageing Population...... 27

3.5 Digital Age...... 27

3.6 Natural Resource Management, Climate and Water...... 28

24 3. Regional Influences Australia in the Asian Century predicts that Asia The Great Southern can contribute due to high will be the world’s largest goods producer and 3.1 Megatrends and Futures quality natural resources (particularly land for consumer and home to the world’s largest middle productive use and also potentially mineral class. Change is being driven by rapid urbanisation resources – gold, magnetite, nickel and lithium), Megatrends are major shifts on a global scale in Asia, rising disposable incomes, and increased education (secondary, post-secondary, vocational, that will affect the way we live in the future. Six aspirations of much of the Asian community. It is tertiary and education services), tourism key trends have been identified that are already likely to drive significant demand for prestige and (particularly nature based and potentially cultural, impacting Western Australia and the Great premium quality goods, education, professional adventure and leisure) and agriculture (including Southern. Our Future World – Global megatrends services, food, and overseas travel experiences niche products, bulk products and perishable that will change the way we live12 (2012) states that (tourism). products via air freight). megatrends are relevant to contemporary decision making and may prompt a rethink of governance Australia’s relationships in the Asian region are Given the size and scale of the Great Southern models, business processes and social systems. strong and Western Australia is especially well economy as compared to the potential scale of Reports such as Australia in the Asian Century 13 placed due to the fact that we are in the same or demand from the Asian region, a proportionally (Australian Government White Paper, similar time zones, relative proximity and traditional very small interest in the Great Southern in one or 2012) and Sustainable Australia Report tourism, business and education ties. more of these spheres could see significant benefits 2013: Conversations with the Future14 The Great Southern can take advantage of this to the region. There are potential risks in this scale have also examined megatrends. Each will affect potential by using and growing its education and difference that need to be considered. If a market our economy and our social fabric in fundamental tourism infrastructure and its communications and is established and flourishes, demand may outstrip ways, some of which are outlined in the following transport links to the metropolitan area. Particular supply or volatile conditions may place the new sections. opportunities may arise in nature or eco-based market at risk. Similarly, the full potential benefits and cultural tourism as well as high end/niche of supply would not flow to the region where agriculture. There may also be scope to develop products are generated totally from externally the bulk agricultural commodity trade to the Asian owned and managed operations and supply lines. 3.2 Asian Century Region, particularly China.

Described by the Commonwealth Scientific and The White Paper points to a need for highly Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) as ‘The innovative, competitive Australian firms and 3.3 Global Economy Silk Highway’, the coming decades will see the institutions to develop collaborative relationships world economy shift as the “economic centre of with others in the region, open up new market According to the International Monetary Fund15, gravity” moves Eastward from its European and opportunities, build awareness and profile, and to world economic output in 2011 was US$78 trillion North American hotspot; and by 2030 is forecast ensure scale, continuity and quality of supply. and is forecast to grow to US$111 trillion by 2017. to sit firmly between India and China, with an As the White Paper describes, Asian demand is The median annual growth rate for advanced increasing focus on the emerging economies of and will be most evident for Australian natural economies will be in the range of 0.8-2.1% while Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma and Cambodia. resources, education, tourism and agriculture. The emerging and developing economies will grow at Great Southern is well placed to serve in at least 4.1-4.4%. 12 Our Future World – global megatrends that will change the three of these segments (with mining to a lesser way we live (The 2012 Revision), CSIRO Futures, 2012, p. 4. extent). 13 Australian Government White Paper (2012) Australia in the 15 Asian Century International Monetary Fund, 2012 14 National Sustainability Council, Sustainable Australia Report 2013: Conversations with the future, 2013. 25 The shift in Asia’s economic strength has contributed The Australian Treasury expects global supplies of resources development/mine construction (gas to the fiscal uncertainty which has characterised iron ore and coal to increase, placing downward and iron ore) including Pilbara port upgrades in the the world economy along with the global financial pressure on Australia’s terms of trade. The last decade. Although the investment associated crisis since 2008. However, Australia has emerged developing world has vast mineral reserves, most of with such construction projects is slowing down, it from the global financial crisis comparatively which are not yet competing since those countries does mean that the next phase is the comparatively well, due in large part to strong Asian demand lack the necessary infrastructure. However, South lower cost and higher returns mining operation for mineral and energy resources, especially from America, Africa and parts of Asia are expected to which will deliver to pre-established contracts. This China. While Chinese demand for iron ore (for steel increase global competition, especially given their will be further enhanced by the Australian dollar making) is still expected to grow, the rate of steel lower labour costs. settling at a lower exchange rate. consumption per unit of Gross Domestic Product Apart from bulk agricultural commodities, the Great As a result, in Western Australia, although there may (GDP) is expected to decrease by 2020-202516. Southern region is well positioned to offer tourism, be an easing in mine construction employment, CSIRO Futures predicts that China may be moving niche products and services. While other regions the state looks to be entering a phase of mining beyond its rapid industrialisation phase to a more have similar proximity, the Great Southern can also and minerals production/export to the emerging services oriented phase of economic development. trade on its unique environment, its established markets and the maturing Chinese economy. As CSIRO Futures considers whether India will follow service based economy, its lower cost environment this process continues, opportunities may also arise China in the demand for resources, although this and comparative exclusivity. for the export/provision of higher order goods and may be some time away, and it would take nearly services to the growing middle and affluent classes. two decades of 15% annual growth for India’s There is no clear path to entering these potential This is particularly so for goods and services of a refined metal consumption to overtake China’s markets and establishing this pathway could be niche, unique and luxury nature. Western Australia current level of consumption.1718 beyond the capabilities of individual suppliers. As a result, there may be an assistance role available in (and the Great Southern particularly) could leverage 16 BHP Billiton Annual Report (2012), Summary Review and its location and transport links and build on existing Form 20-F. September 2012. preparing that path and allowing local businesses 17 government and business links to make the most of CSIRO Futures, jbid and services effective access to this opportunity. 18 World Bank (2012) Global Commodity Market Outlook: Western Australia has experienced significant this potential. January Global Economic Prospects, Washington DC, World Bank. Although competition for global resource supply will come from South America, Africa, and parts of Asia, Australia still has competitive advantages in terms of resource quality and availability, good supporting infrastructure, mature and stable economic conditions, and stable government.

26 ‘comfortable’ retirement. This retirement savings old world industries such as agriculture increasingly 3.4 Ageing Population gap will place greater demands for public sector depending on digital technology for efficiency and services, including hospitals and other health care market access. The range of digital compliant providers. In addition, the shrinking income tax Advances in medical sciences and healthcare have businesses and activities is therefore growing base will exacerbate cost per individual in the work seen the world population living longer. In 1950, rapidly by incorporating most of new industries force. 8% of the world’s people were over 65 years old, and activities and all or part of old world industries. increasing to 11.2% by 2011, and forecast to reach The Great Southern is already experiencing impacts Changes in the retail sector are one example 19 from the ageing population, particularly in the more 22% by 2050 . By 2011 Australia’s 65 years plus of the structural change occurring as part of population was already 14% and it is predicted to coastal urban centres. Just as the trend was initially the digital age. Retail trade contributes some rise to 23-25% by 2056. Over the same timeframe, felt as a ‘sea change’, it has grown to encompass $59bn to the Australian economy each year and median ages will rise from 37 years to between 41 nearby inland towns as well. It is anticipated that employs 1.2million Australians (ABS). In 2011, the and 45.2 years (ABS). Over the next 20 years, the this is likely to continue. Whilst this may bring number of Australian’s aged 65 years and over is opportunities in terms of population growth or Productivity Commission estimated that online expected to increase by 84%20. arresting/mitigating decline within regional towns, retailing accounts for approximately 6% of total it may also place greater strains on existing social retail sales and expected that this would grow by CSIRO Futures suggest that the ageing population and health services. 10-15% per annum through to 2013. is an economic and social opportunity. Older people have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom As the Great Southern has been experiencing Digital retail can combine with other Megatrend which could be exploited. The larger proportion of this trend for some time, regional centres are opportunities such as supplying niche goods and older people will have an increasingly important well placed with good health and social care, but services to the Asian region to enable essentially influence as the Baby Boomers and subsequent as numbers increase and higher standards are direct and real time trading; face to face without retiree generations bring higher expectations of demanded improvement will be required. the complication of existing communication and quality of life and active ageing. Their involvement trade barriers. in caring for family members, physical activity, patronising the arts, shopping and dining, travelling, More generally, with digital retail able to replace 3.5 Digital Age volunteering, mentoring, leadership roles, clubs and up to 15% of activity in the immediate term, there organisations; their housing choices, and their use may be decreased demand for shop fronts and an of business and health services will make important Digital transformation has already changed the way increased demand for warehousing, transport and contributions to society and the economy. we communicate and engage socially. It is now set final assembly. There may also be effects on the to fundamentally change the nature of work, with retail mix in urban areas as the retail landscape may Other impacts will see a rise in ageing and lifestyle more and more providers of services - including coalesce into mainly big box retail, online retail and illnesses (such as higher dependency care and the people no longer having to live in the places they niche retail components. incidence of diabetes). Government health costs work. are projected to rise from the current 5.8% of With the exponential rise in the amount of 20 Increased uptake in digital technology will serve GDP to reach 10.3% of GDP by 2044-45. Whilst digital information being generated, stored private sector expenditure in the health industry to reduce the distance/separation of the Great and communicated, there is a need for suitable in particular can be an economic driver, demands Southern from the opportunities available via digital communications infrastructure to be available on public health are growing. With longer life compliant goods and services in the metropolitan throughout Australia. The National Broadband expectancy, there may be an increasing shortfall area. Conversely it will give the Great Southern’s between retirement savings and the amount digital compliant businesses and activities greater Network (NBN) rollout of fibre-based internet needed for the current workforce to have a range, essentially opening them to the world. services in conjunction with wireless and satellite The world is moving towards greater reliance on services is central to the Federal Government’s 19 CSIRO Futures , ibid digital technology for education, retail, holiday desire for quality digital access for all Australians. 20 National Sustainability Council ibid and trip planning, medical diagnostics, banking This is particularly important to regional Australia and finance, and news and media. All of the new to support business and community services such 27 emerging industry sectors are digital reliant and as health. As above, the digital age and digital economy Climate change is now considered unequivocal.23 The region’s high quality environment is an provides opportunities for local niche goods, Climate change is a long term and intergenerational outstanding natural asset. Additional pressures of services and industries by potentially improving concern, with consequences that extend across ecological stress, reduced rainfall, intense weather connectivity to a global audience. It can increase world economies, societies and the environment. events and rising sea levels are likely to impact access to health care and potentially reduce costs Climate change could have major consequences for the region’s environment. Actions to mitigate and through the provision of eHealth. It also provides Australia; in addition to rising average temperatures, adapt to climate and environmental change are opportunities for remote working, site monitoring climate change is expected to increase the risk of an increasingly important part of natural resource and the like beyond what is envisaged today. bushfire, drought, extreme weather events, rising stewardship. Overall, the principles of sustainability sea level and ocean acidification. are becoming embedded at government, industry, There are issues in the digital age that require community and individual levels. consideration and potentially management. This Although Australia’s contribution to total global includes issues such as recognition of Great greenhouse gas emissions is significantly less Southern entrants in the crowded digital space than that of many larger economies, per capita and; as more and more businesses and activities go Australia’s greenhouse emissions are higher digital, what impacts will be felt in the towns, town than any other developed country. Australia centres and main streets. therefore has a responsibility and leadership role in developing strategies to reduce per capita and overall emissions. 3.6 Natural Resource Management, Global water demand is forecast to Climate and Water increase by 55% between 2000 and 2050, with the largest increases coming from manufacturing, electricity and domestic use.24 The world’s growing population, increased Climate change is affecting the availability of consumption, fossil fuels reliance, land clearing and water supplies. According to Australia’s Climate land use are having far-reaching environmental Commission, the south west of Western Australia impacts. Many of the world’s natural habitats and has experienced a significant decline in rainfall since plant and animal species are in decline or at risk. 1970. Since the mid-1970s, rainfall has declined The actions taken by human beings in the coming 15% and has necessitated the re-development of decades will set the scene for global biodiversity water supply systems and changes in land use. over coming millennia.21 Inflows to dams have reduced at a disproportionally Habitat damage, over-exploitation, pollution, greater rate, with the inflow to Perth’s water supply invasive species and climate change are the dams reduced by almost half between1975 to five principal pressures that are directly driving 2000 and then halved again from 2006 to 2012. biodiversity loss. In 2010, an assessment of the As a result, strategies involving greater demands rate of biodiversity loss over the previous four on groundwater, desalination plants, waste water decades was carried out using 31 indicators. recycling and water conservation efficiencies have This assessment found that most indicators had been developed. continued to decline and there was no significant 23 reduction in the rate of decline.22 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007) Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Geneva, Switzerland. Sourced at: http://www.ipcc.ch/ 21 CSIRO Futures, ibid publications_and_data/publications_ipcc_fourth_assessment_ 22 Butchart, S.H.M. (2010) Global Biodiversity: Indicators of report_synthesis_report.htm Recent Declines. Science 328, 1164 (2010) DOI: 10.1126/ 24 OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: science. 1187512. Sourced at: The Consequences of Inaction. Key Findings on Water, (2012). Sourced at: http://www.oecd.org/env/indicators- 28 modelling-outlooks/49844953.pdf Regional Priorities

29 4. Regional Priorities

Information in the previous sections of this document Regional Infrastructure Actions has been used to develop Strategic Directions for our environmentally and culturally diverse region. and Projects Ideally the region will be regarded as a premier Strategic Direction 1 The regional community has expressed that the place to live and work in based on its opportunity, Great Southern region form a Regional Planning environment, infrastructure, and access to essential Authority to support industry growth. Some services. REGIONAL planning initiatives and concerns of the authority The RDA Great Southern Committee has nominated INFRASTRUCTURE would be: the four highest priority strategic directions related • Long term regional water supply and water to our Key Priority Areas. This section discusses the infrastructure; evidence of need for each strategic direction, the The Great Southern Region has a strong short and longer term planning aspirations for each, reliance on agricultural, retail, manufacturing, • Creation of an inland port facility; and the highest priority actions and project work to construction and tourism industries and • Producing regional feasibility studies and be undertaken in each. associated infrastructure. These industries management plans guiding issues such as provide opportunities for value-adding to waste disposal, renewable energy and power the region. Well-developed infrastructure, infrastructure and industrial land; OUR FOUR KEY energy and water management systems are integral to increasing productivity and • Support and advocacy for pilot projects, such as wave and biomass energy projects; and PRIORITY AREAS: growing our region responsibly. Our region’s access to aviation and rail infrastructure • Support and advocacy for the tourism industry, • Industry and ranks low, and our road and port including liaison with LTOs, and provision of Infrastructure, including infrastructure is ranked medium nationally. guidance with respect to suitability of tourism To maximise efficiencies, upgrading of our initiatives aimed at growing eco-tourism. tourism road, rail and port major service networks In the medium term there is an urgent need for the and energy infrastructure needs to occur. region to provide more efficient and frequent public • Education, training and Our overall Infrastructure and Essential transport to support our students and pensioners. employment Services Ranking is comparatively low, at 37. We require improved linkages between our towns To support our growing population we need and a Great Southern Regional Transport Plan. • Environment and NRM, to plan for the provision of arts, sport and In the longer term the region would also benefit including water and land recreation, health, and aged care facilities. from a multi-use Regional Arts and Cultural Centre that houses local history and art collections and is use planning integrated with regional tourism initiatives. • Community development and Social Inclusion

30 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AGENCIES Katanning The Katanning SuperTowns Growth GSDC and ‘SuperTown’ Plan has identified a number of Shire of Katanning Project economic growth drivers including the Roads and The Albany Highway is the Great proposed mining, population growth, Highways Southern’s main arterial connection Main Roads WA ongoing State Government funding, to Perth and the South West. The City of Albany strong agricultural industry and the Highway also connects towns within expansion of retail, commercial and WA Department of the region. Works and upgrades industrial businesses sectors. A total Transport to this highway require on-going of $8.7m was announced in mid-2012 support, and should not be limited to towards initial SuperTown projects. the current works listed in Appendix 4. There are a number of other major roads integral to the development Albany Port As the region’s key port facility, Albany Port Authority of the region; some of these are the ongoing upgrades and improvements Albany Ring Rd, Chester Pass Rd, are critical to our region’s capacity. Muirs Hwy, South Coast Hwy, South Some include, but are not limited to: West Hwy, and Ocean Beach Rd. Bridge over rail to optimise rail Critical roads works are also capacity efficiency recurrently supported through Black Spot projects and Roads to Recovery. Optimisation and expansion of the Loop Rail Line within the Port area Pedestal crane to increase range of Regional Energy The Bunbury to Albany Gas Pipeline Western Power containers to be handled (rail and road) remains in planning, with $20M WA Department of funded to secure the necessary land State Development corridor, approvals and assembly. WA Department A Kojonup to Albany 132kV transition Our Region’s Works include but are not limited to: Shire of Denmark of Regional Industrial Areas line is also in planning. Development Acquisition and development of Shire of Plantagenet Wind powered stations are being built approx 30 light industrial lots between or extended throughout the region. Albany and Denmark - $8M A full list of energy infrastructure Continue redevelopment of part initiatives is included in Appendix 4. of Depot Site on Muir Highway to industrial land. Release of remaining industrial lots - $5M Sporting Precincts There are several sporting City of Albany Redevelop Shire Works Depot Infrastructure projects proposed Shire of Plantagenet and vacant crown land adjoining within the region. These projects to provide an additional 20 lots will interlink and integrate our Shire of Denmark suitable for commercial activity communities and bring increased Shire of Gnowangerup and acquisition and development State and National competition to of a lot suitable for commercial land the region. With increased recreation development - $5.5M zones the health and well-being and prospects of our region’s sporting talents will improve. Some of these Albany Heritage All works relating to the ANZAC City of Albany are: Albany Centennial Park, Mt Barker Precinct Interpretive Centre and Centenary Department of Sounness Park, Denmark Riverside Celebrations, including infrastructure Veterans Affairs Club, Gnowangerup Swimming Pool upgrades on Mounts Clarence and & Sporting Complex and Completion Adelaide - $24.5M WA Department of of the Borden Pavillion. Additional Premier and Cabinet projects are listed in Appendix 4. GSDC 31 Strategic Direction 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AGENCIES Great Southern Development of a Great Southern Digital Economic Strategy was TECHNOLOGY Digital Action Plan identified to support the growth of the digital industry in the region RDA Great to take advantage of industry opportunities, new rural creative Southern industry services, deliver e-health, e-education and unique tourism Dependable communication and networking experiences that are a feature of the region. GSDC systems are integral to productivity and regional Appointment of appropriate consultants to progress a Great growth. There is an ongoing need to improve Southern Digital Action Plan will occur in late 2013. and inform regional planning in relation to technology and communications network access. Albany Technology The Committee for Albany and the City of Albany are working GSDC Technological innovation is transforming the way Park collaboratively to develop the region’s first Technology Park, which City of Albany interlinks the region’s health and education service providers. business and society operates. Technological The park will encourage tenancy by businesses that engage our Committee for Albany readiness is therefore critical to our region’s regional Universities to further Research and Development and future and the preparedness of our youth and employment opportunities. our skilled workers. It also affects our ability to attract and retain industry. In this area our region Katanning A total of $8.7m was announced in mid-2012 towards the initial is ranked comparatively lowly, 43rd out of 55 RDAs ‘SuperTown’ stages of the SuperTown project. Katanning has been nominated as Project the regions Digital Hub and as such this project is essential to the nationally. regions progress.

