Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast

14 Prospectus Contents

Mid North Coast 3 The Regional Economy 5 Workforce 6 Health and Aged Care 8 Manufacturing 10 Retail 12 Construction 13 Education and Training 14 The Visitor Economy 16 Lord Howe Island 18 Financial and Insurance Services 19 Emerging Industries 20 Sustainability 22 Commercial Land 23 Transport Options 24 Digitally Connected 26 Lifestyle and Housing 28 Glossary of Terms 30 Research Sources 30 How can you connect ? 32

Cover image: Birdon Group Image courtesy of Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Graphic Design: Revive Graphics

The Mid North Coast prospectus was prepared by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast. Content by: Justyn Walker, Communications Officer Dr Todd Green, Research & Project Officer We wish to thank the six councils of the Mid North Coast and all the contributors who provided images and information for this publication.

MID NORTH COAST NSW

RDA Mid North Coast is a not for profit organisation funded by the Federal Government and the NSW State Government. We are made up of local people, developing local solutions for the Mid North Coast. Birdon boat building Image2 Mid cou Northrtesy of PortCoast Macquarie Prospectus Hastings Council Mid North Coast

The Mid North Coast is the half-way point connecting Sydney and Brisbane. It comprises an area of 15,070 square kilometres between the Great Divide and the east coast. Our region is made up of six local government areas: Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie – Hastings and Greater Taree. It also includes the World Heritage Area of Lord Howe Island. It is home to an array of vibrant, modern and sometimes eclectic townships that attract over COFFS 4.9 million visitors each year. HARBOUR The Pacific Highway acts as the main transport artery through the region and puts it within a four hour drive of Sydney, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. BELLINGEN The Mid North Coast has a population of around 259,000. Fuelled by business opportunity and lifestyle advantages, the population has been growing steadily at 1% p.a. for the past 10 years. The latest forecasts estimate the region to grow to 273,700 by 2021. NAMBUCCA

The landscape is typified by winding rivers that feed lush hinterland and over one hundred kilometres of pristine beaches. Our region benefits from a high annual rainfall and is considered by many to have the most ideal climate in Australia. KEMPSEY Indigenous culture enjoys a rich presence in our region; which includes the Traditional Nations of the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti and Biripi Aboriginal peoples. PORT MACQUARIE HASTINGS

GREATER TAREE

See Research Sources, 30-31. [ A Connected Region ] Mid North Coast Prospectus 3 259,300 15,070 17.21 Population Area (km2) Population Density (people per km2)

$11.25 billion 4.1% p.a. $21.2 billion Gross Regional Product (GRP) GRP Growth (3 years) Total Revenue

20,074 79,038 25,000 Businesses Workforce Managers & Professionals

$4.52 billion 7.1% p.a. 4,900,000 Regional Exports Export Growth (3 years) Visitors Per Annum (Over 4 years)

4 Mid North Coast Prospectus The Glasshouse: Image courtesy of Port Macquarie Hastings Council The Regional Economy

The Mid North Coast region is ranked 4th in Australia for business As one of Australia’s confidence and it’s easy to see why. Our regional economy is growing at a healthy 4.1% p.a. and produces an annual Gross most diverse regional Regional Product of $11.3 billion.

economies, the There are around 20,000 registered businesses throughout the Mid North Coast and a workforce of over 79,000. The majority Mid North Coast of businesses are small to medium enterprises, typifying an supports a variety entrepreneurial culture with its eyes on growth. The value of our region’s close geographic connection to the of flourishing major industrial centres of Sydney, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Brisbane is evidenced by our accelerating export growth, currently industries. sitting at $4.52 billion per annum.

Value-Added ($M) (Apr 2014)

Health Care & Social Assistance Manufacturing Retail Trade Financial & Insurance Services Construction Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services Education & Training Public Administration & Safety Accommodation & Food Services Professional, Scienti c & Technical Services Wholesale Trade Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Transport, Postal & Warehousing Administrative & Support Services Other Services Information Media & Telecommunications Arts & Recreation Services Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services Mining Southern Cross University 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 $M

As one of Australia’s most diverse regional economies, the Mid North Coast supports a variety of flourishing industries. The booming Health and Aged Care industry leads the way; Manufacturing (including Food Manufacturing), Retail Trade, Financial & Insurance Services and Construction round out the top five, with the Education & Training industry a key one to watch. UNSW Rural Clinical School Tourism also plays a significant role in the regional economy. The Mid North Coast is one of Australia’s most celebrated tourist destinations and attracts 4.9 million visitors every year, spending around $1.4 billion. A large portion of this is captured by the Accommodation & Food Services industry.

Mid North Coast Prospectus 5 Workforce

The Mid North Coast has access to a large and diversified labour force, helping businesses connect with the right people. The total workforce of 79,038 includes some 25,000 managers and professionals, so there’s plenty of skills and experience to choose from.

As a lifestyle region, the Mid North Coast attracts a steady stream of skilled professionals from the major cities, looking for a healthier work-life balance. This is particularly true of experienced professionals between the ages of 30-55.

In addition, the pool of local talent continues to grow as new higher education facilities open up across the region. Our population now has the second highest level of technical qualifications in Australia. We are also one of the top regions in Australia for lifelong learning.

This trend is set to continue with an additional $64m invested in the development of new tertiary education facilities since 2011.

Workforce Breakdown (Jobs) Work in Mid North Coast (Apr 2014) The total workforce of 16,000 79,038 includes some 14,000 25,000 managers 12,000 and professionals, 10,000 so there’s plenty of Jobs 8,000

skills and experience 6,000

to choose from. 4,000

2,000

0 Labourers Managers Professionals Sales Workers Technicians and Trades Workers and Trades Technicians Machinery Drivers And Operators Clerical and Administrative Workers and Administrative Clerical Not stated - Inadequately described - Inadequately stated Not Community and Personal Service Workers Service and Personal Community

6 Mid North Coast Prospectus Main Field of Study for Mid North Coast (highest level of education, for over 15 year olds)

4% 3% 7% 20%

9% 83,276 tertiary quali ed 11% 20%

12% 14%

1 Engineering and Related Technologies 2 Management and Commerce 3 Health 4 Society and Culture (Social Services)

5 Education

6 Architecture and Building 7 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services

8 Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies

9 Creative Arts

Factory Floor: Image courtesy of Nambucca MacNuts Above: Images courtesy of North CoastMid TAFE, North Eyecare Coast Plus and Prospectus Focus magazine 7 Health and Aged Care Top Industries Top Like many of Australia’s key lifestyle regions, a growing Quick Look proportion of the Mid North Coast population is of a mature age. One industry that is thriving on this demographic shift is Health and Aged Care. $1,074m Value Added The Health and Aged Care industry on the Mid North Coast is worth $1.55 billion annually and is growing at an incredible 15.5% p.a. $1,556m The flow-on effects from the health boom are significant: for every $1m Revenue in increased revenue in Health and Aged Care, $1.88m flows into the regional economy. $299m Health and Aged Care stands supreme as our region’s highest employer, Local Expenditure accounting for one in every 6 jobs. This figure is made more significant when you consider that for every 5 jobs created in Health and Aged Care, 2 additional jobs are spawned in other local industries. $226m In recent years, governments at both the Commonwealth and State level Regional Exports have been pouring investment into this sector. A total of $223 million has been invested in upgrades and extensions to health infrastructure since 2010. 13,634 Jobs The explosive growth of the industry has created an unprecedented demand for skills, particularly in allied health services and specialist nursing. This presents wide ranging opportunities for health $893m professionals and businesses thinking of relocating to the Mid North Wages Coast. See Glossary of Terms, page27. Revenue growing at 15.5% p.a. 17.2% of region’s jobs. Job numbers growing at 5% p.a.

