Carpentaria Shire
Economic Development Strategy
Background Paper Version dated 09 September 2020
Graham Locke
Table of Contents 1. Background ...... 4 1.1 Purpose ...... 4 1.2 Defining economic development ...... 4 1.3 North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy ...... 4 2. . Methodology ...... 5 3. . Shire overview ...... 5 3.1 Transport services ...... 6 3.2 Accommodation ...... 7 3.3 Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic ...... 7 4. Related documents and key organisations ...... 7 4.1 Carpentaria Shire Council Corporate Plan and Operational Plan ...... 7 4.2 Draft Carpentaria Shire Council Tourism Plan 2019-2022 ...... 8 4.3 Service delivery in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities ...... 8 4.4 Gulf Regional Development Plan ...... 8 4.5 Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust ...... 9 4.6 Tourism Tropical North Queensland ...... 9 4.7 Savannah Way Limited ...... 10 4.8 Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy ...... 10 4.9 Gulf Savannah Development Remote Area Board ...... 10 4.9.1 Lower Gulf Marine and Riverine Economic Development ...... 11 4.10 Gulf Savannah Development Business Enterprise Centre ...... 12 4.11 Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation...... 12 4.11.1 CLCAC Economic Development Unit ...... 12 4.11.2 CLCAC Destination and Product Development Plan ...... 12 4.12 North West Queensland Economic Practitioners Forum ...... 13 4.13 North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils ...... 13 4.14 North West Queensland Regional Roads Group ...... 14 4.15 Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan ...... 14 5. Community Consultations ...... 14 5.1 Strengths ...... 15 5.2 Challenges ...... 15 5.3 Opportunities ...... 16
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5.4 Business survey ...... 18 5.5 Traditional owner engagement ...... 18 6. Statistical Analysis ...... 18 6.1 Regional Australia Institute [In] Sight ...... 18 Table 1: Carpentaria Shire InSight competitiveness rankings...... 19 6.2 Regional comparison ...... 19 Table 2: Comparison of local government areas in Australia with similar populations, remoteness and economic factors ...... 20 6.3 Demographic and Economic Profile ...... 20 6.3.1 Population ...... 20 Table 3 Estimated Resident Population, Carpentaria (S) and Queensland ...... 20 6.3.2 Age profile and population projection ...... 20 6.3.3 Median age ...... 21 Table 4 Median Age, Carpentaria (S) LGA and Queensland ...... 21 6.3.4 Employment ...... 21 6.3.5 Unemployment ...... 22 6.3.6 Apprentices / trainees ...... 23 6.3.7 Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage ...... 23 7. Key Industry Sectors ...... 23 7.1 Tourism ...... 23 7.2 Agriculture...... 24 7.2.1 Beef cattle ...... 24 7.2.2 Potential future irrigated agricultural development ...... 25 7.2.3 North West Agricultural Study and Implementation Plan ...... 25 7.3 Fishing Industry ...... 26 7.4 Small Business ...... 26 7.5 Digital disruption ...... 27 8. Economic Enablers ...... 27 8.1 Roads ...... 27 8.2 Port of Karumba ...... 28 8.3 Airports ...... 28 8.4 Passenger Transport ...... 28 8.5 Water ...... 28
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8.6 Energy ...... 29 8.7 Communications ...... 29 9. Liveability ...... 29 9.1 Housing ...... 30 9.2 Health, Childcare and aged care ...... 31 9.3 Education ...... 32 10. Enabling projects ...... 32 11. Consultation ...... 35 12. References ...... 36 Attachment 1: Responses from business survey ...... 39 Attachment 2: Employment by industry ...... 41 Attachment 3: Employment specialisation 2016 ...... 42
Disclaimer
All data and information in this report are believed to be accurate and have come from sources believed to be reliable. However the authors do not guarantee or represent that the data and the information are accurate, up to date or complete, and disclaims liability for all claims, losses, damages or costs of whatever nature and howsoever occuring, arising as a result of relying on the data and information, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (inclucing negligence), breach of statutory duty or otherwise.
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1. Background 1.1 Purpose This paper forms the first stage of a project being undertaken by Carpentaria Shire Council (council) and supported by the Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation (DSDTI), to develop a Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy and associated action plan for the Shire of Carpentaria.
The aim of the Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy (the strategy) is to support council and the community to grow the economy in a strategic and planned manner. The strategy identifies a vision, key opportunities, and short to medium term actions that have been developed in consultation with all levels of government, business, industry and the community.
1.2 Defining economic development The World Bank defines local economic development as “building up the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and non-governmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation”. An Economic Development Strategy can support local governments and their communities to manage their existing resources and work with others to create new jobs and stimulate economic activity. An Economic Development Strategy also assists communities to move from the current situation towards a preferred future position.
1.3 North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy The Queensland Government supported the establishment of the North West Minerals Province Taskforce in November 2015 to scope the issues and opportunities facing the resources sector in the region, and to provide advice on a way forward for the region’s future. A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province was developed to build on the work of the taskforce. The objective of the Blueprint is to facilitate a smooth economic and social transition for businesses and communities in light of expected lower mining output levels in the medium term, towards a stronger and more diversified economy over the longer term by building on existing economic and community strengths.
In 2019 DSDTI released the North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy (NWQEDS). The NWQEDS aligns with the government’s strategic plan to leverage the North West’s competitive advantages and identifies a range of opportunities across the resources, agriculture, tourism, business and industry sectors that have the potential to support long-term sustainable growth in North West Queensland.
Within the NWQEDS is a suite of initiatives and actions that will be implemented through to mid-2021. These are structured around three key themes: • enhanced investment environment • strong supply chains • sustainable communities. In November 2019 DSDTI released the NWQEDS Implementation Plan 2019-2021 (Implementation Plan). The Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy is one of the outcomes of the NWQEDS Implementation Plan. More information on the NWQEDS can be found at: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/regions/regional-priorities/strategic-blueprint-nwmp/nw-qld-
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economic-diversification-strategy.html. 2. . Methodology The Regional Institute of Australia promotes the Pathfinder Initiative as a collaborative approach to gain a shared understanding of the key drivers of change in a community and how this can shape future actions. The development of this background paper and the Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy is based on the Pathfinder approach by: • collaborating with local leaders to target local issues • identified local economic development strengths and challenges by reviewing the existing status of the region and using available data • detecting the highest priority areas that will support regional jobs growth • delivering with local leaders a plan of action so that the whole region knows what to do, when and how.
Data has been obtained from the: • Australian Bureau of Statistics • Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business • Carpentaria Shire Council • Department of Agriculture and Fisheries • Department of Employment, Small Business and Training • Meat and Livestock Association • Queensland Government Statistician’s Office • Regional Australia Institute.
Information in this background paper will be consolidated into a succinct public facing Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy. To maintain broader engagement, the community will have the opportunity to provide input into a draft strategy prior to presentation of the strategy to council for adoption. 3. Shire overview Carpentaria Shire is located on the Savannah Way in North West Queensland in the south-eastern region of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Carpentaria Shire shares boundaries with nine Local Government Areas to the north, south, east and west (Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Croydon Shire Council, McKinlay Shire Council, Cloncurry Shire Council and Burke Shire Council).
Carpentaria Shire is the traditional country of the Gkuthaarn, Kukatj and Kurtijar people. The shire covers an area of approximately 65,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 2,200 with the countryside ranging from vast inland plains to mangrove forests, deltas and saltpans along the coastal areas of the gulf.
Carpentaria Shire has a diverse industry base with agriculture, fishing, tourism and government administration providing most of the shire's income. Normanton is the region's government and administrative centre with much of the shire's commercial activity coming through Karumba which has an active port. There is a strong beef cattle industry across the shire and Karumba has a substantial fishing industry primarily around prawns, barramundi, spanish mackerel, salmon and mud crabs. The
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region offers good infrastructure and facilities with sealed access roads, serviced airports, developed freight routes, primary and secondary schools, medical services, recreational and sporting facilities.
The Gulf of Carpentaria is a large body of water, enclosed on three sides by northern Australia and bounded on the north by the eastern Arafura Sea. Most of the streamflow and rivers in the gulf and north west regions flow north and north-west into the Gulf of Carpentaria and are highly variable tropical systems operating on a short, sharp ‘wet’ and long ‘dry’ cycle. While the watercourses are susceptible to major flooding in the wet season, very few rivers continue to flow in the dry season. Wild rivers catchments within the gulf and north west regions (partial or complete) are the Gregory, Mornington Inlet, Settlement and Staaten catchments. Under the Wild Rivers Act 2005, new large-scale development projects such as in-stream dams and weirs, surface mining and intensive agriculture are subject to regulatory processes. However, other low-impact activities such as small-scale commercial fishing, ecotourism and sustainable industries can progress with minimal regulatory approval processes.
The population of the shire has declined over the past 10 years. There are difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled and unskilled workers and residents. There are also difficulties in providing housing and creating alternative employment opportunities for young people who, as a result, often migrate to larger regional centres. These workers are increasingly hard to attract, due to the remoteness of the region and competition with other sectors including mining. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Remoteness Area indicator all the population of Carpentaria Shire are considered to live in very remote Australia.
Below is a map of Carpentaria local government area indicating the surrounding local governments and major roads and the location of the Shire in Queensland.
3.1 Transport services Apart from self-drive, there are several alternatives to access Carpentaria Shire: • TransNorth Bus Services travels from Cairns to Karumba (via Normanton) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Karumba to Cairns (via Normanton) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and
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Saturdays • Regional Express Airlines have a service Monday to Friday from Cairns to and from Normanton and Tuesdays and Thursdays to and from Karumba. Once in the region, there are multiple tour operators, such as Fun over 50’s, Expanding Horizon and Outback Aussie Tours who organise multiday itineraries which include Normanton and Karumba. A private hire car and taxi service operates in Normanton and services Karumba.
