Gascoyne Development Commission The Gascoyne Development Commission acknowledges the contribution of a number of individuals and organisations in the production of this Blueprint. It is a result of extensive consultations with a broad cross- section of the region’s stakeholders. This is a draft of the Gascoyne Regional Investment Blueprint.
15 Stuart Street Version Purpose Date CARNARVON WA 6701 A Ministerial Draft August 2014 T: +61 8 9941 7000 B Ministerial Draft November 2014 F: +61 8 9941 2576 C Ministerial Draft March 2015 E: [email protected] D Ministerial Draft July 2015 W: www.gdc.wa.gov.au E Ministerial Final October 2015 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Foreword
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he Gascoyne region in the north-west of Western Australia is rich in resources and investment potential with stunning natural beauty Tand a strategic central location. The region stretches 600 km along the Indian Ocean coast including two World Heritage Areas, and over 500 km inland through dramatic desert country beyond the iconic Mount Augustus, the world’s largest monocline. With an area of 135,277 km square and a population of 10,300, the Gascoyne is known to have the lowest population density of any region in Australia. Despite this, the region is a very important contributor to the Western Australian economy, with its gross regional product (GRP) in 2012/13 being $869 million or 0.4%1 of gross state product. The Gascoyne Regional Investment Blueprint establishes the evidence, framework and strategies for the Gascoyne to grow further through informed investment decisions; and contribute more in a national and global environment. It includes consideration of megatrends; the unique characteristics of the Gascoyne; and the regional drivers and inhibitors that will influence development. We are proud of our vision and associated strategies which have been created after engagement and extensive consultation with our regional, state and national stakeholder partners. Only through sharing the vision, collaboration and commitment across all levels of government, the private sector and the community will we secure Tony Beard the current and future opportunities of the Gascoyne. Chair, Gascoyne Development I look forward to the journey with you. Commission
Tony Beard Chair, Gascoyne Development Commission
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Gascoynevision Strategically located on the central coast of Western Australia the Gascoyne is 2050 an internationally recognised tourism destination, a reliable global provider of quality food products and a maritime hub for energy project supply chains. With its high value, diverse and future proof industries, 23,000 people will call the Gascoyne home by 20502.
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ENRICHING AUSTRALIA THROUGH REGION GASCOYNETHE
VISION 2050 2015 2050 GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT Strategically located on the central coast of Western Australia the Gascoyne is an internationally recognised $869 million $1,740 million
tourism destination, a reliable global provider of quality POPULATION food products and a maritime hub for energy project 10,300 people 23,000 people supply chains. With its high value, diverse and future proof industries, 23,000 people will call the Gascoyne home by 2050 (see page 59, Population Growth Forecast).
2015 2050
Tourism Exmouth 0 25 50 75 Tourist expenditure $222 m $686 m WESTERN Employment -total workforce 500 1,334 kilometres AUSTRALIA 5 star resorts 0 3 Improved Aviation Services 40 76 Shire of (fl ights per week) Exmouth PILBARA Coral Bay REGION Pastoral INDIAN Pastoral leases 67 67 OCEAN Value of annual production $35 m $60 m Employment -total workforce 134 200 Feed lots No Yes GASCOYNE REGION Irrigated pasture No Yes Burringurrah Abattoir No Yes Shire of Shire of Carnarvon Carnarvon Upper Gascoyne
Gascoyne Junction Fishing and Aquaculture Value of annual production $40 m $50 m - fi shing Value of Annual production $10 m $30 m – aquaculture Denham Employment - total workforce 80 130 MID WEST Shire of REGION Shark Bay Horticulture Area under cultivation 1,200 ha 3,600 ha Value of Annual production $ 80 m $232 m Employment - total workforce 375 1,100 Direct international export No Yes
2015 2050 Resources Population Services Salt Ageing in Place / Health Annual production (tonnes) 4.2 m 9 m High care places 18 150 Value of Annual production $100 m $233 m Independent living places 96 300 Operating area 1,200 ha 2,200 ha Hospitals 2 2 Employment -total workforce 250 500 Employment - total workforce 300 750 - 20% Aboriginal 50 100 Education Minerals (Gunson Resources) Number of Students 884 1,800 Annual production (tonnes) 0 m 23.4 m Employment - total workforce 312 600 Employment - total workforce 0 175 -20% Aboriginal 0 35 The above GRP fi gures are not inclusive of all industries in the Gascoyne. Indirect jobs 0 400 All 2015 data is forecasted from previous years’ statistics.
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THE TRANSFORMATIONAL OF THE GASCOYNE REGION 6PILLARS 2015 - 2050 VISION 2050 Strategically located on the central coast of Western Australia the Gascoyne is an internationally recognised tourism destination, a reliable global provider of quality food products and a maritime hub for energy project supply chains. With its high value, diverse and future proof industries, 23,000 people will call the Gascoyne home by 2050. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Developing Improving Developing Advancing Human Aboriginal & Regional Encouraging Enhancing Transformational Industries & Capacity & Small Business Pillar Accessibility & Innovation Health & Lifestyle Markets Knowledge Economic Connectivity Capacity
Strategic Themes Protecting the Diversifying the Regional Population Critical Mass Protecting the Population Critical Mass Population Critical Mass Environment & Natural Economy Diversifying the Regional Environment & Natural Diversifying the Regional Human Capacity Amenity Intensifying & Expanding Economy Amenity Economy Building Diversifying the Regional Food Production Human Capacity Diversifying the Regional Human Capacity Social Capital Economy Human Capacity Building Economy Building Human Capacity Building Growing Incomes Human Capacity Intensifying & Expanding Building Building Growing Incomes Addressing Affordability Food Production Intensifying & Expanding Maximising Private Maximising Private Growing Incomes Food Production Maximising Private Sector Investment Sector Investment Sector Investment Addressing Affordability Growing Incomes Social Capital Social Capital Social Capital Maximising Private Addressing Affordability Sector Investment Maximising Private Social Capital Sector Investment Regional Food Production Food Production Population Services Tourism - Destination Food Production Population Services Imperatives Tourism - Destination Tourism - Destination First Choice Tourism - Destination First Choice First Choice Population Services First Choice Resources Services & Population Services Resources Services & Population Services Supply Chains Resources Services & Supply Chains Resources Services & Supply Chains Supply Chains Megatrends National Defence Global Food Affordability & Cost of Mineral Resource & Global Food Affordability & Cost of Global Food Consumption Living Energy Investment. Consumption Living Consumption Mineral Resource & Global Food International Tourism International Tourism Population Ageing Mineral Resource & Energy Investment Consumption Climate Change Resource Demand Energy Investment International Tourism Mineral Resource & Broadband and Digital International Tourism Energy Investment Age Comparative Food Production Food Production Food Production Domestic & International Food Production Lifestyle & Natural Advantages Resource Project Resource Project Resource Project Tourism Resource Project Amenity Support Support Support Lifestyle & Natural Support Domestic & International Domestic & International Lifestyle & Natural Amenity Domestic & International Tourism Tourism Amenity Tourism Lifestyle & Natural Amenity Key Challenges Water security Increasing fuel costs Lack of critical mass Climate change Procurement Lack of critical mass Transport linkages Sustainability of routes Lack of local services Lack of investment in opportunities Lack of local services Climatic conditions (education, health, retail) renewable energy Lack of regional (education, health, retail) governance, leadership Workforce security Regional migration Broadband Regional migration infrastructure and capacity Fluctuating demand Lack of regional Ageing population governance, leadership Financial viability of Investment attraction Consistent quality Socioeconomic and capacity remote research centres On - line procurement disadvantage Exposure to international Distance and isolation (shopping) markets Lack of local services & infrastructure Key Measures of Implemented Growing & diverse Implemented Gascoyne Implemented Gascoyne Expanded economy Population Success Gascoyne Regional employment base Workforce Development Energy Strategy Active businesses > Quality local Aged Care Tourism Strategy Supply chain hub of Plan Agreed strategies to State regional average accommodation Secure water supply choice Balanced age profi le address impacts of Broadband take-up = Locally based Food production Quality, affordable & Enhanced Secondary & climate change regional State average government services >$370M regular aviation service Tertiary education Development & Aboriginal Enterprise > Community facilities operation of research Value added food Quality of road & key Educational Small business Affordable housing product bridge structures qualifi cations & facilities incubator High quality culture Resource Sector Internet connectivity & outcomes = State Eco Accommodation Regional average Established new & arts experiences & Contracting services = metro Use of technology for businesses > State employment Governance service delivery > 400,000 overnight regional average Welfare dependence visitors, international capability
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3 9 29 35 46
FOREWORD EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION MEGATRENDS REGIONAL OVERVIEW Contents 66 78 91 116 118
COMPETITIVENESS AND REGIONAL IMPERATIVES TRANSFORMATIONAL CONCLUSION APPENDICES CONNECTIVITY PILLARS AND IMPLEMENTATION
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Executive summary
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ustralia is well-positioned in a volatile world economy. Our geographical location, particularly Western Australia, combined Awith our natural and human capital has enabled us to benefit from the growth of the Asian economies at a time when the economic strength of the world is shifting to the East. Over the last two decades, the share of Australia’s merchandise exports to emerging Asia increased from 13 per cent to 42 per cent. Over the same period, the share of Australia’s merchandise exports to advanced economies declined from 78 per cent to 50 per cent. Centrally located on the coast of Western Australian, the Gascoyne is ideally positioned, geographically, economically and culturally, to thrive on this expanding opportunity. The Gascoyne Regional Investment Blueprint (Blueprint) is an aspirational plan, developed through extensive consultation and strongly supported by evidence; designed to map the way forward for the region, identifying opportunities, barriers and strategies to guide investment and development. China and India’s re-engagement with the global economy brings with them “a middle class that will soon outnumber the rest of the world combined. The middle class in the Asia-Pacific region currently numbers around 500 million and is expected to grow to 3.2 billion by 2030. These people will want better services, goods and experiences.”
Dr Michael Parkinson, CEDA 18 June 2012
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Purpose and Process of the region’s comparative Development Process Logic advantages and challenges. This Blueprint will guide the Concurrent with this research and region’s progress towards its analysis, key stakeholders were vision for the period to 2050. To consulted from private enterprise, do this, the Blueprint establishes GLOBAL AND REGIONAL ANALYSIS community, service providers and a strategic framework for Consultations • Research government. development across the region in all facets of life. It seeks to This process built a vision for the transform the way the different future, established a range of MEGATRENDS levels of government coordinate aspirational targets and identified infrastructure development and transformational opportunities to service delivery, while attracting meet these targets. an increasing level of investment STRATEGIC THEMES The diagram opposite depicts the from the private and not-for- logic of the Blueprint development profit sectors to build human process. capacity, drive economic growth, VISION stimulate job creation and develop community sustainability. Achieving the vision will mean REGIONAL IMPERATIVES building on existing areas of comparative advantage, leveraging beneficial outcomes TRANSFORMATIONAL PILLARS from emerging global trends, maximising connections to national and international markets, and improving social and environmental outcomes. Developing the Blueprint involved eighteen months of research and analysis that included assessing regional issues, cross-regional connections and global trends, and conducting a strategic review 11 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Methodology The Gascoyne Regional Investment Blueprint is an evidence-based strategic economic and social development plan for the region. Its structure is based on the “4Ps” 4Ps of effective and practical economic development plans, which include: of effective Perspective ●● Perspective regional ●● Profile Profile ●● Potential economic ●● Projects and social Potential These plans are the basis for the logical process of developing the development Blueprint. plans Projects
Figure 1 4Ps of Effective Regional Economic Development Plans
Perspective – analysis of the Profile – outline of the Potential – assessment of the Projects – identification of key context within which the regional characteristics of the region, drivers and challenges facing the actions, initiatives, strategies economy is positioned, including including population, demographic, economy and outline of the future and investments required of consideration of external and socio-economic, industry, business, economic opportunities of the stakeholders of the region to global factors and trends that social and community features and region; support the realisation of the will influence future economic attributes; aspirational vision and regional development; STRATEGIC THEMES AND imperatives. REGIONAL OVERVIEW REGIONAL IMPERATIVES MEGATRENDS TRANSFORMATIONAL PILLARS /PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
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Strategic Themes In order to achieve the Blueprint’s Vision for the Gascoyne region it is necessary to identify the strategic themes that will carry the robust structure of the Blueprint. The nine strategic themes identified provide a focus that is sustainable in the long term. These themes were revealed, through consultation, as being important to our stakeholders. Therefor activities identified within these themes need to be prioritised and measured for success. These are listed below:
●● Population Critical Mass ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Intensifying and Expanding Food Production ●● Growing Incomes ●● Addressing Affordability ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment ●● Social Capital
Department of Planning - State Planning Strategy. 13 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Achieving the Blueprint’s Vision Diversifying the Regional Intensifying and Expanding Addressing Affordability for the Gascoyne region will be Economy Food Production Attracting new residents and guided by an understanding and Increasing the diversity of The comparative advantage of households requires improvements appreciation of the nine Strategic employment, industry value adding the Gascoyne region in food in housing affordability across Themes. and economic activity is critical production needs to be further the region to be achieved and to enhancing the Gascoyne’s actioned for the region to achieve maintained over time, through Population Critical Mass prosperity within a competitive its economic potential. This effective land and housing supply Achieving a critical mass of global environment. Diverse includes continued introduction and increases in household population in the Gascoyne economies are more sustainable of partial and complementary purchasing power (i.e. incomes). (23,000 residents by 2050) is and are able to respond rapidly cropping onto pastoral land essential to normalising regional to emerging challenges and and the attraction of domestic Maximising Private Sector property and labour markets, opportunities. and international investment Investment justifying the supply of quality into horticultural, pastoral and Identifying opportunities for private infrastructure and enhancing the Human Capacity Building aquaculture production. sector investment to contribute sustainability and resilience of the People are the primary asset of any to the achievement of the Vision regional economy. economy. Productivity, innovation Growing Incomes is critical to the success of the and entrepreneurship coupled with The tourism and agriculture Blueprint. This requires identifying Protecting the Environment and governance and strong leadership sectors are the largest employers and analysing opportunities and Natural Amenity are all essential elements of in the region4. Value adding to the promoting them to national and The capacity of the Gascoyne to modern economies and building services and products of these international markets and investors. attract new residents, tourists, the capacity of the regional sectors, increasing the skills profile skilled workers and investment workforce and communities is of the labour force and further Social Capital is contingent on developing critical to driving future prosperity. involvement in the mining and Community infrastructure can act employment opportunities energy resource project supply as an ‘attractor’ which encourages while maintaining the natural chains is critical to growing the people to live in or visit a particular environment. The region’s regions incomes. Value adding area. Given that a key component environmental attributes are to these sectors, increasing the of a sustainable community is fundamental economic assets skills profile of the labour force diversity, providing a range of and economic growth must be and further involvement in to major quality community infrastructure managed in a way that sustainably mining and energy resource project can help to attract and retain a protects these assets. supply chains is critical to growing diverse population. Investment in incomes and maintaining and social capital will be an essential enhancing the purchasing power of component to achieving the households. Blueprint Vision. 14 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Regional Imperatives Through consultation and analysis, four Regional Imperatives have been identified as central to the economic development and prosperity of the Gascoyne. These are Food Production, Tourism – Destination First Choice, Population Services and Resources Services and Supply Chains. 4regional These Imperatives reflect those areas of the economy and Imperatives society where actions from stakeholders would likely result in the greatest transformational effect. By prioritising investments that relate to these imperatives, the aspirational Vision for the Gascoyne can be achieved. The Regional Imperatives are supported by the six Tourism – Resources Transformational Pillars. Food Population Destination Services and Transformational Pillars identify Production Services the strategic and functional First Choice Supply Chains environment within which specific projects will be identified and investments prioritised in order to have the greatest positive economic and social outcomes for the Gascoyne.
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Transformational Pillars The Gascoyne is a well known food producing and tourism region with an attractive lifestyle and climate within a pristine natural environment; attributes which will underpin the future economic and social success of the region. Six transformational pillars have emerged from the consultative process that when enabled will facilitate the Gascoyne achieving its Vision.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Improving Regional Advancing Human Developing Aboriginal & Developing Industries Enhancing Health Accessibility Capacity Encouraging Innovation Small Business & Markets & Lifestyle & Connectivity & Knowledge Economic Capacity
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1 Opportunities and Challenges Developing Industries & Markets Tourism is acknowledged as the leading internationally recognised biosecurity and water industry by value and a major economic driver security to the region. supporting the Gascoyne’s economy. Water security will provide pastoralists with the With two World Heritage Areas, numerous opportunity to diversify product mix and improve National parks, and inclusion in Tourism livestock feed through the introduction of partial Australia’s iconic National Landscapes program, and complementary irrigated cropping. the region has the opportunity to enhance Aquaculture represents a significant opportunity its tourism potential through a collaborative for the region. Global seafood demand regional approach. continues to grow and by 2018, aquaculture Private sector investment is essential in is expected to overtake wild capture as the the development of tourism attractions and primary source of production. Major private accommodation, while an integrated tourism sector investment is required to realise this offering with associated branding and marketing opportunity. has been identified as a key requirement for the The Gascoyne, particularly the town of Exmouth, sector. is strategically located adjacent to expanding Global demand for quality food is expected oil and gas fields. Therefore it is well positioned to grow rapidly in coming years as countries, to provide resource sector support, including particularly Asian, grow in population and marine services support and also to act as a affluence. World food supply chains will forward base for the Australian Defence Force. increasingly seek reliable and stable production Realising these benefits requires investments regions throughout the world in which to invest in marina, harbour, road, water security and and establish commercial relationships. The aviation infrastructure in the region. Gascoyne’s mild sub-tropical climate, secure water supply and abundant land provide the Significant challengers are the need to opportunity for quality horticulture products to increase local labour market efficiency, be produced for both domestic and international provide employment opportunities and markets. The recent flood mitigation works will ensure a competitive level of communications protect the valuable production land and key connectivity. infrastructure while the State Government’s “Seizing the Opportunity” program will provide
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1 Measures of Success Developing Industries & Markets ●● Successful implementation of the ●● Value added food product as a percentage Gascoyne Regional Tourism Strategy of total food value increasing year on year. recommendations. ●● Higher shares of business and economic ●● Attract over 400,000 overnight visitors per enterprises owned and operated by year with an annual percentage increase of members of the Gascoyne Aboriginal international tourists. community. ●● An integrated tourism offering and brand ●● The value of resource sector contracting that is internationally recognised in media to the Gascoyne based businesses is travel and tourism publications. increasing year on year. ●● Visitor satisfaction consistently at or above ●● Reducing welfare dependence, that is national averages. reducing the percentage of the populations ●● Increasing proportion of tourism business dependent on government support as the and economic enterprises owned and main household income source, at or below operated by members of the Gascoyne the State regional average. Aboriginal community. ●● Shire of Exmouth, GDC and local ●● Have a quantified, secure and climate businesses work together to support and independent water supply. facilitate ADF presence expansion. ●● Residential population growth at 1.5% or ●● Increased food production will be derived greater per annum to achieve a population from 3,000 hectares of irrigated land in full of 23,000 and seasonal (including production in the Carnarvon area. temporary and FIFO) population of 35,000 ●● Partnerships developed to support needed people by 2050. infrastructure, such as a multi-purpose deep ●● A growing, sustainable and diversified water wharf at Exmouth. economy, with a Gross Regional Product per capita at or above the State average. ●● A strong and proactive industry group, promoting regional food development and the Gascoyne brand. ●● Produce over $370 million in food products from a combination of horticulture, aquaculture and livestock production, with an increasing reliance on international export. 18 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
2 Opportunities and Challenges Improving Regional Accessibility & Connectivity The size of the Gascoyne and the distribution ●● Basic airline service distribution of population centres and economic infrastructure such as a Global Distribution assets through the region necessitates the System (GDS) which is generally accessed development of a quality, accessible and by domestic and international travel affordable network of air, sea and road transport agencies and operators is required to and communications infrastructure. properly service the Carnarvon and Shark Bay market. Ease and safety of movement to and within the ●● Poor internet region is challenging for both residents and visitors. Aviation services are relatively expensive The location of Carnarvon midway between and infrequent to Shark Bay and Carnarvon Perth and the mining regions of the Pilbara while Exmouth has a more regular and provides an opportunity for the development of affordable service. Apart from within towns and a service and logistics hub for resource sector the major highways, most roads are unsealed industries. and subject to adverse weather conditions. The Better transport options will further enable the access to the internet is limited and slow. food and tourism industries to achieve their Specific challenges are associated with this potential, nationally and internationally. situation:
●● Reduced number of tourists affecting their length of stay and regional expenditure. ●● Unreliable access to essential services and facilities by remote and rural populations. ●● Significant safety issues with unsealed roads. ●● Lack of improvement to rural and remote airfields are restricting residents’ access to essential and emergency services.
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2 Measures of Success Improving Regional Accessibility & Connectivity ●● A growing and diverse employment base, ●● All commercial air services in the Gascoyne with greater shares of population and are part of an aviation industry Global professional services. Distribution System (GDS) resulting in ●● Being recognised by mining and energy improved connectivity with domestic and companies as a logistics and supply chain international airlines. hub of choice. ●● Availability of Global Distribution System ●● Infrastructure corridors connect economic (GDS). activity areas. ●● An integrated tourism offering that is internationally recognised in media and travel and tourism publications; and ●● Gascoyne residents being able to access a choice of quality, affordable and regular movement services, particularly bus and aviation service. ●● The efficiency of movement networks is continually improved. ●● A coordinated and efficient freight logistics system incorporating and integrating road, sea and air transport. ●● Gascoyne residents and businesses have extensive access to high-speed and reliable digital infrastructure, including for education and health services. ●● Telecommunications are a matter of consideration in planning frameworks, planning schemes and development decisions. ●● New criteria for Air Service Deeds and improved methods of Deed management.