Health and Aged CareHealth Workforce & Aged Care Distribution Workforce

Hospitals Residential Care Social Assistance and Other Social Assistance Allied Health Child Care Doctors, GPs, Specialists Health Care and Social Assistance Medical and Other Health Care Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 Persons

8 Mid North Coast Prospectus Top Industries

Investment in Health Infrastructure (2010 to 2014) [ Case Study ] Industries Top Macleay Valley House Port Macquarie Base Hospital $110 Kempsey District Hospital $80 Macleay Valley House is an aged care facility in the town of Frederickton, Coffs Harbour Health Campus $10 set against the picturesque backdrop Bawrunga Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic $7 of the Macleay Valley. The centre was built after the proprietors identified a Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic $7 shortage in quality nursing home beds, Bellingen Health Campus $6 particularly large private rooms. Wauchope District Memorial Hospital $3 TOTAL FUNDING ($M) $223

Costing in excess of $20 million to construct, Macleay Valley House opened in April 2011. The philosophy of the centre is “ageing in place”. This means residents can make the choice to enter care at an early stage and remain with the same staff and friends even when their care needs increase.

Since opening their doors, Macleay Valley House has had a huge impact on local employment. The facility currently employs 165 staff. It also provides support for many local businesses by preferring to buy local goods and trade services.

Wilma Sims, Director of Nursing, says the community response has been overwhelming. “The whole valley has adopted Macleay Valley House as a showcase for aged care and they are proud of our awards and achievements.”

Plans are in place to build 110 three bedroom, double garage Independent Living Units in the near future.

Image courtesy of Port Macquarie Hastings Council Mid North Coast Prospectus 9 Manufacturing Top Industries Top Manufacturing is our peak revenue industry, Quick Look representing 16.1% of the region’s total revenue. The industry is dominated by Food, Metal, Transport and Sawmill manufacturing and is characterised by a younger, educated workforce, $772m with more than half of its workers holding tertiary qualifications. Value Added

The largest sub sector of this industry, by revenue, is Food Product Manufacturing, which alone accounts for 3% of the region’s total $3,401m revenue ($683m). Revenue

One of the largest food producers in the region is Nestlé. The Nestlé Smithtown factory is the heart and home of the iconic brand MILO, $1,082m which was invented at the factory back in 1934. A significant expansion Local Expenditure of the factory throughout the course of 2013 and 2014 will support continued production of MILO and the Nescafé Café Menu at the site. $1,359m % Manufacturing is also our largest exporting industry, contributing 30 of Regional Exports total regional exports, or $1.4 billion per annum.

One of our most prestigious exporters is the Akubra factory in Kempsey, recently celebrating the centenary of the Akubra trademark. Alongside 5,252 servicing the Australian market for over 100 years, Akubra now exports Jobs its trademark designer hats and apparel into Asia, the USA and Europe. $455m 16.2% of region’s local expenditure. Wages 7.6% of region’s value added. Accounts for 7% of all jobs.

[ Case Study ] Birdon Group In March, 2014, a shipbuilding company based in Port Macquarie won a contract with the US Army worth over a quarter of a billion dollars.

Birdon Group has won the tender to build up to three hundred and seventy four specialised ‘Bridge Erection Boats’, which support temporary floating bridges when existing bridges have been damaged or destroyed. Birdon faced stiff competition in winning the contract, beating competitors like global defence giant, General Dynamics, in what was a four year process.

Managing Director, Jamie Bruce, said they were picked for the US$259m contract over some of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. “This contract demonstrates that small to medium-sized Australian businesses can compete with established international players,’’ Mr Bruce said. “We expect to see quite a few opportunities in other parts of the world for this boat.”

The manufacturing of the boats will occur in the US (as required by the US government) and Birdon will set up facilities in Denver USA. The Australian arm of the business will support the delivery of the contract and its Port Macquarie base will be expanded accordingly. 10 Mid North Coast Prospectus Top Industries Top Industries Top Annual Local Expenditure (Purchases of Intermediate Goods and Services) Manufacturing Sub-sector $M The Manufacturing Food Product Manufacturing $292.08 Metal & Metal Product Manufacturing $194.52 industry spends Transport Equipment & Parts Manufacturing $160.85 Saw Mill, Wood & Paper Product Manufacturing $141.34 over a billion dollars Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing $117.33 on purchases of Technical Equipment & Appliance $63.26 Manufacturing intermediate goods Beverage Product Manufacturing $31.42 Basic Chemical, Cleaning & Polymer $30.23 Manufacturing and services from Apparel Manufacturing $18.06 other local industries Other Manufactured Products $15.27 Furniture Manufacturing $10.45 each year. Printing Manufacturing $6.52 Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturing $0.83 Total Local Expenditure ($M) $1,082.16

Expressway Spares: Image courtesyMid North of Port Coast Macquarie Prospectus Hastings Council 11 Retail Top Industries Top With a steadily growing population and a tourist Quick Look market attracting 4.9 million visitors annually, Retail is a keystone industry for the Mid North Coast. $736m Value Added Retail is also the second highest employer, accounting for 14.6% of the workforce. The industry comprises of a distinctly younger and more flexible workforce. As you would expect, part time $1,258m and casual work is common in this industry, with 39.5% of people Revenue working less than 25 hours per week. The region sustains a large and diverse range of retail businesses $376m catering to every need. Our popular tourist areas are dotted Local Expenditure with quaint boutiques and specialty shops, while supermarkets, clothing outlets and all the usual necessities are never far away. $143m Second highest employer. Regional Exports Value added growing at 3.4% p.a. 11,522 43.4% of the workforce is under 35 years old. Jobs $484m Wages [ Case Study ] Wicked Berries An innovative Coffs Harbour retailer, Wicked Berries, recently came up trumps to win the NSW Micro Business Award category at the 2014 Telstra Business Awards.