3.2 Accommodation There is a range of accommodation for visitors in Normanton and Karumba. Accommodation ranges from motels to caravan parks (powered and unpowered site as well as cabins) and five free camping spots near Normanton. Accommodation is frequently booked out from April through to September / October. 3.3 Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic COVID 19 had a substantial negative impact on economic activity in the Shire in 2020. The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, which includes Carpentaria Shire, have undertaken and economic analysis utilizing the program .id and have estimated the following impacts on this Shire:
• reduction in Gross Regional Product by 8.1 percent • reduction in local jobs of 4.9 percent (10.9 percent including Job Keeper recipients) • reduction in employed resident of 5.5 percent (12.4 percent including Job Keeper recipients.
The top three sectors impacted are:
• Accommodation and food services (-23 local jobs) • Education and training (-12 local jobs) • Administrative and support services (-8 local jobs).
The major impact on the Shire was due to the lock down over their peak tourism season. When Queenslanders were able to travel in early July 2020.
4. Related documents and key organisations This paper has been informed by several existing plans and reports as reference below
4.1 Carpentaria Shire Council Corporate Plan and Operational Plan The Corporate Plan is the key strategic business plan for council. It is a medium-term organisational directions document that describes the council’s priorities and informs the community of council’s intent. It provides a focused framework for council to plan and undertake its business and service delivery for a period of five years and beyond, having regard to various issues which may have been identified during the planning process.
The Carpentaria Shire Council Annual Operational Plan sets out the shire’s goals for the next 12 months. Further information can be found at http://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/corporate-plan.
The Carpentaria Shire Council Operational Plan 2019-2020 has the following strategic actions for the Corporate Outcome – 6.1 A strong and diverse economy:
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• In partnership promote the region by supporting the growth of new and existing businesses • Ensure planning and infrastructure supports future economic growth • Promote and develop Carpentaria Shire as a unique destination and to manage tourism in a sustainable way. The Carpentaria Shire Council Operational Plan can be found at: http://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/annual-operational-plan
4.2 Carpentaria Shire Council Tourism Plan 2019-2022 Council has prepared a Tourism Plan that was endorsed by council on 17th June 2020. The plan outlines: • the strategic direction for tourism • target market segments • tourism infrastructure priorities • action plan and delivery partners.
4.3 Service delivery in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities In 2017 the Service delivery in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities report was released. The Queensland Productivity Commission undertook an inquiry into how resources devoted to service delivery in Queensland’s remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities can be best used to meet the needs of those communities. The Consultation Summary Service Delivery Final Report is available from: https://qpc.blob.core.windows.net/wordpress/2018/06/Consultation-Summary-Service-Delivery-Final- Report.pdf
The final report sets out a reform proposal to enable the Queensland Government and communities to achieve real, long lasting and sustainable change. It includes a substantial and ambitious package of reforms – structural, service delivery and economic – to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples to develop ways to improve outcomes for themselves.
Recommendation 7,8 and 9 of the final report are specific to economic and community development. The development of an EDS for Carpentaria Shire supports these recommendations by identifying and supporting the progression of projects that have been identified by the community to stimulate growth and facilitate job creation and develop employment markets.
4.4 Gulf Regional Development Plan The Gulf Regional Development Plan was prepared by the Gulf Regional Planning Advisory Committee and released in November 2000. This plan sets out a regional policy framework for the Gulf Regional Planning Advisory Committee for future management and development in the Gulf of Carpentaria region. The Southern Gulf of Carpentaria region (Gulf Region) includes the local governments of Burke, Mornington, Doomadgee, Carpentaria, Croydon, Ethridge and Kowanyama. The plan is a joint government and community initiative to develop a comprehensive Regional Plan to encourage and guide sustainable growth and development of the Gulf Region over the next 20 years. The plan includes strategies for: • Environment and Natural Resources • Economic Development
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• Education and Training • Community Services • Community development and Planning • Infrastructure • Integrated transport
The opportunities identified in the comm
4.5 Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust (ADBT) was established under the Gulf Communities Agreement negotiated between Century Mine, Queensland Government and Gulf Native Title Groups. The trust was established to administer negotiated funds from the Century Mines which were primarily for business development and Indigenous ownership or investment in business.
ADBT is foundationally an Indigenous Economic Development organisation offering a range of products including: • small business finance and support • encouraging potential investment in the Gulf • community economic development community infrastructure.
ADBT’s interests in the Shire include investment in Normanton Traders. Normanton Traders is owned through a partnership between ADBT and Bynoe. Normanton Traders is a news agency and Gold Lotto Agency, and sells fuel and gas and wide range of groceries.
ADBT has developed an Economic Development Program. The program aims to increase each community’s economic growth by creating and sustaining local jobs by focusing on private sector development and strengthening local business support services. The program takes a holistic approach to achieve the following goals: • reduce revenue leakage from the community • increase access to outside markets through partnerships • increase participation in small and medium sized business • facilitate access to finance and investment, including ADBT Small Business Finance • provide high levels of business support and mentoring • align strategies and resources of key stakeholder • develop local leaders to ensure sustainability.
ADBT also support the Indigenous Sports Development Program which includes supporting regional events. Further information on ADBT can be found at: https://www.adbt.com.au/
4.6 Tourism Tropical North Queensland Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is the Regional Tourism Organisation for Carpentaria Shire Council. TTNQ supports six precincts one of these precincts is Cape York, Gulf Savannah and Outback area (this includes the Carpentaria Shire). In 2018, TTNQ completed the Tropical North Queensland Destination Tourism Plan which includes the target of growing visitor expenditure to $3.5 billion to the Tropical North Queensland economy by 2020 through targeted marketing, increased exposure and
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tailored products, and activities. While there are no actions identified that are specific to this Shire, the Shire should benefit from the broad activities. Further information can be found at: https://cdn2- teq.queensland.com/~/media/0a155e2bd3124b52b11e930c27193765.ashx?vs=1&d=20181102T094647 . 4.7 Savannah Way Limited The local tourism organisation is Savannah Way Limited which is a non-profit organisation promoting the Savannah Way drive route. The Savannah Way is Australia’s adventure drive, linking Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the historic pearling town of Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley, via the natural wonders of Australia’s tropical savannahs and the Northern Territory’s top end.
Savannah Way Limited works to assist small businesses and communities along the route through sustainable tourism and network support including tourism promotion, road signage, brochure and merchandise distribution, agent and media contact. Savannah Way Limited also links stakeholders with the market (and each other), as well as assisting regional development through research, projects, training and consultation.
The promotion of the drive route is undertaken in co-ordination with partners and members, including:
• tourism and service businesses • state, regional and local tourism organisations • local, state and territory government agencies • community, environment and development organisations.
4.8 Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy The Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy 2018-20 keeps alive the aspirations of many stakeholders to build tourism in the region. This strategy is maintained by Savannah Way Limited and contains actions around: • tourism marketing • infrastructure • events • partnerships • experience development • training • specific sites • research. While there are no specific actions for this shire, the regional initiatives will a have positive effect for tourism in Carpentaria Shire.
Further information on the Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy can be found at: https://www.savannahway.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2018-20-Gulf-Savannah-Tourism- Strategy.pdf
4.9 Gulf Savannah Development Remote Area Board Gulf Savannah Development Board (GSD) is the Remote Area Board (RAB) for Carpentaria Shire and is a membership-based organisation working in collaboration with Burke, Carpentaria, Croydon, Doomadgee and Etheridge Councils. GSD is the peak regional economic development body for the Lower Gulf region. GSD undertakes a significant number of regional projects and actions on behalf of its member councils.
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RABs are recognised as playing a strong enabling role in delivering economic projects and collaborating on strategic priorities in remote areas with limited resources. DSDTI provides funding to RABs to support regional economic development projects and employment opportunities. DSDTI has funded and is currently funding GSD to deliver several projects. Projects that DSDTI have contributed funding to since 2016 and are of relevance to Carpentaria Shire are: • Lower Gulf Marine & Riverine Infrastructure and Economic Development Project (2016-18) • Enhancing Digital Resilience and Digital Capability in the Gulf and Digital Tourism (2016-18) • Gulf Savannah Farm-Station Stay Manual (2018-21) • Gulf Savannah Regional Branding Strategy (2018-21)
DSDTI is continuing to work with GSD on future projects that may be funded under the RAB program.
4.9.1 Lower Gulf Marine and Riverine Economic Development Funded by DSDTI through the RAB program, the Lower Gulf Marine & Riverine Economic Development project was undertaken by GSD in 2018. The project reviewed a range if economic development opportunities that had not previously been subjected to economic analysis or feasibility studies. The report also included a review of the purpose of GSD and the development of new economic development strategy for GSD that would provide a strong framework for guiding future activities.
Figure 1 depicts the new Gulf Savannah Regional Economic Development Strategy and the key projects.
Figure 1 Gulf Savannah Regional Economic Development Strategy
Source: Gulf Savannah Development Lower Gulf Marine & Riverine Economic Development March 2019
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4.10 Gulf Savannah Development Business Enterprise Centre The Gulf Savannah Development (GSD) Business Enterprise Centre includes the Shire Councils of Burke, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Etheridge and Mornington Island, and industry partners MMG Century and Ports North. Some of their shared goals are growing a sustainable economy, attain a higher level of social capital, and embrace and respect diversity. GSD’s current focus is on developing a strategic plan for the region, supporting and growing tourism and providing specific services to Gulf Savannah residents and businesses.
Further information on GSD Business Enterprise Centre can be found at: https://www.business.gov.au/Expertise-and-Advice/gulf-savannah-development.
4.11 Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation The Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) is the largest and most eminent corporate entity representing the rights and interests of Traditional Owners in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. There are nine Aboriginal language groups whose traditional lands and waters are in the Gulf and form CLCAC.