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3 Opportunities and Challenges Measures of Success Advancing Human Capacity & Knowledge Regional leaders must be nurtured and ●● Increased capacity of the Gascoyne equipped with skills to advocate for and workforce due to the implementation of the respond to the specific needs of the Gascoyne Gascoyne Workforce Development Plan. and to negotiate more appropriate and effective ●● A more balanced age profile in line with relationships and partnerships with external Western Australian averages, with higher influences. Enhancement of governance population aged 15-34 than current. and leadership skills within the business, ●● School outcomes and attendance equal to government and community sectors has the or above the State regional average. potential to improve the resilience, dynamism ●● Enhanced secondary and tertiary education, and prosperity of the Gascoyne economy. providing a quality and scope of service more comparable to metropolitan Perth. Opportunities exist for the use of evolving ●● A larger and more diversified economy, with communications technologies to access new a Gross Regional Product per capita within and better education and training pathways. 5% or above the State average. The perceived quality and scope of education ●● A suitably trained workforce to supply the currently offered in the Gascoyne impacts new and expanding workforce demands in significantly on the attraction and retention the region. of residents and workers in the region. While ●● Governance capability in regional high school leaving rates and early childhood organisations and communities meeting outcomes are close to the national average, the national standards. learning outcomes for primary and secondary ●● Completion of the Ningaloo Centre school students overall are low. - a modern eco-friendly and iconic Opportunities for enhanced regional educational multipurpose facility which will include a experiences and outcomes will impact positively library, exhibition, cafe, and educational and on the attraction and retention of skilled workers research spaces. and families to the region. ●● Develop and deliver targeted training programs to address skill gaps in partnership with training institutions and industry, including the resource sector. ●● Achieve Australian Early Development Index scores above the State regional average.
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4 Opportunities and Challenges to their diesel generated electricity and offsetting the cost. Encouraging Innovation The necessity of addressing the region’s remoteness, poor accessibility and distance The development and implementation of between communities, combine to make the renewable energy will be integral to the broader Gascoyne an ideal incubator for innovative economic development strategy for the region. solutions. Education and health optimising the Energy is fundamental for all of the region’s utilisation of e-learning and tele-health; small economic activities such as tourism, pastoralism, businesses utilising B2B, expanded food and agriculture, fishing, mining and transport. fodder production through innovative water A range of potential challenges have been utilisation, developing niche markets and identified; a lack of investment in renewable products are all possible future examples. energy; reduced roll out of optimum broadband However, there are also new opportunities in infrastructure; financial viability of research centres other areas in Exmouth and Shark Bay; sufficient and reliable ●● value adding to food products through new water supplies, accessibility and transport. facilities such as a multi-food processing plant utilising otherwise wasted horticultural Measures of Success product ●● Increased adaptive long term energy ●● design and develop new training programs and approaches in partnership with training planning and coordination through the organisations, community and industry implementation of the Gascoyne Energy Strategy. ●● facilitating the development of new ideas in the arts, enabling greater creativity and ●● Development of the Gascoyne Climate partnerships, leading to new economic and Change Strategy facilitating and informing social benefits appropriate actions to protect current and future assets. ●● Eco-accommodation and adventure tours in remote tourist areas ●● Development and operation of research facilities at Exmouth and Shark Bay. The Gascoyne has an opportunity to become a ●● Increased development of eco leader in the utilisation of renewable energy, with accommodation within the Gascoyne. vast areas of land, high annual solar insolation ●● Expansion of agriculture research in the and high alternative fuel costs for the production Gascoyne, particularly Carnarvon. of electricity. Already, several communities along ●● Increased provision of services utilising the region’s coastline (Denham and Coral Bay) technology in areas such as business, harness the wind, with wind turbines contributing education and health. 22 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
5 Opportunities and Challenges Developing Aboriginal & Small Business Economic Capacity The growth of the small business sector To address these issues, strong links must is critical to economic development and be developed with industry and support employment in regional centres. With changes organisations to build capacity, mentor and in technology and purchasing practices it foster development of Aboriginal enterprises. is imperative that small business operators; This includes drawing upon the lessons learnt existing and potential, are well educated and by other parts of regional Australia, including supported in all aspects of modern business the establishment of Aboriginal economic strategies and technology. development and industry partnership plans, as well as regional Aboriginal employment ●● The Gascoyne is centrally located on the strategies with on-ground dedicated support. coast of Western Australia and adjacent to mining areas in the Pilbara and Mid Measures of Success West regions. With the attraction of ●● The number of active businesses per investment into pastoral, tourism and supply 100 people at or above the state regional chains, small businesses have a number average. of opportunities to expand and prosper. ●● 100% availability of connection to high Carnarvon, the regional centre for the speed internet through National Broadband. Gascoyne has a business density of 113.4 ●● Being recognised by major mining and per 1,000 population which is well above energy companies as a logistics and supply the national average of 93.8 per 1,000 chain hub of choice in central WA; and population and a strong base from which to ●● Have share of business and economic expand. enterprises owned and operated by ●● There are a small number of Aboriginal members of Gascoyne’s Aboriginal businesses operating across the Gascoyne, community close to or greater than the which are diverse in nature. These population proportion. businesses have access to only a limited ●● Establish an Aboriginal Economic level of Aboriginal economic development Development Officer. support. In the Gascoyne region, specific ●● Establish a small business incubator in Aboriginal economic development support partnership with Business Local. is primarily provided from outside the region, ●● Number of new businesses established at namely from Geraldton and Perth. or above the State regional average. ●● Host a biannual regional economic forum.
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6 Opportunities and Challenges Enhancing Health & Lifestyle The Gascoyne’s natural amenity underpins the The current lack of aged care infrastructure attraction and retention of residents and visitors within the region is in stark contrast to the alike. The climate and landscape encourage demographics of an ageing population. The participation in outdoor pursuits, including sport demand for aged care services in the Gascoyne and leisure activities, creating opportunities is expected to continue expanding due to the for enhanced health and wellbeing. The growth in older age groups and the increasing improvement of locally available sport and prevalence of chronic disease. recreation facilities will foster healthy lifestyle and help to attract and retain residents. Lack of population critical mass impacts on the provision of resident health services and the frequency of visiting health services, however opportunities exist for the strengthening of partnerships with primary care providers including local general practitioners and Aboriginal medical services. The current redevelopment of the health campuses in Carnarvon and Exmouth will enhance the delivery of safe, high quality, evidence-based health care in the community that includes health promotion and early intervention. A future increase in primary health services (including General Practice) across the region would improve health outcomes and reduce the number of non-urgent hospital ED presentations. However, the fundamental issue in sustaining health service delivery in the Gascoyne is the ability to attract and retain staff and visiting specialists. This can be addressed holistically through the implementation of the six Transformational Pillars.
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6 Measures of Success Enhancing Health & Lifestyle ●● A residential population of 23,000 and ●● Support community organisations to achieve seasonal (including temporary and FIFO a volunteering rate at or above the State by 2050) population of 35,000 people by regional average. 2050. ●● Increase in access for Gascoyne residents ●● A more balanced age profile in line with to touring culture and arts programs and Western Australian averages, with higher high quality arts experiences. population aged 15-34 than current. ●● Gascoyne in May evolving to meet the ●● A quality range of Residential Aged Care needs of the community and region. facilities and Ageing in Place facilities to ●● 50% increase employment opportunities in meet the needs of the resident population culture and the arts across the Gascoyne and to attract residents from outside the region. region. ●● Development of the Gascoyne Arts Council ●● A reduction in the number of non-urgent as an effective region-wide representative presentations to hospital Emergency organisation. Departments due to increased access to primary health care services across the region. ●● Improved access to Commonwealth and State government services with locally available staff based in the Gascoyne. ●● Improved and expanded Sport, Aquatic, Youth and Community facilities across the region. ●● A range of affordable housing to support its population growth targets and client needs. ●● A quality aviation service which can meet the needs of residents and visitors, particularly with regard to flight availability and affordability. ●● Collaborate with Local Government Authorities to prioritise and achieve town based planning and strategic growth projects. 25 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Wider Benefits URIS TO M The Regional Imperatives identified Diversifies the tourism offering including food-based attraction.
in this Blueprint are highly Provides quality food experience for international tourists.
interrelated, sharing similar drivers D
E E
S C and having flow-on effects to one Increases profile and branding of the region nationally and globally. I F T O O N I another resulting in wider benefits N H O I O A D T T C to the community. Developing the C I O T P R O D U Also provides N F I R S Gascoyne economy’s and achieving horticulturalservices sector. to and supports business travel Increases exposure of local businesses Diversifies local visitor mix to include the Blueprint’s Vision will require an employment and business travellers. integrated development of these International tourism opportunities. Providesto visitors services Imperatives, recognising their interrelationships as illustrated. THE GASCOYNE REGION for sale in local retailers. Direct supply of food stuffs for
Provides quality food products project workers. Provides services that attract and retain workers in the region. Provides
non-residentialmarket for
local business.
R
S
E
N S
I
O
A
U Provides services that attract and retain workers in the region. H
R C
C P Y S E O Presents opportunities for local population serving businesses. L E S P P Increases size of market for local businesses through B2B and U I C S P L V service population markets. E U A T R R S I O N S E V I C E S &
26 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Summation The Gascoyne is a remote and Gascoyne’s location provides many diverse region facing great advantages including its sub- opportunities and significant tropical environment, proximity to challenges as it moves towards Asia, access to major international achieving its vision by the middle of tourism attractions, equidistant the twenty first century. between Perth and the Pilbara; and adjacent to the expanding oil and Key comparative advantages for gas industry off Exmouth. the Gascoyne are the effective and sustainable exploitation of natural The challenges faced are in the resources, particularly water and areas of human capital, labour iconic attractions for tourism; and market efficiency, technological the Gascoyne’s geographical readiness, particularly with respect location. to communication connectivity, and infrastructure. The State Governments Seizing the Opportunity program, particularly Strong local leaders with a focus Water For Food, will provide for the on innovative approaches to regional mapping and optimal use overcome barriers and facilitate of water and land, facilitating an growth will attract targeted expansion in the quantum and value investment from both the of food production in the region. Government and the private sector Outcomes could include increased enabling the Gascoyne to achieve horticulture cropping, irrigated its aspirational Vision by 2050. pasture for cattle or value adding to product through assets such as a multi-food processing plant.
27 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Introduction
28 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
he Regional Blueprint Local government is an important establishes the priorities for stakeholder in the facilitation and Tthe development and growth management of economic growth of the Gascoyne. It provides not in the Gascoyne. The Blueprint only the public sector, but also seeks to provide a holistic, region- private investors, businesses and wide framework within which the the community with an aspirational, unique comparative advantages, evidence-based strategic direction opportunities and challenges for the region. of local communities can be contextualised and addressed. Structuring Regional Development for the Future (the Duncan The Gascoyne Blueprint was Review) in 2010 first identified the prepared concurrently with the benefits of Regional Blueprints Western Australian Planning for Development Commission Commission’s Gascoyne Regional areas across the state. A Regional Planning and Infrastructure Blueprint is a strategy that outlines Framework and the State Planning regional growth and development Strategy 2050. The Framework aspirations, transformational complements the Blueprint and projects and investment aims to provide guidance to opportunities and an integrated government agencies and local and comprehensive approach government on land use, supply to regional planning. Blueprints and development, environmental provide a structure to respond to, protection, infrastructure plan and implement transformative investment and the delivery of change in a region in a strategic physical and social infrastructure and comprehensive manner. for the region. It also provides a They will be used to coordinate framework for the preparation of resources to address challenges subregional and local planning and opportunities that arise, strategies. and measures to track progress towards set goals and imperatives. Essentially, a Blueprint is a tool that helps a region to achieve its vision.
29 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
PLANNING AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
COAG Themes of Strategic Importance
The Council of Australian ●● A long-term strategy for Government (COAG) is the economic and social peak intergovernmental forum in participation; Australia. It is the embodiment of ●● A national economy driven by the federal system of Government our competitive advantages; in place within Australia with its ●● A more sustainable and members including the Prime liveable Australia; Minister, Premiers and Chief ●● Better health services and Ministers of all States and a more sustainable health Territories and the President system for all Australians; and of the Local Government ●● Closing the Gap on Association. Indigenous disadvantage. Reforms proposed and agreed by These themes represent COAG are shaped by five themes fundamental issues for the of strategic importance identified Australian economy and are in 2011. These five themes lie at acutely relevant to the growth and the intersection of jurisdictional development of the Gascoyne responsibilities: region to 2050. This Blueprint seeks to contribute to the achievement of lasting solutions to these themes in the region The Blueprint has not been developed in isolation. and establishes a framework for An extensive range of policies, strategies, plans and frameworks national priorities to be identified, covering a diversity of issues and opportunities in the Gascoyne, considered and addressed on an ongoing basis. regional Western Australia and the nation already exist and provide a rigorous evidence base for the Blueprint.
30 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Alignment of Commonwealth and State Development Initiatives
The Commonwealth Government is There is alignment between ●● Diversifying the economic Consistent with the aspirational committed to developing Northern the Western Australian State base of Northern Australia development objectives of the Australia (the region north of Government’s planning and beyond the resource Blueprint, there is a narrow the Tropic of Capricorn) and will northern Regional Investment sector involves building on range of high level development develop ways to capitalise on the Blueprints and the Commonwealth competitive advantages themes that are held in common region’s strengths, provide the Government’s commitment to including agriculture, defence, across Northern Western best regulatory and economic Northern Australia. The key aquaculture and renewable Australian regions. These common environment for business and elements of the Western Australian energy; development themes include: identify critical infrastructure for view of developing Northern ●● Increasing the efficiencies of ●● Agriculture, Food and Fibre; long-term growth, public and Australia3 are: Government actions across ●● Tourism visitation; private planning and investment. jurisdictions; ●● WA supports the opportunity ●● Minerals and Energy; ●● Key development priorities to leverage Western Australia’s ●● Aboriginal Opportunity; include land tenure and investment in Northern ●● Services for people – Health, environmental approvals Australia; Education and Training, reform and more appropriate ●● Strategic investment in Housing; underpinning financial transformational change across ●● Facilitating Business arrangements; and jurisdictions should focus on and Industry growth and ●● The linkage of Aboriginal addressing impediments to diversification; and people to participation in the growth; ●● Strategic Infrastructure. benefits and outcomes of development is a priority for concerted effort.
31 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
A core objective of the Blueprint Coastal Settlements process is to identify the Sub-Committee transformational development In June 2014, the Western priorities that in each region, Australia Government announced will serve to achieve the high the establishment of a new Coastal level and long term development Towns and Settlements Cabinet aspirations of that region. As Subcommittee (CTSCS). The part of advancing the collective Subcommittee will investigate the development aspirations of development and revitalisation Northern Western Australia, of priority coastal settlements the Regional Development and examine future coastal sites, Commissions that cover the particularly on the south coast of Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid Western Australia. West and Goldfields Esperance have identified those elements of The new committee will begin their transformational priorities that by examining Coral Bay and are held in common across the the Abrolhos Islands, as well as regions that collectively comprise potential sites along the south Northern Western Australia. coast. Coral Bay is located within the Gascoyne region and The successful development is recognised as the gateway to pathway includes building upon Ningaloo Reef. The new committee comparative and competitive will examine issues including advantages as well as overcoming access, services, infrastructure, the pervasive and inherent land tenure and any other factors barriers to development that exist preventing progress in Coral Bay. in the North. Transformational development involves both The sub-committee of Cabinet harnessing advantage and will comprise the Deputy Premier, overcoming barriers. Minister for Regional Development Planning Minister, Tourism Minister, and Fisheries Minister and the Local Government Minister as required.
32 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Royalties for Regions and State Planning Strategy 2050 Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan Other Regional Plans and Development of the Blueprint was The State Planning Strategy 2050 The Gascoyne Revitalisation Strategies supported by Royalties for Regions is the primary strategic plan for the Plan, commencing 2010, is Development and growth in funding. Royalties for Regions is State and is an important reference an investment by Royalties for regional Western Australia a State Government initiative to guide for the preparation of the Regions of $150 million into major generally, and in the Gascoyne reinvest a share of mining and Blueprint. A number of factors infrastructure, headworks and specifically, are the subject of onshore petroleum royalties into identified in the Strategy will drive community priority projects in the a range of documents, policies, regional WA, with the goal of socio-economic change in the Gascoyne region over 6 years. plans and strategies. The research, building strong and vibrant regional State in the medium to long-term, The Plan is providing substantial findings and projects identified communities that are desirable including: economic stimulus to the region in these plans and strategies places to live. A major purpose have been incorporated into the ●● Population structure and and will: of the Blueprint is to identify growth; Blueprint to ensure the drivers, Transformational Pillars that can ●● Build increased economic and challenges and opportunities ●● Workforce structure and assist Royalties for Regions to socio-economic development growth; facing all aspects of the Gascoyne prioritise funding and investment capability and capacity; economy and community are ●● Growth and changes in the opportunities. ●● Provide the community with global economy; captured. A list of strategies and an enhanced quality of life plans related to the Gascoyne ●● Social and economic conducive to expected growth; diversification; region and referenced in the and preparation of this Blueprint are ●● Urban and regional expansion; ●● Generate employment included in the Appendices. ●● Increasing use of technology in opportunities for local business and community; and businesses in the planning, ●● Climate change. works and operational stages These factors are reflected in this of the proposed projects/ Blueprint and have influenced the initiatives. strategies identified to guide the Projects being funded are drawn Gascoyne’s development to 2050. primarily from the Gascoyne Regional Development Plan 2010-2020 and are guided by the Gascoyne Advisory Group.
33 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Megatrends
34 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Global megatrends that he world is changing – global This growth in food and resource Regional Australia is particularly will influence the trajectory shifts in demographics, demand is expected to occur at a susceptible to increases in cost of Tresources, the environment, time when the effects of climate living, with isolation and associated of the Gascoyne economy movement and communication change may begin to emerge. The transport costs resulting in goods over the next thirty years are transforming the way we live, productivity of Australian and global and services being 10-20% higher have been analysed in this work and interact with one another. food producing areas is projected than capital city averages. Similarly, Established economic systems, to deteriorate (due to water housing affordability, particularly in Blueprint, including: governance models and business security) and the greater focus high amenity locations, can also be processes need to evolve and on carbon emissions and energy a critical issue, with local workers ●● Affordability and adapt to this changing global security is expected to underpin a and households often lacking the environment to ensure future shift to renewable energy and low- income and purchasing power to Cost of Living; growth and prosperity. carbon fuels. enter the market. ●● National Defence; These global shifts or “megatrends” Rising incomes and enhanced This is further exacerbated by an ●● Asian Population Growth; are relevant to all communities and global transport connections ageing population in Australia ●● Global Food Consumption; regions in Australia, including the are already driving increased and much of the Western World.
●● Mineral Resource and Gascoyne. The Gascoyne region international tourism visitation to The fixed incomes of older is exposed to the global economy, Australia. Over the past decade, households make it difficult Energy Investment; through tourism, food and mineral while domestic tourist visitation for rising costs of living to be ●● Climate Change; exports, while the impacts of has been depressed by a high absorbed and managed; creating ●● International Tourism; climate change will present Australian dollar, international significant financial stress for older challenges but also opportunities visitation has continued to grow Australians. With populations in ●● Population Ageing; and for the region. strongly, supported by increased regional Australia tending to age ●● Broadband and the travel by people from China and faster than metropolitan areas, this The global population is projected direct flights to and from Australia issue is particularly stark. However, Digital Age to continue to grow rapidly for and major Asian cities. this ageing demographic also the first half of this century, with presents significant opportunities Asian countries of China and While Australia continuously rates with health care and social India contributing the most to this well among the increasing numbers assistance services now the largest growth. The increase in the size of international visitors in terms of employing sector of the Australian of this population, coupled with quality, experience and friendliness, economy and expected to grow the industrialisation of developing value for money is regularly raised rapidly over the coming decades economies and associated rising as an issue. This relates to the with the retirement of the Baby incomes, is expected to accelerate comparatively high cost of living Boomer generation. demand for quality food and mineral in Australia, which has been and energy resources. increasing in recent years. 35 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
A lack of population critical mass in Communication technology also many parts of regional Australia can presents significant opportunities impact the delivery of quality health for individuals and businesses and social assistance services to to connect and integrate with this older demographic, as well as emerging Asian economies. education, retail, community and E-commerce, telecommuting public administration services to and freelancing trends are the broader population. The use of becoming fully imbedded in the technology, such as tele-delivery way businesses operate and are and video conferencing facilities, allowing entrepreneurs to look to break down these barriers in the beyond Australia to opportunities short-term is essential to ensuring in the global economy. This regional populations have the includes the use of technology to same convenient access to critical enhance the tourism and visitation services as metropolitan residents. experience of individuals, using This includes remote towns, smart phones, QR codes and including Aboriginal communities, other access systems to imbed where a lack of services can mean information on different attractions the differences between life and into the overall tourism experience death. of the region. A growing globalised and These trends and their relevance interconnected world raises issues to the Gascoyne economy are regarding national defence. There summarised in the matrix below. are a number of interrelated factors A more detailed examination of that may influence Australia’s each of the trends is included in security outlook with opportunities Appendix 1. for a critical mass of employment, The following table summarises population and expenditure activity these megatrends and their from defence posture movements relevance to the Gascoyne in regional Australia. economy and community.
36 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Table 1 Megatrends RELEVANCE TO GASCOYNE Moderate High
DRIVER DRIVER DESCRIPTION RATIONALE
Asian Estimates from the United Nations are for a rapid increase in the size of Growth in Australia and Asian populations will increase demand for food Population the middle class in Asia over the coming decades, with population in Asia products, both normal and niche, which will provide opportunity for growth of Growth expected to grow from around 4.3 billion people in 2013, to over 5.1 billion the Gascoyne food industry. This will result in growth of jobs which will attract by 2050. Most of Asia’s population, in fact the world’s population, is shared additional people to the Gascoyne. High amongst the world’s two most populous countries, China and India. In 2013, both China and India accounted for 61.4% of Asia’s population and this is projected to remain relatively stable until 2050 (58.2%). Western Australia’s population is also expected to experience rapid growth (by Australian standards) over the next 35 years, reaching 5.6 million by 2050/51 or more than double current levels. This growth is expected to be concentrated in Greater Perth, though affordability, cost of living and congestion factors may incentivise greater shares of this growth. Current projections are for another 230,000 people in Regional WA by 2050/51 taking the total population to 880,000. Global Food Global food production will need to increase by 60% by 2050 to meet The Gascoyne is a significant horticulture district in Western Australia with Demand projected demand levels. At the same time, global food production is the industry being the third largest employer in the region. Despite this, there projected to grow at only 1.7% per annum over the next 10 years, as a is a very low level of the agricultural product that is exported from the region, High combination of increased resource competition from biofuel sectors and with domestic centres (such as Perth) representing the region’s primary increased environmental protection constrain production. Demand is already market. outpacing supply in international markets, with food price volatility increasing Growing food demand from both increased global population and emerging dramatically since 2006 and prices trending upwards from 2000 lows, after middle classes in China, India and ASEAN countries will underpin demand decades of real food price declines resulting from increased productivity. for a diverse range of agricultural commodities, from which will result in the international export market opening up for the Gascoyne region. Mineral Capital expenditure in the WA resources sector continues to be strong, The Gascoyne region is strategically located to support and facilitate the Resource having stabilised at near record levels. This reflects the continued growth and development of major offshore oil and gas deposits with the centre of and Energy investment in the oil and gas sector, offsetting declines in iron ore and coal Exmouth already fulfilling the role of a strategic hub for existing operations. Investment nationally, given a combination of the large project size and value and strong The consideration of a deep water wharf would also enhance Exmouth’s growth in energy exploration, particularly in WA. industry position. The growth in investment expected in the medium term has High the potential to underpin future economic growth in the region, providing employment, supply chain opportunities, training and economic engagement opportunities during both construction and operational phases.