Wicked Berries was initially created to compliment a wedding cake business, but such was the demand for their Deluxe Gift Boxed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, they soon became the hero of the business.

Flown out of Coffs Harbour airport via air freight, Wicked Berries can arrange next day delivery to almost anywhere in Australia.

When you think of products that don’t travel well by freight, chocolate and fresh fruit make the list. But the company found a solution: they use special custom made ice packaging that keep the products cool for up to 24 hours.

A new customer service centre and storage facility have just been incorporated to help keep up with demand as the company grows. Future plans include franchises in all capital and major regional cities with a new Brisbane franchise being launched September 2014. 12 Mid North Coast Prospectus Top Industries

Construction Top Industries Top The Mid North Coast supports an ever Industries Top expanding Construction industry, with local activity mainly driven by construction services and heavy & civil engineering.

Regional Construction Revenue

38% 32% 22% 8% [ Case Study ] Bowraville Off River Water Construction Heavy & Civil Residential Non-residential Services Engineering Building Building Storage Project

The biggest infrastructure project % The Construction industry currently produces 10.5 of the ever undertaken by the Nambucca region’s total revenue and boasts an average three year Shire Council is steadily taking % growth of 7.3 p.a. shape. With a project budget of $54m, the Bowraville Off River The flow on effects from the Construction industry are Storage project was set up with the % immense. 17 of all local expenditure ($1.14 billion) is aim of providing a means for the attributed to Construction, the highest of any industry. Nambucca Valley Shire water supply When you consider the scale of some of the major to be secured against drought. construction projects on the Mid North Coast, there are clear opportunities for many other industries to benefit. The Nambucca Shire water supply is a single source supply drawn from bores sunk into alluvial deposits Highest local expenditure. adjacent to the Nambucca River, upstream of Bowraville. Studies Value added growth of 9.1% p.a. have shown the existing aquifer can’t keep up with the demands of % 64.2 of the workforce holds tertiary a growing population. qualifications. The Bowraville Off River Storage project involves the construction of a new series of bores, a pipeline Quick Look and a 4500 megalitre water storage area. It will be filled by pumping water from the enlarged borefield $701m $2,232m during times when river flow is not Value Added Revenue low. The Council have been careful to $1,140m $136m negate any impact on natural water flows. On completion of the project, Local Expenditure Regional Exports any rainfall in the catchment will be measured and released into the 4,975 $354m Bowra Creek downstream. Jobs Wages

Mid North Coast Prospectus 13 Education and Training Top Industries Top The Education and Training industry is quickly emerging Quick Look as a powerhouse of regional employment and skills growth, making it one to watch. $652m % 9.4 of the region’s workforce is employed in Education and Training. Not Value Added surprisingly, it’s our most educated industry with the majority of workers holding Bachelor degrees or higher.

Education and Training plays a pivotal role in enlarging the pool of $861m Revenue skilled workers throughout the region, addressing skills shortages and retaining young people by providing pathways to employment.

For parents, the Mid North Coast offers a wide choice of schooling $129m options with over 100 public schools, over 20 Catholic schools, and 17 Local Expenditure other private schools to choose from. Our region also plays host to a number of world class universities, TAFE campuses and trade training centres. $110m Regional Exports At a tertiary level, industry growth is being driven by investment. Since 2011, approximately $64 million has been invested in tertiary education, including a total of $42 million towards the first stage of a new Charles 7,435 Sturt University Campus in Port Macquarie (including a new Food Soil Jobs Water Research Centre) that will accommodate up to 5,000 students by 2030. $568m Many tertiary institutions are exploring the opportunity of attracting Wages more international students to the Mid North Coast. Coffs Harbour’s Southern Cross University has been a leader in this arena. In 2013, Southern Cross University International was ranked first in Australia for support to international students by the International Student Barometer.

Revenue growing at 4.5% p.a. 6.4% of region’s value added. 55% of workforce holds Bachelor degree or higher.

Tertiary Infrastructure Investment Since 2011 Tertiary Education institutions:

Charles Sturt University campus (stage 1) $34 Charles Sturt University Food Soil Water Research Centre North Coast Institute of TAFE $8 (CSU/Port Macquarie Hastings Council) Southern Cross University Joint Health Education Facility (UNSW, UoN and NC TAFE) $20 University of Newcastle National Marine Science Centre (SCU) $2 University of New England TOTAL INVESTMENT ($M) $64 University of New South Wales

14 Mid North Coast Prospectus Top Industries

[ Case Study ] Joint Health Education Facility Top Industries Top Medical students are now able to undertake a full medical degree $42m Charles Sturt University Development, in Port Macquarie, thanks to a $20 Port Macquarie, opens 2016 million expansion of tertiary education NorthCoast TAFE Learning Services facilities.

The Joint Health Education Facility will be the first campus in regional Australia where students can complete a full six year medical degree. It will deliver new tertiary education offerings to hundreds of students on the Mid North Coast and will help improve the participation rates Our population has Australia’s 2nd highest attainment rate of technical qualifications

National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, $2m expansion in 2014 in medical and allied health studies of students from regional backgrounds.

Construction of the new campus, built by a consortium led by University of NSW, is scheduled for completion in January 2015.

The Joint Health Education Facility is conveniently located close to the $20m Joint Health Education Facility, UNSW Rural Clinical School and Port Port Macquarie, opens 2015 Macquarie Base Hospital. It will provide staff and students with learning spaces and facilities enhanced with the latest technologies.

The facility will allow for delivery of new courses across a range of medical and allied health disciplines. Its proximity to Port Macquarie Base Hospital will encourage interaction between these professions – both undergraduate and graduate.

Image: Southern Cross University & NorthCoastMid North TAFE CoastJoint Campus, Prospectus Coffs Harbour 15 The Visitor Economy

Over a hundred kilometres of pristine beaches, an array of cultural delights and arguably Australia’s most ideal climate make the Mid North Coast a renowned tourist destination. 4.9 million people visit the Mid North Coast each year, spending around $1.4 billion. Among its many attractions, the region boasts a full calendar of cultural and sporting events, including Toyota IRONMAN Australia, the World Rally Championship, TOAST Urunga and the International Buskers and Comedy Festival.

A large component of tourism activity is captured by the Accommodation & Food Services industry. This industry collects 54 cents for every $1 spent by tourists (in addition to local consumers). This equates to $1.1 billion in revenue and makes Accommodation & Food Services the region’s 3rd highest employer.

The proximity of the Mid North Coast to Sydney and Brisbane position the region as both an ideal holiday destination and a perfect half-way point for the tourist drive. The majority of tourists arrive via the Pacific Highway, which is currently undergoing a $5.6 billion transformation. This is expected to increase tourist numbers over the coming years as the drive time improves.