Denmark Robotic A $1.5M project to construct a new dairy incorporating robotic Denmark Agriculture Technology Actions and Projects Dairy technologies and expose the region to industry best practice. College The Great Southern region primarily needs to Southern Link A pilot program to construct a grass reed bed system to flush Water Corp. increase access to and uptake of new technologies, VROC chlorine and provide secondary treatment to a water resource. Shires of Cranbrook, including NBN, mobile and digital services. This Collection and Broomehill-Tambellup, would be achieved through the support of regional Harvest of Waste Kojonup, Plantagenet technology and knowledge hubs for use by small Water and WA Department of business and education. Regional Development Health, education and training services could link to users through teleconferencing technologies and the regions Community Resource Centre network. However technology is an action area not limited to communications. It also has wide ranging impacts on NRM and our main industry of agriculture. Technology could lead to increased uptake of opportunities in the carbon economy, reducing and/or reversing oil dependency and greater levels of community self-sufficiency.

32 Workforce Development & Higher • Improve Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) results, so more of our student’s qualify Education Actions and Projects for University. Our actions in this planning area will support • Encourage students to complete more Level Strategic Direction 3 projects that build on labour market and education 2 & 3 Year 12 units of study to broaden opportunities in partnership with education opportunity and pathways. WORKFORCE and training providers through implementation of recommendations such as those in the GS • Improve regional performance in NAPLAN and DEVELOPMENT & Workforce Development Plan 2013-2016, which AEDI domains. recommends recognizing and targeting • Encourage and support expansion of the HIGHER EDUCATION employment opportunities in new and emerging region’s University campuses and facilities in industries. Albany. Education, training and employment challenges Although the region has a highly skilled workforce, identified in the Great Southern include skills and Community development and social cohesion mining resource job opportunities are located well labour shortages, and loss of youth and young underpins our success in this priority direction. We outside the region. Under the Development Plan adults from the region. We also need to increase will support and encourage innovative programs we also need to maximise regional opportunities positive outcomes for Aboriginal Australians in that recognise longer term strategic responses for skilled worker uptake by FIFO and resource the region. We are comparatively well skilled, to generational poverty and disenfranchisement related operations. and yet we have high welfare dependency and amongst the region’s Aboriginal Australian high unemployment rates. Primarily, we need Further to this the region needs to actively and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) to identify and plan for changing skills and encourage growth and expansion of the tertiary populations. knowledge requirements in the region’s key education sector. As a region we need to market As a community we need to support parents and industries. Areas with highly ranked Human and capitalise on the advantages of undertaking increase parental involvement and engagement in Capital and well-educated workforces are more higher education in the region, such as reduced education. Our plans should be directed toward likely to experience economic growth and to be housing, recreation and transport costs. programs that mitigate poor academic performance, more resilient and adaptive. Our region has the An increase in Vocational Education and Training absenteeism, and social and communication skills, right foundations to grow our human capital, and (VET) places, including apprenticeships and such as ‘A Smart Start’. We should also: yet our regional access to secondary and tertiary traineeships will come about by growing the • Improve service and support for students education services ranks very low. We need number of Registered Training Organisations with to improve and strengthen high level training and workers with physical and/or intellectual the capacity to provide higher and ‘stepping stone’ disabilities; opportunities in partnership with education and qualifications. In order to feed into our growing training providers as well as grow post-secondary tertiary sector and VET sectors the main aims of our • Encourage knowledge sharing between health education employment options to meet job- region’s educators should be to: and education providers; and seeker expectation. • Increase Year 12 completion rates to match • Promote needs-specific employment and national levels through higher rates of recruitment programs – e.g. Indigenous attendance and Western Australian Certificate Employment Program (IEPs) in our smaller of Education (WACE) attainment. regional centres.

33 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AGENCIES

Great Southern This is a two year project to develop and WA Department for Children’s implement a Regional Children’s Services Communities Services Plan Plan across the nine RDA WA regions. RDA Great Southern The Great Southern project will support strengthened and improved levels and quality of service provision through better planning and/or delivery of service models that are developed within the context of local considerations, including population forecasting and community and regional profiling.

Katanning Early The Katanning Early Childhood Hub Childhood Hub Project is evaluating the feasibility of GSDC building a multi-purpose facility for the co-location of services catering for Shire of Katanning children 0 to 5 years (with flexibility to support 0 to 8 years in the future) in the Katanning area. The overall vision is for integrated service delivery from all stakeholders involved with early childhood development in the town and surrounding region.

Tertiary Student Building Key infrastructure to retain and UWA Accommodation accommodate students undertaking GSDC studies and/or study tours and practice in the region. RDA Great Southern

GS Workforce Implementation of this plan aims to build, GSDC Development attract and retain a skilled workforce to Plan meet the economic needs of the region

34 Environmental Actions and Projects

RDA Great Southern has a formal Memorandum of • Support and promote innovative Waste Strategic Direction 4 Understanding with South Coast NRM. Together management projects, such as the Denmark we share a common desire for a sustainable future Regional Waste and Recycling Facility; underpinned by strong community partnerships, ENVIRONMENTAL and with innovative approaches to land, water and • Promote settlements and rural enclaves in coastal management. the region as attractive, safe and sustainable SUSTAINABILITY & places to live in harmony with NRM principles The Water Corporation and Department of Water of innovation, tolerance, inclusiveness and have also identified opportunities to better use our responsible use of resources; INNOVATION IN NRM water resources. Our directions in the Priority Area of Environment should aim to increase the array of • Work in collaboration with regional water In our region there is a common desire for a adaption responses to seasonal variability caused authorities; and sustainable future underpinned by innovative by climate change through mechanisms such as approaches to land, water and coastal • Investigate sustainable land and water use Management Plans. Protecting biodiversity and management. Our region ranks 10th out of 55 practice through engagement with the regions natural and agricultural land assets as the economic in terms of its access to natural resources and farmers and fishers. base of the region through on-ground project work its physical attributes; it has a rich physical is also of high priority. A key NRM driver is social inclusion and broader endowment which deserves and needs community participation. Encouraging greater protecting. These resources are key determinants The region is also experiencing sea and tree change regional capacity through Indigenous participation to the region’s competitiveness. Sustainability is population challenges, with Australians seeking to in NRM is integral to projects. Works should also the primary direction which any activity in this live and work in coastal regions. Our agribusiness recognize the role and importance of our cultural area should be guided. The region is ranked sector is facing issues such as succession planning, heritage through Noongar knowledge of NRM. very highly in terms of its timber resources diversification and productivity challenges, climate and the quality and size of its national parks change and water management. For this reason The region’s relevant authorities should continue and proximity to the coast, resulting in people we need to direct actions that accommodate these to identify - seeking sea and tree-change. For this reason demands, including: • Pressures on water resources we need to plan for actions that accommodate • Mitigating land degradation through these demands. Our access to wind and waves • Climate change impacts on water resources appropriate projects; give us a unique competitive advantage in • Areas of competition and high demand the renewable energy marketplace, in terms • Plan for affordable housing throughout the of both research and development and pilot region, with increased land releases in the • Salinity challenges and mitigation strategies projects. Innovation in this area is a ‘natural fit’ region’s smaller centres, such as the Virginia • New water sources for the area, and is complementary to future Estate in Gnowangerup; infrastructure, fuel and energy requirements. • Provide additional housing and infrastructure in Jerramungup/Bremer Bay through the Bremer Bay Town Centre Project;

35 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AGENCIES

Regional There are numerous Regional Shires Residential Land developments currently Water Corp Development underway that address responsible land and water Western Power use. A full list is provided in City of Albany Appendix 4.

Great Southern Integrated project looking Integrated Water at behaviour change Water Corp Efficiency Project programs, provision and installation of water wise equipment and water main repairs. The program aims to reduce household water use by 10% in Albany, Mt Barker, Kendenup, Narrikup, Denmark, Frankland and Cranbrook.

Dieback Implement the Dieback South Coast Management Management Plan based on NRM Project priority areas along the South Coast region through on- ground project work.

Denmark Waste Upgrade of the Denmark Water Corp Water Treatment Waste Water Treatment Shire of Plant & Reuse Plant to improve treated Denmark Further detailed descriptions of projects and costs relating to all projects currently underway Scheme waste water quality and in the region are located in Appendices 4; short and longer term projects listed align with our accommodate growth in Denmark, allocated $11M nominated strategic directions and satisfy one or more of the following objectives: And a project valued at $1.5M • Supported by evidence of need and able to leverage multiple benefits; taking a staged approach to utilising the wastewater • Consistent with Federal, State and Regional priorities; that currently is directed into Wilson Inlet to benefit • Consistent with regional planning documents and, where appropriate, LGA Plans; community, social and • Supported and confirmed through a consultative process with regional stakeholders; and environmental outcomes. • Consideration given to a project’s economic, environmental and social benefits.

36 5. Review and Stakeholder Consultation

RDA Great Southern recognises that partners and of funded projects, RDA Great Southern has a needs relating to regional infrastructure and stakeholders across the region have a collective number of goals which align with its vision and sustainable power generation alternatives, responsibility to progress this strategy. The RDA mission. Assessment of how goals are being met is providing leadership and support for tourism, network plays a facilitation role but does not have measured through a performance review with a set education, youth support and natural resource direct decision making regarding allocation of of key performance indicators. These allow the RDA management initiatives. funding. Great Southern to monitor, evaluate, report and In evaluating projects supported by RDA Great improve (MERI process) and provides a framework Stakeholders consulted during the preparation of Southern, the following are considered: for assessing outcomes proposed in this strategy. this plan have suggested that the following could • Does a project meet one or more of the priority improve RDA Great Southern’s ability to assist in Key performance indicators for RDA Great Southern objectives outlined in the RDA Regional Plan? regional development and growth: include: • Is the project or activity sustainable? • Continue facilitation and networking to ensure • Outcome 1: Enhanced community engagement that stakeholders are informed regarding and consultation through consultation, • How does a project rank against others in Commonwealth government priorities and networking, sharing of information (e.g. terms of overall benefits? initiatives; newsletters and website) and attendance at • What are the long term costs versus benefits? forums and industry group meetings. • Provide an advocacy role to provide feedback • Will a project leverage the best possible results to the Commonwealth Government and • Outcome 2: Improved regional planning for the resources invested? appropriate agencies; through contribution to regional plans and associated processes (e.g. input into local • Are the results of a project measurable in • Actively engage with the regional community, government planning, South Coast NRM, terms of economic, environmental and/or LGAs and State Government to prioritise GSDC and other State Government agencies) social outcomes? How will they be measured? planning and business initiatives, local level including updating RDA Great Southern Over what timeframes should outcomes assessment of applications, delivery of funding Regional Plan. be measured? Who is responsible for and evaluation and monitoring of results; measurement and assessment of success? • Outcome 3: Enhanced whole of government • Continue to engage in direct service delivery, approach through liaison, co-ordination and • What is the legacy of a project or program where appropriate; and collaboration with regional organisations. once it has been completed? Will the project • Have access to a devolved fund to allow for be self-sustaining? How will long term funding • Outcome 4: Enhanced awareness of direct investment in regional projects by RDA (e.g. for maintenance) be secured? government programs through targeted Great Southern. meetings with key stakeholders, providing To meet monitoring and reporting obligations, RDA To determine the success of consultation, facilitation information via newsletter and website, hosting Great Southern prepares annual progress reports and the implementation of funded projects, seminars and forums regarding Australian which outlines performance against key indicators. it is recommended that RDA Great Southern Government initiatives and priorities. Review of this Regional Plan also allows for establish a monitoring, evaluation, reporting and • Outcome 5: Improved community and reconsideration of priorities and consultation with improvement (MERI) framework for progress to economic development through provision key stakeholders. meeting outcomes proposed in this strategy. of information relating to new technology To determine the success of RDA activities, including (e.g. NBN), encouragement of commercial consultation, facilitation and the implementation enterprise initiatives, raising awareness of

37 About the Great Southern

38 About the Great Southern:

Contents 6.1 Overview of Key Features �� 40 6.2 The Social Demographic �� 41 6.3 Population �� 44 6.4 New Research Planning and Policy �� 46 6.5 Industry and Infrastructure, including Tourism �� 47 6.5.1 Industries �� 47 6.5.2 Technology and Transport �� 48 6.6 Education, Training and Employment �� 51 6.6.2 Training �� 52 6.6.3 Employment �� 53 6.7 Environment, NRM, Climate Change, Water & Land Use �� 55 6.7.1 Environment and NRM �� 55 6.7.2 Climate Change and Water �� 57 6.7.3 Land Use Planning �� 58 6.8 Community Development and Social Inclusion �� 59 6.8.1 Health �� 59 6.8.3 Sports and Recreation �� 60 6.9 Cross-Regional Issues �� 62

39 6. About the Great Southern Region

6.1 Overview of Key Features Seasonal variability and declining rainfall has the The region is diverse in its geography and features potential to impact significantly on Great Southern comparative advantages for industry, including: communities and industries, especially related to The Great Southern region borders the Southern • A spectacular coastline featuring some of production of commodities, for example agriculture Ocean on the south coast of Western Australia and the most beautiful scenery in Australia, products. Findings in the Indian Ocean Climate extends inland for 200 kilometres. It comprises characterised by sandy beaches, rugged granite Initiative25 indicate that rainfall in the southwest of 11 Local Government Authorities including the cliffs, sheltered inlets and offshore islands; City of Albany, Shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Western Australia has been declining since the late • Quality agricultural areas; Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, 1960s, with the Water Corporation anticipating a 26 Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet and decline in rainfall of up to 40% over the next 30 years. • Biodiversity hotspots in southwest of Western Woodanilling. It covers 39,007 square kilometres 25 Indian Ocean Climate Initiative (IOCI, October 1999), Australia including the iconic natural tourist of diverse landscape with magnificent scenery and Towards Understanding Climate Variability in South Western attractions such as the Stirling Ranges, represents 1.5% of Western Australia’s total land Australia: Research reports on the First Phase of IOCI. Porongurup National Park, Fitzgerald River 26 Water Corporation (2010) Water Forever: Lower Great mass, offshore islands and 250 kilometres of the Southern National Park and magnificent Karri forests southern coastline are key attractions in the region. including the Walpole Wilderness Area; As the State’s oldest European settlement the City of • Rivers that flow from the inland areas to a Albany is the region’s administrative, business and coastal system of inlets and harbours leading financial hub. Albany is the major centre for light into the Southern Ocean; and industry and tourism and home to approximately GREAT SOUTHERN QUICK STATS • A rich “Noongar” Aboriginal and European 35,000 residents, or 61% of the region’s population. culture and settlement heritage. District Centres in the Great Southern region with Land Area 39,007 km2 populations of around 5,000 include the towns of The key economic drivers identified for the Great 27 Denmark, Katanning and Mount Barker. Smaller No. of Local Gov’t Areas 11 Southern are: towns in the region, with populations of less than • Agriculture production including farming, 2,500 include Kojonup, Woodanilling, Pingrup, Total Population 57,661 forestry, fishing and aquaculture; Nyabing, Jerramungup, Bremer Bay, Wellstead, Cranbrook, Frankland River, Tambellup, Broomehill, Median Age 41 • Land use including residential, commercial and Borden, Ongerup, Gnowangerup, Nornalup, agricultural purposes; Kendenup, Rocky Gully and Tenterden. Main Industry Agriculture • Retail turnover; The coastal part of the Great Southern region Largest population centre Albany • Tourism including domestic and international enjoys a Mediterranean climate with generally visitation; and warm summers and cool, wet winters. Rainfall gradually decreases and temperatures increase as • Industry and transport infrastructure. you move from the coast to inland areas. The north and east of the region is considered to be semi-arid with hot and dry conditions. Higher rainfall areas tend to support a wider range and greater diversity 27 Great Southern Development Commission, of industry activities. Great Southern: a region in profile 2011. 40 6.2 The Social Demographic nationalities: English, Scottish, Irish, German, Italian employers in the Great Southern labour force and Dutch. Indigenous people make up 3.7% of region (See Section 6.6.3). However the Fly-In-Fly- People tend to make a lifestyle choice to live and the region’s population. The median age of all Out (FIFO) workforce is impacting and increasing work in the Great Southern, particularly in Albany residents is around 41 years.31 Overseas migration its presence across the Great Southern. There is and Denmark, guided by tree, sea, or climate change forms an important part of the Great Southern’s an increasing focus through mining companies philosophies. Many people see the coastal areas of growing population, with around 12.1% of the sourcing workers from the Great Southern; since the Great Southern as a highly desirable retirement region’s population identifying as non-Australian. early 2012 Rio Tinto has offered workers the dual benefits of working in northern Western Australia destination. Denmark has been recognised as one Employers in some industry sectors in the Great whilst living on the southern coast.Some notable of the safest and happiest places to live in Australia, Southern continue to encounter difficulties in 28 trends arising from the 2011 (Table 8) Census with award-winning food, wines and culture. securing skilled and unskilled labour.32 These include relatively low average median household industry groups include agriculture, hospitality, There is a rich tradition of agriculture in the region, incomes of around $49,972; around $14,000 below trades and the medical services sector. Two of the with farms being handed down through successive the national average and nearly $24,000 below the region’s biggest employers, Western Australian generations. There is also an emerging trend of WA average of $73,580.33 the corporatisation of agricultural lands, and Meat Marketing Cooperative Limited (WAMMCO) the employment of farm managers to run them. and Fletcher International, remain dependent on There is also a notable drop off in attendance at Around 8.6% of agricultural lands across Western temporary and permanent visa holders to fulfil their educational institutions, particularly amongst the Australia have some degree of overseas investment, workforce requirements. The services provided 15-19 year old cohort; this statistic supports a compared to the national average of around 11.3%.29 by the Albany and Katanning Migrant Resource premise that youth have a cultural expectation Foreign ownership often has a positive influence Centres aim to encourage the participation of the of attending school in metropolitan Perth from in the region by growing capital investment in migrant workforce and their families in the wider Year 10/11 onward to improve their education the agricultural industry, improving productive Australian community. and training and employment opportunities. Most students who continue studies in the Great capacity and assisting in securing future export Health and community services, construction, retail 30 Southern complete Year 10 or above, with slightly demand. There is also an opportunity to capitalise trade, manufacturing, agriculture and farming, more females than males undertaking Year 12 on opportunities for supply chain investment and and the fishing industry sector are the leading the development of long-term supply contracts. studies in recent times. 31 ABS (2012) 2011 Census of Population and Housing Basic Over the past decade, the Great Southern region Community Profile, Albany Statistical Area 3 Code 5091 (Released 21/6/2012) 33 Source: ABS data estimates for 2007/08 has grown in both population and economic activity 32 GSDC (2012) Correspondence with the GSDC on migration. from a diverse range of industries. The majority of people residing in Albany, Katanning, Mount Barker and Denmark are Australian citizens, with GREAT SOUTHERN SOCIAL STATISTICS at least 30 different cultures prevalent. The Great Southern’s strong European heritage is reflected Median Age 41 in the following predominant non Australian 28 Source: Shire of Denmark, articles from The West Australian Population Indigenous Australians 3.7% and Albany Advertiser (2012). 29 ABS (2012) Agriculture Land and Water Ownership Survey, Average Weekly Household Income $961 December 2010, Catalogue 7127.0 (Released 9/9/2011) 30 Countryman (2012) Foreign ownership in spotlight article June 21 2012, Vol. 127, No. 6356, p6. Total % of WA Population 2.4% Number of Cultures/Languages 30

