Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy Volume 1.Pdf
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Gunnedah Shire Council PO Box 63 Gunnedah NSW 2380 Tel: (02) 6740 2100 web: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au The Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy was adopted by the Gunnedah Shire Council at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on 19 March 2014 (Resolution Number 13.03/14). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Jenny Rand and Associates for the Gunnedah Shire Council. The Council wishes to thank all those people, businesses and organisations who attended consultative forums, met with the consultants and provided information for this Economic Development Strategy for Gunnedah Shire Council. Disclaimer Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied, in this publication is made in good faith, but on the basis that Jenny Rand and Associates, Gunnedah Shire Council or its employees are not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever, which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to in the Economic Development Strategy and associated documents. Prepared by Jenny Rand & Associates and Suzanne Lollback Management Consultants 272 Prince Charles Parade Kurnell NSW 2231 Tel: (02) 9668 8474 Mob: 0411 782 700 Email: [email protected] Contents Section Page Part 1 – Introduction, Gunnedah Shire and Regional Overview 1 1. Introduction 2 2. Planning Context 4 3. Gunnedah Shire Overview 9 4. Northern Inland Region Overview 21 Part 2 – Social and Economic Profile 28 5. Social and Economic Profile 29 6. Population 31 7. Education and Qualifications 35 8. Labour force and Employment 44 9. Dwellings 57 10. Socio‐Economic Indices for Area (SEIFA) 63 11. Health Indicators 74 12. Businesses 75 Part 3 – Economic Activities 81 13. Economic Activities – Gunnedah Shire 82 14. Agriculture 87 15. Extractive Industries 106 16. Manufacturing 120 17. Construction 129 18. Tourism 133 19. Retail & Wholesaling 161 20. Health Care & Social Assistance 170 21. Education & Training 175 Part 4 – Land, Infrastructure and Services 177 22. Availability of Land 178 23. Transport Infrastructure 185 24. Utilities 194 25. Business Support Services 200 References 205 1 1. INTRODUCTION Gunnedah Shire, in the Northern Inland Region of NSW is a prosperous agricultural area with extensive coal and gas resources. Agriculture has traditionally been the primary economic driver, underpinning other sectors of the community. The strong global demand for coal and gas has resulted in the ‘ramping’ up of the coal and gas sectors, with the Gunnedah Basin1 (which incorporates Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah and Narrabri Shires), identified as the ‘new coal frontier’. Over the next decade there is likely to be further growth in the coal mining sector, with coal mining being a dominant industry within Gunnedah Shire and surrounding region The coal mining sector is competing with agriculture and other sectors for labour, resources and access to infrastructure. The Shire’s dependence on agriculture and mining exposes it to ‘boom and bust’ cycles in both sector, with the local economy intrinsically linked with performance of these sectors globally. Building a more diversified, sustainable and resilient economy is a priority for Gunnedah Shire Council. The preparation of an Economic Development Strategy is one of the actions being taken by Council as part of the foundation for stimulating and driving economic growth. 1.1 The Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy Purpose Defining Economic The Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy provides the Development framework and directions for economic development within Gunnedah Shire, with the focus being on actions that can be Economic development achieved over the next 5 years. In particular the Strategy addresses: is the process of improving the economic wellbeing of The current level of economic development within the Shire the community, through and the factors that have and are continuing to influence development. efforts focused on strengthening local The pressures and opportunities for Gunnedah businesses businesses, attracting arising from developments at both the Shire and regional level. investment and Opportunities for Gunnedah Shire to support, capitalise on and creating jobs. benefit from new and emerging industries. Opportunities for Gunnedah Shire to diversify and strengthen The aim of economic its economic base in a sustainable and balanced way. development is to develop Opportunities for Gunnedah Shire Council to promote the local community into Gunnedah Shire and attract new businesses. one where people wish to live, work, invest and enjoy. Projects within the Shire that Gunnedah Shire Council can focus on to stimulate growth. 1 Gunnedah Basin refers to the underlying geology of the area, with the Gunnedah Basin being a sedimentary basin that has extensive coal and coal seam gas resources. A map of the Gunnedah Basin in provided in Section 15.1. 2 Structure The Economic Development Strategy is presented in two volumes: Volume 1: Economic Profile Volume 2: Strategies and Actions Volume 1: Economic Profile provides an assessment of: Gunnedah Shire ‐ its role and position in the Northern Inland Region and its competitive advantages and disadvantages. Demographic and social characteristics of the Gunnedah Shire community. Economic indicators. Main economic sectors and activities within the Shire – agriculture, extractive industries, manufacturing, retailing, tourism, health and social services, education and training and public administration. Infrastructure and services available to support economic development – transport, utilities and business support services. The Economic Profile identifies a range of opportunities to grow and diversify the economic base of the Shire well as the challenges which need to be addressed to encourage and facilitate growth. The analysis provided in the Economic Profile provides the rationale for the directions, strategies and action provided in Volume 2. Volume 2: Strategies and Actions articulates the objectives and directions for economic development within Gunnedah Shire and provides the strategies and actions to achieve sustainable growth. The Economic Development Strategy is linked to other Plans and Strategies that have been adopted by Gunnedah Shire Council as part of its integrated planning approach. The Economic Development Strategy is the starting point for encouraging economic growth within Gunnedah Shire. It will however take time, resources and commitment to implement the strategies and actions incorporated in this Strategy. To be effective, the Strategy must be a living document that is constantly evolving. The recommended actions need to be implemented and the results evaluated. Periodically the Strategy will need to be revised, building on what has been achieved, so that Gunnedah Shire can continue to move forward. Planning Process In preparing the Economic Development Strategy input was sought from Government Agencies, industry associations, local businesses and service providers, as well as the broader community. The planning process included: Audit of the businesses within Gunnedah Shire. Survey of businesses. Community workshops in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Curlewis, Tambar Springs, Breeza and Kelvin. Workshop with representatives from the Gunnedah retail and commercial sectors. Planning Charette, attended by a range of business and community leaders. Interviews with stakeholders including a range of business operators, business and industry associations, Government Agencies and service providers. 3 2. PLANNING CONTEXT The Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy is being prepared within the framework set by the NSW State Government through NSW 2021 ‐ A Plan to Make NSW Number One and the resultant planning and development strategies that have been adopted for the Northern Inland Region, as well as with the directions and strategic objectives of the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan. 2.1 Regional Planning Framework New England – North West Regional Action Plan An integrated planning approach has been developed for the Region with this articulated through the New England ‐ North West Regional Action Plan (2012). This Plan recognises a number of existing regional plans and strategies including the RDA Australian Northern Inland Regional Plan, the NE‐NW Strategic Regional Landuse Plan and the Catchment Management Plans for the major river systems. The planning framework is summarised in Figure 2.1 with the priorities and key directions summarised in Table 2.1. Figure 2.1 Regional Planning Framework Source: NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet (2012) New England North West Regional Action Plan 4 Table 2.1 Summary of Priorities and Key Directions of the New England ‐ North West Regional Action Plan Priority Key Directions 1. Support sustainable To support economic growth in New England North West, the NSW Government economic growth will: Foster growth sectors such as value‐adding industries, agriculture, agribusiness and food processing, aviation and advanced technology Promote the region to attract new residents and businesses Continue to build a skilled local workforce Balance strong economic growth with sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of agricultural land. 2. Invest in regional and The NSW Government will increase investment in regional and local infrastructure local infrastructure. through: Provision of transport