Our regional airports are also very popular with business travellers and tourists alike; the primary airports being Coffs Harbour Regional Airport and Port Macquarie Airport. Over the past 10 years passenger movements have doubled, and now, over 600,000 passengers pass through our regional airports every year.

Passenger Movements 2012/13

Coffs Harbour Regional Airport 357,624 Port Macquarie Airport 228,609 Taree 17,250 TOTAL PASSENGER MOVEMENTS 603,483

[ Connected to the World ]

16 Mid North Coast Prospectus [ Case Study ] Honeycomb Valley Farm

An award winning business in the Manning Valley has created a hive of activity by combining tourism with a thriving agribusiness.

Honeycomb Valley Farm, at Nabiac, provides hosted holidays on a 90 acre family farm, where every day and every season is different.

In 2013, Honeycomb Valley Farm won Gold for the Best Hosted Accommodation at the NSW State Tourism Awards and Silver for its new tourism development that features a Native Bee Sanctuary.

For owner, Anna Campbell, the philosophy is simple. “It’s about making a living from living.”

They also run a farm gate shop that is loaded with artisan produce, including an incredibly rare and collectible native bee honey in hand-blown designer bottles that retails for $200 for 20ml.

These boutique products are already gaining a reputation in the wider marketplace. In 2014, Honeycomb Valley Farm was one of only sixteen manufacturers sponsored by the NSW Government to showcase their produce at the Fine Food Australia exhibit in Boating: Image Courtesy of Nambucca Valley Shire Council Darling Harbour. Above: (left) World Rally Championship Coffs Harbour, Dolphin Marine Magic, IRONMAN Port Macquarie courtesy of Delly Carr Sportshoot, Nambucca River Festival Mid North Coast Prospectus 17 Lord Howe Island

The World Heritage Area of Lord Howe Island is widely [ Case Study ] regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific. Lord Howe Island Just a two hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, the Energy Supply Road Map island is located approximately 600km east of Port Macquarie. Energy generation is a significant Lord Howe Island is 11km long and 2.8km wide at consideration for any island. The its widest point. Mount Gower is the island’s highest Lord Howe Island Board has been peak, standing 875m above sea level. developing a plan with the help of CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre to The island’s isolation and its varied landscape of minimise diesel consumption, helping mountains, valleys, hills, lowlands and sea-cliffs to make Lord Howe Island a leader in have resulted in a diverse array of flora and fauna. environmental sustainability. Vegetation ranges from exposed coastal grasses and heath to luxuriant mossy rainforest. The Lord Howe Island Board has set an ambitious target of 70% of electricity Today, approximately 75% of the island’s natural to be produced from renewable energy vegetation remains undisturbed. Its beaches, coral sources by as early as 2018. This would reef and marine environments are pristine. It’s not greatly reduce the consumption of surprising that in 2014, Australian Traveller Magazine diesel used in the island’s generators. voted Lord Howe Island the best holiday island in Australia. The draft “Road Map” proposes that future power generation on the Tourism is the island’s most significant industry. island may consist of a diesel hybrid 14,232 people visited Lord Howe Island between generation system using existing diesel July 2013 and April 2014, an increase of 4.9% on the generators, solar photo voltaic (PV) previous year. systems, wind systems and energy storage systems. The island is primarily accessible to visitors by air travel. Lord Howe Island’s airport recently received The island’s unique topography make $8 million in Commonwealth and NSW State it one of the few places in the world Government funding to resurface the airport runway. with the potential to utilise all forms of The resurfacing, to be completed in 2015, will ensure renewable energy technology. the airport’s ongoing viability and will allow heavier aircraft to land, which increases the efficiency of goods transport.

QantasLink offers year-round scheduled services to Lord Howe Island, with flights departing from Sydney on most days, and from Brisbane on weekends. A seasonal weekly service to the island is also available direct from Port Macquarie, from February to June and September to December.

Lord Howe Island residents Rhonda and Ed Wilsonare use the excess electricity generated by their solar panels to charge their Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle.

18 Mid North Coast Prospectus Image courtesy of Wauchope Solar. Financial and Insurance Services

The Financial and Insurance Services industry is among the top 5 in terms of value added ($731.9m) to the regional economy. And there’s plenty of room for growth.

One promising area may be in Auxiliary Finance and Insurance Services: mortgage brokers, insurance consultants and the like. The Mid North Coast population currently spends $98.9 million per annum on Auxiliary Finance and Insurance Services that are sourced outside of the region. This represents 44% of the total market, suggesting there are opportunities for local brokers to close the gap.

[ Case Study ] Financial Cooperatives

For an industry so often dominated by the big banks, the Mid North Coast has some significant “home grown” financial cooperatives that are helping to shape the future of the local industry.

Cooperatives are built around a democratic structure that values solidarity, equality and fairness for all its members. The Mid North Coast has a history of over 100 years of cooperative activity across many industries. Today, some of the largest cooperatives are credit unions born and bred on the Mid North Coast.

Together, our three regional credit unions hold $1.9 billion in deposits. These are: Bananacoast Credit Union (BCU), Coastline Credit Union (CCU) and Holiday Coast Credit Union (HCCU).

Two of these credit unions (BCU & HCCU) are currently listed among the top 100 cooperatives in Australia by annual revenue.

Lord Howe Island Photographer: Ken Lees Mid North Coast Prospectus 19 Emerging Industries

Not every opportunity that exists in the region is on a large scale. Some of the most promising investments can be found in niche and specialised markets. These emerging industries are still coming into their own but show exciting potential for growth and innovation. Research and Innovation A burgeoning Research and Innovation sector is creating new synergies between researchers and industry on the Mid North Coast.

One opportunity exists in the aquaculture industry, with a $2 million upgrade to the National Marine Science Centre (part of Southern Cross University) completed earlier this year, enhancing its capacity for commercial research and teaching. The centre is now one the best places in the world to undertake aquaculture and marine ecology research.

Another example currently unfolding is the construction of an $8 million Food Water & Soil Research Centre in Port Macquarie (by Charles Sturt University & Port Macquarie Hastings Council) that will help support our primary industries. Key research areas under discussion include sustainable agriculture, food quality, food security and environmental science. Creative Industries Creative Industries, such as architecture, design, media, arts and advertising, use creativity as their source of value. The Mid North Coast has a small but growing creative industries sector with an estimated workforce of 1,973. Creative Industries contribute in excess of $284 million to the region’s Gross Regional Product, a figure which is growing at 9.9% p.a.

While still a net importer, over the last three years the Creative Industries have recorded some impressive growth in regional exports. Currently valued at $103.4 million, these exports have been growing at 32% p.a. This hints at a very promising future for Creative Industries and provides more evidence that industry on the Mid North Coast is continually diversifying.