CLCAC has a Business and Economic Development Program that builds on current initiatives to drive new business and economic development opportunities in the region. CLCAC also has a Land and Sea Program that undertakes management activities that enhance the projection and management of natural resources for the long-term benefits of Traditional Owners and communities. CLCAC is also a Native Title Service Body.
4.11.1 CLCAC Economic Development Unit The priorities of the Economic Development Unit are: • Identifying and facilitating delivery of key business and economic development projects and initiatives • Providing business, commercial and strategic planning support to the Prescribed Corporate Bodies • Advocating on behalf of Traditional Owners and communities of the Southern Gulf for projects and initiative that develop the region’s economic sustainability.
4.11.2 CLCAC Destination and Product Development Plan The CLCAC Destination and Product Development Plan aims to grow a sustainable Indigenous tourism economy. The potential growth markets for the region were identified as: • Business travel • Nature based experience • Water based experience (boating and fishing)
The catalyst project identified for further development was:
• Delta Downs Cattle Station – Southern Gulf of Carpentaria Promotes the experience of a wholly Aboriginal owned and run cattle station with possible inclusion featuring camping or four-star safari style accommodation, wildlife management tours, remote coast experience, bird watching/fishing and wildlife experiences.
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4.12 North West Queensland Economic Practitioners Group - Forum On Wednesday 20 November 2019 DSDTI held the first of a series of North West Queensland Economic Practitioners Group Forums. The purpose of the group is to build the capacity of economic development practitioners and provide a forum to share information and support project development and delivery. Attendees included representatives from the local governments of Flinders, McKinlay, Cloncurry, Carpentaria and Burke, the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Partnerships (DATSIP) and the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ).
The priorities identified by this group were: • building local strategies for regional resilience and sustainable development • strengthening identity, learning, and consensus • developing leadership, skills and strategy • creating links, relationships and mutuality • making institutions adaptable and accessible • caring for health and wellbeing • innovating and enterprising • orienting and engaging local to global.
The North West Economic Practitioners Group will meet bi-monthly and two Economic Development Forums will be held each year in region with the next meeting scheduled for September 15 2020.
4.13 North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) is a voluntary regional organisation of councils representing North West Queensland. The NQWROC 2018-2021 Strategic Plan has identified six regional priorities to make North West Queensland a region attractive for people and businesses to live, work and invest in with the same levels of service as is experienced in more populated areas.
The six strategic priorities are: • effective political and stakeholder engagement including effective working relationships with native title and Traditional Owners & regional industry representative bodies • supporting regional and economic development of the state’s north west through building relationships with Gulf Savanah Development and working with industry representative bodies to support the region’s agricultural and beef industries; road and transport infrastructure; bio-security responsibilities (weed and pest animal management); Regional Tourism Organisations; the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and Traditional Owners • developing regional infrastructure, transport networks and workforce capability • protecting the region’s environment, natural assets and adapting to climate change • provision of equitable health, medical and educational services • affordable access to telecommunications and broadband service.
Further information on the NWQROC can be found at https://www.nwqroc.com.au.
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4.14 North West Queensland Regional Roads Group Council is a member of the North West Queensland Regional Roads and Transport Group (RRTG). The RRTG is established under the Roads and Transport Alliance, a cooperative governance arrangement between the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and local governments. The RRTG is responsible for managing Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) expenditure.
The objectives of the Road and Transport Alliance are to: • •maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of joint investments •achieve maximum efficiencies through collaboration and innovation in network planning, program development and delivery •improve technical skills through training, technology and knowledge transfer •optimise safety •maximise the investment on Queensland’s road and transport network.
4.15 Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan The Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland Committee initiated the concept of an inland roads project based on consultations with local governments and the success of DTMR’s Bruce Highway Action Plan in securing nearly $9 billion in funding commitments over 10 years.
The Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan (IQ-RAP) was developed through a collaborative partnership of 49 organisations across regional Queensland. The purpose of the plan is to achieve more strategic, long term planning and funding for inland roads to form a stronger network, better safety outcomes, more efficient supply chains, greater resilience to cope with weather events and to sustain regional communities and industries.
Further information can be found at http://www.rdanwq.org.au/iq-rap.
5. Community Consultations To ensure this strategy accurately reflects the needs and priorities of the region, consultation was undertaken to explore the current economic climate, future priorities and key issues. To engage a broad cross-section of stakeholders from across the Shire of Carpentaria and to ensure their views are considered in development of the strategy, the consultations included: • workshop in Normanton on 26 September 2019 with 12 attendees • workshop in Karumba on 27 September 2019 with 40 attendees • business survey with 36 responses • one on one consultations as required. Council promoted the workshops through a public notice in Normanton and Karumba, in additional to promoting through Facebook, Councils email network, newsletter and website.
As a result of consultation and research, below is a considered list of strengths, challenges and opportunities.
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5.1 Strengths Location The unique geographic (remoteness) and heritage location, ‘It’s Vibe’ including access to the gulf An area that is rich with opportunity Inclusive history of region The attributes of the Gulf of Carpentaria are unique Natural environment Abundant natural resources including fishing and bird watching Resources in the ground Natural beauty – environment, wetlands, the gulf, vastness and quietness Employment Availability of education through and state schools Opportunities to be a jack of all trades, diversified experiences
Agriculture Established cattle breeding Clean environment for agriculture Existing fishing & prawning industry Tourism Unique destination for sustainable adventure tourism Existence of Indigenous culture and art Genuine wild caught fish locally Fishing / hunting (including Indigenous hunting) Tourist attractions including the Gulflander train (travels on the heritage listed Normanton to Croydon line), Morning Glory (rare meteorological phenomenon of cloud formation), clear skies for astronomy activities, Les Wilson Barramundi Centre & Hatchery / barramundi farming, bird watching, photography, museum and other activities promoting local history Attractive destination for caravans including grey nomads Existing events – rodeo, Normanton & Karumba fishing classics, Barra & Blues Festival Small business and Job opportunities industry Jobs created through mining Transport Airports located at Normanton and Karumba Connectivity – flights and bus passenger transport Sealed major road networks from Cairns and Cloncurry Operating port at Karumba Government Government services – health clinic / hospital, police, safety, school, education, infrastructure Carpentaria Shire Council services
Community and facilities Welcoming, caring, safe, proud, diverse and supportive community Good tidy & clean community facilities Positive relationships between Traditional Owners & community Strong Indigenous culture with local ranger cultural knowledge 5.2 Challenges Location Cost of living Remoteness – health, education, transport costs Population Retaining people in the shire including young people after high school and higher education Encouraging community to come to events or be involved in volunteering Employment Lack of experienced and qualified workforce including trades assistants Businesses unable to offer long term employment / work due to seasonal nature of employment Lack of staffing pool – candidates Lack of job / employment opportunities Limited local training opportunities due to needing to go away for training e.g. TAFE
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Government Costs to purchase land from the state and lack of available land Energy reliability Channel dredging reliant on New Century Resources operating Maintaining road networks Accessing funding for infrastructure Business and industry Lack of financial institutions and general banking facilities (only a Westpac agency in Normanton) Seasonal nature of business especially tourism Limited suitable accommodation for new businesses Limited choice and variety of products / services Too many regulations Tourism Tourism numbers dwindling Recognition that tourism as a valuable contributor to the economy Limited access to Indigenous experiences, shore birds and cultural attractions Transport and freight Road access – narrow bitumen road sections into the shire Freight and transport costs Reduction of transport services Access to flights, costs and availability – no weekend flights No way of getting products in and out during floods (only emergency supplies) Maintaining accurate and current information on road access due to flooding and other events Water Ability to access water for beautification Energy Electricity costs Telecommunications Limited and unreliable mobile / data coverage (impacts on business operations) Housing Lack of public housing Availability of long term and short-term accommodation Housing affordability (high costs and ability to secure finance) Community and facilities The townships of Normanton and Karumba working together Communication within the community such as local paper / newsletters Availability of volunteers Lack of activities including activities for the youth Education Senior secondary education only to year 9 and cost to send children to boarding school to access years 10 to 12 education Lack of localised training opportunities when underutilised TAFE building exists Lack of qualified staff to train/educate Health and aged care Lack of services – fly in and fly out doctor only Natural Environment Impact of wet / dry seasons and high temperatures Low fish stock in natural environment 5.3 Opportunities Natural environment Pristine natural environment Build on the uniqueness of the Gulf of Carpentaria
Agriculture/fishing Availability of water for agriculture Diversification of cropping Agricultural tourism Increase the awareness of ‘wild caught’ product Expanded port operations as there is no reef impact Reinvigorate live export (holding yards Normanton) Establish as local agricultural training centre
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Develop an artificial reef for fishing Improve collaboration across the fishing industry
Tourism Expand Indigenous tourism - Aboriginal Culture Centre / walking tracks / bush tucker Establish a river board walk Develop adventure tourism products Further develop eco-tourism products to promote the region natural beauty (such as bird and croc watching, wetlands tours, agritourism tours, star gazing tours Actively promote tourism activities to extent the season (wet season bird watching) Local and Gulf Heritage Tours Develop an interpretive centre Develop a monsoon centre to tell the story of the gulf weather patterns Sporting tourism i.e. triathlon heat challenges Heritage Promoting the history and heritage of the community & buildings Develop / maintain heritage listed sites – e.g. Normanton Cemetery, Normanton Gaol, Burns Phillip Building Better promotion of Normanton to Croydon railway Line (Gulflander, Normanton Railway Terminus) Tourism Promoting Aboriginal culture and heritage Localised booking system Marketing to extend tourism season and tourist numbers – ‘Selling the ‘Wet’ Direct marketing Improved signage New and expanded product (eco accommodation / farm stays, educational tourism including tours / camps / excursions) Educating on fishing regulations and bag limits Business and industry Micro business development and diversification including home based / online businesses Improved connectivity and opportunities for businesses Access and utilisation of technology / innovation Stronger representation organisation for small business Support to attract itinerant workers Improved regional representation and collaboration with other shires Improved access to small business support services Transport and freight Increased connectivity by air and road
Education Increases schooling to Year 12 Skills and training provided locally Access to tertiary education locally Establish training facilities (Delta Downs Academy) Better utilisation of TAFE complex Health and aged care Offer of eHealth
Community and Growing the population facilities After school care Release of land for development More housing More community activities for all aged groups Community group activity (Men’s Shed & She Shed) Community newspaper / Newsletter More boat ramps
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Better utilisation of facilities Quality of life 5.4 Business survey In October/November 2019, Council in partnership DSDTI undertook a short survey of businesses in the Carpentaria Shire. The purpose of the survey was to seek information about the level of trade and the challenges businesses faced. Attachment 1 provides an overview of the survey results. While there were 36 responses received these included government departments and not for profit organisations. Summary results included: • the highest number of businesses reported they provided accommodation and food services (26 per cent), followed by general retail services (18 per cent), agricultural services (15 per cent) and business services (15 per cent) • thirty-eight per cent of businesses reported they had three to five employees with 38 per cent having one to two employees • thirty-two per cent of businesses reported their turnover had increased in the previous 12 months • twenty-nine per cent of businesses reported using online services to sell products and services • the impact of natural disasters was listed as the greatest challenge for businesses, with freight costs, timeliness and locals not buying locally the next most discussed impacts • encouraging growth in tourism and requiring rain were the two most common themes for growing the local economy. Other popular ideas were attracting new industries, growing agriculture and tax / rates support.