41 42 Table 8: Great Southern Median Trends34

Median household income Monthly mortgage Weekly rent Average household size Area Median Age ($/weekly) (% weekly household income) (% household income) (No. persons)

Albany 40 1000 39 23 2.4

Broomehill-Tambellup 37 876 28 8 2.7

Cranbrook 40 843 26 10 2.4

Denmark 46 858 40 25 2.3

Gnowangerup 37 986 16 10 2.5

Jerramungup 40 973 26 11 2.4

Katanning 36 959 32 15 2.6

Kent 40 1027 19 8 2.6

Kojonup 41 960 24 11 2.4

Plantagenet 42 879 37 18 2.4

Woodanilling 40 936 15 10 2.5

Great Southern 41 961 36 20 2.4

WA 36 1405 34 21 2.6

Australia 37 1234 36 23 2.6

34 Great Southern Institute of Technology analysis of 2011 Census of Population and Housing Basic Community Profile, Albany Statistical Area, Code 5091 (Released 21/6/2012) on 29 August 2012.

43 Great Southern Population Distribution 2012 6.3 Population The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1182 1079 1115 525 429 estimated the population of the Great Southern 1296 region at 2012 to be 57,661. The majority of Albany people live in the City of Albany and the towns of 2049 Denmark, Katanning and Mount Barker. Of the estimated 55,357 residents recorded by the ABS Denmark Census in 2011, 3.7% are Aboriginal Australians. 4317 The region represents 2.4% of the estimated Plantagenet Western Australian population (2.43 million) in 2012. Katanning The age distribution graphs clearly demonstrate significant declines in the younger cohorts (20 Kojonup – 29 years old) when compared to the Western 5022 Australian state average. Also significant is the Gnowangerup greater proportion of the older cohorts (50 plus years old) as compared to state averages. Broomehill/Tambellup Comparative age population distribution statistics between 2006 and 2011 demonstrate Cranbrook that over the period there has been little impact on arresting the trend of lower proportion and/ Jerramungup or loss of young adults from the region. Secondly 5582 35065 the 50 years old and above cohort in the region Kent has further grown both beyond 2006 numbers, as well as beyond state averages. Woodanilling

44 2011 Great Southern Population Age Distribution (%) Comparative Age Distribution 2012 18.00% 85+ 16.00% 75-84

65-74 14.00% WA 55-64 12.00%

45-54 10.00% Greater Perth YEARS 35-44 8.00%

25-34 Percentage Great Southern 6.00% WA 20-24

15-19 Comparative4.00% Age Distribution 2012 18.00% 5-14 2.00% Comparative16.00% Age Distribution 2012 0-4 18.00% 0.00% Comparative Age Distribution14.00% 2012 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 16.00%4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 0–9 10–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70WA–79 80 + 18.00% 12.00% Age Cohort % Female14.00%% Male 16.00% 10.00% WA Greater Perth 12.00% Years 0-4 14.00%5-14 15-19 20-24 25 -34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-748.00% 75-84 85+

Percentage Great Southern 10.00% WA Greater Perth Male Count 1872 12.00%4013 1808 1426 2677 3391 3889 3614 23866.00% 1343 387 WA 8.00% Female Count 1759 3758 1630 1229 2921 3724 4021 3534 2380 1545 677 Greater Perth 10.00% Percentage 4.00% Great Southern 6.00% WA 8.00% 2.00%

Percentage Great Southern 4.00% 6.00% 0.00% WA 2.00% 0–9 10–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79 80 + 4.00% Age Cohort 0.00% 45 2.00% 0–9 10–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79 80 +

0.00% Age Cohort

0–9 10–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79 80 + Age Cohort

6.4 New Research Planning and Policy Other new research, initiatives and statistics considered in this document includes: Federal and State policies and initiatives which are likely to benefit the Great Southern region include: • Disability Services Community Consultation Project • Australia 2020 Summit 35 (2008) which was held to develop strategies relating to productivity, Report 2011 (GSEDC); the economy, population, sustainability, climate change, water, rural communities, health, social • Great Southern WA Regional Education, Skills and inclusion, Aboriginal people, creative initiatives, governance and security. Jobs Plan 2012 (DEEWR); 36 • National Food Plan which initially aims to increase connection with Australian food, build • Inaugural Greenstream 2 Mainstream Conference food ties with Asia, build recognition of the Australian brand in international markets and boost (South Coast NRM, RDA Great Southern, GSDC, ACCI); investment in research and development for Australian Agriculture. • Katanning: A Case Study of Engagement and • ANZ’s Greener Pastures: The Global Soft Commodity Opportunity for Australia and New Zealand Development of a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse notes the shift in economic growth from the developed world to the developing world, proving Community in Regional WA (GSDC, RDA, Shire of an opportunity for Australian products if competitiveness can be maintained. Katanning); 37 • Energy White Paper 2012 Australia’s Energy Transformation sets out a strategic policy • Southern Prospects 2011-2016 (South Coast NRM); framework to deliver better energy market outcomes, accelerate clean energy transformation, develop critical energy resources and increase resilience of energy policy framework. • Katanning Supertown Growth and Implementation Plan July 2012 (TME); • Agrifood 2025: The Future WAy 38 investigates challenges and opportunities for WA agrifood sector to 2025 and beyond and aims to promote the WA agriculture and food profile, develop • UWA Great Southern – the Albany Campus Strategic strategies to build industry capacity, improve long term profitability and improve markets and Plan 2011-2015 (Keston Technologies); trade. • Far West NSW and Broken Hill Digital Economy • The Western Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan articulates policy and project Strategy Draft for Consultation 2011 (Symphony3, priorities to ensure effective regional transport networks including Albany Port expansion, RDA Far West NSW, Broken Hill City Council); Albany-Lake Grace road renewal, Albany Ring Road completion and duplication of Albany • Water Forever: Lower Great Southern 2010 (Water Highway in the City of Albany. Corporation); • The WA Department of Planning is currently preparing the Great Southern Planning and • National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Infrastructure Framework which will assist in guiding land use and infrastructure planning for the Health November 2011 (Standing Council on Health); Great Southern. • Population Health Needs Analysis for the South West WA Medicare Local Region 2012 (South West Medicare Local); • Western South Coast Water Resources Assessment, 35 Australian Government (2008) Australia 2020 Summit: Initial Summit Report, http://www.smh.com.au/multimedia/ unpublished (DoW); and pdf/2020Summitinitialreport.pdf 36 National Food Plan: Our Food Future, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2013. • Lower Great Southern Water Resource Development 37 Energy White Paper 2012: Australia’s Energy Transformation, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2012.. Strategy 2010 (DoW); 38 Department of Agriculture and Food (2012) Agrifood 2025: The Future Way. http://www.agrifood2025.agric.wa.gov.au/

46 6.5 Industry and Infrastructure, including Tourism Ratio & Value of Great Southern Industry

6.5.1 Industries The Region is a significant contributor to the Gross Regional Product (GRP) accounting for 13% of the State’s overall agriculture output. The main agricultural 1% industries include cropping and livestock and wool, with 9% Value ($Millions) horticulture and viticulture also important contributors to this sector. There are major sheep and lamb export AGRICULTURE - $1,102 abattoirs at Katanning and Narrikup (near Albany) and a 10% smaller abattoir at Beaufort River that focuses on sheep, lamb, goat, beef and exotic meat exports. RETAIL - $575 43% Diversification from traditional agricultural methods has seen developments of the following industries in the 14% MANUFACTURING - $351 region: timber, light engineering, energy, horticulture, tourism (e.g. adventure and ecotourism), food and wine (marketing, farmers markets, regional branding), CONSTRUCTION - $243 aquaculture, and bush products and exports. The moderate coastal climate and clean image TOURISM - $215 associated with the Great Southern has enabled the 23% Region to be a prime centre for production of high value fruits, nuts and vegetables. Over a third of Western TIMBER, MINING & FISHING - $15 Australia’s strawberries (>750 tonnes), 68% of Western Australia’s seed potatoes (≈8 tonnes) and nearly 70% of Western Australia’s asparagus (≈53 tonnes) come from this region. Being free from major diseases and pests makes the region an ideal location for fruit and vegetable production. Considerable consignments the past two decades. The dominant species planted includes Tasmanian blue gums and pines across of stone, pome and small fruits (berries), fresh beans, the region. The woodchip plant and export facilities at the Albany Port are significant contributors to the zucchinis, broccoli, cauliflowers, cucumbers and olives region’s economy. Since 2009 the woodchip industry has seen a contraction of demand, with the closure are distributed around Western Australia. The Albany of the export wood pellet plant that processed waste from the woodchip harvest to power production Farmers Markets has received national recognition for in Europe and Japan in 2012. The effect of the global financial crisis on Japan, a major customer for the high quality and availability of fruit, vegetable and woodchips, has also impacted on demand for the resource; however the industry has stabilised, with boutique products. around one million tonnes per annum exported through the Albany Port. The establishment of tree crops through managed Other hardwood timber plantings, such as Jarrah, Marri and Sheoak species, have the potential to develop investment schemes, primarily in the higher rainfall for sawmilling, fine furniture, NRM and emerging biofuels industries. Small to medium scale ecological areas, has marked a significant change in land use during restoration using native species has been implemented in pockets of the Great Southern to rehabilitate and relink the landscape and improve on-farm agricultural production.