37 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
DRIVER DRIVER DESCRIPTION RATIONALE
International Demand for international tourism continues to remain strong with the number Tourist visitation to Western Australia has continued to grow over the past Tourism of worldwide tourists growing. This confirms the positive trend and recent decade despite global economic conditions and the state of the domestic evaluation shows a significant improvement in confidence, with prospects tourist market. The diversity of natural amenity and destinations within High for future growth remaining upbeat. Further, this growth in global tourism the Gascoyne, from the pristine coastal environment to the vast inland continues to produce above average results in most world regions, offering landscapes, provides an opportunity for increased international tourist vital opportunities for employment and local economies. The Australian visitation. Maximising the success and growth of this industry will require tourism investment pipeline is now estimated to have been $44.1 billion in continued improvements in the quality and mix of accommodation. In 2012; this is an increase of 22% in pipeline investment over the year. These addition, the international tourism market needs continued investment in levels of investment clearly indicate the enormous potential of the tourism major transport infrastructure such as a deep water wharf at Exmouth. This sector and highlight both the importance and attractiveness of investing in will allow Exmouth to capitalise on the burgeoning cruise ship industry key tourism-related activities. through improved suitable berthing facilities. Ageing The population of Australia is ageing. Approximately 3 million people in The population age profile of the Gascoyne is older than the State average. Population Australia were aged 65 years and over in 2011 representing over one in This is expected to underpin growing demand for health, medical and welfare eight Australians. This was an increase of 27.6% over the last decade with an based services (including retirement accommodation and aged care). This is High annual average growth rate of 2.5%. Looking forward, the number of people particularly the case in Shark Bay. aged 65 years and over is projected to increase by 83.6% over the next two decades with an annual average growth rate of 3.1%. National Australia’s future security will be influenced by a range of interrelated factors. Exmouth is strategically positioned in closer proximity to major South East Defence The 2013 Defence White Paper identified a number of these factors as they Asian centres than Darwin, providing Defence with the ability to project relate to the broader Australasian region, including high tempo assets. Additionally, Exmouth’s proximity to offshore oil and High gas operations and deposits and position between Pilbara and Mid West ●● the importance of the Indo-Pacific in global security, mining regions provides Defence with oversight capacity of these important ●● the critical nature of enhanced regionalism and cooperation in South East contributors to Australia’s economy. Asia, Exmouth is home to three major Defence establishments: ●● the relationship between the United States of America and China, ●● potential conflict hotspots in North and South East Asia, ●● Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt, was built at the same time as ●● regional military modernisation the town and provides very low frequency radio transmission support for ●● terrorism ships and submarines of the US and Australian Navies; and ●● climate change impacts; ●● Learmonth Air Weapon Range, 18,954ha located 30km south west of ●● resource security; and Learmonth Airport (itself a bare forward RAAF base); and ●● cyber warfare. ●● Learmonth Solar Observatory is a quasi-military installation jointly run by Of particular note in the Defence White Paper is the fact that the economic the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the US Air Force. importance of northern Australia and offshore resources has increased and The expansion of Defence operations in Exmouth would provide a critical this must be considered in defence planning. The Defence Posture Review mass of employment, population and expenditure activity. This is analogous within the White Paper, builds upon the posture review undertaken in 2011 with Darwin and Townsville, albeit at a smaller scale. and reinforced the need for Australia’s northern and western approaches to be appropriately defended with the capacity for high tempo projections of 38 power into the region. GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
DRIVER DRIVER DESCRIPTION RATIONALE
Climate The average global surface temperature has risen around 0.8°C since The Gascoyne has experienced a series of severe weather events in recent Change 1850 and will rise further in the coming decades as a result of emissions years (floods in 2010 and fires in 2012) and the frequency and severity that have already occurred. For Australia, this is likely to involve substantial of such events may be exacerbated by variability in the global climate. The Moderate environmental change, where both natural and agricultural production Gascoyne region also experiences comparative low average rainfall with systems face significant change due to the combined effects of higher cyclones and other tropical rain depressions increasingly accounting for this temperatures and a general reduction in rainfall across much of the nation. rainfall. Such rainfall patterns may be further impacted by climate change. These environmental changes also increase the risks from bushfires and Finally, the coastal orientation of the Gascoyne economy, particularly in terms other extreme weather, particularly in coastal and rural regions. Since 1990 of the tourism sector means the regional economy is at risk of being impacted to 2011, Australia’s net emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent) increased by by sea level rises. 32.2%, growing annually at a rate of 1.3%. Affordability Asian and Australian cities continue to move up the cost of living scale The cost of living in Gascoyne towns is comparatively less affordable than and Cost of over the last few years which have been offsetting traditionally more costly southern regions. This reflects a combination of distance-related costs Living European locations. In particular, the cost of living in Australian cities has (namely the cost of transport and travel to the region) and the exposure of been rising very quickly up the rankings as economic growth has supported the region, namely Exmouth, to mining and energy resource projects and Moderate inflation and currency swings to make them more costly. Currently, two of employment. Housing in the Gascoyne is also less affordable than the State Australia’s cities (Sydney and Melbourne) are ranked in the top five most average. Carnarvon house prices are more affordable, with growth in recent expensive cities to live, where ten years ago there were no Australian cities years tracking against incomes. In contrast, Exmouth is severely unaffordable, among the 50 most expensive cities. The affordability and cost of living in owing to the purchasing power of investors and workers in resource jobs the Gascoyne is more expensive than cities. The 2013 Regional Price Index driving up prices. states that it costs 10% more to live in the region compared to Perth. In June 2013, the Consumer Price Index for housing was one of the highest in Australia (106.0), higher than that for all groups (102.8). Broadband Technology has played a central role in enabling the globalisation of markets The relative distance of the Gascoyne from Perth and other capital cities and the mainly by increasing the reach and speed of communication while also reduces the region’s economic interactions with these major sources of Digital Age assisting to reduce costs, which have eased the flow of goods, capital, economic and employment activity. Increased adoption of broadband internet people and information across borders. These macro trends have profound and ecommerce by Gascoyne households is viewed as critical to further Moderate life and business changing effects as they are able to transform businesses enhancing the integration of the region to the global economy. to better tailor their products and services to meet their customers’ needs (i.e. increasing mass customisation). This has made Australian businesses become more responsive to change, have faster speeds of transactions (i.e. maturity of Australian financial markets), cheaper and more convenient as well as making better use of scarce resources in the process.
39 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Key Metrics Scorecard The Scorecard for the Gascoyne The Score criteria are broken down against Key Metrics analysed in into three categories: this section and in Appendix 2 is Green – the indicators are summarised below. This Scorecard broadly positive and/or above uses a “Traffic Light” approach average; to illustrate the relative position of Gascoyne against individual Yellow – the indicators are Metrics within four broad Capital broadly neutral or in line with Pools: averages; and
●● Human – employment, skills Red – the indicators are and entrepreneurship; broadly negative or below ●● Productive – comparative averages. advantage, global demand and Additionally, the direction in which resilient economy; the Metric has been moving in ●● Social – dynamics, structure recent years is also identified to and infrastructure; and provide context. This is important ●● Natural – conservation, as it reveals the relative momentum resources and resilience. of each indicator in the Scorecard. The colour of the arrow (Green, Yellow or Red) confirms whether the relevant movement in the indicator is positive or negative.
40 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
The following table summarises the key metrics related to the HUMAN capital pool.
AREA OF
CAPITAL POOL CAPITAL FOCUS MEASURES SCORE DIRECTION COMMENTS
Employment ●● Unemployment rate ●● Unemployment remains in line with State averages and is low by historical levels, but has risen ●● Post school qualifications sharply in recent quarters. ●● Occupation and ●● Post school qualifications are biased towards Certificate level, reflecting the industry structure employment diversity of the region. ●● Employment has diversified in recent years, with a fall in agriculture being offset by growth in mining, energy professional services, transport and retail sectors.
Skills ●● Post school qualifications ●● Post school qualifications are biased towards Certificate level, reflecting the industry structure ●●
HUMAN Access to local education of the region. facilities
Entrepreneurship ●● Non-employing, micro and ●● Small business numbers have rebounded strongly from 2011 lows. Agriculture and small business Numbers construction continue to be the most common business sectors, though retail, transport and professional services are also significant. ●● Business formation and operation rates are above national and State averages.
HUMAN capital pool 41 42 PRODUCTIVE capital pool capital PRODUCTIVE pool. capital summarisesthekeymetrics relatedtothePRODUCTIVE The followingtable
PRODUCTIVE CAPITAL POOL Resilient Economy Global Demand Advantage Comparative AREA OF OF AREA FOCUS
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Personal incomes Employment growth Unemployment rates Local businessregistrations diversity Changes inemployment passenger numbers Learmonth airport International touristvisitors production Gross valueofagricultural production Gross valueofagricultural Tourism MEASURES GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT INVESTMENT REGIONAL GASCOYNE SCORE
DIRECTION ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Local businessregistrations haverecoveredstronglysince2011. employment growthbeingbroadlyflatsince2006. transportandprofessional servicessectors.This resultedin employment offsetbyretail, The industry structureoftheregionhasbecomemorediversified,withdeclinesinagricultural Unemployment hasbeenrisinginrecentquartersbutremains belowhistoricalpeaks. However, averages,except inExmouth. householdincomesremainbelow State andsubsequenteconomicclimate. Personal incomes remainedresilientduringtheGFC 2009, basedprimarilyonfly-infly-outworkers. Learmonth Airportpassengernumbersareathistorical highs, experiencingrapidgrowthsince World Areas. Heritage andNingaloo by internationaltouristsincludeMonkeyMia,MountAugustusandSharkBay International touristvisitornumberswereatrecordlevelsin2012/13.Majorattractionsvisited andfruitcrops. production inarangeofvegetable inhorticultureandisamajorcontributortoState Gascoyne hasacomparativeadvantage andfruitcrops. production inarangeofvegetable inhorticultureandisamajorcontributortoState Gascoyne hasacomparativeadvantage international visitation. inrecentyearsoffsetbyrecord withdeclinesindomesticovernightvisitation stable natural amenities.Visitation totheGascoyneoverpastdecadehasremainedcomparatively The regionishometoadiverserangeofinternationallyrecognised touristattractionsand COMMENTS NA TURAL capital pool NATURAL capital The following table summarisesthekeymetrics relatedtotheNATURALThe pool. followingtable capital
NATURAL CAPITAL POOL Resilience Resources Conservation AREA OF OF AREA FOCUS
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Water security Rainfall patterns production Value ofagricultural Impact ofpastoralactivities Marine reserves National Parks MEASURES GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT INVESTMENT REGIONAL GASCOYNE SCORE
DIRECTION ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● support diversificationofactivitiesonpastoralleases. Gascoyne River, inCarnarvon,whileartesianwaterisincreasingly beingdrawnuponto Water supplytothehorticulturesectorissupportedprimarilythroughirrigation offthe year) withcorrespondinglowflowsthroughtheGascoyne River. Rainfall in2012and2013hasbeenbelowlong-termaverages (approximately 200mmper Rainfall intheGascoyneislowandprimarilyfromcyclonic cellsandtropicaldepressions. production, particularlyintermsofpearlproduction. Seafood productionhasbeendeclininginvaluebutremainsasignificantcontributortoState livestock numbersafterrecentfloodsandfires,inspiteofpoorrainfall patterns. Food productionhasincreasedinrecentyearsfollowingtherecovery ofproductionand andfruitcrops. production inarangeofvegetable inhorticultureandisamajorcontributortoState Gascoyne hasacomparativeadvantage and twoWorld listedareas. Heritage The Gascoynehasstrongnaturalamenityincludingextensivenational parks,marinereserves COMMENTS 43 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
The following table summarises the key metrics related to the SOCIAL capital pool.
AREA OF SCORE DIRECTION CAPITAL POOL CAPITAL FOCUS MEASURES COMMENTS
Dynamics ●● Population growth ●● The Gascoyne has reversed historical declines and experienced strong population growth in ●● Net migration recent years. ●● Fertility rates ●● Net inward migration has been negative in all locations except Exmouth. ●● Fertility rates are strong and above WA averages across all LGAs.
Structure ●● Age profile ●● The population profile of the Gascoyne is comparable with regional Australian trends, with ●● Share of population aged below average shares of young adults. Loss of youth primarily reflects lack of secondary 65+ education services in Gascoyne towns. ●● The population of Gascoyne is ageing at a rate comparable with that of WA.
Infrastructure ●● Public administration deficit ●● Public administration levels appear above average but this reflects the predominance of ●● Housing affordability fisheries, horticulture, livestock and natural environment management services. Population ●● Aboriginal population serving and administration public sector worker levels are below average, with services
SOCIAL increasingly delivered from outside of the region (namely Geraldton). ●● Health services concentrated in Carnarvon with access to specialist services limited. Outside of Carnarvon, basic medical services are limited with part-time offerings common. ●● Housing has remained highly unaffordable in the Gascoyne, particularly in Exmouth and Shark Bay where employment and retirement income market factors influence prices. Carnarvon remains more affordable with price growth in recent years tracking with household income growth. ●● People of Aboriginal descent account for over one in five residents in the Gascoyne, and higher rates in the Upper Gascoyne. This share is well above State and national averages.
●● Education and health ●● Education (particularly secondary and tertiary education), services are lacking across the services provision region and are a driver of the loss of young adults from the Gascoyne. SOCIAL capital pool 44 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Regional overview
45 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
he Gascoyne accounts for about 5.3% of the State’s total land area yet only 0.4% of Western Australia’s population. It is an established Tregion with an economy founded on quality horticulture, pastoral and fishery production, resources and tourism. There are four local governments servicing the Gascoyne:
●● Shire of Carnarvon ●● Shire of Exmouth ●● Shire of Shark Bay WESTERN ●● AUSTRALIA Shire of Upper Gascoyne Exmouth 0 25 50 75 kilometres This section provides an overview of these and other demographic, economic, environmental and social characteristics of the Gascoyne Shire of Exmouth PILBARA region. A more detailed analysis of the region’s characteristics is included Coral Bay REGION in Appendix 2.
Geographical and Cultural Context
INDIAN The Gascoyne region extends along 600km of the Indian Ocean coastline GASCOYNE REGION 2 OCEAN and about 500km inland, for a total area of approximately 135,277 km . Burringurrah Shire of Shire of Carnarvon Carnarvon Upper Gascoyne It comprises the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and Upper Gascoyne Junction Gascoyne with total population of approximately 10,300 people. It is has the lowest population density of any region in Australia. The five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne, the Yinggarda, Denham Baiyungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji have occupied the region for MID WEST thousands of years and are custodians of its rich heritage, as well as very Shire of REGION significant contributors to its current economic and social environment. Shark Bay The Gascoyne is also the location of the first confirmed European contact on the Australian continent. On 25 October, 1616 the Dutch sailor and explorer Dirk Hartog landed and left a pewter plate on what is now called Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay. The region possesses outstanding natural capital and incorporates internationally recognised features such as the Ningaloo and Shark Bay World Heritage Areas, Monkey Mia and Coral Bay. Figure 2 Key Features of the Gascoyne 46 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
The semi-arid to sub-tropical temperatures ranging from 30°C Western Australia’s marine waters of Shark Bay sustain climate of the Gascoyne is apt to 37°C in summer and from 20°C environment is divided into extensive seagrass beds – key for the production of various to 24°C in winter. Most rainfall is in ‘bioregions’. The Gascoyne nursery areas for dugongs, fish, fruits and vegetables. Founded winter, although summer rains from Coast Bioregion runs from the prawns and scallops. The warmer originally on livestock, irrigation tropical low systems bring heavy Zuytdorp Cliffs, north of Kalbarri, waters around the Ningaloo Marine from the Gascoyne River has rainfall to the inland Gascoyne to the Ashburton River, south of Park support a diversity of marine seen the region, particularly which can create river flows to Onslow. The mix of tropical and life associated with its coral reef Carnarvon, transform into a major recharge aquifiers and permanent temperate conditions in this region systems. Ningaloo Reef, 260km horticultural producer, supplying pools in the Gascoyne River. is reflected in the fish species in length, is Australia’s largest a large proportion of Western found. To the north, near Exmouth, fringing coral reef. Ningaloo Reef At 865 kilometres in length the Australia’s fruit and vegetable tropical species such as emperors provides high-quality fishing for Gascoyne River is the longest river crops. The coastal orientation of and mackerel dominate. Farther species such as spangled emperor, in Western Australia and flows into the region also supports extensive south, there are temperate species Spanish mackerel and coral trout. the Indian Ocean at Carnarvon. It wild capture and an emerging such as western rock lobster, Exmouth Gulf has an extensive is joined by 36 tributaries and the aquaculture-based seafood tailor, snapper (pink snapper) and mangrove system, with creek 561 kilometre long Lyons River production. The pleasant climate mulloway. An array of aquatic life species such as mangrove jack near Gascoyne Junction which is also a key attractor for residents and natural wonders has made the and mud crabs. There is also a together provide a catchment area and tourists alike. Shark Bay and Ningaloo World large annual migration of whales of 68,326 square kilometres. The Heritage Areas world-famous, and whale sharks as well as large Gascoyne River is known locally attracting thousands of tourists and numbers of dolphins. Environment as an upside-down river, because fishers each year. The protected The Gascoyne region has a low it flows for about 120 days of the and gently undulating landscape year and then flows below the with open drainage. Vegetation dry river bed for the remainder of is mainly acacia shrublands and the year. The river’s aquifers lying saltbush/bluebush shrublands, with below the sand act as a huge water dense shrub-steppe vegetation, storage system which has been dominated by hummock grassland, utilised by the local horticulture or spinifex north of Carnarvon. industry in Carnarvon to grow The climate is semi‑arid to crops. The river also flows through sub‑tropical, with average annual many permanent pools that are rainfall between 200 and 300 mm. valuable to both stock and native Temperatures are warm to hot, species in the inland pastoral areas. with average daily maximum
47 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Economy The Gascoyne is home to a economy continues to grow. dynamic regional economy, reliant In 2012, the gross value of on horticulture and tourism. horticultural production in the Local employment has remained region increased to $103.9 million, broadly stable in recent years, up significantly from $72 million with productivity-related declines in 2011. In 2013 the value was in agriculture employment being $78 million. A further $35 million offset by increases in employment is contributed each year from the in construction, mining and pastoral sector, mainly in the form transport, postal and warehousing of cattle disposals. Carnarvon, sectors. as the centre of horticulture production in the region accounted Despite this decline in employment for the majority of agricultural in Agriculture, the value of food production value in 2011/12, with production in the Gascoyne otherIndustries LGAs playingof Employment secondary Industries Source: ABS Census 2011 (2012) & RPS Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Mining Manufacturing Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services Construction Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Accommodation and Food Services GASCOYNE IN 2050 Transport, Postal and Warehousing Information Media and Telecommunications Increased employment opportunities and lifestyle choices attract Financial and Insurance Services highly skilled migrants to the region, which will accelerate regional Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services Professional, Scientific and Technical Services population growth. This will strengthen demand for quality population Administrative and Support Services services in acute and general health, secondary and tertiary education, Public Administration and Safety Education and Training community facilities and professional services. Health Care and Social Assistance Arts and Recreation Services Other Services 0 100 200 300 400 500 Jobs
Figure 3 Industries of Employment4 48 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
roles. Expansion and diversification Unemployment in the Gascoyne The highest GRP per worker is in of the food production sector decreased rapidly in recent years, Exmouth with a GRP of $245,885 in the Gascoyne is critical to falling from 7.0% in mid-2010 to which, due to the oil and gas enhancing exports and supporting just over 3.0% in September 2012 industry, is higher in comparison growth of the economy. Expansion – less than half. However, since to the State average. The Upper and diversification of the food 2012, the unemployment rate in the Gascoyne has the lowest GRP production sector in the Gascoyne Gascoyne has climbed higher and per worker at $89,460 per worker is critical to enhancing exports and as at June 2013, was 5.3%. This which is less than half the State supporting growth of the economy. climb is sharper than, but broadly average. This is illustrated below. The need for increased food in line with, the increase in State security and expansion has been unemployment. recognised through the Gascoyne In the financial year 2012/13 Food Bowl initiative funded by the value of the Gross Regional Royalties for Regions and led by Product was estimated to be DAFWA. $870 million. Typically, about 95% Gross Regional Product Per Worker, The Gascoyne has shown a of this is generated in the coastal Gascoyne v State Average 2011/12 Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research 2012/13 strong growth rate of the labour areas of the region. In 2012/13, force up to December 2013, the Gascoyne had per worker $250,000 5 increasing from 6,177 at the same Gross Regional Product (GRP) $225,000 period in 2012 to 6,643 workers, of $130,965, which is significantly $200,000 an increase of 7%. This growth lower than the State GRP per rate can be attributed to several worker of $180,100. The GRP $175,000 major infrastructure projects, as level fluctuates even further when $150,000 well as growth in the tourism and the individual LGAs are examined. $125,000 horticultural sectors. $100,000
$75,000 $50,000 Gross Regional Product Per Worker Gross Regional Product Per $25,000 $0 Carnarvon Exmouth Shark Upper Gascoyne State Bay Gascoyne Region Average