5.5 Traditional owner engagement The Carpentaria Shire Council, in conjunction with appropriate government agencies, has engaged with the Traditional Owner groups in the region to discuss future economic development opportunities. Council will continue to undertake consultations with the Traditional Owners as the Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy is progressed. 6. Statistical Analysis A range of data sources were accessed to provide an understanding of the characteristics of the regional economy. This data forms an evidence base for the key actions of the Carpentaria Economic Development Strategy.
6.1 Regional Australia Institute [In] Sight The Regional Australia Institute Ltd (RAI) is a public company limited by guarantee and is an approved research institute. The RAI has developed a data analysis tool called InSight. InSight is an online interactive map of Regional Competitiveness. It uses 71 indicators across 10 themes to give a snapshot of the competitive position of regions. This helps reveal strengths and weaknesses so that each region can formulate targeted policy responses. Using InSight, Carpentaria Shire was nationally ranked against 540 local government regional competitiveness profiles across the ten themes. The results are provided in Table 1. Competitiveness is ranked from one being the highest 10% rank of competitiveness of all LGAs
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within Australia, to 10 being the lowest 10% rank of competitiveness of all LGAs. InSight currently uses 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census data. Carpentaria Shire was ranked within the lowest 10% rank on several themes identified within the table. Further information on the InSight data is available at: http://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/home/insight-second-edition/.
Table 1: Carpentaria Shire InSight competitiveness rankings
Measure Rank
Technological readiness 10 - Access and utilisation of new technologies Infrastructure & Essential Services 9 - Access to infrastructure, transport and services Labour Market Efficiency 10 - Use of the potential regional workforce by the economy Business Sophistication 8 - Capacity of business to respond to competitive pressures Demography 10 - The characteristics of the local population Economic Fundamentals 3 - The general economic climate of a region Natural Resources 1 - Availability and use of natural resources Human Capital 10 - The capabilities and skills of workforce of a region Institutional Foundations 9 - Administrative support for regional development Innovation 10 - Innovative capacity and outputs through R&D and business dynamism
Source: Regional Australia Institute 2016, [In]Sight for competitive regions: Economic fundamentals, Regional Australia Institute, Canberra.
The above data is useful to identify areas where economic development policy responses can be targeted. Supplementary data was used to further cross-check this information. As such, the pattern of rankings across the 10 identified themes was examined across LGAs with similar demographic and socio- economic characteristics. The pattern of rankings across these LGAs was found to be broadly like the Carpentaria Shire.
6.2 Regional comparison Using Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census data, Table 2 compares several regional and remote Local Government Areas (LGA) with similar populations, remoteness and economic factors to Carpentaria Shire. The Western Australian shire of Wagin has very similar population, locational and economic factors. However, only around 2.2 per cent of Wagin Shires population is Indigenous compared with 41.3% of the population of Carpentaria Shire identifying as Indigenous. The Census data also indicates that the Indigenous population in Carpentaria had an unemployment rate of 19.4%, while the non-Indigenous population had an unemployment rate of 3.3%. The relatively high unemployment
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rate in Carpentaria is therefore mainly due to the higher Indigenous population in this region.
Typically, average wages are lower in the agriculture industry relative to other industries. Hence, agriculture-intensive regions such as Carpentaria are likely to have lower median household incomes.
Table 2: Comparison of local government areas in Australia with similar populations, remoteness and economic factors
Local State Population Median Median Median total No. Unemployme Indigenous government age total household unemployed nt rate population (years) personal income per income week per week Carpentaria QLD 1,958 37.5 $677 $1,347 77 8.7% 41.3% Flinders QLD 1,536 44 $600 $1,109 28 3.4% 6.4% Blackall- QLD 1,903 47 $548 $978 34 3.5% 5.6% Tambo Wagin WA 1,852 49 $539 $970 51 6.4% 17% Coober SA 1,762 46 $497 $844 70 9.9% 17.1% Pedy Central NSW 1,833 39 $460 $901 71 11.2% 39.5% Darling Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016, Census Quick Stats, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra.
6.3 Demographic and Economic Profile 6.3.1 Population The latest ABS population by region data indicates Carpentaria Shire’s population is 1,974 people (as at 30 June 2018), a decline of 172 residents or 1.7 per cent in the five years to 2018 (see Table 3). During this time, Queensland’s population has increased by one and a half per cent. The decline in the Shire’s population can in part be attributed to prolonged drought and increased demand in the mining sector for workers. Table 3 Estimated Resident Population, Carpentaria (S) and Queensland LGA / State As at 30 June Average annual growth rate 2008 2013 2018p 2008 – 2018p 2013 -2018p -number- - % - Carpentaria 2,124 2,146 1,974 -0.7 -1.7 Queensland 4,219,505 4,652,824 5,011,216 1.7 1.5 Source: ABS 3218.0, Regional Population Growth, Australia, various editions
6.3.2 Age profile and population projection ABS regional population by age and gender data released in 2018 indicates the age profile of Carpentaria is slightly older than that of Queensland with a median age of 37.5 years compared with 37.3 years for Queensland (see Table 4). However, around 12.6 per cent of Carpentaria’s population is aged over 65 years, which is below the 15.4 percent of Queensland’s over 65 years population.
The Queensland government population projections indicate that the population will decline by 2.8% between 2016 and 2041 compared to the projected population increase of 1.6% over the same period for Queensland. However, there will be a proportionate increase in demand for aged services within
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Carpentaria Shire over this period as the population ages.
The LGA level population projections should be used with caution, as the total population levels are relatively small, making it extremely difficult to make projections with any degree of certainty. This population includes Indigenous peoples and seasonal workers.
6.3.3 Median age The median age of the Carpentaria Shire compared to Queensland is represented in table 4. The median age is the age at which half the population is older, and half is younger. These median age estimates have been calculated by the ABS and Queensland Treasury using single year of age estimated resident population data. Data is updated annually with a release approximately 12 months after the reporting period. The next planned update is in September 2020.
Table 4 Median Age, Carpentaria (S) LGA and Queensland LGA / State As at 30 June 2018 Change 2008 2013 2018p 2008 – 2018p -years- - years - Carpentaria 35.0 36.9 37.5 2.5 (S) Queensland 36.2 36.7 37.3 1.1 Source: ABS 3235.0, Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia unpublished data and Queensland Treasury estimates
6.3.4 Employment The ABS record regional employment across 19 sectors. ABS 2016 Census data shows that the total number of employed in Carpentaria is 756 persons with Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries having the highest number of workers (149) or 19.71 per cent of the workforce (see Attachment 4). The smallest sectors are Mining, Manufacturing, Information Media and Telecommunications, Financial and Insurance Services, Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and Arts and Recreation Services which have only a few reported employees.
Between 2011 and 2016, there was a decline in employment across 10 of the 19 sectors with the other nine showing an increase. By comparison, the Lower Gulf SA4 region had a decline in 12 of the 19 sectors. The number of respondents who did not state or adequately describe their sector of employment may have had an impact on the accuracy of these results.
The employment specialisation ratio reflects the relative importance of an industry in a region compared to a reference region (which is in this case Queensland). Ratios greater than one indicate a greater percentage of people employed in an industry relative to Queensland. Conversely, ratios less than one indicate a lower percentage of people employed within an industry relative to Queensland. The larger the ratio, the more important an industry is to the region.
For Carpentaria Shire, there are several areas of specialisation. The largest is Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing with a ratio of 6.6. This means that the proportion of total employment in Carpentaria that this sector comprises (predominantly in agriculture) is nearly 7 times higher relative to Queensland. Within this industry the Beef Cattle Farming, Fishing (not further defined) and Fish and Seafood Wholesaling sectors all have specialisation ratios indicating that they are important to the Carpentaria Shire economy.
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Other industries with specialisation ratios greater than one include: o Electricity. Gas, Water Services; o Accommodation and Food Services; o Transport, Postal and Warehousing (mainly transport); o Administrative and Support Service; o Public Administration and Safety (this reflects Council’s role in service provision); and o Education and Training.
Both Carpentaria Shire and the Lower Gulf region lost 50 and 100 jobs respectively within the mining sector between 2011 and 2016 (due to mine closures within the region). However, recommissioning of Queensland Century Mine operations by New Century Resources during August 2018 means there would be gains to mining sector employment that would not be reflected in the Census data.