47 The Region is the State’s second largest wine The quality of the facilities at the Port has a direct impact on the economy of the region. Its operations rely grape producing region, producing 37% of the on industries within the region for its sustainability and expansion. New customers, such as Yilgarn Iron State’s annual crush, with wine product receiving Producers Association, have shown interest in utilising the Albany Port due to its current available capacity, international recognition. and favourable resource prices to develop a cash flow in the short-term. The fishing industry is home to one of Western The Grange Resources Southdown Project near Wellstead is a potential major magnetite mine. Extensive Australia’s largest producers of oysters and background, scoping and approvals work have been completed for the project such that it is ready includes two of Australia’s largest pilchard fisheries. to be launched into the construction phase dependant on securing funding and international market Fish species are the dominant species caught; considerations. Grange Resources is seeking equity partners so that the project can proceed. In the meantime representing 90% of the region’s live catch and the company advises that all tenements, permits and project assets will be maintained in good order.41 is valued at $4 million per annum. This includes The potential export of magnetite will triple the trade of the Albany Port to over 13 million tonnes per annum pilchard, salmon, herring, shark, and small quantities and have a significant impact on the economy of the region. of molluscs, rock lobsters and crabs. The estimated value of live weight fishing has decreased from over The Great Southern Region is reasonably well serviced by commercial transport major service networks. The $6 million in 2001/02 to $4.5 million in 2008/09.39 State Government’s WA Regional Freight Transport Plan recognises the Great Southern’s transport strengths and future requirements up to 2031, and emphasises industry as the key driver for regional transport.42 Other industrial activities include the retail, tourism, The freight component has been steadily increasing and is predicted to grow significantly over the next construction, and manufacturing sectors. decade as industries dependent on the road network continue to develop in the region.43 There is an increasing recognition of outstanding The main road network in the Great Southern Region underpins the economic and social viability of the region Great Southern produce which is in high demand and consists of 1,561 km of State roads which carry the vast majority of the road transport task in the region. from domestic and international markets, for example, our locally grown oysters and mussels. The roads network in the Great Southern is characterised by ageing pavements and narrow seal widths which were constructed to meet the demands of the region in the 1950s and 60s. Significant increases in both traffic 6.5.2 Technology and Transport volumes and heavy vehicle masses have resulted in a large unfunded need for pavement rehabilitation and The Albany Port is a four-berth facility and has a road geometry upgrades to keep the existing road network safe and sustainable. Also, there is a need to plan long and vibrant history as the first port in Western for and fund new road infrastructure projects to meet the growth needs of the region, including Albany Ring Australia. The prosperity of the Region is closely Road, Albany Highway dual carriageway and heavy vehicle bypasses. linked to the operations of the Albany Port and the The priorities and timing of the 2013 WA Regional Freight Transport Network Plan include the need to: associated road and rail linkages. The Port is primarily an export port with trade of woodchips, grain, • Progress expansion of the Albany Port to provide for additional berth/s and associated dredging to small amounts of silica sand and biomass pellets provide for Capesize vessels subject to an agreed private sector funding model to service emerging accounting for 96% of the Port’s trade in 2010/11.40 resource developments (2015 on); Fertiliser, petroleum products and general cargo • Proceed with an ongoing road renewal project for the Albany-Lake Grace Road (2015 on); imports only account for 4% of trade. • Complete the Albany Ring Road Stages 2 & 3 (2020 on); and With woodchip and grain exports making up around 90% of the total trade at the Port, trade • Duplicate an urban portion of Albany Highway (Federal Street to LeGrande Avenue) (2020 on). volume is highly sensitive to the agricultural sector, particularly seasonal variation in rainfall and 41 Grange Resources Press Release 5-6-2013 Pauline Carr, Company Secretary 42 woodchip demand. McCarrey, S., Albany Port Authority Strategic Planning Workshop 2012, Direction of State Government Presentation, Albany, WA, 2012. 43 MRWA – Great Southern (2012) RDA discussion with MRWA- Great Southern Regional Manager –Main Road Network of the 39 Great Southern: a Region in Profile 2011, ibid. Great Southern. 40 Williamson, B., Albany Port Authority Strategic Planning Workshop 2012, Brief Overview of Port Trade, Challenges and Opportunities Presentation, Albany, WA, 2012. 48 6.5.3 Energy The plan estimates that Albany Port imports will remain fairly static to 2030 while exports could increase Western Power supplies electricity to the region via four-fold (2300 thousand tonnes per annum (kTpa) to 9600kTpa) in this same period. So while the plan the South West Integrated System, with substations foreshadows significant increases in port exports to 2030, it only notes the likelihood of small tonnage in Albany, Mount Barker, Katanning and Kojonup. increases on the main road (Albany Highway and Chester Pass Road) and rail network. This may reflect Electricity to Bremer Bay is supplied by a diesel- Grange Resource’s commitment to use a privately owned and run slurry pipeline to transport magnetite wind generation system made up of a 1.3 megawatt from mine to port. (MW) low-load diesel power station supporting a 660 The City of Albany’s Airport has a daily return service to Perth and is capable of handling aircraft kilowatt (kW) wind turbine. Wind provides around 40% up to the size of a Boeing 737 (weight dependant). There is a sealed runway at Gnowangerup and of the town’s electricity, and reduces greenhouse gas small, unsealed runways at Cranbrook, Denmark, Jerramungup, Bremer Bay, Kojonup and Katanning. emissions by 1100 tonnes per annum.47 Rio Tinto also utilises the Albany Airport facility to fly workers to the mid-west on their 100-seater jet. Renewable energy is attracting growing investment The minor road network connects all major towns within the region. There is a direct Transwest WA in the region. Depending on wind conditions, 48the bus service linking Perth, Bunbury and Esperance to Albany. Local transport via a bus service between 18-turbine Verve Energy operated wind farm in Albany Denmark, Mt Barker and Albany is currently not available, with residents reliant on private transport has the capacity to produce around 35 MW of electricity options. to meet 80% of Albany’s electricity needs.49 Verve Energy has noted a reduction of 77,000 tonnes in greenhouse The region is well serviced by rail for the transport of bulk commodities, with the State gas emissions per year. Further expansion of the wind Government committed to maintaining investment in Tier 1 and Tier 2 railways services.44 farm, coupled with improvements to transmission of Tier 3 Railway Services are expected to remain open until 2014. electricity generated, will have a greater impact on Industrial sites, located at Mirambeena (Albany), and Yerriminup (Mount Barker), have been established reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions. to process local resources including fish, timber and agricultural products. Katanning and other regional Smaller community-owned wind farms at Denmark and towns have also been identified for potential industries. Mount Barker are either operational or well underway, The new multi-million dollar Katanning Saleyards facility partly funded through the RDAF (Round 1) is with construction of two 800 kW wind turbines at currently under construction and will deliver a world best practice sheep sale yard facility. The expected Wilson Head commencing during March 2012.50 opening is January 2014. Mt Barker Power Company Pty Ltd has three wind turbines now in operation. These projects were Major regional projects recently completed include construction of the new $166 million Albany Health supported by the Australian Government through Campus, the Albany Waterfront and Marina and the $70 million Albany Entertainment Centre. The the Renewable Remote Generation Program and Albany Waterfront Development and Middleton Beach precinct have been listed in the Australian implemented by the WA State Office of Energy. 51 Investment Guide, which outlines investment-ready business opportunities45, providing greater exposure of these sites to potential buyers in national and international markets. This guide is an initiative Other potential renewable energy projects in the Shires between Tourism Australia, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the Australian Trade of Kojonup and Jerramungup are in the planning stages. Commission. Stage 1 of the Flat Rocks Wind Farm (Moonies Hill Energy) within the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup has The switch from analogue to a digital TV network was completed in July 2013. The rollout recently been approved. Stage 1 involves 44 1.8MW of the NBN has begun in Katanning and Kojonup. It will begin in Albany and other centres in late 2014 to provide all users with greater speeds and technology opportunities. For 47 www.verveenergy.com.au/what-we-do/sustainable- portfolio/bremer-bay-wind-diesel-system those without access directly to the NBN optic fibre network, the new high speed remote 48 46 www.verveenergy.com.au service is to become available in 2015 with the launching of two purpose built satellites. 49 www.verveenergy.com.au/what-we-do/sustainable- portfolio/albany-wind-farm 50 www.dcw.org.au 44 State Budget 2013-14: Building Stronger Communities - $41.1m for Great Southern, ibid. 51 www.mtbarkerpower.com.au 45 Albany Advertiser (2012) Two local sites listed in new investment guide (17 May 2012). 46 www.nbnco.com.au. 49 6.5.4 Tourism turbines set across a number of farming properties. The Great Southern has a well established reputation as a spectacular and unique holiday destination in These would be capable of powering some 48 000 Western Australia. The region is located within the internationally recognised south west biodiversity homes. In total the project could involve some 74 hotspot and recognised by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide (2010) as one of the top ten destinations in the turbines generating power equivalent to the needs world. However locals have known this all along; farming families in the region have spent many summer of approximately 90,000 homes. It would also holidays at the family holiday home since the early 1900’s, enjoying spectacular beach locations such as entail some 200 construction jobs, with a $130m Middleton Beach, Bremer and Peaceful Bays, and many other coastal towns in the region. injection to the local and regional economy and 10- Renowned for its unspoilt natural environment including white sand beaches, tall timber forests, wildflowers 15 on-going operations and maintenance jobs.52 and spectacular coastline complete with whales, dolphins and other marine life, the region has a truly Other alternative energy sources to the region inspiring and diverse tourism offering. Its national parks and sub-regions inland provide opportunities for include the supply of natural gas through the visitors to engage in the region’s lifestyle, including the rich blend of fine agricultural produce and award- proposed Bunbury to Albany Pipeline and emerging winning wineries. wave power opportunities. The southern coast has The State Government’s Regional Tourism Organisation, Australia’s South West (ASW) Tourism Development been identified as Australia’s best location for a Priorities 2010-2015 identifies the Great Southern sub-region as having several of the region’s most visited wave energy plant and as such should figure high attractions including the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Whale World, and Greens Pool. on the list for any potential pilot projects.53 The Great Southern has a strong history and heritage theme, with Albany being the first settlement and the The State Government remains committed to the main port for Western Australia up to the late 1890’s. Albany is an integral site to explore ANZAC history, Bunbury to Albany Natural Gas Pipeline project, particularly with the Centenary in 2014-15, and is also home to the last operating whaling station in Australia having completed the corridor selection process. (closed 1978). The next stage (scheduled to commence in late 2013) is completing studies to identify the detailed An estimated 408,500 tourists visit the Great Southern annually with around 22% coming from interstate alignment within that corridor. Following this it or international locations.54 Recent research undertaken by the GSDC suggests that there is huge potential is likely that a contributory or other State-Private to add-value to tourism with people primarily visiting the region for holiday and leisure purposes. sector funding model will need to be agreed. Some of the major projects that would benefit tourism development across the region include: Middleton Beach hotel and beach upgrade, Albany Waterfront Development 4-star hotel, Fitzgerald National Park improvements, Munda Biddi Trail development, and the Albany Heritage Precinct including the the ANZAC Interpretive Centre. In addition, the recently announced selection of Albany for the 2014 and 2015 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will benefit the region both directly and indirectly. Direct benefits of up to

52 4500 visitor nights and specialist local spending is anticipated. In addition there will be wider benefits in WA Planning Commission GSJDAP Minutes 19-7-2013 and 55 www.mhenergy.com.au terms of profile and recognition and the potential for spin off tourism and tourist activity. 53 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-30/tidal-power- project-boosts-albany-wave-power-hopes/4853040. Tourism in the Great Southern is an important industry and has strong linkages with our business, arts, culture, food, and social needs. There is significant potential for market specialisation in food and ecotourism or adventure tourism in the region due to our natural endowments, diverse gourmet produce and quality wines. In addition to further product development, including an improved air travel strategy to and from Albany, the industry recognises the need for a more focussed sub-regional tourism marketing body in the Great Southern.

54 Tourism WA, Great Southern Development Commission Area Overnight Fact Sheet: Years Ending December 2009/2010/11), 2012.. 55 Albany Advertiser 8-8-2013

50 6.6 Education, Training and Employment

6.6.1 Education There are a total of 45 schools and six community- five domains: physical health and well-being; social These results advocate for strong consideration operated Kindergartens providing education in the competence, emotional maturity, school-based to be given to enriching the student learning Great Southern. Around half of Western Australia language, cognitive skills, and general knowledge. environment (both at home and at school) and Government Schools (including around 4 schools 2009 AEDI data indicated that at a national level, improvement of education delivery across the in the Great Southern) are currently in a transition 23.6 per cent of children were vulnerable in one or Great Southern. Tambellup is achieving positive phase to become Public Independent Schools by more domain and 11.8 per cent were vulnerable in education results with the Indigenous students and the end of 2014. And by 2015 Year 7 students will two or more domains. Great Southern AEDIs found the community; there is potential for the town to be move from the primary to the secondary schooling the communities of Jerramungup, Albany and used as a case study, and rolled out to other parts system56; this movement will bring better alignment Denmark had the lowest proportions of vulnerable of regional Western Australia with the relevant between WA and other Australian schools, and children for the region, less than the national rates modifications which factor in student circumstance. will have both positive and negative impacts. For on both measures. However, the AEDI communities Vocational Education Training (VET) in schools and example, effects on residential boarding capacity of Katanning and Cranbrook had the highest pathways to higher education through the Great and the distances travelled by students to attend proportions of vulnerable children—more than the Southern Institute of Technology (GSIT) are a major school. national averages on both measures. focus for young people not moving straight from Recent research undertaken suggests that the The overall regional AEDI results for physical health school to university. The GSIT has strong linkages Great Southern achieves Year 12 attainment and well-being, and language and cognitive skills with VET across the region, with campuses at level 7% lower than the Australian average.57 showed larger proportions of young children in the Albany, Denmark, Katanning and Mt Barker. GSIT is This lack of educational attainment directly region are developmentally vulnerable compared a State Government funded provider of vocational impacts on students completing Certificate III, to national results. education and training. The institute offers a range of qualifications from Certificate I to Advanced IV or Bachelor Degree or higher level education, Recent National Assessment Program in Literacy Diploma, and customised training for industry. A reducing employment prospects in the future. A and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results for most Great new $3.5 million Health and Community Services full list of the education and training services and Southern schools suggest student skills are training arm funded by the Federal Government pathways available to youth and others in the Great below average from Year 3 in reading, persuasive under the Trade Training Centre in Schools Southern is described in Appendix 1. writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and Program has been established at the North Albany numeracy, when compared to all school averages.58 Education delivery is variable across the Great High School (NASHS). This will be shared with the Positive NAPLAN results are seen in pockets of the Southern and Western Australia due to geographical Albany GSIT Campus and adds to the wide range Great Southern, including the Tambellup, Bremer factors, transport infrastructure, local workforce of educational facilities available for students Bay and Frankland schools. However, poorer demands, the socio-economic index, community into further training and/or employment (See results have been seen in some other areas. There structures, and numerous other reasons. Appendix 1). One of the most popular vocational appears to be a growing gap between the levels of The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) training choices for school leavers at present is education provided in schools with some schools measures young children’s development across attaining Certificate II in Conservation and Land outperforming others. It should be noted that Management or Horticulture in GSIT’s Environment 56 when using NAPLAN results there is much variability WA Department of Education, Discussion with and Primary Industries Portfolio, with a total of 168 Southwest Education Region’s Engagement and Transitions between student cohort sizes, and results do not 59 Manager (29 August 2012) students enrolled in these two courses in 2011. 57 always directly reflect school processes or capacity. DEEWR, Regional Education, Skills and Jobs Plan – Great Southern WA, 2012. 59 58 GSIT data, RDA discussion with GSIT Research Officer DEEWR, Great Southern Schools NAPLAN Results – Year 12 Enrolment Data (1 May 2012). (data supplied 17 May 2012). 51 The University of Western Australia provides vocational studies.61 In 2010 in Western Australia, these types of training activities that are in demand limited options in tertiary education and has strong a total of 59.2% of Year 12 students achieved both by industry. The City of Albany has identified a linkages with the Rural Medical School, Curtin Secondary Education and a Tertiary Entrance Rank need for hospitality training to have a stronger University, and a locally based Centre of Excellence to be eligible for university studies. This is up 1.6% industry/employer focus in GSIT and schools, e.g. in NRM, a cooperative partnership that undertakes from 2006. Western Australia currently has the café wait staff. innovative research to make a significant and second lowest proportion of students (40.3%) that GSIT aims to proceed with infrastructure recognised contribution in addressing Australia’s receive a Tertiary Entrance Rank score in Australia, development to allow the Institute to respond natural resource management problems. sitting above Tasmania only. to the region’s training expectations, improve There are a number of education pathways In the Great Southern, 48.8% of Year 12 students qualification levels of Aboriginal students and available for students to enter university from Year achieved an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank ensure accessibility to student entitlements and 10 (see Appendix 1), with many Great Southern in 2011, compared to 54.3% of students in 2010, income contingent loans. and other Western Australian schools observing suggesting a lower proportion of Great Southern There are several training organisations that are disproportionately high enrolments in the easier students are seeking admission to university active in the Great Southern, with Skill Hire Pty Ltd courses in Year 12. The courses are structured courses and may be looking at choosing other and ATC Worksmart the two major registered group over three stages with many students choosing the education, work experience, or more direct training organisations in the Great Southern. A lowest stage (easier courses). Completion of the employment options.62 Many students choose number of other vocational education and training easier courses (as opposed to the harder courses) is post-school and in-school training options that organisations provide an important service for the minimum requirement for students to achieve lead into traineeships and apprenticeships. young, disabled or disengaged workers throughout secondary graduation – the Western Australian There is a need for schools and teachers to provide the Great Southern. Certificate of Education. In the Great Southern, on-going opportunities for students to achieve many students choose the easier study options, In 2011 a total of 705 students registered to attend their potential so that students are challenged to with a third less students from public Senior High apprenticeships and traineeships in the Great undertake courses they are interested in at the Schools choosing to participate in the harder Southern, with 531 students completing their highest stage of their capabilities. Improvement in courses in Year 12 in comparison to students training.64 GSIT represents a significant pathway these areas will have a direct flow-on to the skills attending private schools60. This participation into pre-apprentice, apprentice and traineeship required at work or provide further education and rate suggests that students are not challenging training upon school completion, with over 32% training opportunities for students in vocational/ themselves to study, or may choose a more direct 63 (125 students) of Year 12 students enrolled in tertiary studies. education or employment pathway option to suit 2011.65 6.6.2 Training their needs rather than pursuing entrance into Since 2011, the Apprentice Centre in Albany university. There are many training opportunities available to has identified that recruitment into all trades There are a myriad of complex health and social Great Southern residents, including the use of GSIT and apprenticeships throughout the region had issues associated with education attainment; these vocational training in new areas with employers, to been impacted by the slowdown in building can include alcohol, drugs, family unit capacity, deliver on direct outcomes improving student job and construction, with the construction industry and mental health. In 2002, the Western Australian prospects post-training. The Trade Training Centre hardest hit; carpentry, electricians, plumbers, plant Government acknowledged that there was a need mentioned above will provide employers with mechanics and other trades have remained steady, to address some concerns with the compulsory access to trained nurses, aged care and hospitality with emerging growth anticipated in the health and education system, including the improvement students. The Centre will directly encourage community services, allied health, and Indigenous of education outcomes and improvement of students from Year 10 at the school to engage in health industries.66 post-school pathway options into university and 61 TISC, A Review of the 2010 Year 12 Results (Reprinted 13/09/2011) and GSEDC WACE course completion 64 DEEWR data, RDA discussion with Great Southern (19 April 2012). DEEWR RESJ Officer (26 April 2012). 62 65 60 Tertiary Institutions Service Centre, ATAR GSIT data, RDA discussion with GSIT Research Officer Tertiary Institutions Service Centre, A Review of the participation rates for school in the Great Southern – Year 12 Enrolment Data (1 May 2012). 2010 Year 12 Results (Reprinted 13/09/2011) Appendix B (3 May 2012). 66 The Apprentice Centre, RDA discussion with The 2010 WACE Course Completions. 63 Curriculum Council of WA, Our Youth Our Future: Post- Albany Apprentice Centre (27 April 2012). 52 Compulsory Education Review, November 2001. 6.6.3 Employment The Great Southern may follow similar national of developing the capacity to run a second shift, trends across Australia, with growth in health care, which requires bringing in skilled labour from other social assistance, retail trade and construction areas, including from other countries such as New expected to increase. Employment in manufacturing Zealand. To house these new workers Fletchers plan EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT QUICK is expected to continue to decline in employment to build on site accommodation for 100 employees STATS share, consistent with longer term structural very close to the plant. Plans should be finalised changes in that sector. Agriculture, forestry and in August 2013 with proposed site works and Number of Primary Schools 30 fishing employment is also projected to fall, with construction to start shortly after. Eventually this Number of High Schools 15 decreases by a further 4.2 per cent nationally over facility will grow to have a capacity of 200, offering the five years to November 2017; this reflects a Fletchers a more flexible workforce. University Campuses 1 continuation of the industry’s long-term decline in Most employers in the Great Southern are GSIT Campuses 4 employment share.67 involved with the agriculture, forestry and fishing, Number Community Kindergartens 6 The main industry sectors employing people in the construction and property services sectors, with a Great Southern include the: high proportion of employees currently employed % Year 12 Students Obtaining ATAR 48.8% by Government Departments within the City of Largest Employers Dept’s Health • Agriculture, farming and fishing industry; 69 Albany. The total number of employees in any and Education • Retail sector, and one organisation varies markedly due to a wide range of factors including production and market Unemployment Rate 5.5% • Growing Government services sector including changes, seasonal variability and seasonal nature of health, education, public administration and employment in agriculture, funding, skilled labour safety. availability, and supply and demand factors. The labour force in the Great Southern region has As part of the Federal Government’s national increased by 5,764 people from 2002 to 2013 and employment services, Jobs Services Australia sector may be a reflection of significant public sector has remained stable as a proportion of WA’s total providers are located in the Great Southern to cuts. An increasing number of businesses in the health workforce at 2.5%. Health and community services, provide both jobseekers and employers with a free care and social assistance and education and training construction, retail trade, manufacturing and the and personalised service to match people to jobs. sectors are reflective of both the State Government’s agriculture, farming and fishing industry sectors These providers can also assist with business needs commitment to increase spending in these areas and were the leading employers in the Lower Western and fund courses to prepare eligible jobseekers to our ageing population. Australia Labour Force Region in 201168. The largest gain meaningful long term employment. The three employer in the region was the Southern Area A breakdown of the number of businesses in the organisations currently working in this area in the Country Health Service followed by the Department Great Southern region by industry sector is provided region include PVS Workfind, Community First of Education. in Table 9. International and Skill Hire. Other significant employers in the region include Labourers, tradespersons and related workers and Notably the number of businesses operating Fletcher International WA, GSIT, Western Australian professionals feature as the main people employed in the administrative and support services and Meat Marketing Cooperative International by businesses in the Great Southern region, with manufacturing sectors have declined. A reduction 70 (WAMMCO), the City of Albany and the Department 46% of the workforce aged over 45 years. Research in manufacturing by 15% since 2009 is possibly due of Corrective Services. Fletchers is in the process has identified that the baby boomers still represent to global markets or the strong Australian Dollar a significant proportion of the workforce across 67 impacting on business production costs and overall 71 Department of Employment, Industry Employment Australia, at 42%. Projections 2013 Report. competitiveness. Also, lower numbers of businesses 68 ABS (2011) August quarter 2011, 4-quarter averages of operating in the administrative and support services Labour Force data. 70 69 DEEWR, Small Area Labour Markets – March Quarter 2012. ABS (2006) Statistical Division: Lower Great Southern profile 71 DEEWR, Generational breakdown of Australia’s workforce, 53 data. 2012 data.. TABLE 9: GREAT SOUTHERN BUSINESSES CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRY SECTOR TO JUNE 201272