Aboriginal arts is one area of enormous potential given the strong presence of Aboriginal people across our region and organisations like the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance are making significant contributions in this space. Saltwater Freshwater Festival Note: These figures for Creative Industries exclude parts of the creative workforce Image courtesy of Saltwater Freshwater Alliance which are embedded within other industries and are therefore under-represented. Above: Southern Cross University research and 20 Mid North Coast Prospectus National Marine Science Centre. Niche Food and Beverage Production [ Case Study ] Whilst Food Product Manufacturing throughout the Mid Booma Boer Goats North Coast has traditionally been strong, the past few What began as weed control has years have seen a trend towards specialised food and become a booming paddock-to-plate beverage manufacturing in the SME space. Specialty business for Dorrigo farmer, Justin meats and dairy products, confectionery, fine wines and Gilbert. boutique beers are just some of the products that have emerged in recent years. Twelve years ago, Mr Gilbert was running a herd of cattle on the family Beer Manufacturing is a relative newcomer that is making property, “Booma,” when he started a name for itself. Back in June 2011, there was no reported using Boer goats to control weeds on export revenue from breweries in the region; two years the property. on and the 2012/13 financial year showed $634,000 in exports from Beer Manufacturing. Today, Booma Boer Goats supplies chilled products to supermarkets, Some small scale producers have already established butchers, restaurants and farmers’ export channels into international markets. One Port markets around the nation. Macquarie craft brewery, The Little Brewing Company, shipped their first container of beer to China in 2014. The company was recently approved Kylie Little, CEO of The Little Brewing Company, says, as a supplier to IGA Supermarkets, “Australian product in China is highly valued for its quality and craft beer is starting to take off.”

Confectionery Manufacturing is another sub-sector which has risen out of relative obscurity in recent times to post some impressive growth. In two years (2010/11 - 2012/13) this sub-sector tripled in revenue, from $13.9m to $42.9m.

Renewable Energy The Mid North Coast is one of Australia’s premier locations for the distribution and uptake of solar technologies. Our largest regional centres of Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Taree all feature among the top ten postcodes in with discussions also underway with a the state for installations of Solar PV or Solar Hot Water second supermarket chain. systems. This represents an impressive uptake by dwelling Due to the rapid expansion of the of 40%. business, demand is now outstripping The regional town of Bellingen, while smaller in size, the capacity of the existing operation. is considered by many to be Australia’s leader in their Recent funding from the NSW pursuit of environmentally sustainable innovation and Government is now assisting their practices. One example is a local electricity alliance that plans to establish a modern processing is working towards a goal of making the entire Shire of facility for a range of products Bellingen carbon neutral. including: goat meat, milk, cheeses, ice With 95% of the energy we use still being imported into creams and soaps. It will also include the region, renewable energy supply and innovation on a dairy facility capable of milking 200 the Mid North Coast could become a powerhouse in its goats. own right, as more and more people make the switch. “The expansion of our business is going to be great for the goat meat industry as well as employment opportunities [ Connected to in the Dorrigo community,” Mr Gilbert Saltwater Freshwater Festival explains. “We are very excited about Image courtesy of Saltwater Freshwater Alliance Opportunity ] our future direction.” Above: Southern Cross University research and National Marine Science Centre. Mid North Coast Prospectus 21 Sustainability

The Mid North Coast is a region of exceptional natural beauty and local communities are committed to keep it that way. Long term business sustainability is closely connected to environmental sustainability and some Mid North Coast businesses have emerged as national leaders in sustainable innovation.

[ Case Study ] facilities in Australia. Through innovation, and a The Observatory Hotel $1m plant upgrade, Edstein reduced its energy consumption by a massive 48% over 5 years. The Observatory hotel in Port Macquarie Water is another integral input of stone made a name for itself as a national leader in cutting and a valuable resource the company sustainable tourism when, in 2012, it became is determined not to waste. To date, its water one of only two hotels in Australia to be recycling and rainwater harvesting initiatives certified 100% Carbon Neutral. have resulted in a 96% reduction in water The hotel managers have been working with consumption. energy authorities to implement a range of The company’s efforts have won it a swag energy, water and waste saving initiatives, of awards and made it a national leader in while always maintaining a premium standard sustainable manufacturing. of accommodation.

In 2013, they installed a 240 panel solar PV [ Case Study ] system on the roof of the hotel that will Comet Windmills save the hotel $17k annually in energy costs and equates to a reduction of 90 tonnes of For over 130 years, Comet has specialised in greenhouse gasses. the design and manufacture of windmills and Chris Denny, manager of The Observatory says, pumps. The Comet Windmills factory relocated “It’s a question of branding ourselves as the to Macksville over a decade ago to take innovators of the industry.” advantage of cost savings.

The hotel is currently in the running for an Known as the “Rolls Royce” of windmills, international award for sustainable tourism. their locally manufactured products have wide ranging applications in eco tourism, aquaculture, educational training, and of course [ Case Study ] industrial water supply. Edstein Creative Stone Wind power is still cheaper and more efficient Edstein Creative Stone is a stone masonry than solar power and with growing demand for manufacturer based in Taree. The company renewable technologies, there is wide demand has a heritage that dates back to 1896 and for Comet products, both locally and abroad. today, blends cutting edge technology with The company is now adapting its technology traditional stone masonry values. to suit solar tracking towers, to provide yet Their factory houses one of the most another renewable energy source for Australia’s technologically advanced stone production high yield solar regions.

22 Mid North Coast Prospectus Junction Hill Ulmarra Red Range Alumy Creek HWY Brooms Head Stannifer GRAFTON

Old Mill RAIL NOT Tucabia IN USE Newton Boyd Chambigne S Grafton Chellas Sandon Kangaroo Camp Grahams Valley Pinkett Albion Flat Maybole

Glencoe Pillar Valley Buccarumbi OBX Creek

GLEN INNES SEVERN Braunstone PACIFIC Mount Mitchell Dalmorton Moredun Moggs Swamp Louis Point Coutts Crossing McPhersons Crossing Minnie Water

HWY

Ben Lomond Kookabookra Blaxlands Flat Lanitza Wandsworth Wooli Nymboida RAIL NOT CLARENCE VALLEY IN USE Halfway Creek Tenterden Backwater Hayards Crossing Kungala Tubbamurra