It is also important to note that within the Lower Gulf region, 91 respondents did not adequately describe or did not state what industry they were employed in. This makes it difficult to accurately interpret the information obtained. Attachment 2 provides a table of employment by industry and Attachment 3 indicates the percentage change in employment by industry between 2011 and 2016.
Whilst tourism is not recognised as a separate sector in 2016 ABS data, it can be estimated through combining parts of a range of sectors. A reasonable estimate of the makeup of tourism would include all of Accommodation and Food Services, three quarters of Arts and Recreation Services and a quarter of each of the Transport, Postal and Warehousing and Retail Trade sectors. Using this methodology, employment in Tourism in Carpentaria Shire equates to 80 employees which is behind Public Administration and Health Care and Social Assistance but is just ahead of Education and Training. Its employment specialisation ratio is 1.04, indicating it is a slightly more important sector for Carpentaria than for all of Queensland.
Community Development Employment Program Carpentaria Shire is eligible for the Community Development Program (CDP) which is the Australian Government’s remote employment and community development service. CDP supports job seekers in remote Australia to build skills, address barriers and contribute to their communities through a range of flexible activities. It is designed around the unique social and labour market conditions in remote Australia and is part of the Australian Government’s agenda for increasing employment and breaking the cycle of welfare dependency. CDP participants with activity requirements are expected to complete up to 20 hours per week of work-like activities that benefit their community. CDP offers a broad range of flexible activities to increase participants’ skills and contribute to their community. In Carpentaria Shire, the CDP is delivery by Bynoe which has a permanent presence in Normanton and provides monthly outreach servicing to Karumba.
6.3.5 Unemployment The unemployment rate in Carpentaria Shire as at the 2016 Census was 8.7 per cent, which was higher than Queensland’s 7.6% unemployment rate. Unemployment rates for the communities within the Lower Gulf saw Burke, Doomadgee, Croydon and Etheridge having an unemployment rate of 8.6%, 19.7%, 8.7% and 5.1% respectively at the same period. All were above the overall Queensland unemployment rate except for Etheridge. As Carpentaria Shire experiences small numbers of unemployed (under 80 people), any noteworthy change to this number can have a significant impact on
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the unemployment rate.
6.3.6 Apprentices / trainees As at 5 December 2019, there are 22 active apprentices and or trainees registered in the Carpentaria region, of which thirteen commenced during 2019. Industries included are Construction (plumbing, carpentry, electro technology); Agriculture; Children’s Services; Water Management; Business Administration; and Pharmaceuticals14.
6.3.7 Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage According to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a summary measure of the social and economic conditions of geographic areas across Australia. SEIFA, which comprises several indexes, is generated by ABS from the Census of Population and Housing. In 2016 an index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage was produces, ranking geographical areas in terms of their relative socio-economic disadvantage. The index focuses on low-income earners, relative lower education attainment, high unemployment and dwellings without motor vehicles. Low index values represent areas of most disadvantage and high values represent areas of least disadvantage. This is based on persons by place of usual residence. 61.4% of persons in Carpentaria Shire were in the most disadvantaged quintile compared to 20% in Queensland. 7. Key Industry Sectors Focusing on the strengths of the economy provides an avenue to facilitate economic growth. Based on the economic analysis and community feedback the following key industries have been identified for Carpentaria Shire. • tourism • agriculture • fishing • small business.
7.1 Tourism Tourism is vital in the Gulf Savannah, bringing many economic and social benefits although many providers are closed for a couple of months during the wet season. The Carpentaria Shire is one the local governments included in the Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy.
According to the Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy 2018-20, in 2012 tourism brought approximately 67,000 visitors to the Gulf Savannah region and they spent approximately $650,000 on purchases including accommodation, tours, groceries, fuel, vehicle parts and maintenance. It is estimated that 58,000 of these visitors came for holiday or leisure and 9,000 for business. The average spend for leisure visitors was $79.11 per day, or on average $910 for their trip into the Gulf Savannah. Groups of friends and international visitors were the highest spenders.
The Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy also states that tourism employs approximately 14% of workers in the Gulf Savannah and just over 100 people in Carpentaria Shire, and offers many a seasonal or part- time role that enables them to live (and spend) in the region and the shire.
Profile of the average traveller to the Gulf Savannah is outlined below: • domestic traveller (97%)
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• part of a couple (60%) • aged 60 years + (59%) • retired (50%) or F/T work (35%) • income over $85, 000 pa (37%) • from Queensland (63%) • travelling in a 4WD (97%), with a caravan (51%) • stayed in caravan parks (69%) • Average Stay 13.98 days (although reduces to 8.8 when stays over 100 days are taken out). Source: Gulf Savannah Development Tourism Survey Report 2018
7.2 Agriculture Many remote communities in Queensland are struggling because their economies were built largely on a single economic sector which has experienced significant change. For example, at one time jobs might have been heavily concentrated in agriculture but climatic conditions and market forces along with the application of new technologies have transformed the sector and it no longer employs the same number of workers.
Expansion of agriculture tourism activities within the region including farm stay’s, introduced from the work being undertaken through Gulf Savannah Development, may improve short to medium-term viability of many enterprises.
Impacting the success of the agricultural industry is the rising transport costs (largely attributed to the cost of fuel) due to the distances to markets and live exports being subject to ongoing welfare standards, security and international trade negotiations. Mining and energy exploration and development also pose a threat to agriculture.
A significant impact on this industry is the climate in the gulf and north west regions as it can be highly variable. The region is subject to extremes in temperature and rainfall with high evaporation rates, and areas in the region susceptible to bush fire. The gulf also contends with floods and cyclones on a seasonal basis. Such extremes in wet and dry conditions can have a detrimental effect upon the quantity and quality of available feed, however beef production is a well-established industry due to the abundance of grazing land in the region, with different types providing multiple grazing management options.
7.2.1 Beef cattle The grazing industry, especially beef is important to the Shire in terms of Gross Value Product. There are also flow on benefits such as employment and other services such as transport to support the industry. The beef cattle industry in the Shire is primarily a breeding operation in which weaners leave the shire to be grown and fattened elsewhere or cattle are grown to a slightly older age to meet market specifications as live cattle export to South East Asia. Currently many live cattle are exported through the port of Townsville.
There are grazing properties of varying size in the shire. Many of these properties are owned or operated by corporate or large family companies that use the properties as breeding properties before transhipping to more suitable properties (usually in central or southern Queensland) for fattening and growing.
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There are limited opportunities for large scale intensification for agricultural cropping in Shire, although some areas on individual properties could be further developed. Most of the Shire is located along the lower flood plains of the Flinders, Norman, Gilbert and Mitchell Rivers as well as the coastal fringe of the Gulf, which has estuarine and freshwater wetlands that have high biodiversity value. These areas flood frequently making long term agriculture less viable.
The opportunities for the grazing industry relate to land management given the large paddock size, genetics, herd management and nutrition. These properties have a long history of providing employment and enable access to the Traditional Owner’s, Delta Downs is one station that is ran by an Aboriginal Corporation.
ABS 2016 Census indicated that the beef cattle industry is the sector with the highest employment rate (14.5 per cent compared with 0.8 per cent for Queensland). Live cattle were exported out of the Port of Karumba from the 1980s to 2018. Throughput at Karumba’s export yards from 2014–18 was 60,929 head of cattle with no cattle exported in 2019. The yards were used for quarantine purposes and have the capacity to hold 3,000 head. Karumba Livestock Exports Pty Ltd own and operate the facility including delivering ongoing maintenance and upgrades, however the export of live cattle ceased in October 2018. It is understood that since this date the assets have been left idle and are not under a maintenance regimen.
Of significance is that the live cattle export boats are reliant on the channel dredging to be undertaken by New Century Resources Limited (an Australian based metal development company) when they export product through the Port of Karumba. Should New Century Resources cease to operate, the capability of the port to accept the vessels for live cattle export will cease as the cost of dredging the channel to enable access of the live cattle export vessels will unlikely be able to be met by industry.
In relation to this port, even if it is dredged only ships with the capacity to hold approximately 3000 head can enter the port and have a short turnaround time to load and leave due to the because of the tides. The Port of Karumba therefore has a limited capacity unless major dredging occurs both in the Gulf as well as in the river and adjacent berths.
7.2.2 Potential future irrigated agricultural development In 2014 the Australians for Northern Development & Economic Vision group provided a submission (147 attachment C) to the 2014 Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, Inquiry into the Development of Northern Australia This submission titled The Gulf Rivers Irrigation Area: Foundation of a Northern Food bowl, outlines the potential for greater development of irrigated agriculture in Northern Australia. The Gulf of Carpentaria receives 25.6 per cent of the nation’s water run-off, yet less than one percent of the Gulf’s water is allocated for town, mining, industrial and irrigated agricultural use. This underutilisation of the Gulf’s water provides the potential to develop irrigated agriculture. Carpentaria Shire is within the Gulf Water Management Plan area and water licences are regulated.
One property in the shire already has a substantial water allocation while another property attempted a feedlot, but the lack of consistent feed supply did not assist the development and longevity of the project.
7.2.3 North West Agricultural Study and Implementation Plan Through the Queensland Government Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals
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Province the Strategy and Implementation Plan for Enhancing Agricultural Production and Employment in North West Queensland has been completed. Key initiatives that are being progressed through the NWQEDS Implementation Plan include targeted investment in new catalytic projects that take the analysis from the North West Agricultural Strategy and use the momentum and interest created to: • Progress fodder production and cropping trials • Enhance enabling supply chain infrastructure • Leverage supporting research and development effort. While the fodder project and cropping trials are not being conducted in the Carpentaria Shire there may be benefits to the Shire from the outcomes of the trials.