Number of Businesses % change The unemployment rate of 5.5% in the region is Industry Sector 2009 2011 2012 2009-12 2011-12 similar to the national average of 5.4%, but higher than the Western Australia average of 4.4% (see Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 2503 2549 2486 -1 -2 Table 10).73 The number of businesses operating Construction 1004 1000 942 -6 -6 in agriculture, fisheries and forestry remains dominant in the Great Southern. Improvements in Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 622 634 613 -1 -3 technology and production costs and the take up Retail trade 465 458 460 -1 0 of farms by larger operations have impacted on workforce requirements. The period 2006 to 2011 Professional, Scientific and Technical 380 391 396 4 1 Services has shown nominally positive trends in trades, professional, administrative and community and Transport, Postal and Warehousing 319 290 298 -7 3 personal service work employment. Manufacturing 306 261 261 -15 0 The anticipated progressive introduction of Finance and Insurance Services 218 254 255 17 0 mining activities across the Great Southern has not occurred due to the global financial situation, Other services 219 238 247 13 4 commodity prices and the high Australian dollar. Accommodation and Food Services 220 237 268 22 13 Both the Ausgold operation in Katanning and the Grange Southdown Project at Wellstead are Health Care and Social Assistance 160 190 177 11 -7 experiencing delays. Ausgold are continuing Wholesale Trade 135 146 136 1 -7 with a limited exploration program and Grange Resources is seeking another investment partner Administrative and Support Services 220 141 140 -36 -1 to develop the mine. This has delayed any Unknown 128 86 123 -4 43 expected increase in demand for employees in the construction/trades area. Education and Training 54 72 53 -2 -26 With around two-thirds of employers in the Arts and Recreation Services 51 44 31 -39 -30 Southern Employment Service Area reporting Information Media and 18 22 28 56 27 difficulty recruiting and around 8.7% of vacancies Telecommunications in this area remaining unfilled,74 mining companies Mining 9 18 6 -33 -67 will have to adopt suitable recruitment programs to fill their workforce needs, and this may be to Electricity, Gas and Water Supply and Waste 15 15 24 60 60 the detriment of the agricultural trades and other Services industries operating in the Great Southern. Public Administration and Safety 6 3 18 200 500 TOTAL BUSINESSES 7052 7049 6962 -1 -1 73 DEEWR, State monthly, National monthly totals 72 Source: ABS (2013) 8165.0 Counts of Australian Businesses, including entrances and exits June 2012. SALM comparison – June 2013. 74 DEEWR Overview of the Southern (WA) ESA Labour Market Presentation (December 2011). 54 Table 10: 6.7 Environment, NRM, Climate Great Southern Unemployment Rates June 2010 to 201375 Change, Water & Land Use

Number of persons Local Government % Change 6.7.1 Environment and NRM June 2010 June 2011 June 2012 June 2013 unemployed Area 2012/13 September 2013 The Great Southern is richly biodiverse and contains 13 national parks and 143 reserves managed by Albany (Central 4.5 5.1 4.8 0.6 5.4 1120 the Department of Parks and Wildlife, including Albany Balance) Torndirrup National Park, the Porongurup Broomehill 6.3 5.5 4.7 -0.7 4.0 14 National Park, the Stirling Ranges National Park, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and William Bay Cranbrook 2.1 4.0 3.9 -0.5 3.4 27 National Park. The region is also home to the Denmark 5.1 5.3 4.7 1.2 5.5 179 internationally recognised Fitzgerald River National Park and Biosphere and Walpole Wilderness Area. Gnowangerup 3.5 4.9 4.8 0 4.8 49 The Fitzgerald Biosphere has received international Jerramungup 1.3 1.2 1.1 0 1.1 10 recognition for its biodiversity as it contains over 20% of the State’s plant species and many Katanning 7.2 8.2 8.4 1.6 9.8 252 threatened species of flora and fauna. The region’s Kent 0.9 0.9 1.0 -0.6 0.8 2 natural environmental features make an important economic contribution to the growing ecotourism Kojonup 2.0 2.6 2.9 -0.1 2.8 45 industry and the region’s appeal to visitors and Plantagenet 5.6 6.0 5.9 0.9 6.5 207 tourists. The region also contains a total of 2.78 million hectares of productive agricultural land.76 Tambellup 8.1 9.1 9.8 -2.5 7.3 28 South Coast NRM Inc. is the peak NRM not-for- Woodanilling 2.1 2.4 2.6 0.7 3.0 11 profit based group in the region which works Great Southern 4.6 5.2 4.9 0.6 5.5 1,944 with community and agency partners to address processes threatening the viability of our natural WA 5.0 4.4 4.0 0.4 4.4 64,200 resources, guided by South Coast NRM’s Regional Australia 5.5 5.1 5.2 0.2 5.4 682,000 Strategy, Southern Prospects 2011-2016. A key strength outlined in this Strategy is the wealth of knowledge, skills and experience of many

75 passionate people who are in the region. DEEWR, Smoothed State and National monthly totals SALM comparison-September 2013, (2013) Smoothed Small Area Labour Markets–September 2013 76 ABS (2007/08) Census data.

55 One of the critical issues identified facing the region is the sustainable use of our natural resources. The Main Occupational Categories in the Great Southern (2011) Great Southern has experienced a high level of modification to the landscape resulting in threats including: • Loss of productive resources for primary Labourers production due to acidity; 1% • Clearing and fragmentation of native vegetation, Trades watercourses and landscapes; 7% 13% • Loss of biodiversity; Professionals 20% 15% • Groundwater recharge- waterlogging and salinity; Clerical & Admin • Pollution through nutrients, groundwater and contamination of waterways; 9% Community and Personal Services 14% • Erosion – loss of topsoil, sedimentation, 10% 11% compaction; Sales/Retail • Introduction and spread of invasive plant and animal species; and Managers • Biosecurity risks from disease.79 South Coast NRM is working with regional Machine Operators & Drivers communities across all land tenures and levels of Government to address the threats to our natural Other resource environment (e.g. dieback strategies and Restoring Connections). Risks in this area include a number of institutional, legislative and market arrangements that either undervalue or actively 80 The conservation of our natural resources and stewardship of prime agricultural land are important planning degrade natural resources. Also, there is an issues in regional development, which has been recognised in the Lower Great Southern Strategy 2007 and increasing reliance on Government funding and only Southern Shores 2009 - 203077 which identify important terrestrial, coastal and marine environments in the a small pool of volunteers to achieve on-ground Great Southern. Reconnecting corridors across the southwest, through projects such as Gondwana Link78, is actions in natural resource management. important in retaining functioning ecosystems and the fundamental ecological processes that underpin them. South Coast NRM and its partners work with other NRM regions, Federal and State Governments, and is admired world-wide for its proactive and innovative 77 Coffey Environments and South Coast Management Group Southern Shores 2009 – 2030: a Strategy to Guide Coastal Zone approach to sustainability, turning challenges into Planning and Management In the South Coast Region of Western Australia, 2009. opportunities and dependence into resilience. 78 www.gondwanalink.org 79 South Coast NRM, RDA correspondence with South Coast NRM Operations Manager (13 August 2012). 80 South Coast NRM Southern Prospects 2011-2016, 2011 56 6.7.2 Climate Change and Water • Agriculture Yield Reductions – Agriculture is a The Water Corporation’s Water Forever: Lower major export industry for the Great Southern. Great Southern Initiative85 is also an important Climate changes due to global anthropomorphic By 2070, south west of Western Australia is guide for future water planning and development influences are likely to result in81: likely to experience yield reductions in wheat, in the region. • Sea level rise – 0.9m higher than 2010 levels by with some marginal areas becoming non-viable These planning documents have identified 211082. Since the early 1990s the southern coast due to warming and reduced rainfall. opportunities, potential directions and priorities of Western Australia has experienced increases Given the vulnerability of the Great Southern to guide individual agencies, LGAs and community of up to 4.6mm per year. This will have impacts to projected climate change, it is important groups on what to include in their business on coastal settlements, infrastructure and that appropriate actions are taken by the whole planning, regional and local plans and funding ecosystems through inundation and storm community. South Coast NRM has prepared an submissions to manage for water needs and values surge; analysis for NRM adaptation with recommendations in the Great Southern. Some important water • Reduced rainfall – Rainfall in south west for action83. planning considerations include the need to: Western Australia has decreased by around One of the highest priorities in this adaptation plan • Facilitate awareness, knowledge and capacity 15% since the mid-1970s. Modelling suggests is to secure water supplies to meet environmental, building on water conservation and fit-for- a decrease in mean annual rainfall of 7% and domestic and industry needs in the future. The purpose waste water use; 14% reduction in surface water runoff in the maintenance of water infrastructure is also an period 2021 to 2050 relative to the 1961 to • Promote interagency and community important consideration in the supply of water. 1990 period. If current trends continue, the involvement in town water supply planning and south west of Western Australia will potentially A reliable potable water supply is essential for management; the Great Southern region. Currently most of the experience 80 more drought months by • Ensure town sporting grounds and facilities potable water for the Lower Great Southern comes 2070. A hotter, drier climate will put pressure have secure and sustainable water supplies; on water supply infrastructure (especially if from groundwater sources, and the Upper Great population increase predictions are realised). Southern is dominated by an Integrated Water • Promote water conservation and efficient use Supply Scheme (IWSS) from Harris Dam. Smaller of present scheme water and alternative fit for • Extreme Events – Projections indicate an towns not connected to an IWSS use catchment purpose water sources to manage demand on increase in warmer days, with associated dams or groundwater where available (e.g. Bremer town water supplies; increases in conditions conducive to bushfires. Bay). Most water for agriculture is sourced from There may be a 60% increase in intensity of the • Recycle wastewater for most beneficial use; self-supply sources via farm dams, groundwater or most severe storms and a 140% increase by rainwater tanks. Water for small industry is either • Ensure water use to recognise the environmental 2070; self-supplied or sourced from scheme sources. values of water resources; • Reduced Biodiversity – The South Coast NRM Social values related to water include a range of • Implement best management practices to region is recognised globally as an ecological passive and active recreational and tourism activities support new water source development hotspot. There are likely to be severe impacts including boating, canoeing, fishing, camping, bird including innovation in water management; on endemic species due to temperature and watching and bushwalking. harvesting, storage and efficiencies of use; rainfall changes, especially in fragmented landscapes; In light of increasing pressures and demands on • Promote the efficient use of water by industry; our water resources the Department of Water has • Integrate agricultural land use and water 81 Department of the Environment, Climate Change Impacts in consulted with regional stakeholders and developed planning; WA, October 2013. http://www.climatechange.gov. several reports to guide future water planning and au/climate-change/climate-science/climate-change- development in the region (Background Papers84). • Increase knowledge and capacity building in impacts/western-australia 82 Planning Western Australian State Planning Policy 2.6. State urban water management; and Coastal Planning Policy, State Law Publisher, July 2012. 83 Coffey Environments Climate Change: Whole of • Plan to mitigate the effects of climate change Landscape Analysis of the Impacts and Options for the South Coast Region, 2009, Prepared for on water resources. South Coast NRM. 85 Department of Water Lower Great Southern Water 57 84 Department of Water (2012) Background Papers. Resource Development Strategy, June 2010. Unpublished. Over the years 2013 to 2020, the Water Corporation’s The strategic land-use planning processes are • Support appropriate development which will water and wastewater projects will total around governed and guided by statues and policies, serve to strengthen and diversify the region’s $80 million and $20 million per year for water and cascading down through the three tiers of economy and protects local heritage. 86 wastewater respectively. The demand for water Government. This multiplicity of layers across a • Facilitate developments and attractions to supplies is expected to double as the population range of agencies, when coupled with time lags promote and support tourism. increases over the next 30 years, highlighting the in processing and the need for extensive analysis need for conservative use of water supplies and and reporting on fire, vegetation, hydrology, • Recognise and protect natural, cultural and increasing the amount of water recycled in the water management, geotechnical and capability heritage assets. Great Southern. The need for long-term planning to assessment, transport and traffic planning presents secure access to water supplies is an urgent priority a significant barrier to development. As identified 87 for the region and new drinking water sources will through recent community consultation, the key be considered to service towns, including Albany, land-use issues for the Great Southern include the Denmark, Mount Barker and Walpole. need to: Treated wastewater from Albany’s Wastewater • Plan and deliver infrastructure and land supply Treatment Plant is used to irrigate 575 hectares to accommodate future industry, commerce of Tasmanian blue gums at the Albany Tree Farm and housing needs. and the trees are then harvested and sold for woodchips, creating a small offset for running costs. • Support the rural economy by providing for Wastewater recycling planning and upgrades for diversity and adaptability. Walpole, Denmark and Mount Barker are underway, • Provide for sustainable primary production with Water Corporation investigating groundwater and encourage a range of ancillary land uses, replenishment options via groundwater aquifers for including downstream processing and value potential drinking water supply replenishment in adding. Albany and Walpole, where suitable aquifers exist. • Ensure provision of safe and reliable essential 6.7.3 Land Use Planning infrastructure for strategic industrial sites The production of agricultural commodities (Mirambeena and Yerriminup) and rural towns. dominates the regional economy. Primary • Plan for and provide public and civic production is the predominant land-use across buildings, parks, places and facilities that meet the Great Southern. The regional city and rural community needs. towns servicing the hinterland contain substantial • Support flexible land-use planning to facilitate areas of land used for housing, commerce and development, minimise delays, red and green industry, together with public and community tape. facilities including schools, hospitals, parks and transportation infrastructure. Allocation of land • Promote adoption of mechanisms similar to meet future needs of housing and industry is to those utilised in the recently endorsed recognised as a priority action in this and other SuperTown projects whereby zoning of regional and local plans. Protection of arable precincts and/or development areas can be land for agriculture is a priority, along with the fast-tracked and subject to precinct planning. sustainable use of natural resources. • Promote sustainable use of all natural resources and provide appropriate incentives 86 Water Corporation Water Forever: Lower Great for land managers. Southern , 2010. 87 Western Australian Planning Commission, Lower 58 Great Southern Strategy, 2007. 6.8 Community Development and Social Inclusion including Katanning and Mount Barker, have aged ageing population. New telehealth and e-health 6.8.1 Health care beds co-located with the hospital. Under opportunities are emerging in the region for the State Government’s Southern Inland Health training and treatment of health issues to enhance The Federal Government’s Standing Council on Initiative $35.43 million will be invested into the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health, Health released its National Strategic Framework Katanning Hospital upgrade from 2011-2016 and for example, more effective wound treatments. for Rural and Remote Health in April 2012. It a number of other initiatives should boost medical Within the community, many carers provide an promotes a national approach to policy, planning, resources in Great Southern country towns. outstanding unpaid service for the community design and delivery of health services in rural and although their health may be neglected through remote communities. This Framework is used by There are a number of private health professionals the lack of available respite services. communities and local health service providers working in the region, including GPs. The number to plan services and programs according to their of GPs currently working in the region has local needs. The Great Southern’s health services increased to 83, with many of these GPs being are more reliant on primary health care services multi-skilled, working part-time and combining in comparison to more heavily populated areas. work in their surgeries with roles (such as In particular, the number of General Practitioners anaesthetists, obstetricians, etc.) in their local (GPs) and facilities are generally fewer, provide community hospitals. Many of the smaller towns broader services and have less access to health face the challenge in the sourcing and retention of infrastructure and locally available specialist medical and allied health services, (e.g. shortages services.88 Further, rural locations have been noted of GPs, no Obstetric ward at Katanning). Appendix to have a higher prevalence of poorer outcomes 2 lists the primary health services provided in the related to mental and dental health, increased use Great Southern; some Shires do not have adequate of hospital emergency departments and people health services readily available (e.g. GPs, Hospital, are more likely to be admitted to hospital for Nursing Post or Allied Health). preventable conditions. These issues are consistent There remains a range of unmet complex needs of with the availability of health professionals in the at-risk children and their families in the region and Great Southern, as most GPs reside in Albany and this, coupled with a lack of allied health services Denmark. for children aged 0-12 years, is a concern. Child The Southern Country Health Service has a health waiting lists can be in excess of 18 months, network of six public hospitals, including the causing lengthy delays for diagnosis and treatment recently completed Albany Health Campus. This of health issues, such as behavioural disorders. state-of-the-art integrated health facility is the Health outcomes are strongly linked to education biggest country hospital development undertaken and employment pathways in youth. Across in Western Australia. Costing $170.4 million, it the region there is a range of complex needs of was funded by $161.6 million from the State vulnerable children and their families that is being Government (including $60.9 million from Royalties addressed, in part, through the Federal Government for Regions) and $8.764 million from the Federal funded Communities for Children program that Government. focuses on positive child and parent interaction in The State Government managed rural hospitals, playgroups or other community activities.