Llangothlin HWY

GUYRA Wards Mistake Towallum Athol Glen Corindi Red Rock

ENGLAND Clouds Creek Upper Corindi Glenreagh Corindi Beach GUYRA Bindawalla Commercial Land ARRAWARRA Baldersleigh Marengo Plain Timber Top Mullaway Wiriri Billys Creek Moleton Nana Glen Longford Aberfoyle The Mid North Coast National Dundurrabin WOOLGOOLGA Black Mountain NEW Rampsbeck Tyringham Lower Bucca SANDY BEACH is open for business Glen Fernaigh RAIL NOT Wongwibinda IN USE LowannaCOFFS EMERALD BEACH Paddys Plain Timmsvale Lyndhurst Cascade Exmouth Ulong with an abundance of Bostobrick RAIL NOT Moonee Beach Hernani Briggsvale IN USE HARBOUR ARMIDALE North Dorrigo Megan Dairyville Karangi Sapphire competitively priced Brooklana Yarrowyck Puddledock Leigh Sapphire Gardens DUMARESQ Upper Orara FALL Deer Park Korora Mitchells Flat industrial areas and Deer Vale Matthews Creek DORRIGO WATER COFFS HARBOUR Ebor Fernbrook business precincts to Promised Land Boambee Invergowie Tallowwood Point Dene Hills ARMIDALE Maynards Plains Crossmaglen choose from. Contact the Valery Arding Archill Glennifer SAWTELL Wollomombi Bonville Archville BELLINGEN Hydes Creek

Kellys Plains Darkwood Thora WAY appropriate council for Bicentennial Rocky Brinerville River Metz Scotchman Repton Dangarsleigh Hillgrove Castle Doyle more information. Jeogla Kooroowi BELLINGEN Raleigh Fernmount URALLA Mylestom Briereld Tarkeeth Kalang URUNGA Kennaicle Creek Gostwyck Girralong The Upper Missabotti Missabotti Kentucky Enmore 4WD ONLY Upper Nambucca Viewmont Upper Five Day Creek Argents Hill Valla Beach Valla Kentucky South URALLA Thumb Creek Bowraville Five Day Creek Hyland Park Georges Creek Lower Creek Carcolla Wollun NAMBUCCA HEADS Wirrimbi WAY NAMBUCCA Burrapine Nulla Nulla Yarranbella Talarm Macksville

NPWS Comara North Bank ACCESS ONLY Taylors Arm Utungun Muirbank Warrell Creek Scotts Head Walcha Road Upper Taylors Arm Bulingary Bellbrook

HWY Grassy Head

Eungai Creek Millbank WALCHA Stuarts Point Eungai Rail Yarrahapinni Hickeys Creek Daisy Plains Fishermans Reach Willi Willi Toorooka WAY WALCHA South West Rocks Trail Willawarrin Collombatti Moona Plains Arakoon

Moparrabah PACIFIC Tamban Jerseyville Aberbaldie Temagog Clybucca Kookaburra HWY Collombatti Rail Summer Island KEMPSEYSkillion Flat Kinchela

Glen Morrison 4WD ONLY Smithtown Kangaroo Flat Sherwood Gladstone Boonanghi Frederickton Gum Flat KEMPSEY Aldavilla Hat Head THUNDERBOLTSSt Leonards Yessabah Wittitrin Belmore River Brackendale South Kempsey Lower Belmore Burnt Bridge

Upper Belmore

Yarrowitch Upper Yarrowitch National Bicentennial CRESCENT HEAD Upper Pappinbarra Kippara Kundabung Upper Rollands Plains Beranghi

Myrtle Scrub Rollands Plains Pappinbarra Junction Birdwood Gum Scrub Mount Seaview Bellangry Riamukka Mount Seaview

PORT MACQUARIE-Telegraph Point Pappinbarra Yarras Kindee Hollisdale The Mortons Creek The Hatch OXLEY Pembrooke Nowendoc 4WD ONLY

HASTINGS F Ellenborough Long Flat Beechwood F

Bagnoo PORT MACQUARIE THUNDERBOLTS HWY Huntingdon Sancrox WAUCHOPE

Kings Creek Toms Creek

Byabarra HWY

Corroboree Flat Glenwarrin Innes View Brinawa Comboyne West Bulgong Black Creek LAKE CATHIE Comboyne Swans Crossing Track Elands Boorganna Herons Creek East Comboyne Giro Kerewong Upsalls Creek BONNY HILLS

Grants Beach Kendall West Haven Trail Curricabark WAY Number One Lorne Kew North Haven Federation Upper Bobin Batar Rossglen Dunbogan Mooral Creek Lansdowne Laurieton Bretti Rocks Crossing Warrawillah Killabakh Hannam Vale Diamond Head Central Lansdowne Wherrol Flat Strathcedar Tibbuc Careys Flat Marlee Stewarts River Johns River The Cundle Flat Knorrit Flat Lansdowne GREATER TAREELangley Vale Coralville GLOUCESTER Melinga Rookhurst Moorland Upper Bowman Mount George INDUSTRIAL AREAS Doon Ayr WINGHAM Coopernook Wirradgurie Bundook Bulliac Charity Creek Wapra Crowdy Head Mount Peerless Woodside Killawarra Kolodong Moppy Croki Bootawa Barrington Pitlochry Kimbricki Rawdon Vale Copeland Cundletown Established Industrial Sites Tugrabakh TAREE Oxley Is Village HARRINGTON Bo Bo Ck Manning Point Burrell Creek Kundibakh Tinonee Pur eet Invergordon GLOUCESTER Hillville Proposed or Developing Gangat THEBelbora Maudville Mograni Creek BUCKETTS to Faulkland Forbesdale Koorainghat OLD BAR Industrial Sites Berrico Federation Berrico Junction Rainbow Flat PACIFIC Wallabi Point Saltwater Myall Krambach Karkatt Stratford Waukivory Tahpit Diamond Beach Upper Chichester Fire y Dyers Crossing Cirrigan Track Bucca Wauka Cocumbark Hallidays Point WAY Failford 0 20 40 60km Chichester Craven Nabiac Salisbury Track Mid North Coast Prospectus 23

Bunyah Darawank Wang Wauk

Wards River Willina Road Map Supplied Courtesy National Roads and Motorists Association Limited 2013 Underbank Minimbah Dusodie TUNCURRY Monkerai Brownmore Weismantels FORSTER Coolongolook Bandon Grove Forster Keys Munni Upper Myall Fosterton Main Creek WAY Bendolba Coomba Pk Clareval GREAT Green Pt Stroud Road Washpool Markwell Wootton WAY Dingadee LAKES Telegherry Whoota DUNGOG Booti Booti Majors Creek East Gresford Topi Topi Elizabeth Beach Lewinsbrook Stroud Rosenthal Pacic Palms Boomerang Beach Alison Wallaringa Tarbuck Bay Torryburn Marshdale Blueys Beach Wirragulla LAKES Cambra BULAHDELAH Boolambayte Mayers Flat Sandbar Flat Tops Bungwahl Smiths Lake Wallarobba Booral Crawford River Hilldale Brookeld Girvan Welshmans Creek Glen William Seal Rocks Martins Creek 4WD ONLY BUCKETTS Transport Options As the half-way point between Sydney and Brisbane, the Mid North Coast is connected to some of Australia’s largest centres, with easy access by road, air or rail.