7.3 Fishing Industry Fishing (both commercial and recreational) is a popular activity in and around the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Norman River is home to barramundi, king salmon, grunter and mud crabs. The Norman river can be accessed for fishing by land or from the boat ramp. The inland freshwater lagoons of the Norman River also hold red claw yabbies and barramundi. The Norman River which flows through Karumba is famous for grunter, king threadfin and barramundi. Karumba provides the opportunity to fish from the beach, in the estuary and provides for the use of either private or hire boats. There are also several fishing charter operations active in the shire.
Commercial fishing and prawning are significant drivers for Karumba’s economy. Karumba is the home port for a significant proportion of the commercial fishing fleet authorised to fish in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
As at November 2017 the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) licensing database showed seven charter fishing licenses held by owners with a postcode belonging to the Carpentaria Shire. Karumba is the home port for several commercial trawlers who fish in the Gulf and export their catch to both domestic and international markets.
7.4 Small Business As at 30 June 2018, Carpentaria Shire was home to 240 businesses, 67 per cent of which employed no staff whilst only seven businesses were recorded as having more than 20 employees. Of the 181 businesses 48.1.6 per cent had a turnover of between $100, 000 and $500, 000; and 25.4 per cent of businesses having a turnover between $500, 000 and more than $2 million. The majority (70) businesses were in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector, this represents 38.7 per cent. Between 2015 and 2017, there was a small decrease of one per cent in the number of operating businesses across Carpentaria Shire.
While the number of businesses identified above represent all businesses in the shire with an Australian Business Number, only a small percentage of these are operating as service and retail businesses.
It is considered that the Carpentaria townships are generally serviced adequately from the business sector except for engineering, furniture and motor vehicle sales. The required economies of scale may not be available to make these types of businesses viable. Freight services whilst expensive due to the shire’s location, appear to service the town well, bringing in supplies for businesses for higher priced, less frequently purchased items such as furniture.
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NWQEDS Implementation Plan 2019-2021 includes a number of activities that are aimed at building the capacity of business and entrepreneurs to respond to market opportunities and maximising local business participation in regional supply chains. These activities have commenced and will be delivered over the next eighteen months.
7.5 Digital disruption Regional Australia Institute estimated that in the period to 2031, 37.5 per cent of existing jobs in North West Queensland will be vulnerable to digital disruption, with manager and labourer jobs at greater risk. In a 2015 report, Australia’s future workforce, Durrant-Whyte et al stated 40 per cent of Australia’s current jobs have a high probability of being computerised or automated in the next 10 to 15 years, with jobs in administration and sales being particularly susceptible. Jobs in technical services and personal services will remain. Preparing the community for the workforce of the future will be a key to future prosperity.
Technological change is inevitable. The Australian economy successfully transitioned from an agricultural economy 100 years ago to one dominated by the manufacturing sector through to an economy where services and management occupations are the largest employers. The automation of jobs does not necessarily equate with any increase in average unemployment rates, since new jobs are often created.
The Carpentaria business survey that informed this paper indicated room for improvement in relation to the uptake of technology. The North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy includes the roll out of training and capacity building workshops aimed at increasing the digital literacy of businesses in the region. 8. Economic Enablers 8.1 Roads In addition to connecting communities in Carpentaria Shire, the road network is intrinsically linked to economic outcomes. The shires two most prominent economic sectors, agriculture and tourism are reliant on road infrastructure. Record rainfall in 2009 caused the Flinders River to flood most major roads in the shire and closed the highway for an extended period. Flooding in February 2019 also isolated both Carpentaria Shire townships for a number of days. Most years the road is cut in some form however the Shire plans for such events and has helicopters on standby to transport people between Karumba and Normanton in the case of an emergency.
Carpentaria Shire Council is a member of the North West Queensland Regional Roads and Transport Group (RRTG) which is a cooperative governance arrangement between DTMR, LGAQ and local governments to invest in and regionally manage North West Queensland’s transport network.
As identified in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2019-20 to 2022-23 North West, Carpentaria Shire Council’s road upgrade priorities include: • Burke Developmental Road (Cloncurry - Normanton) widening the pavement • Burke Development Road (Cloncurry – Normanton) transport planning • Burke Development Road (Normanton – Dimbulah) transport planning.
In 2018-19 DTMR commenced works in widening sections of the Burke Development Road between the
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Burke and Wills Roadhouse and Normanton. This work is still ongoing.
8.2 Port of Karumba The Port of Karumba is located at the mouth of the Norman River in the south-east corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The port provides for general cargo, fuel, fisheries products and the export of live cattle. Karumba also acts as a transhipment port for Mornington Island, other gulf communities and the Port of Weipa for most of the year, with refrigerated semi-trailers bringing goods north to Karumba for transhipment.
New Century Resources has re-established transhipment operations through the Port of Karumba. New Century Resources has taken over the Century Mine facilities, both at the port and mine for annual export volumes of 300,000 – 400,000 tonnes over an estimated mine life of six and a half years. The company has also negotiated with Ports North to maintain the channel depth over the lifetime of the project.
8.3 Airports Carpentaria Shire Council owns and operates the Karumba and Normanton airports which facilitates two and five Regional Express operated passenger flights per week respectively, Royal Flying Doctor Service (clinic flights and emergency evacuations) and aerial ambulance medical evacuations, flood evacuation and delivery of supplies, access for dignitaries, courier and charter operations, general aviation and minor tourism. The Karumba and Normanton airport runways are 1,217 metres and 1,676 meters long and 30 metres wide respectively and are able to accommodate planes up to the size of a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turbo prop. The airports have basic facilities for passengers with no passenger security screening facilities.
8.4 Passenger Transport Trans North offers a bus service from Cairns to Karumba (via Normanton) and return three times per week. The travel time by bus between Cairns and Karumba is approximately 12 hours.
8.5 Water Potable water for Karumba and Normanton is drawn from the Norman River (Glenore Weir) 20 kilometres south of Normanton with approximately 5% of water being accessed through the Great Artesian Basin due to it containing natural fluoride. The Glenore Weir was originally constructed in 1966 to service Normanton with a population of 700. Karumba was added in 1987 to the service where infrastructure was installed to ensure delivery of water to a combined population of 2,600. The water treatment plant was upgraded in 2010 and the Glenore Weir was raised 1.5 metres in 2016.
Raising the height of the Glenore Weir was undertaken to ensure continued water supply to the townships and that there was enough water held in reserve if another no-flow event as experienced in 1978-79 (record 24 March 1978 – 15 January 1979) occurred. Current height of the weir is 3.38 meters (Australian Height Datum) at the spillway thus doubling the water capacity to of 2.5 gigalitres. While there were some issues with the integrity of the weir this matter has now been addressed.
The infrastructure to transport the water (pumps and pipes) are ageing and in need of
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replacement due to wear and tear. Costings for the remedial work in 2016 was $15 million dollars. Council has not been successful in acquiring funding to undertake these works.
8.6 Energy Carpentaria Shire is connected to the Ergon grid. All of the Normanton region’s power was previously supplied from Townsville, approximately 700 kilometres away. The length of transmission line between Townsville and the region resulted in significant electrical losses, voltage fluctuations and blackouts. Given the limit on loads and quality of supply, the situation also discouraged further commercial and industrial investment in the area. In 2016 Scouller Energy and Canadian Solar partnered to establish the Normanton Solar Farm. The solar farm is situated on a degraded ex-grazing property at Lilyvale, a township approximately 5 kilometres south of Normanton. The solar farm is a 5MW facility and was estimated to meet the demand of the Carpentaria Shire community.
8.7 Communications As is the case in much of outback Queensland, digital connectivity is challenging in and around Carpentaria Shire. Telstra provides a 4GX network in Carpentaria and there is limited 3G coverage on the Burke Development Road between Cloncurry and Normanton with limited coverage between Normanton and Karumba. Other communication tools are utilised within the shire including satellite phones and UHF radio.
Internet reliability is also a concern for businesses within the shire. Council is currently in the final preparation phase of installing a fibre optic line between Normanton and Karumba that is designed to provide a secure link of communications between the two towns while also addressing connectivity issues and enabling businesses to enhance technological advances as part of their day to day operations.
The Census data captures the number of occupied private dwellings where a member accesses the internet. The 2016 data identified a rate of 60.6% household members accessing the internet compared with 83.7% for Queensland.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is still not available to residents and businesses within Carpentaria Shire however when the proposed fibre optic line between Normanton and Burketown is completed this may change. Preliminary discussions on the fibre optic line between Normanton and Burketown are being undertaken to further explore opportunities for this to be installed following works undertaken by GSD. 9. Liveability The Cambridge English Dictionary states that liveability is about building stronger local communities and enhancing quality of life through action to improve the quality of local environments and the places where people live. While this background paper relates to economic development it is acknowledged that the liveability of an area impacts on economic growth.
According to the World Economic Forum 2019 the critical factors for liveable communities are: • Residents feeling safe, socially connected and included • Environmental sustainability • Access to affordable and diverse housing options linked via public transport, walking and cycling
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infrastructure to employment, education, local shops, public open space and parks, health and community services, leisure and culture.
Information provided by the Queensland Police Service to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office identify that in 2019 the crime and justice rate in Carpentaria Shire was over three times the rate for Queensland. Other factors impacting on liveability include the rate of people identifying as homeless. The ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2016 indicates that the rate of homeless persons for Carpentaria Shire in 2016 was approximately four times higher than for Queensland.
The impact of population numbers on liveability is also a factor to be considered. In the National Institute for Rural and Regional Australia, Scoping a Vision for the Future of Rural and Regional Australia, Kim Houghton’s paper Characteristics of Economic Sustainability, suggests while population is an important factor in determining levels and types of services available in a region, there is only a weak link between population and per capita income. Houghton also suggests that economic sustainability in small communities is more likely to be dependent on adaptation and capacity for transition.