Figure 4 Gross Regional Product Per Worker, Gascoyne v State Average 2012/135 49 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Agriculture As highlighted in the industry and The value of food production in up from $72.0 million in 2011. In The region was the primary employment structure, agriculture, the Gascoyne has been impacted 2013 the value was $78 million. producer for a range of horticultural and in particular horticulture, is the in recent years by a series of The livestock sector contributes crops, including: primary industry of the Gascoyne natural disasters and extreme approximately $25 million in ●● Vegetables for seed; region. In 2012, the Gascoyne weather events. However, 2012 production value to the region each ●● Runner and French Beans; region accounted for 8.7% of the represented a better year, despite year, namely in cattle sales7. ●● Capsicums; State’s agricultural land holdings below average rainfall. In 2012, ●● Vegetable Herbs; including 10.4% of the total grazing the Gross Value of horticultural ●● 6 Melons; area . Values of Major Gascoyne Industriesproduction 2013 was $103.9 million, Gascoyne Gross Regional Product Region 2001/2013 ●● Pumpkins; ●● Tomatoes; ●● Carambolas; $250,000,000 $1000.00 ●● Lychees; $900.00 ●● Mangoes; $200,000,000 $800.00 ●● Bananas; and $700.00 ●● Table grapes. $150,000,000 $600.00 The diversity of food production in the Gascoyne and the primacy $500.00 of the region in the production of $100,000,000 $400.00 key crops for the State mean the $300.00 region’s role as a major food bowl $50,000,000 $200.00 should not be underestimated. $100.00 Gascoyne Gross Regional Product ($m)
$0,000,000 $0.00 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Tourism (2013) (2012/13) Mining (2012/13) Retail (2013) Horticulture Aquaculture (2011/12) Fishing and Pastoral (2011/12) (2013) Construction Building and
Figure 5 Values of Major Gascoyne Industries 20138 Figure 6 Gascoyne Gross Regional Product Region, 2001/20139 50 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
The Carnarvon Horticulture District water are being developed in is situated on the fertile delta of order to significantly enhance the the Gascoyne River and plays economic growth and prosperity of an important role in providing Carnarvon. fresh fruit and vegetables to the In terms of the total agricultural Perth market 900km away. The land, 85% is located within the majority of horticulture activity is Carnarvon and Upper Gascoyne carried out along the banks of the LGAs. However, this differs from Gascoyne River near Carnarvon the breakdown of agricultural on 170 plantations covering an production. In particular, production area of 1,500 hectares. The most is concentrated within the significant crops in volume and Carnarvon LGA, where 89% of value are bananas, tomatoes, table the region’s agricultural value is grapes, capsicum and mango. produced despite only having 55% Through the Gascoyne Food Bowl, of the total agricultural land. This is an additional 400 hectares of illustrated in the following figure. horticultural land andGross associated Value of Agricultural Land, Gascoyne Region, 2010-11
Carnarvon
Exmouth LGA Shark Bay
Upper Gascoyne 0 20 40 60 80 Value ($ million)
Figure 7 Gross Value of Agricultural Production, Gascoyne Region, 2011/1210 51 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Retail size of these pastoral properties is approximately 125,000 Retail turnover was estimated hectares. The livestock are raised at $104 million for the 2011/12 largely on natural pasture and financial year. This has had a are watered through a variety of 7.6 per cent annual increase to sources including artesian bores, $109 million for the 2012/13 permanent water holes, windmills financial year. A range of national and dams. The ban on live exports retailers are found in the towns had a severe financial impact in of Carnarvon and Exmouth, both 2012/13, DAFWA statistics state of which are supported by strong the disposal of sheep and cattle for Chambers of Commerce. meat was $23.5 million and wool production was $3.4 million for the Mining financial year ending 30 June 2011. The main commodity mined in This has increased to $25 million the Gascoyne is salt, bound for for disposal of sheep and cattle the chemical industries in Asia. for meat and $5 million for wool There is significant opportunity for production up to the financial year growth at the Rio Tinto Dampier ending 30 June 2012. Salt’s operations at Lake Macleod. The future of the pastoral Salt is also mined at Useless industry is looking more positive Loop by Mitsui’s Shark Bay as demonstrated by significant Salt. Department of Mines and GASCOYNE IN 2050 new investment into the industry in Petroleum statistics show that the recent years, and the increase in With a diverse economy underpinning sustainability, the region’s value of mineral production in the livestock prices. proximity to major resources makes Gascoyne towns the logical hub Gascoyne was $113 million for for energy and mining project supply chains, with local Gascoyne 2012/13 and is $134.7 million for Tourism businesses viewed as integral to major projects in regional WA. 2013/14. Additionally, this location reinforces Gascoyne’s role as a critical host The region is home to an extensive for Defence Forces charged with defending these important natural Pastoralism range of high value environmental resources. assets including major marine There are 67 pastoral leases in the reserves, national and state parks Gascoyne running either cattle, and two World Heritage Listed sheep and/or goats. The average areas – Ningaloo and Shark Bay. 52 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
The diversity of amenity between in total visitor nights have been coastal and inland environments, offset by record international coupled with major attractions tourist numbers. This has like Monkey Mia and Mount continued to support comparatively Augustus, is virtually unique within strong tourist accommodation Western Australia’s regional areas performance in the region. and represents a comparative Accessibility to and within the advantage of the Gascoyne. Gascoyne was identified in This natural amenity underpins a consultation (refer to Appendix 4 dynamic tourism sector that has for stakeholder list) as a primary shown remarkableDomestic resilience & International over constraintVisitor Nights to &the Day growth Trips, and the past decade. RecentGascoyne declines Region, expansion2000-01 to 2012-13of the tourism sector. Source: TRA (2013) & RPS 3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000 Visitor Days Visitor
1,000,000 NINGALOO REEF
500,000 At over 260km long, Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world and the largest fringing reef close to shore 0 (at the shoreline at Coral Bay). Renowned globally for the seasonal 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 concentration of whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef is part of the broader Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, listed by the United Nations in 2011. Other major marine fauna regularly seen in the area includes dolphins, humpback whales and dugongs on their migratory paths. Day Trips Domestic International Visitor Nights Visitor Nights
Figure 8 Tourist Visitor Nights and Day Trips, Year Ending June11 53 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Learmonth Airport, located near Other centres, such as Shark Exmouth, is the primary airport Bay and Carnarvon are currently of the region. The airport has serviced by Skippers Aviation experienced a sharp climb in using turboprop aircraft of up to passenger throughput since the 50 seats. Passenger volumes early 2000s and particularly since to Carnarvon have averaged 2009/10, primarily on the back approximately 25,000 per year of employment related travel and in recent years, with Shark Bay has grown to 90,861 in 2012/13 averaging only 5,000 passengers12. and to 90,452 in 2013/14. It Stakeholder consultation as part is currently serviced by Qantas of the Gascoyne Development Link, with sufficient capacity and Commission’s submission to frequency to service tourism, the draft State Aviation Strategy employment and community marketPassenger identifiedThroughput, that the costs were high segments. Annual, Learmonthand the Airport quality and frequency Source: BITRE (2014) Airport Traffic Data 1986/14, Australia Government, Canberra 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 GASCOYNE IN 2050 50,000 The Gascoyne region’s stunning natural beauty and strategic 40,000 location on the Western Australian coast underpin a diverse range 30,000 of employment, business and economic opportunities. In 2050, Airport Passenger Throughput 20,000 23,000 residents will call the Gascoyne home with a further 15,000 seasonal, FIFO and temporary workers actively involved in Gascoyne 10,000 communities. It is an internationally recognised aspirational tourism 0 1985-86 1987-88 1989-90 1991-92 1993-94 1995-96 1997-98 1999-00 2001-02 2003-04 2005-06 2007-08 2009-10 2011-12 destination and reliable provider of quality horticulture, livestock and aquaculture products.
13 54 Figure 9 Passenger Throughput, Annual, Learmonth Airport GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
of services were inadequate. In 2011/12, Gascoyne fisheries Economic, social and community accounted for the following shares opportunity costs were being of total State production: incurred as a result of the lack of ●● 50.6% of crabs; affordability and connectivity on ●● 75% of other crustaceans; and these routes14. ●● 95.8% of prawns15. The Shark Bay Prawn and Scallop Fishing and Aquaculture Managed Fisheries and the The pristine waters of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Gascoyne coast bioregion provide Fisheries are two of the State’s the perfect marine environment. most valuable commercial fisheries With water temperatures ranging with combined catches in the range from 22°C to 28°C and many of $40–50 million annually. Prawn, natural marine incubators such as scallop, crab and fish processing coral reef, sand flats and seagrass are carried out in the region’s beds, the Gascoyne coast towns. Fish processing occurs in bioregion has superior breeding Denham, prawn, scallop and fish grounds, fish nurseries and processing in Carnarvon. feeding habitats. These conditions Pearling remains the largest contribute to both successful aquaculture sector in the commercial fisheries and a popular Gascoyne. In 2011/12, pearling recreational fishery. produced $9.4 million in value, The commercial fisheries of the representing about 10% of the Gascoyne coast bioregion are: State’s production. Koi Carp and ornamental fish are two other forms ●● the Shark Bay Prawn and Scallop Managed Fisheries, of aquaculture but operations are currently very small, with only ●● Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery, $59,000 in combined production value in 2011/12. ●● the Shark Bay Crab (interim) Managed Fishery, ●● the Gascoyne Demersal Fishery and the Inner Shark Bay Scalefish Fishery. 55 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Small Business The Gascoyne has a dynamic finance and real estate (69% non- the Western Australian average professional services are also entrepreneurial business employing). of 85 and the Perth Metropolitan significant. The region participates community with strengths in food average of 83. However, it is significantly in primary production, The Gascoyne region’s share of production, construction and below the average small business especially in horticulture, small businesses (5-19) is above tourism. In 2012, the Gascoyne level for the Goldfields Esperance pastoralism and fishing, and small the State average. Gascoyne was home to over 1,000 locally (93), Wheatbelt (134) and Great businesses are increasingly vital business community. Still registered businesses16. This is Southern (149). to servicing the regional tourism analysis from the Small Business the highest number of businesses sector, the region’s most valuable Development Corporation suggests Agriculture and construction registered in the region since industry. there are 91 small businesses in continue to be the most common 2009, reflecting a recovery in the Gascoyne region forLocally every Registered Employingbusiness Businesses,sectors, though retail, Regional economic growth the economy after the impact by Number of Employees, 1,000 residents. This is above transport and real estate and is increasingly dependent on of natural disasters and recent Gascoyne and Western Australia integrating tertiary education redevelopment and investment in Source: ABS 8165.0 (2012) & RPS and research with innovative, Carnarvon. knowledge intensive industries Across the Gascoyne, the small and a dynamic small business business sector is an important Western 63% 22% 11% 4% community. One of the component of the local economy Australia opportunities is profiling of with businesses employing fewer potential investment opportunities than 20 workers accounting by small businesses in the region, for 94% of the region’s locally especially in the horticulture, food registered business community. and tourism sectors, through Non-employing businesses (or industry organisations or the CCIs. businesses with only one individual) Gascoyne 56% 21% 17% 6% Region Tourism still has the potential to represent the majority of locally be a significant local employer registered businesses, accounting and economic multiplier in the for 56% in 2012. This is a common 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% region, and significant small trend across Australia and reflects business opportunities are the self-employment and sub- Share of Registered Businesses evident in the Gascoyne Regional contractor workforce trends in Tourism Strategy and the Ningaloo construction (61% non-employing), Non employing 1-4 5-19 20-199 Shark Bay National Landscapes agriculture (59% non-employing), Experience Development Strategy. and some professional sectors like Figure 10 Locally Registered Employing Businesses, by Number of Employees, Gascoyne and Western Australia17 Small business has the potential 56 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
to benefit from the mining and Renewable Energy energy resource sector but they While the Gascoyne is located Several communities along the lack the capacity to appropriately near considerable oil and gas region’s coastline (Denham and meet the production and process resources within the Carnarvon Coral Bay) harness the wind, with requirements. Efforts are required Basin, businesses are faced with wind turbines contributing to and to foster a culture of coordination challenges associated with the high offsetting the cost of their diesel and collaboration among small costs of developing infrastructure generated electricity. businesses in the region, to allow (gas pipelines or electricity major procurement contracts to be There are many advantages to a networks) to areas that are sparsely met. region of increasing its reliance on populated and separated by vast local energy resources: A targeted approach is required distances. Each community has to ensure that the small business its own stand alone power station ●● Reduces energy costs sector has access to the which inhibits available market ●● increases the opportunities relevant development programs opportunities for any excess for local employment and to increase its productivity renewable energy to be on sold. businesses and competitiveness. There is ●● Reduces greenhouse gas The abundance of sunshine in opportunity to develop a small emissions the Gascoyne makes it one of the business incubator with associated ●● Provides fuel diversification, best solar regions in Australia, and regional outreach program, a protecting the region’s already has the largest solar plant working hub to provide a flexible economic vulnerability. in Western Australia owned by a co working space, a small business private company. The region has an The development and collaboration website including opportunity to become a national implementation of renewable framework for small businesses leader in the utilisation for solar energy is essential for any broader to join forces on large public and technology, with vast areas of land, economic development strategy private sector procurements. high annual solar insolation and for the region because energy is high alternative fuel costs for the critical or fundamental input into all production of electricity. of the region’s economic activities – tourism, pastoralism, agriculture, fishing, mining and transport.
57 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Aboriginal Enterprise There are a number of Aboriginal areas of employment, training, businesses operating across the entrepreneurship and community Gascoyne, which are diverse in development. Indigenous Land Use nature. These businesses have Agreements (ILUA) negotiated as access to only a limited level of part of native title agreements, have Aboriginal economic development provided Aboriginal communities support. Like many other support with economic benefit through services to the Gascoyne region, the granting of social license to Aboriginal economic development operate for mineral exploration support is primarily provided from and extraction. The development outside the region, namely from of Aboriginal enterprises in supply Geraldton and Perth. chains in the resources and food sectors in the Gascoyne To address these issues, strong should they arise, in the wake links must be developed with of development, could be industry and with support transformational. organisations to build capacity, mentor and foster development Likewise enormous potential exists of Aboriginal enterprises. This in tourism for Aboriginal product includes drawing upon the development. The Ningaloo lessons learnt by other parts Shark Bay National Landscapes of regional Australia, including Experience Development and the establishment of Aboriginal the Gascoyne Regional Tourism economic development and Strategy both identify the industry partnership plans, as well Gascoyne as a region of focus for as regional Aboriginal employment lucrative international and national strategies with on-ground market segments. These segments dedicated support. are seeking opportunities based on maritime, outback, adventure and Mining, energy supply, horticulture Indigenous experiences. and pastoral activities have provided a number of opportunities in the adjacent Pilbara and Kimberley regions, in the Courtesy of Australia’s Coral Coast 58 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Community Wellbeing Population and Demographics Well designed communities, The Gascoyne region the State and national averages in seeking a variety of employment transport and infrastructure accommodates a usual resident the Gascoyne. opportunities. underpin the attractiveness population of approximately Only 23.4% of the Gascoyne’s The Gascoyne has a relatively large and liveability of a place, which 10,300. Like much of regional population in 2012 was aged Aboriginal population. In 2011, contributes substantially to the Western Australia, it experiences between 15 and 34, compared to peoples of Aboriginal descent general wellbeing of its population. the dual challenges of an ageing 29.4% across WA. It is difficult for comprised almost one in every five The provision of attractive and population and youth migration. the region to retain young adults, Gascoyne residents (18.3%) or liveable communities with good The region’s population has particularly those undertaking some 1,770 people. This is above social infrastructure may positively fluctuated during the last secondary and tertiary education the State (3.7%) and national influence the attraction and decade, contracting by some and vocational training. This (3.0%) averages. The Aboriginal retention of new residents to the 1,000 residents to 2006, before Population Age Profile, also includes young workers population of the Gascoyne has Gascoyne. The lack of a population expanding to the current level. Gascoyne Region and WA, 2012 Source: ABS 3235.0 (2013) & RPS critical mass in the Gascoyne Aspirational population targets represents one of the fundamental were developed collaboratively 18% challenges to the region achieving by the Department of Planning 16% its economic potential. The small with the Gascoyne Development size and dispersed nature of the Commission and Gascoyne. 14% population impacts the level of These projections indicate growth 12% demand for a range of population in the population of the region to 10% services including health, 15,500 residents by 2026 and secondary and tertiary education, to 23,000 by 2050. 8% retail and public administration. In 2012, the share of population 6%
Historical population declines Share of Population aged less than 15 years in the have reversed in recent years and 4% region (21.1%) was marginally the region has entered a period higher than the Western Australian 2% of sustained strong population average (19.2%). Similarly, the 0% growth. This is exacerbating the 0 to 4 5 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 85+ share of population aged 65+ is existing shortfall in population also marginally higher than that services in the region and placing of the State average (12.6% and greater pressure on current service 12.4% respectively). Regional provision. fertility rates are consistently above Gascoyne Region WA
Figure 11 Population Age Profile, Gascoyne Region and WA, 201218 59 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
a younger age profile than non- Forecasts in the WA Tomorrow Other issues affecting the The Department of Planning Aboriginal residents, with 36.1% report have been made until figures include an ongoing issue has run a project to develop of people identifying as Aboriginal 2026 because it states that it is of accurately counting the population growth scenarios in under the age of 15. In contrast, considered reasonable to assume Gascoyne’s Aboriginal population the Gascoyne in order to consider the share of Aboriginal residents that underlying trends will continue on Census day and impacts of the possible impacts of existing aged 65 and over is significantly to that point. However, forecasts the region’s large service worker and potential investment and below the non-Aboriginal average. are based off a population population, including overseas economic development on regional This aligns with State and national decline up to 2006 and long-term workers. population growth. The scenarios trends. population decline across the were modelled to 2051 to reflect Regional aspirational population entire region has been reversed the planning timeframe in the targets were developed by since 2007, with positive net Draft State Planning Strategy Population Growth Forecast Department of Planning (see migration into Exmouth and strong (2050). Scenarios are intended to Table 1) through a consultation The Gascoyne Development local fertility rates and household broadly illustrate potential impacts process that engaged the four Commission (GDC) recognises formation supporting strong that varying levels of economic Gascoyne local governments the figures produced by the population growth. This makes expansion and investment in the and GDC. Regional targets were Western Australian Planning trend projections without a recent region may have; and accordingly, proposed following consideration Commission in Western Australia and accurate evidence base. they have been developed based of all feedback received from local Tomorrow Population Report on available information. As such, Government has adopted governments regarding their future No. 7, 2006 to 2026 – Forecast scenario population planning plans and strategies that are population aspirations at local and Profile for Gascoyne Planning allows for greater timeframes to be expected to change future regional levels, in addition to further Region developed in February considered as it is not expected to trends such as Directions 2031 advice from the GDC. These 2012 that contains trend-based be as accurate as a forecast model. and Beyond, Pilbara Cities targets are considered by the GDC population forecasts produced by The high growth scenario from this and Supertowns. These were to be in general alignment with the the State Demographer which are project is presented in Table 2. considered to be the State’s official considered as part of trends regional vision. population forecasts. that would increase populations for other regions. There was no The GDC believes that consideration of the Gascoyne circumstances have changed Revitalisation Plan ($150 million 2012 2026 2051 since the WA Tomorrow report Royalties from Regions) investment 1. WA Tomorrow – Band C 9,766 8,550 n/a was completed that will result in in the Gascoyne or future 2. WA Tomorrow – Band E 9,766 11,510 n/a higher population growth within the investment through the Gascoyne’s 3. Aspirational population targets 9,766 20,000 40,000 Gascoyne region. These include: (Carnarvon) inclusion in the new version of Supertowns or Regional 4. Estimated peak population 20,000 35,000 55,000 Investment Blueprint investment. Table 1 Gascoyne region population scenarios. Source: WA Dept of Planning 60 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Current Population forecasts/ Population growth Estimated residential population capacity population projections scenarios based on existing zonings Estimated (refer 4.1) (refer 4.2) (refer 4.3) (refer 4.4) residential Gascoyne Population Growth Scenarios Study population ABS WA Tomorrow – High Growth Scenario capacity based on existing ABS 2012 2026 Forecast Population: 2026 2051 zonings ABS 2011 Estimated Residential Band A (median figure) – Census (refer 4.4) Population – preliminary Band E (median figure) Permanent Peak Permanent Peak Carnarvon 5,787 6,057 2,900 - 6,500 7,427 10,991 7,498 11,062 13,131 Exmouth 2,393 2,536 2,100 - 3,100 4,469 11,965 4,604 12,100 9,150 Shark Bay 857 915 1,100 - 1,400 1,366 4,367 1,352 4,353 2,653 Upper Gascoyne 251 258 240 - 510 227 988 146 907 258 Gascoyne region 9,288 9,766 6,340 - 11,510 13,489 28,311 13,600 28,422 25,192
Table 2 Current and future population figures applicable to the Gascoyne Region. Source: WA Dept of Planning
Significantly, the scenario transient populations in addition While the figures produced are growth experienced from 2010 to provides two sets of population to an area’s permanently-based agreed to by Department of 2013 which totalled a population figures, specifically for permanent resident population. As itinerant Planning, GDC and the Gascoyne of 17,516 by 2050. The GDC then population; and for peak or transient populations, such as four local governments and state a added a percentage growth of population. With respect to the fly-in fly-out workers, seasonal population in 2051 of 28,422, the .07% based on future investment latter, in instances where sufficient workers and tourists, invariably GDC has been more conservative in the region which produced a validated data is available, annual create additional pressure on with aspirational population figures final aspirational figure of 23,000. peak or maximum population local and regional infrastructure, in the Blueprint stating 23,000 by This is now based on 8 years of figures have been modelled as part consideration of their population 2050. GDC have developed the continuous positive population of the scenario to consider the impacts is important from a new aspirational figure of 23,000 growth in the Gascoyne as a possible magnitude of itinerant or planning perspective. by 2050 based on the 1.5% whole.