Road Travel A total of 285 km of the Pacific Highway passes through the Mid North Coast. This section of road is currently being upgraded to a four lane dual carriageway, scheduled for completion within six years. Brisbane Distances to Major Centres Gold Coast Regional Centres To Sydney (km) To Brisbane (km) Taree 308 618 Port Macquarie 383 551 Kempsey 419 503 Nambucca Heads 486 439 Mid Bellingen 522 427 North Coffs Harbour 534 392 Coast Major arterial roads feed into the Pacific Highway from the many industrial and commercial areas throughout the region.

Rail Newcastle North Coast Countrylink provides daily rail transport to the Mid North Coast between Sydney and Brisbane. The stops in the Mid North Coast are: Sydney Wingham Macksville Taree Nambucca Heads Kendall Urunga Wauchope Sawtell Kempsey Coffs Harbour Eungai

24 Mid North Coast Prospectus Air Travel Over 600,000 people pass through our Mid North Coast airports every year. The region’s two major airports at Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie offer direct services to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Coffs Harbour Regional Airport Operates direct daily flights to and from Sydney and direct flights to Melbourne on the weekends.

Port Macquarie Airport Operates direct flights to Sydney and Brisbane, daily.

Taree Regional Airport Serviced by Regional Express (REX) with daily flights to Sydney and Grafton.

Flight Times

Coffs Harbour Port Macquarie Taree To Sydney 1hr 10 1hr 5 1hr To Brisbane 1hr 20 To Melbourne 1hr 55 3hr 25 (via Sydney)

Air transport from the Mid North Coast continues to go from strength to strength. Recent investments in the Mid North Coast Aviation Plan, totalling $25 million, have funded:

Upgrades to the main runway at Port Macquarie Airport to cater for larger B737-800 and A320 series aircraft. Upgrades the passenger terminal and car park at Port Macquarie Airport. The first stage of two new general aviation business precincts at Kempsey and Taree Airports. Resurfacing of the runway at Kempsey Airport. The Taree Aviation Business Park is undergoing a $2.4 million upgrade, providing additional affordable lots available for business. [ Connected to

Pacific Highway Macleay Valley Major Centres ] Image courtesy of Roads and Maritime Service Above: Passengers board at Port Macquarie Airport Image courtesyMid North of Port Coast Macquarie Prospectus Hastings Council 25 Digitally Connected

The shift towards a digitally connected economy is revolutionising many industries on the Mid North Coast. The doors are being thrown open to new opportunities in national and international arenas and local businesses are realising the benefits.

Since the city of Coffs Harbour was announced as an NBN early release site back in July 2010, the National Broadband Network rollout across the region has been progressing at an accelerated pace. The Mid North Coast is now one of Australia’s most NBN connected regions.

66% of the population currently have a broadband connection. That number is steadily rising as more and more residents connect to active NBN services.

Never before has there been such widespread access to global business opportunities. Finding unprecedented connectivity, against the backdrop of one of Australia’s most diverse and beautiful regions, businesses on the Mid North Coast are enjoying the best of both worlds.

Service Available

Build Commenced

Build Preparation

26 Mid North Coast Prospectus Rollout Map at June 6, 2014, NBN Co [ Case Study ] The Mid North Coast Switched on Coffs

is now one of The city of Coffs Harbour has been named as one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2014, buoyed by an early NBN rollout.

Australia’s most Back in July 2010, Coffs Harbour was announced as a second release site for the NBN. The Council embarked on a proactive NBN-connected campaign, “Switched on Coffs,” to educate businesses and residents on the benefits of high speed broadband. The regions. strategy aimed to capitalise on the early rollout of the NBN to improve the prosperity and lifestyle of the local community.

Leading eLearning software company, Janison, launched the Switched On Coffs campaign at their Development Centre in Coffs Harbour. The company sees the NBN as representing a coming of age for many local businesses.

“The NBN gives businesses a competitive edge in the digital space. As innovators and technologists, we’re always looking to push the boundaries, but you need the right digital platform,” says Jacquie Houlden, Director of Janison. “We’re excited about what the future holds for Janison and for the Coffs Coast.”

Since then, the area from Coffs Harbour to Sawtell has been “switched on” to an active NBN fixed line connection. This has given businesses and residences a significant boost in terms of broadband speed and capacity.

Thanks to this NBN connection, many exciting initiatives have already been launched, including: Six Degrees of Coworking, the Coffs Coast Digital Hub and the Coffs Coast Digital Enterprise Program.

Now, from July 2014, parts of Coffs Harbour will be permanently switched over to the NBN for both phone and internet, as the copper network in those areas is officially retired.

Image courtesy of Coffs Harbour City Council Mid North Coast Prospectus 27 Lifestyle and Housing

With over 100km of turquoise coastline, rolling green hinterland and arguably Enjoy Australia’s best climate, the Mid North Coast the luxury is a haven for business owners and skilled professionals seeking that elusive work-life of living balance. within a few Our region has a wide variety of affordable housing options to meet everyone’s taste. Whether its a coastal minutes drive apartment, a family home or a hinterland retreat, enjoy the luxury of living within a few minutes drive of where you work. of where The region is a wilderness wonderland with around 20% you work. of the area classed as protected. Rivers, estuaries and beaches provide an abundance of choices for fishing, boating and water sports enthusiasts.

Some of Australia’s best surfing beaches are found here: Coffs Harbour currently hosts the Australian Surfing Festival; Port Macquarie is widely known as the body boarding capital of Australia; while Crescent Head, near Kempsey, is a National Surfing Reserve.

There’s also plenty on offer for those who crave country roads and wide open spaces. Our hinterland provides a rich tapestry of picture postcard scenery, charming townships and off road adventure.

The Mid North Coast is a foodies’ paradise, blessed with an abundance of award winning restaurants, cafés and food providores. There are many gourmet food festivals and farmers markets that showcase the region’s local produce throughout the year.

Cultural and sporting events are another regular feature. Our Aboriginal culture is one of our most celebrated cultural assets and each year, on Australia Day, the Saltwater Freshwater Festival showcases modern Aboriginal culture to the region in an open extension of friendship.

Other popular events include: Toyota IRONMAN Australia; the World Rally Championship; the International Buskers and Comedy Festival; the Bellingen Jazz Festival and the Wingham Akoostic Music Festival, to name a few. Whatever part of the region you live in, there’s always something to see and do.