The identified gradual population decline of Carpentaria shire should therefore be monitored for a number of reasons including retention or attraction of government services. It is also important to focus on improving liveability factors, particularly access to health and education services to increase the attractiveness of the Carpentaria lifestyle to new families to the region.
The Sustainable Communities initiative in the NWQEDS Implementation Plan is aimed at developing projects that contribute to population retention, community capacity building and economic developments, which all have the potential to impact on the liveability of the community.
9.1 Housing and Banks There was one building approval for new houses recorded for Carpentaria Shire in the 12 months ending 31 July 2019. In the period to 25 October 2019, the sale of one multi-unit dwelling; 11 house and land blocks <4,000m2; and one vacant land sale in Karumba. For the same period in Normanton there was the sale of one multi-unit dwelling; one light industry block; six house and land blocks <4,000m2; and one vacant land sale36. The medium value for each sale is: multi-unit dwelling - $240,000; light industry - $485,000; house and land block <4000m2 - $205,000; vacant land - $27,000. Anecdotally, Carpentaria residents have commented on the lack of housing availability and the lending deposits are too high. Currently there is only one bank operating in the shire – Westpac Banking Corporation. Westpac looks at the area code of 4890 or 4891 which determines the deposit required from the lender, currently this is 40%. Having such a large deposit has significantly impacted the growth of homeownership and the building of new homes in the shire. Unless another bank can be sourced with a lower deposit % this impact will have long term effects on overall growth in the shire. The rental market has been very tight due to a lack of housing within both Karumba and Normanton for some period. There are currently 102 Department of Housing Public Works properties in Normanton with one currently being reallocated. There are nine applicants waitlisted for two- bedroom properties. While government records do not suggest that there is a lot of overcrowding, the community has indicated there is overcrowding within some houses. Often government records do not reflect what is happening as tenants tend not to provide information
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about undeclared people in their homes for a variety of reasons. Community have indicated that the housing issue is not expected to reduce in the near future as there is very little suitable land available to build new houses within the Carpentaria Shire. Council is investigating various options to make land available within Normanton for residential development. Carpentaria Shire Council have advised that council is in the process of developing a new planning scheme and will seek to zone further residential land for future development. Government Employee Housing have identified a demand for additional employee housing requirements in Normanton however there is currently no funding available for construction. There is interest in securing land for when construction funding becomes available.
9.2 Health, Childcare and aged care North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) operates the Normanton Hospital, a 14 acute in- patient bed facility which provides general hospital, accident and emergency care, two-beds designated for palliative / respite, telehealth services and visiting allied health professionals and specialists. Mount Isa Hospital is North West Queensland’s major healthcare facility offering 80 inpatient beds and is approximately 500 kilometres from Normanton and 570 kilometres from Karumba. Mount Isa Hospital also provides additional services such as medical imaging, pharmacy and a 24-hour emergency department. The main referral hospitals for Normanton Hospital are the Mount Isa Base Hospital, Townsville University Hospital, and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospitals. There are dental services available in Normanton on a monthly basis, however no service is currently provided in Karumba. The service is provided by a mobile dental clinic and in 2020 NWHHS Oral Health team will be providing dental services for adults during the last two weeks of every month (four days per week due to travel) in Normanton. NWHHS are also reviewing the availability of the mobile dental clinic to service Karumba. NWHHS also provides one school dental clinic per year for all eligible school children in Karumba and Normanton. Queensland Ambulance service provides one permanent ambulance officer in Karumba and four permanent ambulance offices in Normanton with relieving officers rotated through the shire. Medical services are provided via a Nurse Practitioner in Karumba. Normanton is the main hub for medical services within the shire with Normanton Hospital providing services and general practitioners servicing the shire residents. North West Remote Health provides aged care services within Carpentaria Shire at the Kurtijar Aged Care Centre. The centre provides a range of basic services to assist the disabled and aged residents in a 16-bed facility. Other services are provided in respite, Meals on Wheels, domestic assistance, personal care, transport, home maintenance, nursing care, social support and food preparation. Carpentaria has two childcare centres operating within the shire. Carpentaria Shire Council operates the Normanton Child Care Centre that is licenced for 29 placements for 50 weeks per year. Currently the Centre has 32 enrolments which includes casual position however a total of 29 placements, as of Friday 4th September, 2020. Care provided is from birth to school aged (five – six years old) and has six FTE and two casual employees. The second childcare centre within the Carpentaria Shire is in Karumba and holds a licence for 29 placements and currently has 18 enrolments as of Friday 6 December 2019. Care provided is for children aged between six months to seven-year old’s and includes before / after school care and holiday care throughout the year school aged children. There are four full time employees and one trainee administrative staff engaged at the centre.
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9.3 Education Normanton State School delivers classes from Prep to Year 10. In 2019, enrolments totalled 141 students (with enrolment numbers as at day 8 January 2019). Enrolment numbers have been relatively stable over the last four years with student numbers ranging between 150, 142 & 153 in 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively. Gulf Christian College offers Prep to Year 9 classes, with students tending to undertake senior high school education at Catholic or private boarding schools located outside of the Shire. The Gulf Christian College had 101 students enrolled in 2019 which was similar for 2018. Students enrolled at the Gulf Christian College that are attending the boarding school on the Sunshine Coast, are gradually transitioned into boarding school. In year 7 they attend the boarding school for 2 weeks and this is increased to four weeks in year 9. This approach supports the students and parents to settle into the boarding school system. 60-70 per cent of Year 9 students from Gulf Christian College attend the boarding school at the Sunshine Coast. Karumba State School delivers classes Prep to Year 6. In 2019, enrolments totalled 30. Enrolments for the previous three years were 35 (2018), 32 (2017) and 32 (2016). Students either go to boarding schools in outside of the shire or attend the Gulf Christian College in Normanton. A school bus service is available for students to travel to and from Karumba State School to Normanton. Additionally, some students enrol as a student with the Cairns School of Distance Education (Prep to Year 12) or Mount Isa School of the Air (Prep to Year 10). TAFE Queensland has a campus in Normanton however it has been vacant for some time. Other campus locations near Normanton include Mount Isa, Cairns, Charters Towers and Townsville. TAFE supplements its face-to-face courses with a range of online courses; however, no courses have been run in Normanton for a period of time. The closest university campuses to Carpentaria includes the James Cook University campus in Cairns, the James Cook University Centre for Rural and Remote Health in Mount Isa, and the James Cook University campus in Townsville. Numerous offer online study options. 10. Enabling projects A number of projects have been identified as having a positive economic benefit on the Shire through jobs and population growth. Projects are not listed in any order of priority.
• Further development of the Port of Karumba The Port of Karumba has the potential to be better utilised. The Port is owned and operated by Ports North and is located at the mouth of the Norman River in the south-east corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria, The port provides for general cargo, fuel, fisheries products and acts as a transhipment port for Mornington Island, other Gulf communities and the Port of Weipa. Refrigerated semi- trailers bring goods north to Karumba for transhipment. New Century Resources has re-established transhipment operations through the Port of Karumba with annual export volumes of 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes over an estimated mine life of 6,5 years. New Century Resources have negotiated with Ports North to maintain the channel depth over the lifetime of the project. The future of the port after this period is unknown.
• Development of the Normanton Monsoon Centre The first stage of the concept designs and business plans for the proposed experiential Monsoon
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Centre development in the heritage listed Burn’s Philip Building in Normanton was undertaken in 2009. The Monsoon Centre is planned as a tourist attraction based on the interpretation of the transition from dry season to wet season in the Gulf Savannah region (Gulf of Carpentaria North West Queensland), and the impact of this transition on the flora and fauna of the region and the lifestyles of the people who live there.
The centre will educate, entertain and engage the visitors. It will cover an area of around 330 square metres and will be accessed through the main doors and the Visitor Information Centre. There will be different interpretive themes that will be explored, the weather drivers for the monsoon and the transformation that occurs for flora and fauna, and people and landscapes. The experience will start with the 'Dry' - a savannah landscape, termite mounds, burning grasslands, low-level rivers. Local Indigenous people will tell stories about the bush tucker in that season and where to find it. There will be information on the bird life during that season and where to look for the changes that occur through the hot, dry and humid environments. The interpretive information will link to the nearby Mutton Hole Wetlands Conservation Park, a 9000-hectare wetland between Karumba and Normanton. The wetlands are part of the largest continuous estuarine wetland aggregation of its type in Northern Queensland and attracts a variety of birdlife. Carpentaria Shire Council have applied to DSDTI Building our Regions Round 5 for this project. The application is still being assessed.
• Establishment of an agricultural training academy This project is about the development of and investment in and accredited traineeship/apprenticeship academy in the Gulf. The academy would provide a local training centre as currently this training is provided in Mount Isa, Cairns or Townsville.
• Improved digital connectivity across the Shire A number of the townships in the Gulf have recently or are about to be connected to the fibre optic network. A range of opportunities will be available through this connection. This project will explore and market the next wave of opportunities and develop a costed implementation plan.
• Indigenous Tourism Products from retail to wholesale Many current Indigenous Tourism products are not promoted through broader marketing channels. This project aims to improve the packaging and marketing of the products.
• Gulf fresh – local food production This project will test the viability of implementing new food production technologies (such as container-based farming, warehouse or vertical farming) with a focus on commercial production of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.
• Support Local businesses to expand, grow and modernise Work with existing stakeholders and new potential investors to link them to the Department of Education, Small Business and Training and the Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation to increase their awareness of funding option to develop new and to grow existing business.