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Health and Community Services SERVICE CARNARVON EXMOUTH CORAL BAY BURRINGURRAH DENHAM The Gascoyne Health District Inpatients 15 beds 8 beds ✕ ✕ ✕ includes the Carnarvon Hospital, Day Surgery 10 beds ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ Exmouth Hospital, nursing posts at Coral Bay and Burringurrah Residential Aged 15 beds 2 beds ✕ ✕ ✕ Care and the Silver Chain nursing post at Denham. Carnarvon Hospital Emergency 3 treatment bays 2 treatment bay Acute and Acute and Acute and Services Emergency Emergency Emergency provides support to Exmouth 1 resuscitation 1 resuscitation room room Service with Service with Service with Hospital and the three nursing evacuation via evacuation via evacuation via posts. Gascoyne residents Ambulance or Ambulance or RFDS requiring more specialised care RFDS RFDS are transferred to Geraldton Maternity Services 1 birthing suite ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ Health Campus and if required Outpatient Resident Remote Area Resident Silver to metropolitan tertiary hospitals. Services ✓ ✓ Registered Nurse Nurse Chain Nurse WA Country Health Service Population Health Visiting Visiting Visiting (WACHS) facilities within the ✓ ✓ Gascoyne are summarised as Allied Health Dietetics, Social worker on Visiting Visiting Visiting follows: Physiotherapy, site, remainder Occupational visit from Therapy, Speech Carnarvon Therapy Community On site Part time Visiting Visiting Visiting Mental Health Clinical Support Medical Imaging, Medical Imaging, Services Pathology, Pathology ✕ ✕ ✕ Pharmacy collection In addition to the WACHS Gascoyne residents present but co-located and collaborative services described above, a at high rates to emergency services models between GP range of healthcare services are departments, particularly in the primary care, other non-government also provided by other State less and non urgent presentations. health providers and WA Country and Commonwealth government This indicates a high need for Health Service emergency funded agencies, non-government increased primary health services. department and population health/ organisations and private providers. An increase in the GP sector may primary health services is strongly help to alleviate some of this need recommended19. 62 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
State Government Private Providers There is currently no residential A collaborative initiative led Perth Metropolitan Healthcare Carnarvon Medical Centre aged care facility between by the Regional Development Facilities Silver Chain Geraldton (Mid West) and Karratha Council, with involvement from Patient Assisted Travel Scheme Ningaloo Physiotherapy (Pilbara) with the exception of a the Department of Regional (PATS) Private dentist – Carnarvon dedicated Permanent Care Unit Development, WA Country Health Rural Link Private psychologist – Exmouth at the Carnarvon Health Campus Service and all nine development Gascoyne Development Commission Community Pharmacy (15 beds) which caters for both low commissions across regional WA, PathWest WA Police and high care residents. This is not the State Wide Ageing in the FESA a secure facility therefore residents Bush project aims to develop a Dept. of Education with dementia who wander are not holistic regional solution to assist Commonwealth Government Non-government & local able to be accommodated. The ageing residents to remain in Mid West GP Network government majority of Gascoyne residents their communities for as long as Carnarvon Medical Service Aboriginal Agencies requiring high level aged care must possible. Investment is required by Corporation St John Ambulance therefore relocate from the region State Government to compensate Home and Community Care RFDS to access facilities elsewhere. Their for the current lack of critical mass True Culture True Care Program Carnarvon Family Support families must then travel significant and provide an appropriate level (OATSIH) Local Shires Burringurrah Community Corporation distances (over 1000 kilometres of service offering. Planning is return) to visit. This impacts broadly underway to construct a 24 bed on the community and impedes the high care facility on the Carnarvon growth of some service industries, Hospital Campus. However this will thus reducing the scope and not address the need for low care In addition, Aboriginal residents The fundamental issue in availability of employment. or Independent Living Units. have a greater need for health care sustaining health service delivery services compared to their non- in the Gascoyne is the ability Aboriginal counterparts. Future to attract and retain staff and services planning needs to address visiting specialists. Much of this is this with targeted interventions and related to lack of locally available accessible, culturally appropriate amenities, poor educational options services for the Aboriginal particularly for high school aged residents20. children, and unsatisfactory short and long term housing options for staff.
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Education and Knowledge SHIRE OF SHIRE OF SHIRE OF SHIRE OF SERVICE UPPER 52% of the region’s residents have CARNARVON EXMOUTH SHARK BAY GASCOYNE obtained a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma, which is Kindergarten/Preschool ✓ ✓ ✓ above the current State level of Primary School (Public) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50%. Despite this, only 18% of Primary School (Private) residents have a Bachelor Degree ✓ or higher as opposed to 31% District High School (Public) ✓ ✓ in the State. This post-school High School (Private) ✓ qualification profile is highly biased toward VET related qualifications. Senior College 10-12 (Public) ✓ Such qualifications are more Remote Community School ✓ common among occupations such School of the Air as tradespersons and machinery ✓ and equipment operators, and Institute of Technology ✓ ✓ industries like manufacturing, construction and tourism. There are currently no education Under the guidance of the this arrangement will provide better providers in the Gascoyne offering Department of Education, the educational outcomes for students. A summary of education services a comprehensive range of subjects Carnarvon Public Schools entered The perceived quality and scope provided across the Gascoyne is face-to-face and on-site through into a cluster arrangement with the of education currently offered in as follows: to Year 12. Many year 11 and aim to raise educational outcomes the Gascoyne impacts significantly 12 subjects are offered through for all students, with the advantage on the attraction and retention of correspondence and distance of sharing resources across a residents and workers in the region education supported through single site. The amalgamation of all Whilst high school leaving rates metropolitan based providers. the Carnarvon State Government and early childhood outcomes primary schools was achieved This has a significant impact are close to the national average, at the beginning of the 2014 on the retention of families with the learning outcomes for primary school year, with the completion high-school aged children who and secondary school students of Stage 1 of the development of migrate away from the area seeking overall are low. Opportunities for the College. However, Stages 2 more satisfactory educational enhanced regional educational and 3 of the project do not have opportunities. experiences and outcomes will a current funding commitment so impact positively on the attraction the High School continues to be and retention of skilled workers and located at its old site. Finalisation of families to the region. 64 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Competitiveness and connectivity
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he prosperity and economic The adjusted Diamond Model sustainability of a region is applied in this Blueprint is Tincreasingly determined by a comprised of five core, interrelated combination of its competitiveness determinants of regional with and connectivity to national competitiveness: and global economies. Identifying Factor Conditions – refers to and leveraging the natural and the factors of production such comparative advantages of the as land, resources, labour and Firm Strategy Gascoyne requires concerted, & Rivalry infrastructure and their relative coordinated efforts of all tiers quality, accessibility and suitability; of government, business and residents. Demand Conditions – refers to core interrelated the state of the domestic market The competitiveness of a region for the goods and services. Strong determinants can be readily assessed through local domestic markets with the application of Porter’s Diamond sophisticated and quality focused Model of Competitive Advantage21. Factor Conditions Innovation Demand Conditions consumers provide businesses Developed by Michael Porter with incentive to innovate and grow the Diamond Model represents into exporting firms while access a form of Economic SWOT of regional to enabling infrastructure (ports, analysis. Adjustments have been airports) provides businesses with made to this model to reflect the competitiveness access to regional and international assessment of a region, rather markets; than a nation. This adjusted model 5Supply & Related is illustrated in the diagram in Supply and Related Industry – Industry Figure 12. refers to the depth and diversity of businesses that input into the supply chain of the principal activity. Can include direct inputs to production as well as activities that Figure 12 Adjusted Porter’s Diamond enhance business performance and operation (e.g. a high amenity location that supports the attraction and retention of skilled labour);
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Firm Strategy, Structure and Government also plays an Rivalry – represents the impact important role in supporting of local competition on propensity and facilitating the economic of businesses to innovate and the competitiveness of a region. suitability of their strategies and Government agencies and corporate structures to facilitate representatives relevant to the this innovation; and economic development of the Gascoyne include (but are not Innovation – includes core limited to): facilities, technologies, processes and services that ●● The Gascoyne Development support innovation by industry Commission; such as proximity to research ●● Regional Development Australia and development capacity Mid West Gascoyne; (like a university), access to ●● Other State and Federal quality telecommunications Government Departments; and technology and the emergence ●● Local Governments within the of new business models (such Gascoyne. as ecommerce, crowd sourced The results of the competitiveness financing and cloud computing). assessment for the Gascoyne are outlined in the diagram on the following page.
MOUNT AUGUSTUS Located in the Mount Augustus National Park, the prominent landmark is a monocline twice the size of Uluru and the largest monocline in the world. Standing over 1106 m above sea level, the central ridge of the monocline is over 8km long. Created over 1.75 billion years ago as part of an ancient river system that flowed through the area, Mount Augustus is now a popular tourist destination with climbs and trails on the monocline and around the park. Currently serviced by a caravan park, resort style accommodation is proposed for the area to support growing visitation.
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ADVANTAGES CHALLENGES
Factor ●● Significant contributor to State production in horticultural ●● Fertile soil and availability of suitable water. Conditions products due to a long term established industry. ●● The availability of a particular type of ●● An interconnected ocean and arid coast forming striking accommodation to rent or buy is limited. landscapes and seascapes. E.g. Independent Living Units. ●● Combination of inland and coastal features provides a ●● Land affordability and high building costs. diverse range of tourist activities and attractions. ●● Labour force skills lower than state average. ●● Strategically located between major mining regions and ●● Loss of young adults due to lack of educational centrally on the WA coastline. and employment opportunities.
Demand ●● Growing population supporting demand. ●● Overall population lacks critical mass to support Conditions ●● Direct access to markets through Learmonth airport. population services. ●● International tourist visitation growing. ●● Lower household and personal incomes. ●● Strong exposure to domestic and global food markets. ●● Regular aircraft passenger movements to Learmonth ●● Proximity to major mining and energy regions with associated with only limited access to other parts of Gascoyne. REGIONAL supply chains. ●● Business creation levels below average. IMPERATIVES ●● Aboriginal economic opportunities in tourism and food ●● Agriculture focused primarily on domestic market. ● Food Production production. ●● Investment in a deep water wharf at Exmouth in order to provide export ready facilities and cruise ● Tourism ship berthing. – Destination First Choice ● ● Related & ● Supply chain value adding occurring in horticulture. ● To increase migration to the Gascoyne as a whole. ● Population Services Supporting ●● Opportunities to provide significant supply chain support to ● Resources Industries major mining and energy projects. – Services and ●● Net migration to Exmouth strong in recent years. ●● Recent growth in local transport, construction and Supply Chains professional services.
Firm ●● Export orientated economy incentivises competition and ●● Business size limits ability to target export markets. Strategy, innovation, particularly in tourism. ●● Adoption of e-commerce hampered by a lack of IT Structure & ●● Resilient regional business communities continue to seek infrastructure. Rivalry innovative practices.
●● Framework established to encourage research and ●● Lack of major tertiary education or health development in agriculture sector – Gascoyne Food Plan. institutions commonly associated with research and ●● Gascoyne Food Bowl initiative designed to enhance regional development. food security. ●● Attraction of new innovative businesses to the ●● Gascoyne Regional Tourism Strategy is a collaborative region Gascoyne region. Innovation wide approach to developing tourism products and services. ●● Continue to develop established businesses to ●● Gascoyne Workforce Development Plan to address labour identify new markets through technology. shortages due to lack of skills and migration. 68 ●● Regional Aviation Strategy to increase regional accessibility and connectivity. GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Global Connectivity Assessment Access and connection with global For the Gascoyne, salt and markets is critical to the growth of aquaculture exports, tourist business, employment, incomes visitation and energy investment and the broader economy. Trade represent the most significant with other locations around the connections to the global economy. world is the most effective way for a region to exploit its natural, competitive and comparative advantages, generating prosperity for local residents. Connectivity to global markets can take a number of forms including:
●● Ports – export of bulky agriculture and mining products and containerised trade; ●● Airports – international connections; ●● Tourist Visitation – international visitors to the region; ●● International Students – number of international students being educated in the region; and ●● Inward investment – major investments from overseas into the region. ●● Digital Engagement - access to e-commerce markets, capacity building and information sharing.
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Exports Gascoyne lacks a multipurpose Western Australia is a primary port facility from which to export place of origin (nearly 50%) for the region’s agricultural production. live cattle export to Asia, and in Instead, livestock and horticulture particular, Indonesia22. Livestock products are transported primarily production is currently the mainstay to other regions for access to of the 67 pastoral leases in the international markets. Gascoyne. The average size Salt is a major export product for of these pastoral properties is the Gascoyne. This industry is approximately 125,000 hectares. located at Useless Loop in the The livestock are raised largely on Shire of Shark Bay and at Lake natural pasture and are watered MacLeod near Cape Cuvier, north of through a variety of sources Carnarvon. When operating at their including artesian bores, permanent 23 collective full capacity, these two water holes, windmills and dams . operations account for nearly half of Live export is important for the the state’s total salt production. Due viability of rangeland businesses. to an increase in the global price of The main ports for livestock salt and exchange rate differences disposal from the rangelands in the global financial market, the are Fremantle, Port Hedland, mining sector in the Gascoyne has Broome, Geraldton and Wyndham. recently seen a significant increase Port Hedland berths can be in production and value, increasing dominated by the mining resource from $57.5 million in 2007/08 to sector resulting in livestock $113 million in 2012/13. Both being transported further north. major salt operations maintain Geraldton Abattoir, 480km south of private port facilities for direct Carnarvon, is currently the closest transport of product, which is largely facility for slaughter of sheep and exported to Asian countries for food goats. Department of Agriculture and chemical production. There are and Food WA has undertaken a future plans to expand operations feasibility paper to determine the at Lake MacLeod from the current viability of establishing an abattoir 764 hectares to 1000 hectares. north of Geraldton to service North West Australian slaughter trade. 70 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Tourist Visitation Since 2004/05, there have been a Gascoyne is a holiday/leisure The growth of the international the Gascoyne increases over time. significant number of international tourism destination, with 65% of tourism sector in the region will Significant opportunities exist in visitors to the Gascoyne staying international visitor nights and 87% likely come from an increase in the Employment segment within a total of 5.1 million nights. This of visitors staying in the Gascoyne holiday visitors from emerging the region on the back of major equates to an average of almost since 2005/06 for holidays and/or Asian countries in the first instance. resource investments, while effort 1,800 visitors in the area on any pleasure. These shares have been Growth will also likely occur in the is required to increase business one night. International visitation declining in recent years however, VFR market as the population in traveller numbers. varies year to year but has been as Visiting Friends and Relatives Share of International Visitor Nights, steadily increasing over the past (VFR) and Employment categories by Reason, Gascoyne, 2004/05 to 2012/13 Source: TRA (2014) & RPS decade, with a significant spike in are growing in importance. 100% international visitor nights in This increase in the diversity 2012/13. 90% of international visitors to the 80% UK, Germany, other European Gascoyne reflects a combination countries and New Zealand of the growth in residential 70% represent the largest sources population since 2007 and 60% of international visitation to the the region’s strategic position 50% region, collectively accounting accessible to major energy for 77.6% of visitors and 64.2% and mineral resource projects. 40% of visitor nights since 2004/05. Reduced reliance on holiday 30%
This is broadly in line with State and leisure markets can provide Share of International Visitors 20% trends. The number of visitors significant benefits to the local 10% from Asian countries is lower and economy. Non-holiday travellers June 2011 June 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 2009 June 2010 June 2012 June 2013 has remained steady, with falls in tend to be less seasonal and 0% June 2008 visitation from established Asian their travel is not as influenced by markets (Japan, South Korea, changing market conditions. It also Singapore) being offset by growth diversifies the guest mix for tourist in emerging markets (Malaysia, accommodation establishment, Year to June Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea improving operational sustainability and China). and enhancing overall development Holiday/ VFR Employment Other viability for the sector. Pleasure
Figure 13 Share of International Visitor Nights, by Reason, Gascoyne, 2004/05 to 2012/1324 71 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Inward Investment Despite the attention on the Investment in the agriculture sector emergence of Chinese foreign has become increasingly topical direct investment (FDI) to Australia, in recent years, in response to
the US and Europe remain the community concern regarding food $1848B country’s largest direct investors. security and land ownership levels. $2,481B $663B In fact, over the decade to 2011, In 2011/12, there were a total of $2,143B FDI from mainland China ($79b) 49 FDI Approvals in the Australian $798B 25 was exceeded by that from Hong agriculture sector totalling $3.6b . $868B Kong ($86b) and was less than that This accounted for less than 2%
from New Zealand ($139b). This of the total approved FDI that $221B distribution is illustrated in Figure 14. year. This is expected to grow considerably in the future, with the Western Australia has received a current takeover. disproportionately large share of inward investment in recent years, Additionally the topic of foreign Other Countries = $1,841B $1398B owing to the mining and energy acquisition of Australian farm investment boom and associated lands and operations has received 26 requirement for overseas capital. considerable attention in the Figure 14 Foreign Investment into Australia, by Country/Region, 2001 to 2011 Outside of the mining sector media. This topic is highly emotive ● however, inward investment into with strong views from a range of ● Issues with farm succession region. Investment in energy Western Australia has been stakeholders. However, the key with the “next generation” production is at an all-time high and more limited. For example, in issues that appear to underpin the leaving the farm for exploration in the State has grown 2011/12, WA accounted for only discussion include: employment, education or sharply in recent years. The size of $2.2 billion in inward investment lifestyle reasons; the current investment pipeline and ●● Questionable financial ●● into real estate, significantly less Issues of mental health and the extent of exploration indicate sustainability of some farm than the $27 billion into NSW suicides associated with family that energy resource development operations; and $7.5 billion into Qld25. This owned farm operations; and will continue into the medium and ●● Need for major investments ●● represents a challenge considering Trends towards farm long-term in Western Australia. This in some farms to improve that Real Estate overtook Mineral management versus farm presents a major opportunity for the sustainability; Exploration and Development ownership. Gascoyne region. ●● Increased farm consolidation; as the largest FDI sector in the Major investments are currently ●● Maintenance of the lifestyle and Australian economy in 2011/12. “way of life” associated with the underway in the energy sector family owned farm; within and adjacent the Gascoyne 72 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
A diverse range of opportunities ●● Safety and environment control exist in supporting the supply systems; chains of large LNG and energy ●● Engineering and land survey projects. These include, but are not services; limited to: ●● Diving and underwater equipment installation services; ●● Machinery and equipment ●● Offshore transport services; installation and maintenance; ●● Environment monitoring, ●● Pipe, beam and metal management and assessment fabrication; services; ●● Facilities management services; ●● Worker camp production, ●● Printing and design services; installation and ●● Communication installation, decommissioning; maintenance and systems ●● Commercial cleaning and management; laundry services; and ●● Water storage and treatment ●● Food and retail services28 services and facilities;
Figure 15 Gas Basins, Australia27 LNG offers a lower carbon intensity similar levels to Qatar by 2020 and base load fuel than other fossil capture 20% of the global market. fuels using comparable technology. The Gascoyne is strategically In 2010, gas accounted for nearly located adjacent to the Carnarvon 22% of global energy consumption Basin. Stretching from south and 24% in OECD countries. of Shark Bay to Karratha in the Japan and Korea represent major Pilbara, the Carnarvon Basin markets for LNG in the Asian is currently estimated to hold market and purchase about 93 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural half of global LNG production. gas. The position of the major LNG Currently Qatar is the world’s basins in Australia is illustrated in largest producer of LNG though the figure above. current investments are expected to see Australian production reach
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The diversity and scope of these Additionally the size of contracts supply chain requirements presents for major projects means that a considerable opportunity for many small businesses lack the Gascoyne region. However, the production capacity to capturing these opportunities appropriately service the client can be challenging, particularly and can create a perceived risk for smaller businesses. Quality, for the LNG company within accreditation, insurance, safety, their supply chain. This issue staff skill levels and technology can be addressed through either and systems sophistication expansion of production capacity procurement requirements can and associated investment (which often undermine the potential is not possible for all businesses) of small local businesses to or collaborative and cooperative participate in major resource tendering frameworks that allow project supply chains29. a range of small and medium Understanding these requirements businesses to jointly tender. In and working with State and recognition of this issue small and National major project procurement medium businesses are being support agencies (such as the assisted through a number of State Industry Capability Network) and Federal government initiatives. is critical in addressing this OTC SATELLITE EARTH STATION constraint. The OTC Satellite Earth Station Carnarvon has an impressive history linked with NASA’s Apollo moon project and some of the first live satellite TV broadcasts into Australia. Operational in October 1966, the OTC Station provided reliable and higher quality communications for NASA moon landings. The Station was operational for 8 years until the close of NASA Station. It continued to operate in support of European and Japanese Space Agencies until it was decommissioned in 1987. The Station has remained active however, hosting solar scientific research and is home to the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. The OTC Station is a registered heritage site with the Heritage Council of Western Australia.
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E-Commerce and Service Exports Despite a slowing in growth in Employment in professional service which would allow the more Another potential approach is to service exports since the GFC, industries has increased in the effective reach of professional fully incorporate local professional export values accelerated again in Gascoyne in recent years. This and knowledge intensive service services offering into the supply 2012, driven primarily by a recovery growth in knowledge intensive businesses. This includes the use chains of major resource and in tourism activity. This resulted in service sector will assist to of virtual and outreach delivery energy projects, maximising the service exports from WA reaching rebalance the local labour market models to increase the effective size of the Business to Business a new record, at $5.6 billion. Other and business community away reach of professional service (B2B) market for professional Personal Travel (i.e. tourism) was from a reliance on horticulture and providers across the entire region, service businesses. the largest service sector exports tourism. and ensure all businesses in the The future of the Gascoyne economy from WA in 2012, followed by Gascoyne are web-enabled, based However, the small size of the local and region will be influenced by the Education-related Travel, Transport on both current and emerging Gascoyne market for professional interrelationship between prevailing and Business Travel. This is technologies. This should include services is a major concern for global and national megatrends and illustrated in Figure 16. the adoption of integrated the sustainability of this sector. the comparative advantages and e-commerce platforms and web- Financial, professional and other One way this could be addressed characteristics of the Gascoyne presence that is tailored to Asian “white collar” services do not is by increasing ICT capabilities region. and otherService global Exports, markets by Sector, Western Australia, 2012 contribute significantly to Western Australia’s international services exports, with technical, trade- Transport related and other business services Business Travel the only other category of note. Education-related Personal Travel Knowledge-intensive service Other Personal Travel exports represent a significant Insurance and Pension services opportunity for Western Australia and its regions, with the adoption Telecommunications, computer and information services Professional and management consulting services of e-commerce facilitated by new Service Sector information technologies a critical Technical, trade-related and other business services enabler. Personal, cultural, and recreational services Government goods and services Other $0 $400 $800 $1,200 $1,600 $2,000 Exports ($m)
Figure 16 Service Exports, by Sector, Western Australia, 201230 75 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Connectivity Summary Although the Gascoyne is regarded as a moderately connected EXPORT NATIONAL AND economy, there is significant room for improvement. Lack of port OPPORTUNITIES GLOBAL MARKETS facilities hampers the export of L ND IVES products from the horticultural A T T O L C A K and pastoral industries. Learmonth S Airport has the potential for commercial global connectivity E once the demand and appropriate X P O R T S regulations are in place. The
AT region is a recognised international RN ION TE A L tourism destination and has a IN historical export profile in livestock, salt and pearls. Additionally, T the region’s strategic location THE O U R I S M offers it increased exposure to GASCOYNE
mega-energy project investment. REGION LTU ICU RE T A R N Opportunities exist to enhance O D H this global connectivity in the R
T E S N horticulture sector and through the O E M U T R S adoption of e-commerce and web- C E I N V E enabled practices to allow regional businesses to trade into Asia and the world.