28 Mid North Coast Prospectus Comparison: Median Weekly Rents (March 2014 Quarter)

House House Flats/Units Flats/Units 2 bedrooms ($) 3 bedrooms ($) 1 bedroom ($) 2 bedrooms ($) Kempsey 250 280 160 220 Greater Taree 250 290 160 220 Nambucca 250 300 185 205 Bellingen *** 330 *** * ** Port Macquarie -Hastings 300 370 200 260 Coffs Harbour 300 373 230 260 Gosford 338 410 250 320 Newcastle 350 410 273 360 Brisbane 390 420 315 400 Sydney Inner City 688 830 530 700

*** 2014 figures not available. Comparison: Median Sale Prices (December 2013)

Kempsey $268,000 Greater Taree $293,000 Nambucca $340,000 Bellingen $330,000 Coffs Harbour $360,000 Port Macquarie-Hastings $380,000 Newcastle $420,000 Gosford $465,000 Sydney Inner City $738,000

MidImage North courtesy Coast of Kempsey Prospectus Shire Council 29 Glossary of Terms

Quick Look Terms

Value Added Value Added equals the difference between gross revenue and the cost of intermediate inputs (local expenditure and regional imports). It is a measure of how productive each industry sector is at increasing the value of its inputs. The value added by industry is the major element in the calculation of Gross Regional Product. Revenue Revenue, or economic output, refers to the gross revenue generated by businesses and organisations; also referred to as total sales or income. Local Expenditure The value of intermediate goods and services purchased by a particular industry within a local region. Regional Exports Goods and services produced by industry sectors within a local region which are sold outside of the region. Jobs The total number of jobs, including: full time, part time and casual employment. Wages The value of entitlements earned by employees, including cash and in kind (e.g. motor vehicle) payments for services rendered, superannuation and workers compensation premiums.

Other Terms Used

Gross Regional Product Total value of final goods and services produced in a region over a period of a year. (GRP) GRP can be measured by adding up all incomes: earned by individuals (wages); firms (profits) and collected by Governments (taxes). Regional Imports The value of intermediate goods and services imported into a region by industry sectors. Registered Businesses A snapshot of actively trading businesses from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Business Counts) Business Register.

Research Sources

Mid North Coast (3) Land area, population and population growth: ABS 3218.0 Regional Population Growth: Estimated Resident Population by LGA in NSW. Visitors per annum: Tourism Research Australia, International & National Visitor Survey Year Ending Sept ’10 to Sept ’13 (4 year annual average). Population projection: NSW Planning & Infrastructure (2013) Preliminary Population Projections to 2031. No. of businesses: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 8165.0 (June 2012), Counts of Australian Businesses including Entries & Exits. Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Growth figures: based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. The Regional Economy (4-5) Business Confidence & diversity of economy: Regional Australia Institute, [In]Sight: Australia’s Regional Competitiveness Index. No. of businesses: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 8165.0 (June 2012), Counts of Australian Businesses including Entries & Exits. Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Growth figures: based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. Visitors per annum: Tourism Research Australia, International & National Visitor Survey Year Ending Sept ’10 to Sept ’13 (4 year annual average).

30 Mid North Coast Prospectus Workforce (6-7) Workforce data: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census 2011). Level of technical qualifications & lifelong learning: Regional Australia Institute, [In]Sight: Regional Competitiveness Index. Health and Aged Care (8-9) Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Growth in job numbers: based on 5 year average (2006 to 2011), all other growth figures are based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. Manufacturing (10-11) Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Retail (12) Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Growth figures: based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. Visitors per annum: Tourism Research Australia, International & National Visitor Survey Year Ending Sept ’10 to Sept ’13 (4 year annual average). Construction (13) Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Growth figures: based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. Education & Training (14-15) Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Population attending educational institutions: ABS Census 2011. Growth figures: based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. The Visitor Economy (16-17) Visitors per annum: Tourism Research Australia, International & National Visitor Survey Year Ending Sept ’10 to Sept ’13 (4 year annual average). Visitor spending: ABS 2012-13 Tourism Satellite Account. Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Airport data: Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Economics (BITRES), Airport Traffic Data 1985-86 to 2012-13. Lord Howe Island (18) Visitor numbers: Lord Howe Island Community Information Bulletin, June 2014. Financial and Insurance Services (19) Value added and imports: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Table). BCU deposits: BCU Annual Report 2012/13, accessed on 18/6/14, www.bcu.com.au HCCU deposits: 46th Annual Report 2013 Holiday Coast, accessed on 18/6/14, www.hccu.com.au CCU deposits: Coastline Credit Union Ltd Annual Report 2012/13, accessed on 18/6/14, www.coastline.com.au Top 100 by Revenue: Co-Operatives Australia, August 2012, 4th Australia’s Top 100 Co-Operatives, Credit Unions and Mutuals by Annual Turnover, www.australia.coop/ca/index.php/publications/top1002012 accessed on 18/6/14. Emerging Industries (20-21) Workforce and Economic measures: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census, Gross State Product and National Input-Output Tables). Growth figures: based on average annual growth between 2009/10 and 2012/13 financial years. Solar uptake: Green Energy Trading, April 2014, Postcode and income distribution of solar. Commercial Land (23) Based on NSW Planning & Infrastructure, 2006, Mid North Coast Regional Strategy. Transport Options (24-25) Airport data: Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Economics (BITRES), Airport Traffic Data 1985-86 to 2012-13. Digitally Connected (26-27) Level of broadband connection: REMPLAN v3 (using ABS Census 2011). Lifestyle and Housing (28-29) Median sale prices: NSW Department of Housing, 2014, Report 107: December 2013 Quarter Additional Sales Tables. Median Weekly Rents (NSW): NSW Department of Housing, 2014, Report 107: March 2014 Quarter Additional Rent Tables. Median Weekly Rents (Brisbane): QLD Residential Tenancies Authority, 2014, Median Rental Data for Brisbane City March 2014 Quarter.

The Mid North Coast is open for business and we want to hear from you.

For questions about setting up or growing your business on the Mid North Coast, there are some useful contacts listed below.

NSW Trade & Investment - Office of Regional Development Works with businesses and communities in regional NSW to help them grow and create local jobs. T: 02 6583 5647 | www.business.nsw.gov.au

For questions about business parks or industrial development sites contact one of our six local councils:

Coffs Harbour City Council T: 02 6648 4000 | E: [email protected] | www.chcc.nsw.gov.au

Bellingen Shire Council T: 02 6655 7300 | E: [email protected] | www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Nambucca Valley Shire Council T: 02 6568 2555 | E: [email protected] | www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au

Kempsey Shire Council T: 02 6566 3200 | E: [email protected] | www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au

Port Macquarie Hastings Council T: 02 6581 8111 | E: [email protected] | www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au

Greater Taree City Council T: 02 6592 5399 | E: [email protected] | www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast T: 02 5525 1500 | E: [email protected] | www.rdamnc.org.au

Want more ? You can find the latest statistics on the Mid North Coast economy and communities by visiting our website and exploring the interactive Regional Data Apps.

This Mid North Coast prospectus was prepared by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast.

To find out more visitwww.rdamnc.org.au MID NORTH COAST NSW

32 Mid North Coast Prospectus