Council may consider incentives that would add value to attracting new business to the Shire
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• Gulf Savannah Regional Branding (In 2019 funding was provided by DSDTI through the Remote Area Board funding and the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund to Gulf Savannah Development to undertake a literature review, regional audit including freight and logistics, and to develop a Gulf Savannah Regional Branding Strategy. This project is still in the delivery phase). There is the potential to gain greater benefit from this project through support for the implementation of the Gulf Savannah Regional Branding Strategy to drive greater recognition of the region’s offerings.
• Gulf Savannah Farm Station Stay Manual (In 2019, funding was provided by DSDTI through the Remote Area Board funding to Gulf Savannah Development to develop a comprehensive ‘How to Manual to transition prospective providers of farm stay/station stay into deliverers of these experiences. This project is still in the delivery phase.) There is the potential to gain further benefit from this project through the provision of support to property owners/managers to develop the new tourism products in the region.
• Lilyvale subdivision The subdivision of 28 land parcels on the Burke Development road for residential use. Once developed there will be a fully sealed road, power and water connected to each block.
• Development of the Mutton Hole Wetlands The Mutton Hole Conservation Park offers the local indigenous people many opportunities; a cultural learning landscape for school groups, traditional hunting and fishing prospects and the development of new tourism products.
Activities that were identified as potential for the Mutton Hole wetlands were:
▪ Aboriginal cultural activities ▪ Interpretive signage/ boardwalks for self-guided walks ▪ Bike trails ▪ Walking trails ▪ Vehicle access identified
• Karumba Foreshore Development Develop the Karumba Foreshore area into a hub where local residence can visit and enjoy a natural rock pool and follow the board walk from the point shelters all the way around to the Karumba airport. Council is working to thigh the MYPP2 And Coastal Hazard Strategy together to be able to efficiently develop the area.
• Fishing habitat of Karumba to increase recreational fishing This was identified at the community meeting in Karumba to establish and artificial reef just off the Karumba point to create a natural fish habitat which will benefit recreational fishing and assist tourist staying longer in the shire.
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11. Consultation Representatives of the following organisations were consulted and informed the contents of this document.
• Carpentaria Shire Council • Carpentaria Shire community stakeholders • Carpentaria Visitor Information Centre • Department of Agriculture and Fisheries • Department of Employment, Small Business and Training • Department of Housing and Public Works • Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy • Department of Transport and Main Roads • Gulf Chamber of Commerce • Gulf Christian College • Gulf Savannah Development • Karumba State School • Normanton State School • North West Hospital and Health Service • Outback Queensland Tourism Authority • TAFE Queensland • Tourism Tropical North Queensland • Tourism and Events Queensland
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12. References
Assessment Report for the Northern Prawn Fishery. Available from: https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/9748c9d6-2142-4c09-a48f- b5dd886c0d49/files/northern-prawn-submission.pdf
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016 Census Community Profiles. Available at https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/communitypr ofile/3?opendocument.
Australian Government Department of Agriculture 2019, All Live Exports by Market 2014 – 2019. Available from https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/live-animal- export-statistics/livestock-exports-by-market
Australians for Northern Development & Economic Vision 2014, Submission to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, Inquiry into the Development of Northern Australia Submission 147. Available at https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Former_Committees/Northe rn_Australia/Inquiry_into_the_Development_of_Northern_Australia/Submissions?main_0_conten t_1_RadGrid1ChangePage=8_20.
Carpentaria Shire Council 2019, Corporate plan 2017-2022. Available from http://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/corporate-plan.
Carpentaria Shire Council, Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre - Business Plan 2019 – 2020.
Committee for Economic Development Australia June 2015, Australia’s future workforce? Available from https://cica.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australias-future-workforce.pdf.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 2016, Queensland agricultural land audit: Gulf and North West, 2016, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Chapter 5.
Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning 2019, North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy. Available from https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/regions/regional-priorities/strategic-blueprint- nwmp/nw-qld-economic-diversification-strategy.html.
Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program, 2019-20 to 2022-23 North-West District. Available from https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/queensland-transport-and-roads-investment- program-qtrip-2019-20-to-2022-23/resource/60e8f4b9-89b0-4eb8-a761-492bf7f5b6a5.
Carpentaria Shire Economic Development Strategy – Background Paper I Page 36
Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, .id economic analysis. Available at: https://economy.id.com.au/fnqroc/covid19.
Gulf Savannah Development, Lower Gulf Marine & Riverine Economic Development, March 2018. Available from: https://www.burke.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/521/lower-gulf-marine-and- riverine-economic-development-strategy
Gulf Savannah, Gulf Savannah Development Tourism Survey Report March 2018 https:Available at https://www.gulf-savannah.com.au/180220.
Gulf Savannah, Gulf Savannah Tourism Strategy 1918-20. Available at https://www.savannahway.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2018-20-Gulf-Savannah- Tourism-Strategy.pdf
National Institute for Rural and Regional Australia, Scoping a Vision for the Future of Rural and Regional Australia, Available from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard_Price4/publication/277713714_Rural_research_an d_regional_innovation_Are_past_and_present_research_funding_policies_building_future_resilie nce_in_the_bush/links/557146d708aee701d61cc002/Rural-research-and-regional-innovation-Are- past-and-present-research-funding-policies-building-future-resilience-in-the-bush.pdf#page=87
North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) Strategic Plan 2018-2021, viewed 31 October 2019, https://www.nwqroc.com.au/assets/Documents/Publications/d091a4cf46/NWQROC-Strategic- Plan-2018-2021.pdf
Regional Australia Institute, Pathfinder Initiative. Available from http://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/home/our-products-tools/pathfinder-initiative/.
Regional Australia Institute, InSight Available from http://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/home/insight-second-edition/.
The World Bank 2011. Local economic development: a primer development and implementing local economic development strategies and action plans (Hungarian). Available from http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/211891468140975725/Local-economic- development-a-primer-developing-and-implementing-local-economic-development-strategies- and-action-plans
Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tropical North Queensland Destination Tourism Plan 2018. Available from https://cdn2- teq.queensland.com/~/media/0a155e2bd3124b52b11e930c27193765.ashx?vs=1&d=20181102T094647
Tourism 2020, Whole of government working with industry to achieve Australia’s tourism potential, December 2011. Available from http://www.tourism.australia.com/content/dam/assets/document/1/6/w/u/3/2002107.pdf
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World Economic Forum 2019, Available from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/09/this-is-what- makes-a-city-liveable/
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Attachment 1: Responses from business survey
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Attachment 2: Employment by industry
Carpentaria Lower Gulf Queensland 2006 2011 2016 2006 2011 2016 2006 2011 2016
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 216 209 149 322 329 243 61,733 55416 60,608 Mining 39 58 4 136 107 7 30,721 52955 49,997 Manufacturing 14 24 9 3 7 3 180,214 171669 128,787 Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste 23,883 Services 7 6 12 6 4 3 18,541 24828 Construction 40 32 67 55 94 44 164,938 183780 191,338 Wholesale Trade 13 27 14 12 6 0 72,075 74288 56,370 Retail Trade 52 58 53 55 60 73 212,422 217610 211,778 Accommodation and Food Services 55 68 66 81 69 51 127,629 141855 156,670 Transport, Postal and Warehousing 51 55 44 40 24 22 92,611 107072 108,083 Information Media and 25,265 Telecommunications 0 6 3 0 3 0 26,345 25358 Financial and Insurance Services 4 4 3 0 3 0 52,036 54153 54,286 Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 0 3 4 4 3 0 37,982 37007 42,500 Professional, Scientific and Technical 133,652 Services 3 10 3 3 18 23 102,413 132754 Administrative and Support Services 18 24 28 3 31 58 55,705 65015 75,336 Public Administration and Safety 124 81 118 336 224 268 122,416 136818 140,164 Education and Training 63 62 75 61 98 180 139,089 160921 192,143 Health Care and Social Assistance 61 78 82 145 83 107 186,335 242559 276,945 Arts and Recreation Services 6 3 4 14 22 6 24,626 28444 33,667 Other Services 16 13 18 18 90 91 68,361 78713 83,470 Total 782 821 756 1,294 1,275 1,179 1,824,998 1,991,215 2,044,942
Source: ABS 2016, Census of population and housing, time series profile, 2006, 2011 & 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T34.
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Attachment 3: Employment specialisation 2016 Carpentaria Lower Gulf
% of total EmploymentEmployment % of total Specialisation No. of Employment Employment No of employees Ratio Employees Specialisation Ratio Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 149 19.71% 6.6 243 20.61% 7.0 Mining 4 0.53% 0.2 7 0.59% 0.2 Manufacturing 9 1.19% 0.2 3 0.25% 0.0 Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 12 1.59% 1.4 3 0.25% 0.2 Construction 67 8.86% 0.9 44 3.73% 0.4 Wholesale Trade 14 1.85% 0.7 0 0.0% 0.0 Retail Trade 53 7.01% 0.7 73 6.19% 0.6 Accommodation and Food Services 66 8.73% 1.1 51 4.33% 0.6 Transport, Postal and Warehousing 44 5.82% 1.1 22 1.87% 0.4 Information Media and Telecommunications 3 0.4% 0.3 0 0.0% 0.0 Financial and Insurance Services 3 0.4% 0.1 0 0.0% 0.0 Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 4 0.53% 0.3 0 0.0% 0.0 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 3 0.4% 0.1 23 1.95% 0.3 Administrative and Support Services 28 3.7% 1.0 58 4.92% 1.3 Public Administration and Safety 118 15.61% 2.3 268 22.73% 3.3 Education and Training 75 9.92% 1.1 180 15.27% 1.6 Health Care and Social Assistance 82 10.85% 0.8 107 9.08% 0.7 Arts and Recreation Services 4 0.53% 0.3 6 0.51% 0.3 Other Services 18 2.38% 0.6 91 7.72% 1.9 Inadequately described / not stated Total 756 100.0% 1,179 100.0%
Source: ABS2016, Census of population and housing, time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T34 with Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDTI) calculations
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