E - E C C O M M E R
Figure 17 Global Connectivity of the Gascoyne Economy 76 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Regional imperatives
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egional analysis, through the Four Regional Imperatives have consultation and research been identified as central to the Rprocess, including global future economic development and megatrends, has identified the prosperity of the Gascoyne. region’s comparative advantages, These include: Regional Imperatives emerging opportunities and ●● Food Production; challenges, and their implications in ●● Tourism-Destination First terms of physical, virtual and social Choice; infrastructure. Mapping all of these ●● Population Services; and factors led to the four regional Four regional ●● Resources Services and imperatives. The imperatives are Supply Chains. Food Production interlinked, build on one another Imperatives and will be key drivers together These Imperatives are not an have been in order to achieve the vision exclusive list of the broader articulated in this Blueprint. economic opportunities of the identified Tourism- region over the next thirty five The research, findings and projects Destination years. Instead, they reflect those identified in these plans and as central First Choice areas of the economy and industry strategies have been incorporated where efforts and actions from to the future into the Blueprint to ensure it stakeholders would likely result reflects the drivers, challenges and in the greatest transformational economic opportunities facing all aspects Population Services effect. By prioritising investments of the Gascoyne economy and and social that relate to these Imperatives, community. the aspirational Vision for the development of Gascoyne can be achieved. Resources the Gascoyne. Services and Supply Chains
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FOOD PRODUCTION The strategic role of the Gascoyne Since 2009 the Gascoyne Food in horticulture, livestock and Council has been profiling the seafood production within Gascoyne regional brand with Western Australia represents consumers though events such a core comparative advantage as the “Long Table” to showcase of the region and a foundation the amazing and diverse range of industry. Efforts to expand, diversify, high quality foods. It also works intensify and value add to this with producers for continued sector will be at the heart of the development and growth of high Gascoyne’s future economic and value products and new markets. social prosperity. Despite the The following table summarises trend of falling employment in the mega-trends, strategic core agricultural sectors, value themes, regional characteristics adding initiatives in processing, and opportunities relevant to marketing and branding this Imperative and identifies can increase the secondary opportunities to inform an employment opportunities of the Implementation Plan. sector and provide aspirational careers for young people. Critical to this Imperative is increasing the Gascoyne’s ability to address the growing needs of key export markets, particularly feeding Asia’s rising middle class. This will require the establishment and promotion of the Gascoyne ‘brand’ as a premium reliable and diverse food producing region of choice for overseas buyers.
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FOOD PRODUCTION
Megatrends ●● Global Food Demand
Relevant ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity. Strategic ●● Intensifying and Expanding Horticultural Production. Themes ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy. ●● Human Capacity Building. ●● Growing Incomes. ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment.
Regional ●● The Gascoyne is a significant WA producer in a diverse range of horticulture, livestock and seafood products. Characteristics ●● Carnarvon is the primary centre for horticulture, primarily providing the domestic market with a range of vegetable and fruit crops. ●● The Rangelands have extensive pastoral land supporting significant livestock production, namely cattle. ●● Wild capture seafood is an established industry in the region with aquaculture focused primarily on pearling. ●● Rainfall patterns are below average for a horticulture district and highly variable, though the irrigation-based approach to horticulture in Carnarvon provides resilience.
Opportunities ●● Agri-Tourism: ●● Increased aquaculture investment in fish, crustaceans, prawns and –– Cattle Station Stays; other seafood including offshore fish farms. –– Farm Stays; ●● Use of artesian bore water on pastoral lands to support feed –– Farm gate produce; production, onshore aquaculture and/or horticultural activities. –– Farmers Markets; and ●● Development of Asian horticulture and niche value added exports. ●● Food Festivals and Events. ●● Integrated food processing precinct. ●● Establishment of single food brand across sector for the Gascoyne. ●● Aboriginal pastoral enterprises. ●● Multipurpose Food Processing Plant. ●● Investigation into Carnarvon Food Bowl by-products. ●● Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative. ●● Carnarvon Horticulture Expansion.
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TOURISM - DESTINATION FIRST CHOICE Tourism is the central industry both domestic and international of the Gascoyne economy. The markets. Packaging the region’s diverse and high amenity natural diverse tourist attractions and environment of the region has natural amenities into an integrated, justifiably led to the Gascoyne seamless and accessible offering being recognised nationally and is critical to the sustainability and internationally as a premier tourist growth of the tourism sector. This destination. This has supported requires enhancement in region- strong growth in international wide branding and marketing, and visitation in recent years, in spite improvements in transport and of the high Australian dollar, with accessibility infrastructure. associated longer lengths of The following table summarises stay and higher expenditure than the megatrends, strategic themes domestic tourists. Recent falls in and regional characteristics the Australian dollar, if prolonged, relevant to this Imperative and will assist to further enhance the identifies opportunities to inform an attractiveness of the region to Implementation Plan.
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TOURISM - DESTINATION FIRST CHOICE
Megatrends ●● International Tourism ●● Asian Population Growth
Relevant ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity. Strategic ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy and Maximising Private Sector Investment. Themes ●● Human Capacity Building. ●● Growing Incomes. ●● Social Capital.
Regional ●● The Gascoyne has a diverse range of natural environmental assets ●● Learmonth Airport passenger throughput are at historical highs, Characteristics including two World Heritage Areas, internationally recognised Monkey reflecting combination of leisure, employment and business-related Mia and Mount Augustus. travel to the region. ●● The region has experienced relatively resilient tourist accommodation ●● Aviation services to other centres, namely Shark Bay and Carnarvon performance in recent quarters with employment-based travel constrained by a lack of competition, high costs and inadequate airport supporting occupancies, particularly in Carnarvon. infrastructure. ●● International tourist numbers are at historical highs, offsetting recent ●● General connectivity and accessibility throughout the region is falls in the domestic market. hampered by issues of distance and remoteness.
Opportunities ●● Tourist marketing and governance framework for Gascoyne region. ●● Continued growth of international eco-tourism market including ●● Cruise Ship facilities and marina and boat harbour expansions to development of luxury international resort destinations. increase access to the coast. ●● Enhancement of tourist drives throughout the region. ●● Integrated tourist offering and packaging including continued ●● Chinese and Asian language versions of all websites and marketing promotion and integration of existing festivals and events. materials. ●● Aboriginal and European heritage-based tourist activities: ●● Increased adoption of technology in development of tourism products, –– Dirk Hartog Island 400 year anniversary; including Apps, foreshore/town site WIFI for tourists and residents. –– HMAS Sydney Memorial Sites; ●● Building upon the success of Gascoyne in May cross regional events. –– Overseas Telecommunications Centre Site; ●● High amenity recreational vehicle parks. –– One Mile Jetty; ●● Regional Transport Strategy including focus on expansion of air –– Gwoonwardu Mia, Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage And Cultural services (Carnarvon Airport). Centre; and ●● Ningaloo Centre. –– Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. ●● Dedicated events venues. ●● Increased capacity and diversity of accommodation offering. ●● Gascoyne Science Trail.
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TOURISM - DESTINATION FIRST CHOICE POPULATION SERVICES The lack of a population critical undermining future population and This should include the use Megatrends ●● International Tourism mass in the Gascoyne represents labour force critical mass. This is of technology, including high ●● Asian Population Growth one of the fundamental challenges mirrored in the delivery of public speed broadband, to facilitate
Relevant ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity. to the region achieving its administration services in the virtual, outreach and online Strategic ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy and Maximising Private Sector Investment. economic potential. The small region. service delivery models where Themes ● size and distributed nature of the appropriate. This will also facilitate ● Human Capacity Building. The lack of a dedicated aged care ●● population impacts the level of innovation and entrepreneurship Growing Incomes. facility in the Gascoyne forces ●● Social Capital. demand for a range of population in the private sector, supporting some older residents to leave the services including health, the establishment of knowledge region. This impacts broadly on the Regional ●● The Gascoyne has a diverse range of natural environmental assets ●● Learmonth Airport passenger throughput are at historical highs, secondary and tertiary education, intensive professional service community and impedes the growth Characteristics including two World Heritage Areas, internationally recognised Monkey reflecting combination of leisure, employment and business-related retail and public administration. businesses in the region, of some service industries, thus Mia and Mount Augustus. travel to the region. Historical population declines diversifying the local industry reducing the scope and availability ●● The region has experienced relatively resilient tourist accommodation ●● Aviation services to other centres, namely Shark Bay and Carnarvon have reversed in recent years and structure and underpinning rising of employment. A collaborative performance in recent quarters with employment-based travel constrained by a lack of competition, high costs and inadequate airport the region has entered a period incomes and employment. supporting occupancies, particularly in Carnarvon. infrastructure. initiative led by the Regional of sustained strong population ●● International tourist numbers are at historical highs, offsetting recent ●● General connectivity and accessibility throughout the region is Development Council, with The following table summarises growth. This is exacerbating the falls in the domestic market. hampered by issues of distance and remoteness. involvement from the Department the megatrends, strategic existing shortfall in population of Regional Development, WA themes, regional characteristics services in the region and placing Opportunities ●● Tourist marketing and governance framework for Gascoyne region. ●● Continued growth of international eco-tourism market including Country Health Service and all nine and opportunities relevant to ● greater pressure on current service ● Cruise Ship facilities and marina and boat harbour expansions to development of luxury international resort destinations. development commissions across this Imperative and identifies ●● provision. increase access to the coast. Enhancement of tourist drives throughout the region. regional WA, the State Wide opportunities to inform an ●● Integrated tourist offering and packaging including continued ●● Chinese and Asian language versions of all websites and marketing This deficit of services, particularly Ageing in the Bush project aims to Implementation Plan. promotion and integration of existing festivals and events. materials. in the provision of a range of develop a holistic regional solution ●● Aboriginal and European heritage-based tourist activities: ●● Increased adoption of technology in development of tourism products, –– Dirk Hartog Island 400 year anniversary; including Apps, foreshore/town site WIFI for tourists and residents. quality secondary education is to assist ageing residents to remain –– HMAS Sydney Memorial Sites; ●● Building upon the success of Gascoyne in May cross regional events. underpinning the loss of younger in their communities for as long as –– Overseas Telecommunications Centre Site; ●● High amenity recreational vehicle parks. age people from the region with possible. Investment is required by –– One Mile Jetty; ●● Regional Transport Strategy including focus on expansion of air young families either sending State Government to compensate –– Gwoonwardu Mia, Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage And Cultural services (Carnarvon Airport). their children away to boarding for the current lack of critical mass Centre; and ●● Ningaloo Centre. school or relocating to Perth when and provide an appropriate level of –– Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. ●● Dedicated events venues. the children reach secondary service offering. ●● Increased capacity and diversity of accommodation offering. school age. This has the effect of ●● Gascoyne Science Trail. immediately reducing the depth of the labour force and skills, and
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POPULATION SERVICES
Megatrends ●● Global Food Demand ●● Affordability and Cost of Living
Relevant ●● Population Critical Mass. Strategic ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy. Themes ●● Human Capacity Building. ●● Growing Incomes. ●● Addressing Affordability. ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment. ●● Social Capital.
Regional ●● Population decline has reversed in recent years with strong growth ●● Health care and social assistance employment in the region Characteristics since 2007/08. Driven by combination of high fertility rates and declined between 2006 and 2011, despite a growing and ageing stronger net migration – particularly to Exmouth. population. ●● The population age profile of the Gascoyne is slightly older than the ●● Public administration and safety workers increased in the Gascoyne WA average, though is significantly older in Shark Bay LGA. between 2006 and 2011, though this reflected an increase in ●● Secondary and tertiary education service capacity in the region workers associated with environmental, fisheries and agriculture is limited and is incentivising the emigration of young adults and management, not population servicing sectors. families. ●● Retail trade employment also declined between 2006 and 2011.
Opportunities ●● Small Business Incubator with associated regional outreach ●● Expanded Educational Opportunities. program. –– tertiary education institution upgrade; ●● Worker Hub, providing flexible co working space for small –– Investigation of online delivery models; and businesses, Government workers and project teams. –– Stages 2 and 3 of Carnarvon Community College - High School. ●● Carnarvon Multi Agency Building. ●● Waste Water Treatment Plant infrastructure to support growth. ●● Strategic planning for sport and recreation facilities and club ●● Youth Centre in Carnarvon to help retain young population cohorts. development including facilities audit. ●● Permanent medical facilities and personnel in Denham and other ●● Retirement and Aged Care Facility Including Independent Living regional centres. Accommodation. ●● Government Regional Officers Housing (GROH). ●● Land Development in Whitlock and Babbage Island and release of ●● Government and Community Group Workers Hub. Northwater stages. ●● Services for remote and regional Aboriginal communities.
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RESOURCES SERVICES AND SUPPLY CHAINS The Gascoyne’s location; adjacent Exposure to mining and energy to major mineral and energy investment projects also brings regions, with associated investment with it challenges of rising costs pipelines, represents a comparative of living and worsening housing advantage of the region that is affordability. Structurally higher currently being realised. The role incomes and strong demand for of Exmouth as a hub for offshore accommodation, particularly during oil and gas production in the commercial phases, can distort Carnarvon Basin has driven construction, household, housing migration-based population growth and labour costs and undermine and rising incomes in recent years, the benefits that integration with at a faster rate than the rest of the major mining and energy supply region. This illustrates the potential chains can bring. Proactive scale of long-term development management of these challenges is opportunities of mineral and energy required through forward planning, resources in regional WA presents appropriate regulation and to the Gascoyne. Opportunities stakeholder engagement. from resource investment can be The following table summarises varied and range from physical the megatrends, strategic engineering and construction themes, regional characteristics materials to knowledge intensive and opportunties relevant to branding, marketing and technical this Imperative and identifies support. The development of opportunities to inform an effective and practical methods Implementation Plan. for capturing supply chain opportunities that translate across the Gascoyne industry structure is therefore of critical importance.
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RESOURCES SERVICES AND SUPPLY CHAINS
Megatrends ●● Mineral Resource and Energy Investment
Relevant ●● Population Critical Mass. Strategic ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity. Themes ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy. ●● Human Capacity Building. ●● Growing Incomes. ●● Addressing Affordability. ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment.
Regional ●● Gascoyne is strategically located between major resource areas (Mid West, Pilbara and Carnarvon Basin). Characteristics ●● Exmouth already providing a supply chain and FIFO accommodation support role for offshore oil and gas sector. ●● Major salt exports.
Opportunities ●● GascoyneConnect website including framework for small ●● Aboriginal Economic & Business Development Strategy to identify businesses to join forces on large public and private sector opportunities from major resource projects for Aboriginal business procurements. establishment and supply chain integration. ●● Development of a Local Procurement Strategy. ●● Resource Project Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan, to ●● Establish online skills matching/jobs board and promote nationally, identify need for housing and accommodation for residential and potentially in partnerships with labour hire, group training and other service populations and provide accordingly to manage housing employment brokerage programs/services. cost issues. ●● Provide and facilitate innovative business management training, with a focus on technology and systems-based productivity improvements, business development and marketing, novel HR and recruitment processes and finance management. ●● Provide seed funding for business ICT systems and processes reviews to develop individual ICT Procurement and Implementation Strategies. This can include establishment of a nexus point for future NBN investment, adoption of “Cloud”-based systems and collaborative ICT infrastructure procurement to reduce capital expenditure and operational costs.
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NETWORK CLUSTER ANALYSIS The Gascoyne economy possesses of roles in achieving the Regional a range of comparative advantages Imperatives of the Blueprint. and opportunities. However, the Each town can have three degrees Regional Imperatives manifest of exposure/contribution to the themselves differently across the achievement of the Regional LGAs and towns of the region, Imperatives: with each location possessing a unique set of demographics, ●● The town already has an above business and infrastructure drivers. average advantage in the Therefore each town is expected to relevant industry/sector and/or play a different role in the regional has existing activity leveraging economy. this opportunity (represented as a dark colour); Understanding these differences ●● The town has the potential and associated levels of to have an above average economic specialisation and local advantage in the relevant competitiveness, is important to industry/sector (due to either assist Local and State Government changing or emerging drivers) to prioritise the allocation of scarce over the next two decades fiscal resources across the region (represented as a light colour); and to develop location-specific or and tailored actions and initiatives ●● The town does not have an to achieve the Blueprint’s Vision. above average competitive A series of Network Cluster advantage in the relevant Maps has been prepared for the sector (remains grey). Regional Imperatives identified in the Blueprint. These Maps illustrate the spatial distribution of the Regional Imperatives across the major towns of the region. They also reveal clusters of activity within the Gascoyne as well as different degrees and combinations 87 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Food Production Tourism – Destination First Choice Carnarvon and coastal areas will continue to be the hub of food The Gascoyne region is fortunate to contain a diverse range of tourism production in the region. Wild capture and aquaculture seafood environmental assets. Denham is strategically located near Monkey Mia, opportunities and associated processing, are located in Denham, Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, Dirk Hartog Island National Park, Carnarvon and Exmouth. Shark Bay Marine Park and Francois Peron National Park. Increased access to bore water has the potential to support the Exmouth and Coral Bay have access to the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park sustainability and growth of pastoral operations, either through and Cape Range National Park. Both are supported by Learmonth Airport diversification into horticulture or the production of feed stock. and a potential future cruise shipping terminal. Gascoyne Junction is located close to Kennedy National Park while Burringurrah, a remote Improved transport infrastructure such as a deep water wharf at Exmouth, Aboriginal community, is south of Mount Augustus National Park. will support the development, growth and access to new markets Carnarvon is centrally located and has a number of attractions such as of existing food industries. the horticultural district and Gwoonwardu Mia. The spatial distribution of tourism assets and service centres supports increased integration of the Gascoyne’s regional tourism offering and enhancements to the transport connectivity throughout the region.
Exmouth Exmouth
Coral Bay Coral Bay
Carnarvon Burringurrah Carnarvon Burringurrah
Gascoyne Gascoyne Denham Denham Junction Junction
Figure 18 Network Cluster Map – Food Production Figure 19 Network Cluster Map – Tourism – Destination First Choice 88 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Population Services Resources Services and Supply Chains Carnarvon currently represents the largest concentration of population Exmouth currently provides a supply chain and FIFO accommodation and supporting services and is the regional centre of the Gascoyne. support role for energy projects in the Carnarvon Basin and this However, Exmouth has been experiencing more rapid population growth in role is expected to increase in the future. Carnarvon has the highest recent years on the back of robust employment growth and associated net concentration of businesses in the region and has the potential to benefit migration. Exmouth has a moderate level of population services. significantly from supply chain opportunities in mining and energy area. Shark Bay has a small but significantly older population that increasingly Smaller centres have limited capability to capture benefits due to a lack requires support services in health care and social assistance. The Upper of labour force and business critical mass. Niche opportunities in such Gascoyne has a very small population of which a significant proportion are centres should continue to be identified and investigated. Aboriginal.
Exmouth Exmouth
Coral Bay Coral Bay
Carnarvon Burringurrah Carnarvon Burringurrah
Gascoyne Gascoyne Denham Denham Junction Junction
Figure 20 Network Cluster Map – Population Services Figure 21 Network Cluster Map – Resources Services and Supply Chains 89 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Transformational pillars and implementation
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Six Transformational Pillars have Profiles will be developed for been identified in consultation these transformational pillars. with government, community and These profiles will form the basis industry stakeholders. These are: of business cases for future use in funding applications, information 1 Developing Industries and memorandums and investor profiles Markets; and prospectuses. Improving Regional 2 Accessibility and Connectivity; Information contained within these Advancing Human Capacity 3 profiles includes: and Knowledge; 4 Encouraging Innovation; ●● Project name; Developing Aboriginal and ●● Project description; 5 Small Business Economic ●● Relevant Strategic Themes; Capacity; and ●● The rationale or need for the Enhancing Health and project; 6 Lifestyle. ●● The potential benefits of the project to the Gascoyne Possible actions in these pillars economy, industry, business have the capacity to transform and people; the Gascoyne region through ●● The potential challenges; targeted cost effective investment ●● Possible actions; in enabling infrastructure and ●● Relevant measures of success; services, including the attraction of ●● Relevant stakeholders; and major private sector investment. ●● Potential funding sources.
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Transformational Pillar 1 Developing Industries and Markets ELEMENT DETAILS Project Name Developing Industries and Markets Project Description The expansion of the Gascoyne’s tourism industry and food production capacity, along with the development of services to the oil and gas industries are central to the region’s future economic development and export growth. A range of initiatives are proposed to facilitate and support this expansion including the implementation of the Gascoyne Regional Tourism Strategy. The initiatives are necessary to ensure that the region is seen as a whole, which will exponentially magnify the appeal to experience seekers looking for more.