88 Standing Council on Health, National Strategic There is an urgent need for improved access to Framework for Rural and Remote Health November, 2012 health services for the outer regional, rural and remote communities of the Great Southern as well 59 as a need to adequately consider the needs of our 6.8.2 Arts and Culture Arts and culture are fundamental to the economy, health and identity of Great Southern communities. Albany and Denmark, in particular, are well known for the high level of creative activity and the number of creative people who live there. Arts and culture has a strong presence in the region, with organisations including Creative Albany, Denmark Arts Council and Southern Edge Arts receiving substantial funds to build strong arts and cultural links. Many of these activities are reliant on Government funding, State and/or Federal and Local Government sponsorship and support. In particular Local Governments have a pivotal role in responding to the needs and interests of seniors, youth, Aboriginal people, and the disabled. An example of support for the Arts is the State Government’s recently announced KidsCulture initiative that will be piloted in Albany through Southern Edge Arts and the Local Government. Based on the highly successful Kidsport program, eligible children will receive vouchers of up to $200 to spend on dance, arts, music and culture lessons or classes. Great Southern communities benefit from a wide range of cultural activities. Visual art, music, performance and writing are actively pursued through community groups, by individuals, and through organisations that receive on-going funding for their activities. For example, the heritage-listed Jones Building in Broomehill has been newly renovated to provide tourists with an opportunity to learn about Broomehill’s past and future and buy the region’s local wines. Upgrading and refurbishment of the Town Hall/Community buildings at Katanning, Mount Barker, Bremer Bay, and Woodanilling are further examples of investment in arts and culture. The Albany Entertainment Centre is the premier entertainment venue in the Great Southern enabling the region to attract high profile quality performances; it is currently being used by visiting artists, schools, business, and the many performance 60 and music groups in Albany. Venues for performing arts include community facilities, many of the high Southern and would complement the development Further, there are pockets of culturally and schools across the region, buildings developed by of the whole arts and culture industry sector in linguistically diverse communities across the Great amateur theatrical clubs, and a purpose built youth the region, delivering employment and lifestyle Southern arising out of migration often needing performance space at 77 on Sanford. benefits for residents. Also, the creation of this integration assistance, e.g. Katanning, Albany and Kojonup. Through their disability and social Taste Great Southern, Perth International Art important social infrastructure would generate inclusion planning processes Local Government Festival (PIAF), wine festivals, Vintage Blues, music new opportunities to host high quality touring has an important role in assisting the assimilation festival, farmer’s and craft markets, the Kodja Place exhibitions, provide professional and educational of migrants into our communities. This is reflected Visitor Centre, wildflower shows, the Southern employment opportunities and improve visitation in the recently adopted Community Strategic Plans. Art and Craft Trail and Hidden Treasures of the to the region. Great Southern are popular regional events and The idea of a creative economic hub in the Great 6.8.3 Sports and Recreation attractions for many tourists. Such events promote Southern via flexible, multipurpose facilities that Sport and recreation make an important contribution the region’s outstanding internationally acclaimed could include ‘outreach’ to regional towns is worth to society, improving the health, wellbeing and natural features, cultural heritage, creativity and investigation. Opportunities include Denmark’s lifestyle of residents across communities through produce. The Great Southern region would benefit Kwoorabup Community Park and Morgan Richards increased physical activity. Sport and recreation from further analysis of the economic and social Community Centre, Kojonup’s Kodja Place, is an important vehicle that brings the community contribution of arts and culture in regard to lifestyle, refurbished town halls and community buildings. together and provides people with opportunities wellbeing and tourism. The hub could consider including gallery/exhibition for positive interactions. It fosters good physical There is opportunity for greater collaboration across space, workshops, incubators for creative and mental health and can play an important role the sector to enable a more coordinated regional businesses, lecture/film projection facilities, retail in creating the places and events for people to get approach to arts development and promotion. outlets, cultural displays and interaction bar/café together. This could include an annual events program, co- facilities and free Wi-Fi/hot-desking for visiting Participation is high in recreational activities ordination of touring performances across the small business. throughout the Great Southern, with many inland region, employment of a Regional Arts Officer, communities, heavily reliant on sport for the pop-up galleries and/or touring exhibitions. The proposed ANZAC Centenary scheduled for 2014 enhancement of social activity. The Department - 2019 and the Bicentennial of European settlement The establishment of a Regional Arts and of Sport and Recreation (DSR) encourage further in Western Australia in 2026, are two important Multipurpose Cultural Centre is a long standing participation and development of talent through cultural events in Australia’s history. The Great issue in the Great Southern. Such a project, subject supporting diverse sport and recreation systems. Southern ANZAC Centenary Events Committee has to funding and viability, would have regional The DSR strives to get more people active, support been established and funding has been secured. linkages to the Katanning, Denmark, Kojonup and achievement, participate in planning, build capacity the Albany Port. The facilities would provide the There will be a number of events organised in of service providers and provide funding to create social infrastructure required to house various Albany to commemorate the departure of the first great places to live. By way of example, the art works that are currently in storage; stored convoy, these are planned for 31 October and KidSport program makes it possible for Western collections and works include those by renowned 1 November, 2014. Similarly large crowds and a Australian children aged 5-18 years to participate local and emerging artists, a number of Sir Claude series of events are planned for Anzac Day 2015. in community sport and recreation, irrespective of Hotchin bequeaths, the 122 Carrolup artworks by The design of the National ANZAC Centre has been their financial circumstances, and has support from Stolen Generation Noongar children, and the City of finalised, and it is proposed that the opening will most LGAs across the region. Albany Art Collection of some 300 artworks, which is take place during the commemoration. Local Governments and communities within the on infrequent display due to a lack of a venue. Quality of life is viewed as an important cultural Great Southern region provide and maintain the A Regional Arts and Multipurpose Cultural Centre attribute in the Great Southern, with the region majority of sport and recreation infrastructure, with would be a natural extension of the visual art offering a safe and healthy lifestyle and an facilities ranging from large multifunctional indoor activities currently underway throughout the Great opportunity to promote a clean, green image and recreation centres to local parks and a variety of healthy living. recreational trails. Other recreation infrastructure 61 includes public pools, fields for organised team facilities, collocation opportunities, environment, legislative, regulatory, safety and risk management sports, passive open space areas and skate parks as noise buffers, residential growth and links to health requirements continue to grow and impact on the well as facilities to accommodate hiking, swimming, through lifestyle modification programs. This is capacity to attract and retain volunteers. Sport water skiing, sailing, hang gliding, horse riding, reflected in the Strategic and community Plans and recreation organisations, Local Governments polocrosse and mountain biking. A list of sporting adopted by the respective Local Governments in and DSR partner to provide on-going training, facilities and infrastructure in the Great Southern is the Great Southern. education and support towards the recruitment and listed in Appendix 3. retention of volunteers. Demystifying volunteer Trails and outdoor recreation is a growing area roles (in planning, funding processes and reducing The provision and management of sport and attracting tourists into the region and capitalises the ‘red tape’ around compliance responsibilities) recreation facilities has traditionally been on the unique natural mix of forests, mountains and the provision of comprehensive training to undertaken by Local Governments with planning and aquatic assets in the Great Southern. Several volunteers in the areas of governance, officiating assistance provided by the State Government. major recreational infrastructure projects, such and coaching is fundamental to maintaining strong As stand-alone sporting facilities become past as Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Cycle vibrant clubs in the Great Southern. their use-by date, there is the opportunity to co- Trail, provide a solid basis for recreational pursuits locate sporting amenities and undertake feasibility and extension of commercial operators providing An important finding and challenge identified in the planning of such scenarios as an integral component tourism services in the region. The official opening Strategic Directions for the Western Australian Sport to achieving viable and sustainable outcomes for of the Denmark-Albany section of the 1000km and Recreation Industry (2006–2010) was the use of communities. Munda Biddi trail occurred recently. Funding technology to deliver sport and recreation services for the final off-road road leg between Elleker to regional Western Australia, which is not keeping A number of Local Governments across the region and Albany has been announced by the State pace with other service industries. Service providers have successfully co-located facilities to improve, Government. Progress on other trails includes the can make better use of available technologies to rationalise and develop appropriate amenities for Bremer Headland to Point Henry walk trail and the improve services to and communications with their respective communities. These include the Hollings Road dual use path (Denmark). members, clients and stakeholders. This, along Broomehill Sporting Complex, Cranbrook Frederick with cultural linkages through events, is especially Square Sports Precinct, Denmark’s Riverside Club, The DSR has recently formed a partnership with relevant to the Great Southern. Frost Oval and the Sounness Park Precinct in Mount the Great Southern Development Commission to Barker, the Kendenup Community Recreation investigate the feasibility of establishing a ‘Centre Centre and the Gnowangerup Sporting Complex. for Outdoor Excellence’. Such an initiative could The City of Albany has recently endorsed the assist in the development of walking, cycling, Centennial Park Sporting Precinct Master Plan. It equestrian and other trail activities across the will undertake community consultation, design region and could enhance economic outcomes for work and heritage mapping across the sites. the region. A coordinated approach to the development of Local Governments often struggle to service sporting and recreation infrastructure and programs demand. The local clubs and organisations face is required in Albany and the wider Great Southern challenges in maintaining existing competition and to integrate sport and recreation planning processes program structures where there is rural population with the State Government’s integrated planning decline and an ageing demographic. The gradual requirements.89 The Great Southern Recreation decline of some regional and more remote Advisory Committee has been established to communities will place further stress on localised assist with this task. This approach could consider sport and recreation delivery. quality of sport and recreation services provided by Sport and recreation provision in the Great Southern 89 DSR, RDA correspondence with DSR Great Southern’s region is largely delivered by volunteers. The Regional Manager on current status of sport and recreation training and education to meet today’s compliance, in the Great Southern (13/8/12). 62 6.9 Cross-Regional Issues

There are several common issues occurring in regions across Western Australia and Australia. Cross-regional issues, initiatives and projects will be discussed with the neighbouring RDA network including Goldfields-Esperance, Wheatbelt, and South-West where practical to maximise project outcomes. Some common cross-regional issues that have been identified include: • Medicare Local – improving health service delivery across the South West land division; • Grain – freight task of our road/rail network and associated costs on maintaining infrastructure; • Tourism – our biodiversity assets link our forests, biodiversity, Walpole Wilderness Park, tours of industrial activities, including fishing and historical timber industry; • Retention of youth and skilled workers; and • Collaboration on NRM programs and initiatives. It is envisaged that many more cross-regional issues will arise in the future.

63 Appendices

64 7. Appendices

Appendix 1: RDA Great Southern – Education and Training Services90

Kindergartens High Schools Albany Community Kindergarten Albany Senior High School North Albany Senior High School Coolangarras Barmah Kindergarten Denmark High School St Joseph’s College (K-12) Lower King Community Kindergarten Great Southern Grammar Australian Christian College - Southlands Lockyer Community Kindergarten Katanning Senior High School Bethel Christian School (K-10) Spirit of Play Community School (K, PP & Yr 1) Jerramungup District High School (K-10) John Calvin School (P-10) Katanning Community Kindergarten WA College of Agriculture (Denmark) Mount Barker Community College Primary Schools Woodthorpe Drive Secondary School Gnowangerup District High School (Gnowangerup) Albany Primary School Denmark Primary School Kojonup District High School (K-12) Flinders Park Primary School Golden Hill Steiner School School Support Services Mount Lockyer Primary School Katanning Primary School Albany Secondary Education Support Spencer Park Education Support Centre Spencer Park Primary School Broomehill Primary School Centre (Intellectual Disabilities, 8-12) (Intellectual Disabilities, 1-7) Woodbury Boston Primary School Nyabing Primary School (P-7) Ongerup Primary School (P-7) Walpole Primary School (P-7) Yakamia Primary School Tambellup Primary School Kendenup Primary School Cranbrook Primary School (K-7) Frankland River Primary School Bremer Bay Primary School Gairdner Primary School Mount Manypeaks Primary School Wellstead Primary School St Bernard’s Catholic School (K-7) Braeside Primary School (P-7) St Patrick’s Catholic School (P-7) Pingrup Primary School (K-7) Woodanilling Primary School (K-4) South Stirling Primary School Parklands School Little Grove Primary School (K-7) Borden Primary School

90 Sources: www.myschool.com.au; UWA; DEEWR Regional Education, Skills & Jobs Plan – Great Southern, WA

65 Vocational Education and Training Disability Rehabilitation and Employment Services GSIT Campuses located at GSIT currently delivers Health Sciences, Business Studies, Albany, Denmark, Katanning Environmental Sciences, training for Primary Industry and Great Southern Personnel Assists people with an injury, disability or illness to find and Mount Barker. With recent Trades and Allied Industry training including the ‘Gaining (Disability Employment Service or keep a job. GSIT training activity in Walpole Access to Training and Employment’ program, in regional Provider) Assist students with disabilities or medical conditions to CRC, Kojonup and Tambellup, Great Southern. Also, GSIT is capable of utilising the Commonwealth Rehabilitation find and keep a job thorough skills development and Gnowangerup – horticulture and CRC network to run skills management courses on an ‘as Services vocational courses that complement schooling. land management. needs’ basis. Advanced Personnel Management A new $3.5 m services campus, in the health and community sector, will be constructed in Albany, Other Training Providers The State will also invest in providing up-graded facilities for training in Mount Barker. This has been allocated Industry Training and Workplace Provides nationally accredited training to assist local through the State Government’s Forward Estimates. Services Pty Ltd (RTO) businesses address skill shortages for plant mechanics in the agriculture, trucking and mining industries. GSEDC The Great Southern Employment Development Committee (GSEDC) is a self-sustaining community Albany Worklink Provides training services to ‘up-skill’ potential organisation that responds to locally-identified priorities. employees. Funded by the Department of Training and They facilitate partnerships within community and Workforce Development. business sectors to support lifelong education, training Albany Business Centre & Small Offer building start-up services and training courses, and employment opportunities for all. Business to Great Southern e.g. Intro to Facebook and Tourism Boost courses for businesses. Apprenticeships Albany and Regional Volunteer Assist community organisations by subsidising training DEEWR fund the Australian WA Department of Training and Workforce Development Service opportunities for both volunteers and managers. Apprenticeship Centres fund an Apprenticeship Centre in Albany. SAC – Indigenous Employment Provides social support for young Indigenous people, CCI Apprenticeship Solutions, Registration of apprentices and employers wanting to Program and Southern Aboriginal linkages to services and encourages training enrolment collocated with Skill Hire Pty Ltd a take up the Australian Apprenticeship program as a Employment Centre at GSIT for those aged between 15 and 20 years. SAC are Group Training Company (GTO) career path. also a Indigenous Employment panel provider and offer Apprenticeship and Traineeship assistance to Indigenous people with both training and Company (ATC) also collocated employment placement support. with a their GTO Denmark CSL NRM – Greenskills training. Apprenticeship and Traineeship Registered GTOs that assist young people find work with Fletcher International (RTO) Provide meat processing training on-site. Company (ATC) gaining an apprenticeship or traineeship and place them Skill Hire Pty Ltd witrh local employers. Trade Training Centres (TTC)

Job Service Providers St Joseph’s Catholic College TTC Provides Certificate III components & apprenticeships (GSIT) in: Skill Hire (Albany) (JSP) Regional Training Services (Albany) is a registered Group General Construction (carpentry, joinery), Training Company that specialises in apprenticeships in Metal Fabrication (Engineering Light Fabrication), and the construction and metals industries and traineeships in general construction and business administration. Furnishing (Furniture Making). Community First Employment Discusses career options, job search, provide training and North Albany Senior High School Links to further GSIT studies, trades & apprenticeships, and Community Services (JSP) assistance. e.g. aged care training. TTC primarily in community and aged care. PVS Workfind (JSP) Assist registered Centrelink recipients (unemployed Denmark High School TTC Provides links to further GSIT studies, trades & and students) to develop skills to overcome barriers to apprenticeships, primarily building and construction. employment. They have specialised teams to support Denmark Agriculture College TTC Provides links to Denmark High School, heavy duty Indigenous and disabled job seekers. mechanics, agriculture and tradespersons. Mt Barker TTC Offers Certificate III components & apprenticeships (GSIT) primarily in the rural operations and engineering skills areas. 66 University Aged Care and Great Southern Aged Care Unit – Provision of aged care, Respite Services Albany (SCHS) respite and nursing services. UWA – including CENRM Courses focus on needs and strengths of the Great Albany Lions Community Care Southern community including postgraduate coursework, Centre mature age, extension and transitional programs. Silver Chain Commonwealth Pathway areas include high quality education, research and Respite Centre – Albany & and services in: Surrounds 1. Arts, Bethshan Lodge – Katanning 2. Science (marine, agricultural, environmental resources), Home and Community Care Services – Great Southern Region 3. Culture, 4. Education, Community and Great Southern Population Provision of community Public Health Health Unit – Albany and public health services, 5. Health and Medical areas via the Clinical Rural Medical Services (SCHS) including child care. School, and Gnowangerup Community Health Centre 6. UWA Smart Start Program. Katanning Child Health Services CENRM conducts courses in and research on natural Katanning Community Health resource management issues. Service UWA – Curtin & other Provides an Exam Centre for External Australian and university partnerships International University studies. Health Planning Medicare Local - Albany Improve access for residents to a wider range of quality, Partner with Curtin University in the Bachelor of coordinated and integrated Education area (early childhood/primary studies). primary health services. Disability Disability Services Commission - Advancing community Services Albany and Katanning participation and quality of Appendix 2: RDA Great Southern - Primary Health Services Great Southern Personnel life for disabled persons. Lower Great Southern Services Locations Purpose Professional GSGP Network - Albany GSGP Network employs Medical, Health Amity Health - Albany or contracts services from Hospital and Albany Hospital Medical care, patient professionals including Care and Anglicare WA - Albany Nursing Post Bremer Bay Health Centre transport and emergency Counselling podiatrists, dieticians, Services (SCHS) services. Services Headspace Great Southern diabetes educators, Denmark Hospital and Health (Community Support Network) Service occupational therapists, – Albany speech pathologists, Gnowangerup Hospital Palmerston Association Inc. – physiotherapists and mental Jerramungup Health Centre Albany health professionals. Katanning Hospital Men’s Support Centre (Regional Amity Health offers a range Kojonup Hospital Counselling and Mentoring of primary health care Services) - Albany Plantagenet Hospital services in the region in: Tambellup Nursing Post • Allied health St John Ambulance Australia • Chronic disease and (WA) Inc. preventative health programs Aboriginal Great Southern Mental Health Improve access to • Aboriginal health Health Services Services - Albany and Katanning Indigenous health, mental • Immunisation (SCHS) and Hawthorn House – Albany health, and dementia and • Communities for children Mental Health Fellowship House – Albany psychiatry services. Kids Central - Albany 67 Appendix 3: Great Southern Sport and Recreation Infrastructure