Regional Imperatives ●● Food Production ●● Resources Services and Supply Chains ●● Tourism – Destination First Choice
Megatrends ●● Global Food Consumption ●● National Defence ●● Mineral Resource and Energy Investment ●● International Tourism
Comparative Advantages ●● Food Production ●● Resource Project Support ●● Domestic and International Tourism ●● Lifestyle and Natural amenity
Relevant Strategic Themes ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity ●● Intensifying and Expanding Food Production ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy ●● Growing Incomes ●● Addressing Affordability ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment
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Transformational Pillar 1 Developing Industries and Markets ELEMENT DETAILS Rationale/Need Tourism is acknowledged as the leading industry by value and a major economic driver supporting the Gascoyne’s economy. With two World Heritage Areas, numerous National parks, and inclusion in Tourism Australia’s iconic National Landscapes program, the region has the opportunity to enhance its tourism potential through a collaborative regional approach. Private sector investment is essential in the development of tourism attractions and accommodation, while an integrated tourism offering with associated branding and marketing has been identified as a key requirement for the sector. Global demand for quality food is expected to grow rapidly in coming years as countries, particularly Asian, grow in population and affluence. World food supply chains will increasingly seek reliable and stable production regions throughout the world in which to invest and establish commercial relationships. The Gascoyne’s mild sub-tropical climate, secure water supply and abundant land provide the opportunity for quality horticulture products to be produced for both domestic and international markets at times which allow products to be delivered into markets when other regional supplies are low. The completed flood mitigation works will protect the valuable production land and key infrastructure while the State Government’s “Seizing the Opportunity” program will provide internationally recognised biosecurity and water security to the region. Water security will provide pastoralists with the opportunity to diversify product mix and improve livestock feed through the introduction of partial and complementary irrigated cropping. Aquaculture represents a significant opportunity for the region. Global seafood demand continues to grow and by 2018, aquaculture is expected to overtake wild capture as the primary source of production. Major private sector investment is required to realise this opportunity. The Gascoyne, particularly the town of Exmouth, is strategically located adjacent to expanding oil and gas fields. Therefore it is well positioned to provide service and marine support and also to act as a forward base for Australian Defence Forces.
Potential Benefits ●● Increased diversification of food production ●● Increased employment opportunities in value adding to offset structural declines in primary industries ●● Increased exports from the region ●● Greater levels of food security in WA ●● Improved economic sustainability of pastoral activities ●● More efficient use of water assets ●● Creation of major international investment opportunities ●● Increased tourism visitation, length of stay and expenditure ●● Increased private sector investment in the tourism sector ●● Investment by State and Federal Governments in tourism-enabling infrastructure that can also be used to support residents and industry
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Transformational Pillar 1 Developing Industries and Markets ELEMENT DETAILS
Challenges ●● Water security ●● Transport to export markets ●● Climatic conditions ●● Market reliance ●● Workforce security ●● Procurement standards ●● Fluctuation global resource demand ●● Integrated regional offering ●● Offer consistent quality products and services ●● Exposure to international markets ●● Lack of local services and infrastructure
Possible Actions ●● Horticultural expansion in Carnarvon (Food Bowl Initiative) – A key component of the expansion of Carnarvon’s bore field to provide an additional 4 gigalitres of water was the development of a further 400 hectares of horticultural land including infill development. Initiative aims to maximise opportunities for industry. Currently funded and being implemented. ●● Improve pathways to market for produce.
●● Multi Purpose Food Processing Plant – Investigation into the establishment of a Multi Purpose Food Processing Plant in proximity to Carnarvon and to look into the fisheries and horticulture industries as a source of product.
●● Water for Food – Assess water sources in the Gascoyne region to create a potential for new horticultural areas and/or pastoral development opportunities. Two resource investigations: ●● Alluvial aquifers in the vicinity of Rocky Pool (50 kilometres east of Carnarvon); and ●● Carnarvon Artesian Basin which is a large brackish resource from Shark Bay to Onslow. Most prospective areas are between Carnarvon and Wooramel for broad acre irrigation especially fodder crops for finishing stock. ●● Developing new water resources will increase sustainability, employment, business development and industry diversity. It would lead to new market opportunities.
●● Aquaculture – Investigations into the development of aquaculture and create a list of opportunities in the Gascoyne.
●● Carnarvon abattoir – Investigation into the development of an abattoir in the Gascoyne as part of a “supply chain” which would include properties, backgrounding, feedlots and abattoir. Investigation to include looking at the feasibility of a mobile abattoir and for processing sheep, goats and cattle.
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Transformational Pillar 1 Developing Industries and Markets ELEMENT DETAILS
Possible Actions ●● Gascoyne Regional Tourism Board – Establishment of a Regional Tourism Board for the Gascoyne. To include State and Local Government representatives and industry stakeholders from across the Gascoyne. The Board will be responsible for the implementation of the Gascoyne Regional Tourism Strategy and associated initiatives including cohesive brand development, marketing campaigns. Will work with local tourism organisations and Tourism WA.
●● Regional Tourism Officer – Employ a Regional Tourism Officer to work with the Board in implementing the Strategy, engaging with stakeholders and facilitating programs.
●● Major regional event development – Development of a full calendar of events for the Gascoyne region, preserve and enhance existing high value events (e.g. Gascoyne Dash, Gamex and Gascoyne in May), and promote events in partnership with Tourism WA and local tourism organisation and providers, GDC and Local Government. Highlight the attractiveness of the region year round due to coastal orientation, diverse attractions and mildness of the weather.
●● Cruise ship berthing in Exmouth – Development of facilities in Exmouth to accommodate cruise ship docking, passengers disembarking and distribution.
●● Exmouth Harbour Precinct – Expansion of Exmouth’s existing harbour to assist recreational and commercial services due to growth in defence, recreational use, tourism, fisheries and mining activity within the precinct.
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Transformational Pillar 1 Developing Industries and Markets ELEMENT DETAILS
Measures of Success ●● Successful implementation of the Gascoyne Regional Tourism Strategy recommendations ●● Attract over 400,000 overnight visitors per year with an annual percentage increase of international tourists ●● Increased ease of accessibility, including affordable aviation services ●● An integrated tourism offering and brand that is internationally recognised in media travel and tourism publications ●● Visitor satisfaction consistently at or above national averages ●● Increasing proportion of tourism business and economic enterprises owned and operated by members of the Gascoyne Aboriginal community ●● Have a quantified, secure and climate independent water supply ●● A residential population of 23,000 by 2050 ●● A growing, sustainable and diversified economy, with a Gross Regional Product per capita at or above the State average ●● A strong and proactive industry group uch as the Gascoyne Food Council, promoting regional food development and the s Gascoyne brand ●● Produce over $400 million in food products from a combination of horticulture, aquaculture and livestock production, with an increasing reliance on international export ●● Value added food product as a percentage of total food value increasing year on year ●● Higher shares of business and economic enterprises owned and operated by members of the Gascoyne Aboriginal community ●● The value of resource sector contracting to Gascoyne based businesses increasing year on year ●● Reducing welfare dependence, that is reducing the percentage of the population dependent on government support as the main household income source, to below the State regional average ●● Shire of Exmouth and local businesses work together to support and facilitate ADF presence expansion ●● Establishment of a multi purpose food processing plant though private investment
Stakeholders ●● Department of Water ●● Department of Agriculture and Food WA ●● Gascoyne Development Commission ●● Fisheries WA ●● Industry ●● Private Sector Investors ●● Local Government, State Government, Commonwealth ●● Community businesses
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Transformational Pillar 2 Improving Regional Accessibility and Connectivity ELEMENT DETAILS Project Name Improving Regional Accessibility and Connectivity Project Description The Gascoyne is a remote region due to its population centres, industry and tourist assets being sparsely spread throughout. For the region to maximise its prosperity through economic development, an integrated road transport network, an affordable and accessible network of quality air and sea transport, and improved communications infrastructure are critical.
Regional Imperatives ●● Food Production ●● Tourism – Destination First Choice ●● Population Services ●● Resources Services and Supply Chains
Megatrends ●● Global Food Consumption ●● International Tourism ●● Mineral Resource And Energy Investment
Comparative Advantages ●● Food Production ●● Domestic and International Tourism ●● Resource Project Support
Relevant Strategic Themes ●● Intensifying and Expanding Food Production ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Diversifying the Economy ●● Growing Incomes ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment ●● Social Capital ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity
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Transformational Pillar 2 Improving Regional Accessibility and Connectivity ELEMENT DETAILS Rationale/Need The size of the Gascoyne and the distribution of population centres and economic assets through the region necessitate the development of a quality, accessible and affordable network of air, sea and road transport; and communications infrastructure. Ease and safety of movement to and within the region is challenging for both residents and visitors. Aviation services are relatively expensive to Shark Bay and Carnarvon while Exmouth has a more regular and affordable service. Apart from towns and the major highways, most roads are unsealed and subject to weather. Access to the internet is limited and slow. This situation: ●● reduces the number of tourists, the length of their stay and their regional expenditure ●● makes access to essential services and facilities by remote and rural populations unreliable ●● unsealed roads represent a significant health and safety issue for all road users. The location of Carnarvon midway between Perth and the mining regions of the Pilbara provides an opportunity for the development of a service and logistics hub for resource sector industries. Better transport options will further enable the food and tourism industries to achieve their potential, nationally and internationally. Improvements to rural and remote airfields are required to enhance access of residents to essential and emergency services.
Potential Benefits ●● Improve primary producer access to export infrastructure ●● Catalyse private sector investment in tourism, manufacturing and mining ●● Increase tourist visitor numbers, length of stay and expenditure in the region ●● Diversify air service destinations within the region, aligning with major tourist assets ●● Provide air freight-based access to international markets for quality food ●● Reduce road fatalities and injuries ●● Improve Gascoyne resident access to essential health, education, social service and emergency services
Challenges ●● Increasing fuel costs ●● Sustainability of routes ●● Basic airline service distribution infrastructure such as a Global Distribution System (GDS) which is generally accessed by international travel agencies and operators is required to properly service the Carnarvon and Shark Bay market.
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Transformational Pillar 2 Improving Regional Accessibility and Connectivity ELEMENT DETAILS
Possible Actions ●● Gascoyne Regional Aviation Strategy – To develop an integrated strategy for aviation services and facilities in the Gascoyne. Considers the State Aviation Strategy as well as the demand generated by the Regional Imperatives.
●● Carnarvon airport development – The Shire of Carnarvon has undertaken detailed studies and identified the relative merits and cost benefits of various options for continued aviation services to Carnarvon in the short and long term. The redevelopment of the Carnarvon Airport runway is a key aeronautical project for the Shire of Carnarvon that needs to be undertaken in the short-medium term to ensure the sustainability of the Carnarvon Airport in the long term.
●● Gascoyne Regional Road Transport Plan – A whole-of-Gascoyne road transport plan that considers road transport requirements for the Gascoyne region within the context of demand from the identified Regional Imperatives. Provides the framework for future investment in critical road infrastructure by Local, State and Federal Government agencies.
●● Exmouth Deep Water Wharf – Establishment of improved suitable berthing facilities will allow Exmouth access to the cruise ship industry as well as strengthening Exmouth’s position as an oil and gas hub
Measures of Success ●● A growing and diverse employment base, with greater shares of population and professional services ●● Carnarvon airport is upgraded ●● Identification and development of new Carnarvon airport site ●● Recognition by mining and energy companies as a logistics and supply chain hub of choice ●● Infrastructure corridors connect economic activity areas together ●● Gascoyne residents being able to access to a choice of quality, affordable and regular movement services, particularly bus and aviation services ●● The efficiency of movement networks is continually improved ●● A coordinated and efficient freight logistics system incorporating and integrating road, sea and air transport ●● Gascoyne residents and businesses have extensive access to high-speed and reliable digital infrastructure, including for education and health services ●● Telecommunications are a matter of consideration in planning frameworks, planning schemes and development decisions ●● New criteria for Air Service Deeds and improved methods of Deed management ●● Connectivity with other domestic and international airlines ●● The return to air services which participate in an industry standard airline GDS
Stakeholders ●● Main Roads ●● Department of Transport ●● State and Commonwealth Government ●● Local Government ●● Gascoyne Development Commission ● ● Resource companies 99 ●● Industry GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Transformational Pillar 3 Advancing Human Capacity and Knowledge ELEMENT DETAILS Project Name Advancing Human Capacity and Knowledge Project Description Improvement in the educational outcomes of Gascoyne residents and improved leadership and governance across all sectors.
Regional Imperatives ●● Population Services
Megatrends ●● Global Food Consumption ●● Mineral Resource and Energy Investment ●● Affordability and Cost of Living
Comparative Advantages ●● Lifestyle and Natural Amenity ●● Resource Project Support ●● Food Production
Relevant Strategic Themes ●● Population Critical Mass ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Growing Incomes ●● Addressing Affordability ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment ●● Social Capital Rationale/Need Post school qualifications are biased toward Certificate level, reflecting the industry structure of the region. The population profile of the Gascoyne is comparable with regional Australian trends, with below average shares of young adults. Loss of youth primarily reflects lack of secondary education services in Gascoyne towns. There are currently no education providers in the Gascoyne offering a comprehensive range of subjects face-to-face and on‑site through to Year 12. Many year 11 and 12 subjects are offered through correspondence and distance education supported through metropolitan based providers. This has a significant impact on the retention of families with high-school aged children who migrate away from the area seeking more satisfactory educational opportunities. Regionally based leaders need to be nurtured and equipped with the skills to advocate for and respond to the specific needs of the Gascoyne and to negotiate more appropriate and effective relationships and partnerships with external influences. The lack of education and care services (childcare services) in the Gascoyne has a significant impact not only on attracting people to the region, but in allowing women/primary carers who live in the region to enter the workforce. Opportunities exist for the use of evolving technologies to access new and better education and training pathways.
Potential Benefits ●● Population growth ●● Equitable service provision 100 ●● Retention of families with school-aged children GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Transformational Pillar 3 Advancing Human Capacity and Knowledge ELEMENT DETAILS
Challenges ●● Lack of critical mass ●● Lack of local services (education, health, retail) ●● Regional migration
Possible Actions ●● Carnarvon Community College – Completion of Stages 2 and 3.
●● Expanded educational opportunities – Encouraging the growth of other non-government education providers particularly in the areas of secondary and tertiary education; Investigation of opportunities for using all forms of on-line educational resources.
●● Education facility for Coral Bay – Presently up to 75 students living in Coral Bay attend school via School of the Air, home schooling, Distance Education or travel 300 km round trip each day to Exmouth. An investigation is needed to determine the feasibility of a permanent school based in Coral Bay.
●● Increased education facilities in Exmouth – Investigation into increasing education facilities within Exmouth such as private schooling and a university campus.
●● Improved leadership and governance – Increased and ongoing leadership and governance education and support for business, government and community organisations.
●● Durack Institute of Technology – New and upgraded facilities across the region to offer an expanded range of higher qualifications.
●● Ningaloo Centre – a modern eco-friendly and iconic multipurpose facility which will include a library, exhibition, cafe, and educational and research spaces.
●● Early Eduction and Care – Families in the Gascoyne have access to flexible quality education and care services.
Measures of Success ●● Gascoyne Workforce Development Plan actively implemented, monitored and regularly reviewed ●● A more balanced age profile in line with Western Australian averages, with higher population aged 15-34 than current ●● School outcomes and attendance equal to or above the State regional average ●● Enhanced secondary and tertiary education, providing a quality and scope of service more comparable to metropolitan Perth ●● A larger and more diversified economy, with a Gross Regional Product per capita within 5% or above the State average ●● A suitably trained workforce to supply the new and expanding workforce demands in the region ●● Governance capability in regional organisations and communities meeting national standards ●● Development and delivery of targeted training programs to address skill gaps in partnership with training institutions and industry, including the resource sector ●● Achieve Australian Early Development Index scores above the State regional average ●● Leadership/Graduate program 101 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Transformational Pillar 3 Advancing Human Capacity and Knowledge ELEMENT DETAILS
Stakeholders ●● Local Government ●● Department of Education ●● Durack Institute of Technology ●● Gascoyne Development Commission ●● State and Commonwealth Government ●● Non-government Education Providers ●● Local businesses and community organisations
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Transformational Pillar 4 Encouraging Innovation ELEMENT DETAILS Project Name Encouraging Innovation Project Description Using innovation to make the region economically and environmentally sustainable in the long term and to ensure new technology can be developed and utilised to enhance productivity and create new industries.
Regional Imperatives ●● Population Services ●● Resources Services and Supply Chains ●● Tourism – Destination First Choice
Megatrends ●● Climate Change ●● International Tourism ●● Broadband and Digital Age ●● Resources Services and Supply Chains
Comparative Advantages ●● Domestic and International Tourism ●● Lifestyle and Natural Amenity
Relevant Strategic ●● Protecting the Environment and Natural Amenity Themes ●● Diversifying the Regional Economy ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Social Capital Rationale/Need Remoteness, poor accessibility and isolated communities combine to make the Gascoyne the ideal location for innovative solutions. Education and health optimising the utilisation of e-learning and tele-health; small businesses utilising B2B, expanded food and fodder production through innovative water utilisation, developing niche markets and products are all possible future examples. However, there are also new opportunities in other areas: ●● value adding to food products through new facilities such as a multi-food processing plant utilising otherwise wasted horticultural product ●● designing and developing new training programs and approaches in partnership with training organisations, community and industry ●● facilitating the development of new ideas in the arts, enabling greater creativity and partnerships, leading to new economic and social benefits ●● Eco – accommodation and adventure tours in remote tourist areas. The Gascoyne has an opportunity to become a leader in the utilisation of renewable energy, with vast areas of land, high annual solar insolation and high alternative fuel costs for the production of electricity. Already, several communities along the region’s coastline (Denham and Coral Bay) harness the wind, with wind turbines contributing to their diesel generated electricity and offsetting the cost. The development and implementation of renewable energy will be integral to the broader economic development strategy for the region. Energy is fundamental for all of the region’s economic activities such as tourism, pastoralism, agriculture, fishing, mining and transport. 103 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Transformational Pillar 4 Encouraging Innovation ELEMENT DETAILS
Potential Benefits ●● A protected and sustainable environment ●● Reduced energy costs ●● Reduced greenhouse gas emissions ●● Improved planning to prevent water inundation ●● Increased opportunities for local employment and businesses diversification ●● Fuel diversification, protecting the region’s economic vulnerability
Challenges ●● Lack of investment in renewable energy ●● Renewable energy credit restricted by current structure of energy provider ●● Reduced roll out of optimum broadband infrastructure ●● Lack of financial viability of research centres in Exmouth and Shark Bay ●● Lack of infrastructure in relation to reliable water supplies, accessibility and transport ●● Uncertainty regarding Federal Government policies
Possible Actions ●● Implementation of the Gascoyne Regional Energy Strategy – develop renewable projects for long term energy options.
●● Climate change affects in the Gascoyne region – investigation and initiatives for prevention of climate change impacts.
●● Solar powered recycling plant in Carnarvon – investigations into a recycling plant powered by renewable energy.
●● Monitor and sustainably manage aquatic resources – utilise Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management to ensure sustainably of aquatic resources.
●● Research facility in Shark Bay – establishment of a research facility that would incorporate marine, flora and fauna to ensure sustainability.
●● Ningaloo Centre – establishment of a research facility within the Ningaloo Centre for marine, flora and fauna study to ensure sustainability.
●● Development of eco based accommodation within the Gascoyne – investigation and development of eco accommodation options.
●● Improved telecommunications for Gascoyne region – investigations into improving mobile and NBN services targeted at strategic locations.
●● Investigations into NBN opportunities for the Gascoyne – Investigate opportunities for business and industry with the roll out of improved services.
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Transformational Pillar 4 Encouraging Innovation ELEMENT DETAILS
Measures of Success ●● Implementation of Gascoyne Energy Strategy facilitating and informing adaptive long term energy planning and coordination ●● Development of the Gascoyne Climate Change Strategy facilitating and informing appropriate actions to protect current and future assets ●● Development and operation of research facilities at Exmouth and Shark Bay ●● Increased development of eco accommodation within the Gascoyne ●● Small business growth above the State regional average ●● Expansion of agriculture research in the Gascoyne, particularly Carnarvon ●● Increased provision of services utilising technology in areas such as business, education and health
Stakeholders ●● Local Government ●● Department of Parks and Wildlife ●● Gascoyne Development Commission ●● Other State and Commonwealth Government Agencies ●● Industry, Small business including tourism operators
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Transformational Pillar 5 Developing Aboriginal and Small Business Economic Capacity ELEMENT DETAILS Project Name Developing Aboriginal and Small Business Economic Capacity Project Description The small business sector is critical to economic development and employment in regional centres. With changes in technology and purchasing practices it is imperative that small business operators; existing and potential, are well educated and supported in all aspects of modern business strategies and technology. There is potential for new Aboriginal business across the region in the areas of tourism, horticultural, pastoral and resource supply chains. Development and future success of enterprises requires specialised support that is available within the region.
Regional Imperatives ●● Food Production ●● Tourism – Destination First Choice ●● Population Services ●● Resources Services and Supply Chains
Megatrends ●● Global Food Consumption ●● International Tourism ●● Resource Demand
Comparative Advantages ●● Food Production ●● Domestic and International Tourism ●● Resource Project Support
Relevant Strategic ●● Population Critical Mass Themes ●● Diversifying the Economy ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Intensifying and Expanding Food Production ●● Growing Incomes ●● Maximising Private Sector Investment ●● Social Capital
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Transformational Pillar 5 Developing Aboriginal and Small Business Economic Capacity ELEMENT DETAILS Rationale/Need The growth of the small business sector is critical to economic development and employment in regional centres. With changes in technology and purchasing practices it is imperative that small business operators; existing and potential, are well educated and supported in all aspects of modern business strategies and technology. The Gascoyne is centrally located on the coast of Western Australia and adjacent to mining areas in the Pilbara and Mid West regions. With the attraction of investment in to tourism and supply chains, small businesses have a number of opportunities to expand and prosper. Carnarvon, the regional centre for the Gascoyne, has a business density of 113.4 per 1,000 population which is well above the national average of 93.8 per 1,000 population and a strong base from which to expand. Already mining, energy supply, horticulture and pastoral activities have provided a number of opportunities in the adjacent regions, in the areas of employment, training, entrepreneurship and community development. There are a small number of Aboriginal businesses operating across the Gascoyne, which are diverse in nature. These businesses have access to only a limited level of Aboriginal economic development support. In the Gascoyne region, specific Aboriginal economic development support is primarily provided from outside the region, namely from Geraldton and Perth. To address these issues, strong links must be developed with industry and support organisations to build capacity, mentor and foster development of Aboriginal enterprises. This includes drawing upon the lessons learnt by other parts of regional Australia, including the establishment of Aboriginal economic development and industry partnership plans, as well as regional Aboriginal employment strategies with on-ground dedicated support.