Local Government Facilities and Recreation Sites Local Government Area Area Facilities and Recreation Sites

Albany Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre Kent Nyabing Sports Complex Centennial Oval Community Facilities Pingrup Sporting Complex Munda Biddi Trail Walk trails, e.g. Holland Track Mountain Biking – Mount Clarence Trail Katanning Katanning Leisure Centre Skate Park Katanning Public Swimming Pool Walk trails, e.g. Bibbulmun Track, Albany Board Walk and Bald Kojonup Kojonup Swimming Pool and Complex Head Walk Kodja Place and Rose Maze Beaches, e.g. Middleton and Emu Point Historical Town Walk Cranbrook Stirling Ranges – Red Gum Pass Plantagenet Porongurup Range – Castle Rock, Camp Trails and Walk Trails. Lakes, e.g. Lake Poorrarecup Stirling Ranges – Red Gum Pass & Stirling Range Drive, Frederick Square Sporting Complex, Bowls, Tennis, Cricket, Lookouts, Trails. Junior Sports Sounness Park Community Recreation Frankland River Sporting Club Mt Barker Public Swimming Pool Cranbrook and Frankland River Golf Club MT Barker Heritage Traill Cranbrook Motocross Clubs Tambellup/Broomehill Holland Track Denmark Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk Wadjekanup Bridge Denmark Recreation Centre Holland Park Munda Biddi Trail Centenary Park Bibbulmun Track Tambellup Heritage Trail Gnowangerup Stirling Ranges – Bluff Knoll, Mount Toolbrunup Peak and Mount Trio Gordon River Reserve Gnowangerup Sporting Complex Woodanilling Woodanilling Sporting Complex Gnowangerup Swimming Pool Trotting Track and Equestrian Area Ongerup Sporting Complex Borden Pavilion Jerramungup Fitzgerald River National Park Bush Walks, Fishing, Whale Watching and Camping Jerramungup Recreational Centre Jerramungup Heritage Trail Bremer Bay Beaches and Scuba Diving

68 Appendix 4: Great Southern Strategic Projects

Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Industry and Infrastructure, including Tourism Roads Albany Ring Road MRWA(1) $150m Staged construction to complete the Albany Ring Road to the Albany Port. (Stages 2 & 3) City of Albany, DoT Chester Pass Road Upgrade MRWA(1) $129m Staged improvements to Chester Pass Road ($90m) between City of Albany, Shire of Kent and the Southern Lakes District. Muirs Hwy – Reconstruction MRWA(1), Shire of Plantagenet $85m Reconstruct from Denmark Mt Barker Rd to Rocky Gully. South Coast Hwy Upgrade MRWA(1) $73m Staged improvements to widen or reconstruct various sections of South Coast Hwy, including between: Pfeiffer Road to Cheynes Beach, Cheynes Beach Road to Kojaneerup West Road, Kojaneerup West Road to Jerramungup South West Hwy – Duplication MRWA(1) $25m Duplicate urban section within City of Albany (Ring Road to Albany Hwy), Investigate alternative City of Albany proposal to terminate SW Hwy at Albany Highway. Albany Hwy – Duplication MRWA(1) $25m Duplicate urban section within the City of Albany (Anson Road to Federal St). City of Albany Albany Hwy – Passing Lanes MRWA(1) $20m Construct passing lanes at Kojonup North, Tunney, Mt Barker North and Mt Barker South. South West Hwy – Upgrade MRWA(1), City of Albany $20m Widen and/or reconstruct and construct passing lanes on various sections. Albany Highway Upgrade MRWA (1) $14m Gordon River South - widen and/or reconstruct and construct passing lanes Development of Nornalup-Tindale Shire of Denmark(1) $4m Major reconstruction, widening and surfacing of this important regional road between Denmark, Road MRWA, Shire of Manjimup Peaceful Bay and Nornalup through to Muirs Highway. Albany Highway Upgrade MRWA (1), Kojonup Shire $3m Upgrade Kojonup main street Black Spot & Safety Improvement MRWA(1) $2m/annum Ongoing assessment and delivery of safety related capital improvements for the State Road network. Projects Local Authorities Intersection Treatment – Ocean Shire of Denmark, Main Roads $1m Intersection treatment to service a $7m shopping centre development Beach Road and South Coast WA and private Highway Industry Supertown Economic/Industry Shire of Katanning(1) >$20m The Katanning SuperTowns Growth Plan has identified a number of economic growth drivers including Development GSDC the proposed mining, population growth, ongoing State Government funding, strong agricultural industry and the expansion of retail, commercial and industrial businesses sectors. A total of $8.7m was announced in mid-2012 towards initial SuperTown projects. Albany Port Improvements Albany Port Authority(1) $10m Bridge over rail to optimise rail capacity efficiency Development of Denmark Light Shire of Denmark(1) $8m Acquisition and development of approx. 30 light industrial lots between Albany and Denmark. Industry Area Albany Port - Improvements Albany Port Authority(1) $6.5m Optimisation and expansion of the Loop Rail Line within the Port area. Secure industrial land in Shire of Shire of Plantagenet (1); Approx $5m Continue redevelopment of part of Depot Site on Muir Highway to industrial land. Release of Plantagenet Landcorp remaining industrial lots 69 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Albany Port Improvements Albany Port Authority(1) $5m Pedestal crane to increase range of containers to be handled (rail and road) Redevelopment of the old Shire of Denmark(1) $4m Redevelop Shire Works Depot and vacant crown land adjoining to provide an additional 20 lots industrial area into a Business Park suitable for commercial activity. Development of Bulky Goods Site Shire of Denmark(1) $1.5m Acquisition and development of a lot suitable for commercial land development at the intersection of South Coast Highway and Mt Barker Road to increase commercial land available for earthmoving and civil construction and others businesses. Secure industrial land in Shire of Shire of Plantagenet (1) TBA Redevelopment of Old Depot Site to industrial land. Finalise the decontamination and rezone to Plantagenet enable disposal Development of Katanning Shire of Katanning(1) TBA Precinct Planning for Areas H and I identified in the Growth Plan and subsequently DIAs 8 and 9 of Industrial areas the LPS to cater for emerging business interest, services and industry associated with associated with agriculture and the abattoir. Expansion of Industrial Area - Shire of Cranbrook (1) TBA Review of Planning Strategy, Rezoning and infrastructure planning to accommodate expanded CBH, Cranbrook associated industrial growth and Transport Hub. Mirambeena and Yerriminup LandCorp TBA Power and water provision for Mirambeena (Albany) and Yerriminup (Mt Barker) strategic industrial Strategic Industrial areas sites. To make land ‘project ready’ for encouraging as industry locations. General Infrastructure Mount Barker Regional Saleyards - Shire of Plantagenet (1) $120 000 Modify the load out areas at the Saleyards to improve occupational health and safety for stock agents Load Out Area and truck drivers, improve animal welfare and improve the efficiency of the out loading process.

Woodanilling Town Hall Upgrade Shire of Woodanilling(1) $65,000 Create a courtyard on the east side of the Woodanilling Town Hall. Extend veranda along west side of Woodanilling Town Centre hall, improve amenity and landscaping. Enhancement Community Group, GSDC Denmark WWTP upgrade Water Corp $11m Upgrade of the Denmark Waste Water Treatment Plant to improve treated waste water quality and accommodate growth in Demark. Denmark Infill Sewerage Water Corporation, Shire of $3m Extension of Water Corporation Sewer mains over and east of the Denmark River to provide for Denmark, private residential and infill. Mount Barker Regional Saleyards Shire of Plantagenet (1) TBA Provide a roof over the northern dirt pens of the Saleyards to improve the shelter and conditions of - Roof stock awaiting transport, reduce stock pen water logging and increase water collection. Refurbishment and extension of Water Corp $24m Bore refurbishment of SC bore fields and extension of Werrilup bore field to provide security of supply. South Coast bore fields Great Southern Regional Water Dept. of Water TBA Development of a strategy to guide Government, the community and water users on developing Supply Strategy sustainable water sources to meet future demand. Mount Barker Regional Saleyards - Shire of Plantagenet (1) TBA Add a new loading area at the Saleyards to cater for additional agents and / or cattle throughput. Loading Area

70 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Tourism ANZAC - A Dept. of Premier and Cabinet $9m – State Construction of an ANZAC Interpretive Centre (AIC) on Mt Clarence. Interpretive Centre (1) Interpretive Centre Implementation Committee (AICIC) will manage and expedite the AIC approval and $6.7m - construction process. AICIC Commonwealth Planning, approvals and Tender for the AIC are progressing. GSDC ANZAC – B EventsCorp (1) $2.7m Commemoration of the ANZAC centenary. Centenary Celebrations GSACEC -Commonwealth Great Southern Centenary Events Committee (GSACEC) is managing ANZAC Centenary related events Department of Veterans Affairs including the commemoration of the Departure of the Convoys City of Albany Department of Veterans Affairs is managing the major commemoration event. $300,000 The City of Albany has developed a dedicated website for the Centenary (www.anzacalbany.com.au) Re-enactment which will be a source for visitor bookings, event and historical information. Scoping Study ANZAC – C City of Albany (1) $5.8m Implementation of infrastructure works to support tourism events, including Departure of Convoy Upgrade of Interpretative 2014, The Centenary of ANZAC Day 2015, Padre White commemoration 2016, Cultural Salute and Final Infrastructure on Mt Clarence and Salute 2017 and 2018. Work includes upgrades to Mt Adelaide Barracks Galleries, Discovery Walk and Mt Adelaide Lower Forts, Memorial Lookout Amphitheatre and Forts entry. Torndirrup National Park Department of Parks and $20m. Initial Upgrade to facilities at The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, near Albany, including Improvement Project Wildlife (DPaW), Department project new lookouts (platforms), new site information/interpretation and new path network. Upgrade of to of Regional Development allocation of improve safety, expected to be visited by 300,000 people per annum. Royalties for Regions $1.8m from Royalties for Regions Denmark WOW Walk and Ride Shire of Denmark(1) $500,000 Development of an international walk and ride experience linking Wilson Head to William Bay National DEC Park via the Denmark Community Windfarm and connecting to the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail. This is an important environmental tourism and cultural project. Mount Barker Hill Lookout Shire of Plantagenet(1) $500,000 Construction of a scenic feature at the top of Mount Barker Hill. Mount Barker Rotary Breaksea Island Upgrade DEC(1) $250,000 Tourism Facility Study to examine access, accommodation and potential private partnerships to assist Whale World the location realise its full tourism potential. Destination Marketing Alliance City of Albany(1) TBA Regional Tourism Coordination to market the Lower Great Southern to interstate, intrastate and Shire of Plantagenet, Shire of international visitors from Walpole, to Bremer Bay and inland to Mt Barker, with linkages to Hidden Denmark Treasures. Sukey Hill Lookout Shire of Cranbrook (1) TBA Upgrade Sukey Hill look out - views to Stirling Range National Park

Cranbrook Heritage Trail Shire of Cranbrook (1) TBA Development of Heritage Trail Stirling and Porongurup Ranges Mount Barker Tourist Bureau TBA Using contemporary technology to develop an interactive interpretive centre to inform and direct interpretation and information Prospective partners, Shire of visitors to natural and cultural heritage trails. Promote wine, walks and wildflowers and link with hub. Plantagenet regional tourism hot spots DEPW 71 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Albany Waterfront Hotel LandCorp TBA New 4/5 star hotel and short-stay apartments on Albany Waterfront. Technology NBN – Development of a Digital RDA Great Southern (1) $60,000 Provision of foundations for Great Southern residents to maximise new industry and investment Economic Strategy GSDC opportunities related to NBN, e.g. e-education, e-health, etc. Energy Kojonup to Albany 132kV Western Power TBA To overcome capacity constraints. Network Control Services may defer the need for the transmission Transmission line line. Network Control Services (eg local Western Power TBA To cater for predicted future electricity demand in Albany and Great Southern in the short term until generation) at Albany 132kV line is in service. Bunbury to Albany Gas Pipeline Dept of State Development, TBA $20m funded to secure the land corridor, approvals and land assembly. Dept of Regional Development Renewable energy biomass power FPC TBA Provide woody biomass resource information to potential energy power suppliers and fuel users. generation Employment, Education and Training Katanning and Surrounding Shires Katanning Early Childhood >$3m The Katanning Early Childhood Hub Project is evaluating the feasibility of building a multi-purpose Early Childhood Hub Hub Committee (comparing facility for the co-location of services catering for children 0 to 5 years (with flexibility to support 0 to various early childhood 8 years in the future) in the Katanning area. The overall vision is for integrated service delivery from government and community all stakeholders involved with early childhood development in the town and surrounding region. The stakeholders), Shire of ECH Committee have finalised a Business Case and Feasibility Study, and are in the process of securing Katanning(1), GSDC concept designs. Robotic Dairy Denmark Agriculture $1.5m Construction of a new dairy that incorporates new robotic technology and will provide WA Industry College(1) best practice. The facility will increase production significantly, milking around 140 cows per day, with milk then sold to Harvey Fresh. Smart Start -Cranbrook Shire of Cranbrook(1) $20,000pa for 4 Participation in Smart Start to improve AEDI scores years A Smart Start Great Southern YMCA of Perth and Shires $220,000 per Coordinated delivery of the A Smart Start program to provide the families of all birth to four year old of: Denmark, Katanning, year children with ongoing support, resources, information and increased access to services to empower Woodanilling, Kojonup, Kent, parents and assist them in providing an optimal learning environment for their children. Gnowangerup, Broomehill- Tambellup, Plantagenet, Cranbrook and Jerramungup.

Establish ‘Place of Learning’ Shire of Plantagenet (1), $35 000 seed A collaborative project to work alongside early childhood services agencies and the community to GSEDC and Mount Barker funding encourage parents to participate in early childhood development programs and activities to address Community College low AEDI scores. Implementation of the DEEWR DEEWR(1) TBA Support projects that improve the key education, skills and jobs challenges identified in DEEWR’s and Regional Education, Skills and Jobs RDA Great Southern, GSDC RDA Great Southern’s Regional Plans. Plan

72 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

GS Workforce Development Plan GS Workforce Development TBA Implementation of the plan that aims to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the 2013-2016 Alliance (DoTWD,GSDC, LGAs, economic needs of the GS region. ACCI and industry) Literacy and Numeracy Project GSEDC(1) TBA To address current poor NAPLAN results which ultimately impact upon the level of engagement, attainment, employment and skills shortages. Tertiary Student Accommodation UWA(1) TBA Building key infrastructure to retain youth and attract international students to undertake tertiary in Albany Uniting Church, RDA Great studies in the Great Southern e.g. an Albany Hostel. Southern, GSDC Environment & NRM, including water & land use Land Use Provision of Residential Land in WAPC(1) >$7.92m Virginia Estate is owned by the Shire of Gnowangerup who are obtaining approval from the DoP to Gnowangerup – Virginia Estate Western Power subdivide the property into 18 x 4-ha blocks. These lifestyle blocks are expected to be market ready and self-sufficient for water by July 2013. The project will proceed on an “as needed basis” with around Shire of Gnowangerup 5 blocks for sale initially, at around $44,000 per block. Provision of Residential Land in WAPC(1) >$5m The Shire of Gnowangerup is working with the Water Corporation for the old catchment area of the Gnowangerup - Water Corporation Western Power, Water dam on the northern edge of town to be converted into around 100 residential lots. The project will ‘Land Swap’ Corporation, Shire of proceed on an “as needed basis” with 10 blocks for sale initially, at around $50,000/block. Gnowangerup Bremer Bay Town Centre Shire of Jerramungup(1) $4.8m Develop Reserve 31611 into a number of precincts to be a vibrant, safe, convenient, prosperous and LandCorp accessible Town Centre, consisting of civic, commercial, mixed-use and residential precincts to provide new industry and employment opportunities. Reduce Land Degradation Risks for South Coast NRM (1) $492,273 Encourage sustainable agriculture management practices that protect land and biodiversity assets. Priority Land Assets DAFWA, CRC Mount Barker Regional Cattle Shire of Plantagenet (1) $120,000 Continue the provision of additional dirt floor yard space on the western side of the Saleyards, Saleyards – Yards Expansion DAFWA including transit cattle pens and after-sales bull pens. Specialised Food Centre - Dept Agriculture and Food, TBA Proposal under development for a Specialised Food Centre building on the saleyards and meat Katanning Shire of Katanning, Dept processing industries in Katanning. Regional Development Note: this is identified as Development Investigation Area 8 in the Local Planning Strategy. Urban Centre Revitalisation City of Albany (1) TBC Revitalising the City centre by linking key precincts, creating vibrant public spaces and supporting cultural activities to promote local business, recreation and cultural activities. Southern Link Transport Hub Shire of Cranbrook (1) TBA Release of industrial land to achieve long-term investment and expansion of the Cranbrook site. CBH CBH is doubling its current capacity at Cranbrook, with a new rail operator in place, and many of the elements of the transport hub becoming more likely.

Environment and NRM Improve Dieback Management South Coast NRM/Project $651,000 Implement the Dieback Management Plan based on priority areas along the South Coast region. Dieback partners(1)

73 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Mount Barker Wetlands Shire of Plantagenet, WICC, $345 000 Creation of a wetland site with three linked water basins to remove nutrients and pollutants from town Development MRWA, Brookfield Rail (1), site and rail corridor drainage systems. The development includes extensive landscaping throughout DEC, Bandicoot Nursery, the site, walk trails, interpretive signage, public art, a war memorial and links to the visitors centre, MBCC, Pardelup Work Camp playgrounds and town centre. & RSL Denmark Indigenous Dual Naming Shire of Denmark(1), DIA, $300,000 Installation of 30 signs at iconic geographic features within the Shire of Denmark together with an Project Indigenous Elders, Denmark interpretive facility at the Mokare Corroboree ground. CRC and Denmark Arts

Protection of Heritage Places – South Coast NRM(1), Others $171,000 Develop and implement a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the South Coast NRM Region and Identification of Three Significant TBA undertake community workshops to identify six significant natural heritage sites for protection by Cultural Heritage Places per annum 2014/16. Social and Economic Targets within South Coast NRM (1), RDA $130,000 Support the development of a regional sustainability framework to feed into State and Federal ‘state of an Environmental Sustainability Great Southern, GSDC, South the environment’ reporting to identify progress on key targets. Framework Coast NRM CIAC Ref Group, LGA’s, Other Agencies, MERITAG Landcare Initiatives Shire of Cranbrook $20,000 pa On-going support for Landcare Lake Ewlyamartup Shire of Katanning, Katanning TBA Engineering works to improve water quality in Lake Ewlyamartup for nature and recreation based Landcare Centre, DRD, GSDC activities. Implementation of the Recreation Area Plan to improve amenity (underway). Fitzgerald Biosphere Biosphere Implementation TBA Implementation of the Fitzgerald Biosphere Action Plan. Group (Fitzgerald Biosphere Group, Shires of Jerramungup & Ravensthorpe, South Coast NRM, Dept Parks and Wildlife, Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network, Friends of the Fitzgerald River National Park, South West land and Sea Council etc) Middleton Beach and Emu Point City of Albany (1) TBA Remedial and preventative works to stabilise coastal foreshore from historical and ongoing erosion. Foreshore Coastal Management Water Great Southern Integrated Water Water Corporation (1) $8m Integrated project looking at behaviour change programs, provision and installation of water wise Efficiency Project equipment and water main repairs. The program aims to reduce household water use by 10% in Albany, Mt Barker, Kendenup, Narrikup, Denmark, Frankland and Cranbrook.

74 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Denmark Townsite Waste Water Water Corporation(1), Shire of $1.5m A staged approach to utilising the wastewater that currently is directed into Wilson Inlet to benefit Reuse Scheme Denmark community, social and environmental outcomes. Improve Water Use; Efficiency, South Coast NRM(1), DoW, $900,000 Delivery of climate change water efficiency and reuse initiatives at a regional scale and/or at priority Reuse and Reduction LGAs areas. Includes climate change, water efficiency and reuse forums and demonstrations sites. Mount Barker Regional Saleyards - Shire of Plantagenet (1) $100 000 Complete installation of rubberised soft floor matting on critical concrete floor areas in the saleyards to Soft Floor improve animal welfare and savings in wash down activities. Woodanilling Townsite Surface Shire of Woodanilling (1), TBA Complete drainage work to better harvest stormwater run-off from roads, and installation of rainwater Water Management DoW, Wagin/Woodanilling tanks on community buildings and Council-owned properties. Landcare zone Committee Regional Water Harvesting and Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup, TBA Implement on ground works for communities in the Southern Link VROC Shires to harvest storm water Reuse Cranbrook, Plantagenet(1), run-off for reuse. Stormwater Harvesting at CHB Cranbrook DRD Waste Regional Landfill Facilities Shire of Jerramungup(1), $2m Construction of two regional landfill facilities in Katanning and Ravensthorpe to improve the Shires of Katanning, Ravensthorpe. coordination of waste storage. Kent, Gnowangerup and $2m Upper Ravensthorpe Great Southern Denmark Regional Waste and Shire of Denmark (1) $2.5m Development of a regional waste and recycling facility to service the communities of Denmark, Recycling Facility Peaceful Bay and Nornalup. Southern Link VROC – Collection Water Corporation (1), Shire $1.9m Pilot program to construct a grass reed bed system to take away chlorine and provide secondary and Harvest of Wastewater of Broomehill-Tambellup, treatment to a water resource. Shires of Cranbrook, Kojonup, Plantagenet, DRDL Southern Link VROC – Regional Shire of Broomehill- $775,000 Construction of waste transfer stations at rubbish disposal sites in the Shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Waste Transfer Stations Tambellup(1), Shires of Kojonup, Cranbrook, Frankland and Plantagenet to reduce the volume of waste to landfill through Cranbrook, Kojonup, improved recycling. Plantagenet, DRDL Woodanilling Waste Efficiency Shire of Woodanilling (1), $80,000 Boundary fence, tip shop and employment of a part-time tip manager to improve recycling options, Initiative Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare including use of a community education program to increase recycling awareness and volumes. Zone Committee Community Development and Social Inclusion Sport and Recreation Kendenup Rail Corridor Recreation Shire of Plantagenet (1), $37,000 Development of a half-court basketball court adjacent to the Kendenup Skate Park and expansion of Precinct Kendenup Community park benches throughout the nature site. Development Association Denmark Aquatic Centre Shire of Denmark (1), $10m Feasibility proposal to develop a heated indoor aquatic in Denmark for health and recreation. Department of Sport & Recreation, Denmark Aquatic Centre Community Committee

75 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Sounness Park Community Shire of Plantagenet(1), Mount $9m Co-location of the Shire’s ball sports groups into one purpose-built facility to create a ‘community hub’ Recreation Development Barker Football, Cricket, via increased volunteering, improved recreational participation and associated social/health benefits Hockey, Soccer, Tennis Clubs with exercise. and Combined Sporting Association, DSR, Southern Link VROC, Action Agenda Council, RDA Great Southern Gnowangerup Swimming Pool Shire of Gnowangerup/DSR(1), >$2.4m The existing pool structure is no longer fit for purpose. Feasibility study completed in 2011. The Shire Replacement Country Local Government is considering design and funding options to fulfil a vital social and community service to the town and Fund, RDA Great Southern surrounding districts. Preferred pool site option being adjacent to the Gnowangerup Sports Pavilion. Denmark Riverside Club and Shire of Denmark(1), Denmark $2.2m Upgrade to Bowling Club as a multi-user sporting and community facility to provide added focus and Precinct Project Riverside Club, DSR amenity to Berridge Park. It will offer safe, purpose built river access for dragon boats and water craft and provide the start point for a water trail linking inlets and rivers. Completion of the Gnowangerup Shire of Gnowangerup/ $1.1m Complete construction of the complex, including construction of two multi-use synthetic turf surfaces Sporting Complex DSR(1), Shire of Gnowangerup (for hockey and tennis). Complex Committee Completion of the Borden Pavilion GSDC, Lotterywest(1), Shire $1m Following construction of 2 new netball courts, new cricket practice wickets and re-alignment of the SW Sporting Precinct (Stages 1 of Gnowangerup, Borden hockey field in Stage 1, Stage 2 will involve the construction of a new synthetic bowling green and is and 2) Community Group expected to be completed by June 2013. Denmark Surf Club Redevelopment Denmark Surf Life Saving Club, $1m Redevelopment of the existing Surf Clubhouse providing for expanded membership Lotterywest, Shire of Denmark Denmark High School Recreation Shire of Denmark, Department $1m Development of spectator viewing, shelter and ablution facilities to service to the Denmark High school Precinct of Eructation and Department Recreation Facilities shared by the community of Sport & Recreation Centennial Park Precinct Capital City of Albany (1) $42m Implement on ground works to elevate Centennial Park Precinct to a high level recreation and cultural Investment and Upgrades RDA Great Southern, GSDC, facility for multiple existing and potential community groups and clubs (would support Agricultural Department of Sport & Show, festival events, public amenities, sporting facilities) Recreation Arts and Culture Upper Great Southern Shire of Katanning(1), $4m. Stage 1 - Refurbishment and redesign of the Katanning Town Hall into a Regional Entertainment Centre utilising Entertainment Centre Lotterywest, GSDC, Shire $1m adaptive reuse of a Heritage Listed building and enable linkages with the Albany Entertainment Centre. of Wagin, Country Local Government Fund, RDA Great Southern Morgan Richards Community Shire of Denmark(1), DAA, $1.3m Redevelopment of the 1925 former Denmark Hospital into a Community Resource Facility and Centre Indigenous Elders, etc. Regional Arts Gallery hub. This will improve the Regional Arts industry in Denmark. Kwoorabup Community Park Stage 5 Shire of Denmark $1m Completion of developing of a regional nature park and associated community facilities adjoining the banks of the Denmark River

76 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Plantagenet District Hall Shire of Plantagenet (1), $486,000 Refurbish the District Hall to accommodate amateur theatre productions, performing arts events, Refurbishment Plantagenet Players and RSL movie nights and dance groups. Albany Heritage Precinct WA Museum Albany (1) TBA Development of the western end of the Albany Foreshore as a cultural and educational hub and GSDC, City of Albany visitor attraction linking with other tourism precincts within the City. Baudin Museum Baudin Museum Foundation TBA Refurbishment of Douglas House, Riverside Road Kalgan as a Museum to collect and display items and (1) artefacts relevant to the French exploration of the southern coast of WA at the site of the furthest point along Riviere Des Françaises reached by explorer Mathew Baudin in 1803. Mt Melville Cultural Resource Albany Aboriginal Corporation Stage 1 $80,000 Stage 1 – Site clean-up, removal of asbestos. Centre (1) Stage 2 TBA Stage 2 – Noongar Cultural Resource and Research Centre to facilitate and promote cultural awareness City of Albany through knowledge sharing, arts, storytelling, performance, exhibitions and training. Maalak Visitor and Learning Centre Maalak Aboriginal Corporation TBA Visitor and Nyoongar Cultural Learning Centre, coordination of tourism product, educational programs, (1) multi-purpose accommodation and meeting facility. Shire of Cranbrook Health Bremer Bay Medical Centre Shire of Jerramungup(1), DOH $2.24m A new health facility in Bremer Bay is required, as the structure and functionality of the existing facilities does not reflect current needs or assist in the attraction or retention of health professionals. The facility will improve the quality of continuous care and allow aged residents to remain in the community. Denmark Medical Centre Southern Regional Medical $2m Development of a 6 x GP medical facility within Denmark to attract GPs, specialists, etc. Group(1)

Albany St John Ambulance St John Ambulance $553,000 Upgrade to increase paramedic services and first-aid training accreditation delivery in the region (Stage Association Substation -Upgrade 1 Association(1), RDA Great 1 includes refurbishment) to meet high levels of growth in demand for this vital community service. Southern, GSDC Albany St John Ambulance St John Ambulance $918,500 Extension and upgrade to increase paramedic services and first-aid training accreditation delivery in Association Substation Upgrade 2 Association(1), RDA Great the region to meet demand (Stage 2 includes expansion). Southern, GSDC Social Inclusion WA Retirees Seniors Housing WA Retirees Inc.(1), Shire of $6.3m Development of 21 aged housing units by a not-for-profit housing provider in Brazier St, Denmark. Complex Denmark Plantagenet Village Homes - PVH (1), auspiced by Shire of $2.05m Collet Barker Court - Independent Living Units for Seniors - Stage One is a community project which Independent Living Units for Plantagenet has been driven by Plantagenet Village Homes (PVH). The Shire is partnering PVH to support the Seniors (Stage 1) establishment of five independent living units (mix of two and three bedrooms) including head-works and site works, on land owned by PVH. The independent living units will provide accommodation for the elderly in a ‘village’ setting. The occupants will have access to health services and can remain in the district near family, friends and volunteer work opportunities, improving their quality of life Tambellup Independent Living Shire of Broomehill- $1.69m Construct six, two-bedroom units in Tambellup, providing a local accommodation option for aged Seniors Accommodation Tambellup(1), DRD, GSDC, seniors, integral to maintaining the social fabric of the community. (Note: This is a separate project to Tambellup Senior Citizens Seniors Accommodation RDAF Round 2 bid). Unit Management Committee, Tambellup-Cranbrook Community Bank 77 Lead Agencies (1) and Project Key Partnerships Cost ($) Description

Lionsville Aged Housing Site Shire of Denmark(1), Amaroo $1.3m Decontamination of Lionsville Aged Housing Site in Hardy St, Denmark, to allow the development of a public rental and equity aged housing complex. Katanning Leisure Centre Shire of Katanning(1) $500,000 Provision of infrastructure, training and support to clubs to engage the newly arrived CaLD community Extensions and Development of a members. Community Room Regional Children’s Services Plan – RDA Great Southern (1) $322,000 Two year project to develop and implement a Regional Children’s Services Plan in the Great Southern Great Southern region. The project will support strengthened and improved levels and quality of service provision through better planning and/or delivery of service models that are developed within the context of local considerations, including population forecasting and community and regional profiling. Denmark Youth Space Project DTI(1) $300,000 Development of an open air amphitheatre and a regional youth meeting spaces including ‘Rage Park’, BMX facility, etc. Woodanilling Community Aged 4WD Group (VROC) Shires TBA Construct the remaining 4 x 2-bed units in the Woodanilling Town Centre to retain residents in the Housing (Stage 2) of Woodanilling, Wagin, Shire. Design, Tender and Construction to be completed by June 2016. West Arthur, Williams and Dumbleyung(1), DRD Extension of the Mallee Springs DoH and Commonwealth TBA A need for an improvement in aged care facilities in Gnowangerup, on a hostel basis, to allow greater Aged Care Facility at Gnowangerup Health Departments(1), Shire staffing flexibility and employment of unregulated health care workers. There is a current wait-list of District Hospital of Gnowangerup four people for accommodation at Mallee Springs. This facility would assist the elderly transit from independent living to high-care hostel type accommodation. Migrant Services and Centres Shire of Katanning(1) TBA Establishment of a Migrant Transition Centre in Katanning and a need for more migrant services and centres to assist new migrants settle in Katanning. Katanning is well known for its multiculturalism, with over 57 different nationalities residing in the town. Disability and Mental Health GSEDC(1), RDA Great TBA Provision of information to ease current confusion in the ‘what, where and how to, of disability and Information Resource Southern, DSC, Ministerial mental health services’ in the Great Southern. Advisory Council on Disabilities, GS Mental Health Service

78 List of Abbreviations

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics RDA Regional Development Australia AEDI Australian Early Development Index RDA Great Southern Regional Development Australia Great Southern WA Inc. ATAR Australian Tertiary Admission Rank SIHI Southern Inland Health Initiative CaLD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse South Coast NRM South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation SWIS South West Integrated System DAA Department of Aboriginal Affairs Tpa Tonnes per annum DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations UWA University of Western Australia DoW Department of Water VET Vocational Education and Training DRALGAS Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport VROC Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils DSR Department of Sport and Recreation WAMMCO Western Australian Meat Marketing Cooperative Limited FIFO Fly in – Fly out GPs General Practitioners GRP Gross Regional Product GSDC Great Southern Development Commission GSEDC Great Southern Employment Development Committee GSIT Great Southern Institute of Technology IEP Indigenous Employment Program IWSS Integrated Water Supply Scheme kW Kilowatt LGA Local Government Authority MERI Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement MW Megawatt NAPLAN National Assessment Program on Literacy and Numeracy NASH North Albany Senior High School NBN National Broadband Network NRM Natural Resource Management PIAF Perth International Art Festival RAI Regional Australia Institute

79 Photo Acknowledgements

Contents Page: Little Beach at Two People’s Bay, Nanarup, Albany Courtesy of Department of Environment and Conservation Albany Chair’s Foreword: ‘Stubble in the Stirling Ranges’ Courtesy of Regional Development Australia Great Southern Inc. Albany Pages 3 & 4: Breaksea Island, Albany Courtesy of Department of Environment and Conservation Albany Page 5: Sheep Run on Burt Rd, Woodanilling, WA Courtesy of Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern Page 7: Weathered Piano, location unknown, by Sally Siviour Courtesy of Jerramungup CRC Page 9: Jacup Bin signage South Coast Highway, WA by Sally Siviour l Page 11: Boys and Dogs in Surf Middleton Beach, Albany WA Page 14: Bushfire event in Porongurup Ranges, Shire of Plantagenet Courtesy ofShire of Plantagenet Page 18: Shearers at work in the Great Southern by Sally Siviour Courtesy of Jerramungup CRC Page 24: Auction at Great Southern Regional Saleyards, Mt Barker WA Courtesy of Panoramio at www.panoramio.com Page 26: Big Rains at Gunadoo by Sally Siviour Courtesy of Jerramungup CRC Page 28: ‘Ouch Bush’ Daviesia Pachyphylla Courtesy of South Coast NRM Inc. Albany Page 29: Nyabing Community Crop Courtesy of Shire of Kent Page 34: New season wheat, Jerramungup by Sally Siviour Courtesy of Jerramungup CRC Page 36: Diorama of Stirling Ranges National Park Courtesy of Shire of Plantagenet Page 38: ‘War Memorial and Views’ Albany WA Courtesy of Andrew Halsall Photography, Albany Page 39: Cable Beach in Torndirrup National Park, Albany WA Courtesy of Department of Environment and Conservation Albany Page 59: Albany Health Campus, Spencer Park Albany Courtesy of Great Southern Development Commission Albany Page 60: ‘Hairball’ by Dawn Stephens, Centenary Street Day, Denmark WA Courtesy of Denmark Arts Council Page 63: ‘Whale Tail’ by Paul Guest Page 64: Vineyard at Frankland River in Shire of Cranbrook Courtesy of Great Southern Area Consultative Committee Page 82: Wrapping up the season by Sally Siviour Courtesy of Jerramungup CRC

80 References

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Regional Development Australia Great Southern WA PO Box 716 ALBANY WA 6331 Phone: (08) 9842 5800 Fax: (08) 9842 5811 Email: [email protected] Website: www.RDAgreatsouthern.com.au

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