Potential Benefits ●● Improved Governance ●● Stronger regional decision making ●● Equitable service provision ●● Population growth ●● Employment opportunities
Challenges ●● Procurement opportunities ●● Lack of regional governance, leadership and capacity ●● Investment attraction ●● On-line procurement (shopping)
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Transformational Pillar 5 Developing Aboriginal and Small Business Economic Capacity ELEMENT DETAILS
Possible Actions ●● Business hub – A targeted approach is required to ensure that the small business sector has access to the relevant development and mentoring programs to increase its productivity and competitiveness. There is opportunity to develop a small business incubator with an associated regional outreach program, a working hub to provide a flexible co-working space, a small business collaboration website including framework for small businesses to join forces on large public and private sector procurements. The project is supported by Small Business Development Corporation, Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth and Denham and local Chamber of Commerce and Industry groups.
●● Aboriginal Economic Development Officer – A dedicated position located in the Gascoyne to generate economic activity with local Aboriginals and support the development of such economic activity through the facilitation and negotiation of appropriate support services.
Measures of Success ●● A larger and more diversified economy, with a Gross Regional Product per capita within 5% or above the State average ●● The number of active and start up businesses per 1,000 people at or above the state regional average ●● Being fully connected to high speed broadband with take up by households and businesses at or above regional Australian averages ●● Being recognised by major mining and energy companies as a logistics and supply chain hub of choice in central WA ●● Have share of business and economic enterprises owned and operated by members of Gascoyne’s Aboriginal community close to or greater than the population proportion ●● Establish an Aboriginal Economic Development Officer ●● Establish a small business incubator in partnership with the Small Business Centre ●● Number of new businesses established at or above the State regional average ●● Host a biannual regional economic forum Stakeholders Local Government, State Government, Commonwealth Government Small Business Development Corporation Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gascoyne Development Commission Resource sector Community Potential Funding Small Business Development Corporation Sources Local, State and Commonwealth Government. Community Businesses Resource sector
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Transformational Pillar 6 Enhancing Health and Lifestyle ELEMENT DETAILS Project Name Enhancing Health and Lifestyle Project Description Attraction and retention of population through improved regional health services. Improved participation in healthy lifestyle pursuits.
Regional Imperatives ●● Population Services
Megatrends ●● Affordability & Cost of Living ●● Population Ageing
Comparative Advantages ●● Lifestyle and Natural Amenity
Relevant Strategic ●● Population Critical Mass Themes ●● Human Capacity Building ●● Social Capital Rationale/Need There is currently no residential aged care facility between Geraldton (Mid West) and Karratha (Pilbara) with the exception of a dedicated Permanent Care Unit at the Carnarvon Health Campus (15 beds) which caters for both low and high care residents. This is not a secure facility therefore residents with dementia who wander are not able to be accommodated. The majority of Gascoyne residents requiring high level aged care must therefore relocate from the region to access facilities elsewhere. Their families must then travel significant distances (over 1000 kilometres return) to visit. Planning is underway to construct a 24 bed high care facility on the Carnarvon Hospital Campus. However this will not address the need for low care or Independent Living Units. Gascoyne residents present at high rates to emergency departments, particularly in the less and non urgent presentations. This indicates a high need for increased primary health services. An increase in the GP sector may help to alleviate some of this need but co-located and collaborative services models between GP primary care, other non-government health providers and WA Country Health Service emergency department and population health/primary health services is strongly recommended (Service Plan 2010 – 2020, Gascoyne Health District, WACHS Mid West, 2011, p. 46). The fundamental issue in sustaining health service delivery in the Gascoyne is the ability to attract and retain staff and visiting specialists. Much of this is related to lack of locally available amenities, poor educational options particularly for high school aged children, and unsatisfactory short and long term housing options for staff. Improved sporting, aquatic, youth and community facilities will further encourage participation in healthy lifestyle pursuits, engage youth in diversional activities, and assist in retaining residents. There has been a continued depletion of locally based Commonwealth and State government agencies with regional management of many departments now delivered from Geraldton in the Mid West. This has created a barrier particularly for residents who do not have the access or skills to use online services.
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Transformational Pillar 6 Enhancing Health and Lifestyle ELEMENT DETAILS
Potential Benefits ●● Population growth ●● Equitable service provision ●● Improved health outcomes ●● Ageing in place
Challenges ●● Lack of critical mass ●● Lack of local services (education, health, retail) ●● Regional migration ●● Ageing population ●● Socio economic disadvantage across the region linked to difficulties accessing mainstream services due to remoteness, lack or transport or financial difficulties.
Possible Actions ●● Carnarvon aged care facility – Establishment of a regional residential aged care facility, including independent living units, in Carnarvon to service the Gascoyne region with satellite aged care facilities located at Exmouth and Denham.
●● Improved regional health Services – Improved and expanded current health services throughout the Gascoyne region including additional and more frequent visiting specialists and Medicare local services, permanent GP in Denham, investigations into the feasibility of a maternity unit at Exmouth Hospital, provision of more regular GP visits to Gascoyne Junction and improved access for people with a disability throughout the Gascoyne.
●● New St John Carnarvon Ambulance and Volunteer Training Facility – The construction of a new St John Ambulance facility in Carnarvon to replace the current facility.
●● Increase sporting participation opportunities for small communities – Implementation of innovative programming and partnerships, facilitate sporting events, linkages for athletes to competitions outside of their town/ community, and tool kits to encourage local people to run activities themselves.
●● Multi-Purpose sport, aquatic and youth centre in Carnarvon – The recent Aquatic Centre feasibility study identified the existing Aquatic Centre site as a potential location for this facility. The Shire of Carnarvon is in the process of conducting a Sport Recreation and Facility Study, which will assist in the determination of this Project. It is envisaged this facility could also incorporate a Youth Centre.
●● Carnarvon Yacht Club – Construction of an additional 22 pens.
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Transformational Pillar 6 Enhancing Health and Lifestyle ELEMENT DETAILS
Measures of Success ●● A residential population of 23,000 by 2050 ●● A more balanced age profile in line with Western Australian averages, with higher population aged 15-34 than current ●● A quality range of Residential Aged Care facilities and Ageing in Place facilities to meet the needs of the resident population and to attract residents from outside the region ●● A reduction in the number of non-urgent presentations to hospital Emergency Departments due to increased access to primary health care services across the region ●● Improved access to Commonwealth and State government services with locally available staff based in the Gascoyne ●● Improved and expanded Sport, Aquatic, Youth and Community facilities across the region ●● A range of affordable housing to support its population growth targets and client needs ●● A quality aviation service which can meet the needs of residents and visitors, particularly with regard to flight availability and affordability ●● Collaboration with Local Government Authorities to prioritise and achieve town based planning and strategic growth projects ●● Support for community organisations to achieve a volunteering rate at or above the State regional average ●● Increase in access for Gascoyne residents to touring culture and arts programs and high quality arts experiences ●● Gascoyne in May evolving to meet the needs of the community and region ●● Development of the Gascoyne Arts Council as an effective region-wide representative organisation
Stakeholders ●● Local Government ●● Department of Health ●● Department of Sport and Recreation ●● Gascoyne Development Commission ●● State and Commonwealth Government ●● Non-government Health and Aged Care Providers ●● Community, arts and sporting organisations
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Flexible Governance Framework GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT • Flexible Governance Framework A governance framework is a conceptual framework for how an organisation or process is managed, controlled and guided. The implementation of the Regional Investment Blueprint for the Gascoyne requires a flexible Management & Oversight Disclosure Stakeholder Management governance framework. Actively The CEO of the GDC will be GDC will be responsible for the Stakeholder engagement and transforming the Gascoyne region responsible for the daily management annual review of the Blueprint and management is a core requirement of is a complex, multi-faceted task, of the Blueprint and Implementation Implementation Plan. the Governance Framework. comprising a diversity of projects, Plan. Oversight responsibilities will This will include the preparation GDC will be responsible for high stakeholders and objectives. rest with the GDC Board in the first of the Blueprint Implementation level stakeholder engagement and instance. A flexible governance framework is Scorecard, including the tracking of advocacy for the Blueprint. Project Management and oversight of discrete success measures, analysis of results Committees will be responsible for required to provide structure to the projects and initiatives of the Blueprint and amendments of the Blueprint engaging stakeholders on individual management and implementation of can be delegated by the GDC to document. project implementation and delivery. the Regional Investment Blueprint, appropriate stakeholders. to maximise the effectiveness of identified interventions and actions.
Structure Risk Management
The GDC Board will represent Risks associated with individual the core of the Regional Blueprint implementation projects and Oversight Committee. Other members initiatives will be managed by the of the committee can be appointed by specific project committee through the GDC, and include representatives the establishment of a Project Risk of major stakeholders. Management Plan. Project/Initiative-specific Committees Broader risks associated with the will be established as required, in Blueprint will be monitored and line with the priorities outlined in the managed by the Regional Blueprint Implementation Plan. Oversight Committee on advice from the GDC. 112 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Implementation Plan Overview The Gascoyne Regional Investment Tracking the Performance of the This Plan recognises that not Blueprint Implementation Plan all actions and projects will be Achieving the Vision for the Blueprint establishes the framework for the successful, or will contribute as Gascoyne and meeting the The transformation of the Gascoyne identification and implementation much to the development and challenges and opportunities region to 2050 is contingent of a range of priority public, private transformation of the Gascoyne presented by the Regional on the effective, coordinated and community sector projects. The region as intended. Where the Imperatives requires coordinated implementation of transformational Implementation Plan includes: actions, initiatives and projects and concerted action. It is and priority projects and initiatives identified in this Plan fail to achieve recognised that while Government ●● An overview of the purpose of by all stakeholders. the Vision and Regional Imperatives has an important role to play in the the Plan; As a living strategy, it is recognised of Blueprint, further amendments implementation of the Blueprint a ●● The responsibilities and that the Blueprint will need to are required. This approach diverse range of other stakeholders contributions to the respond to changes in megatrends will maintain the longevity and have the potential to contribute implementation of the Blueprint and imperatives, including the relevance of the Blueprint over time greatly to the region’s continued by key stakeholder groups; emergence of new opportunities and ensure the implementation success. These stakeholders ●● A flexible governance and challenges for the Gascoyne actions and transformational include (but are not limited to): framework, based on best region. Where such changes are projects are supported in the practice approaches; ●● Local developers and investors; identified, the Blueprint needs to medium and long terms. ●● An implementation monitoring ●● Business and industry; be updated and amended to reflect and review process; ●● Overseas investors; the new environment. ●● A Blueprint Implementation Blueprint Review and Renewal ●● Not-for-profit, community Scorecard. groups and small businesses; A successful Blueprint is one and that is subject to ongoing review ●● Aboriginal groups and and renewal. Just as the world enterprises. changes, so to must the Blueprint to maintain its relevance and currency. A responsive, evidence- based review and renewal process is proposed for tracking the Gascoyne’s transformation and informing the amendment of the Blueprint and Implementation Plan.
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The steps in this process are ●● Summarise Changes in summarised below. the Environment – summarise changes in the local, national ●● Track Measures of and global environment Success – tracking the that have the potential to performance of the Blueprint impact the achievement of and the Implementation Plan the Measures of Success requires monitoring of a series and continued relevance of of key indicators or measures. Regional Imperatives and Track Measures ●● Analyse Performance – of Success Transformational Pillars The results of these measures identified in the Blueprint. will be tracked annually by ●● Amend the Blueprint – based the Gascoyne Development on the identification of areas for Commission, as part of a improvement and changes in Blueprint Scorecard. This will the environment, amendments Ongoing Monitoring compare the development will be made on a regular basis and growth of the Gascoyne Amend to the Regional Investment Analyse Performance region against the Measures of The Blueprint and Blueprint. These changes will Success. ensure the document remains ●● Identify Areas for current, live and relevant to Review Process Improvement – the results stakeholders and the Gascoyne of the Blueprint Scorecard community and reflects the will allow the Gascoyne goals, aspirations and desires Summarise Changes Identify Areas For Development Commission In The Environment Improvement for the region to 2050. to identify areas where improvement is required. This process is illustrated in the Strategies will be developed, following figure. in partnership with relevant stakeholders, to determine the reason for the current performance and actions Figure 22 Ongoing Monitoring and Review Process required to improve performance.
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Conclusion
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he Gascoyne region The resultant targeted investment has a diverse and highly will optimise the return from the Tvalued range of natural region’s comparative advantages, resources and cultural assets. improving the resilience and This is evidenced by its two World sustainability of the economy and Heritage areas, its ideal climate, enhancing the prosperity and range of existing industries and quality of life of the Gascoyne many sites of both Aboriginal and residents. European importance; including The Blueprint sets out the the first point of European contact framework for achieving the Vision with Australia on Dirk Hartog Island for the Gascoyne. It provides the in 1616. comprehensive evidence base In addition, its location on the for informed decision making; central coast of Western Australia, coordinates public and private directly adjacent to the off shore sector investments and establishes oil and gas fields and mid way a strategy to identify and implement between Perth and the Pilbara, key projects and actions. make the Gascoyne northern town The regular review of the Blueprint of Exmouth the ideal base for the and its supporting Implementation servicing and security of the energy Plan will be a critical success industry’s assets. factor. The Gascoyne Development This unique combination of natural Commission will be responsible Through this Blueprint, the resources, cultural assets and for executing the review process Gascoyne will have the opportunity geographical location highlights which will include monitoring and to realise its economic and social the significant regional potential analysing performance against the potential, for the benefit of industry, for greater economic and social measures of success, identifying businesses, communities and development through strategically areas for improvement, updating residents. addressing the Blueprint’s six the environment context and Transformational Pillars. factors; and if required, amending the Blueprint. A crucial part of the process will be ongoing and comprehensive engagement with stakeholders.
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Appendices
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Appendix 1 – Megatrends
Asian Century Estimates from the United Nations the world’s two most populous This increase in population will The Gascoyne has the potential are for a rapid increase in the size countries, China and India. In 2013, influence growth in globalisation to reap considerable benefit of the middle class in Asia over the both China and India accounted resulting in increasing trade activity from the growth of the global coming decades, with population for 61.4% of Asia’s population and between Australia (i.e. exports) and population and the emergence in Asia expected to grow from this is projected to remain relatively Asia, which will increase the need of a true Asian middle class. The around 4.3 billion people in 2013, stable until 2050 (58.2%), although for industrial space within Australia. Gascoyne already possesses a to over 5.1 billion by 2050. Most of India is expected to surpass The industrialisation of Developing recognised tourism market, with Asia’s population, in fact the world’s China’s population by then. This is Economies in Asia is also driving high quality natural tourism assets populations, is shared amongst illustrated in the figure below. up incomes and creating an and established destinations World Popualtion Projections, emerging middle class. Key areas (e.g. Monkey Mia) providing a Asia and Selected Countries, 1950 to 2050 expected to benefit from this base from which international Source: UN (2013) & RPS newly empowered market segment visitation can expand and diversify. 12 include automotive components, A growing global population clean energy, food and beverages, will also increase demand for 10 health and medical, education quality food (refer to Global Food and infrastructure and building Consumption) and mineral and 8 materials. energy resources (refer to Mineral Resource and Energy Investment), 6 which represent major direct and indirect opportunities for the Gascoyne region.
Population (billions) Population 4
2
0 1950 2013 2050
World Asia China India
Figure 23 World Population, Asia and Selected Countries, 1950 to 205031 118 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Global Food Consumption Global food production will need Australia’s coastal regions are well economies. The increased need The Gascoyne is a major food to increase by 60% by 2050 to recognised for their diverse range for protein in developing countries, producing region in Western meet projected demand levels32. of seafood, which is exported driven by increases in both Australia. Founded on livestock, Demand is already outpacing globally to markets such as the population and income levels, has irrigation has seen the region, supply in international markets, USA, Japan, South Korea and underpinned this growth and is particularly Carnarvon, transform with food price volatility increasing China. The coastal environment expected to support a 15% growth in recent decades into a major dramatically since 2006 and has also been known as a highly in seafood consumption over the horticultural producer, supplying prices trending upwards from the attractive environment for fish next 10 years32. a large proportion of Western lows experienced in 2000. This is farming and other forms of intensive Australia’s fruit and vegetable However, Australia also produces after decades of real food price aquaculture. Fish and seafood are crops. The coastal orientation of a wide mixture of other products declines resulting from increased a major component of global food the region also supports extensive including broad acre grains, productivity. This is illustrated in consumption and are particularly wild capture and an emerging animal husbandry and horticulture. Figure 24. Food Price Index,favoured Real, 1990 in to many 2012 emerging Asian aquaculture-based seafood Source: FAO (2013) & RPS Currently, broad acre grains are production, with major products experiencing considerable price exported to interstate and overseas 180 growth on international markets markets. The ability to expand, 170 due to seasonal volatility in major diversify and value add to this producers (such as the USA and 160 food production capacity is central Australia) and continued declines 150 to the region’s prosperity and in stock-to-use ratios33. This is connectivity to the global economy. 140 expected to continue in the medium 130 term, despite the emergence of new production regions in Russia, 120 Ukraine and other central Asian 110
Food Price Index (Real) countries. 100 90 80 Aug 1990 Aug 1991 Aug 1992 Aug 1993 Aug 1994 Aug 1995 Aug 1996 Aug 1997 Aug 1998 Aug 1999 Aug 2000 Aug 2001 Aug 2002 Aug 2003 Aug 2004 Aug 2005 Aug 2006 Aug 2007 Aug 2008 Aug 2009 Aug 2010 Aug 2011 Aug 2012
Figure 24 Food Price Index, Real, 1990 to 201234 119 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Mineral Resource and Energy Investment Capital expenditure by the This resilience in the resource supported demand. Port Hedland Exploration expenditure is viewed resources sector in Australia is sector, and continued growth Port Authority, one of the two as a leading indicator of future generally agreed to have peaked in the gas sector, nationally is main iron ore export ports in the resource project activity. Despite in the December quarter of attributed to the still robust pipeline Pilbara region of WA, experienced the recent uncertainty in the sector, 2012, reaching $26 billion or of committed projects. According record export volumes in 2012/13, total exploration expenditure in 2.5 times the 2008 peak. Yet, to the Bureau of Resource and reaching 280 million tonnes per Australia has continued to grow despite this peak, expenditure Energy Economics April 2013 annum (mtpa)35. This is up from just strongly since 2010. For the first by resource companies has not major projects list, there were over 150mtpa in 2008/09. two years of this period, both fallen precipitously as some $270 billion of resource projects in minerals and gas/petroleum commentators predicted. In Australia either under construction Exploration Expenditure,exploration by Commodity, contributed Australia to this fact, the June and September or committed. This currently Source: ABS 8412.0growth. (2013) &However, RPS since late 2012, 2013 quarters expenditure levels represents an effective stabilisation rebounded after the March quarter of historical highs of 2012. Of $2.5 fall, both exceeding reaching these committed projects, over $24 billion or near historical highs. $200 billion are in LNG, Gas The standout resource sector and Petroleum, demonstrating $2.0 has been the continued strength that the recent dominance of gas in the Oil and Gas sector, with in Australia’s resource capital $1.5 expenditure reaching its highest expenditure profile is expected to historical level in the September continue at least for the next 3-5 quarter at $16.1 billion – or years. $1.0 60% – of total expenditure and Expenditure ($b) As major mining companies have offsetting falls in iron ore and coal shifted focus from investment to $0.5 expenditure. production, export output from Due to the contribution of oil and Australia has increased markedly. $0.0 gas, new expenditure has been Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue June 2003 June 2004 June 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 2008 June 2009 June 2010 June 2011 June 2012 June 2013 concentrated in recent quarters in have recently announced record Western Australia. In September production and export, as recent 2013, capital expenditure by the investment in capacity increased resource sector in WA was at production and increased $12.4 billion, or approximately 50% certainty in Chinese growth and Minerals Petroleum of national expenditure. restocking of core commodities Figure 25 Exploration Expenditure, by Commodity, Australia36 120 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Emissions, Australia, 1990 to 2011 exploration expenditure levels in Climate Change 600,000 minerals (namely iron ore and coal) The average global surface 580,000 have declined. However, this has temperature has risen around been more than offset by a sharp 560,000 0.8°C since 1850 and may increase in gas exploration, taking 540,000 continue to rise further in the total exploration expenditure close coming decades as a result of 520,000 to $2 billion a quarter for the first global carbon emissions37. For 500,000 time. Australia, global temperature 480,000 The Gascoyne region is positioned increases will likely involve - Emissions (Gigagrams) between major resource areas of significant environmental change 2 460,000 the Pilbara and Mid West and is and variability, with both natural and CO 440,000 adjacent the Carnarvon Oil and agricultural production systems 420,000 Gas Basin. This strategic location impacted by the combined effects 400,000 presents significant opportunities of higher temperatures and for the region to act as a mining inconsistent and irregular rainfall 1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 and energy resources support patterns. Figure 26 Emissions, Australia, 1990 to 201138 hub, providing a range of goods, These environmental changes also services and skills in support increase the risks from bushfires, of resource project exploration, In response to climate change, as Like Australia, global energy floods and other extreme weather, investment, construction and well as energy security, renewable consumption is dominated by particularly in coastal and rural operational phases. Additionally, energy production has been fossil fuels, with a market share in regions. Since 1990 to 2011, the Gascoyne has a range of increasing globally. While per 2011 of 87%. This includes both Australia’s net emissions (carbon local resource deposits and capita energy production in OECD base load power and transport fuel dioxide equivalent) increased by developments. countries has declined in recent energy use. In contrast, renewable 32.2%, growing annually at a years, due to depressed economic energy contribution is at 2%, or Centres like Exmouth are already rate of 1.3%. This is illustrated in activity and enhancements in some 194.8 of 12,274.4 million benefiting from this mega-trend Figure 26. energy efficiency, this has been tonnes of oil equivalent. This is and increased local and regional more than offset by rapid increases illustrated in Figure 27. resource development has in energy usage in developing the potential to transform the regions including the Middle Gascoyne economy in the future. East, China, South East Asia, Central Europe and Latin America.
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International Visitors’ Nights and Trips, Australia, June 2000 to 2013 Source: TRA (2013) & RPS 250 7
Global Energy Use Mix, 2011 International Tourism 6 200 Demand for international tourism Hydro electricity Renewables 5 2% continues to remain strong with 6% 150 Oil the number of worldwide tourists 4 33% growing. Recent evaluation Nuclear Energy shows a significant improvement 3 5% 100 in confidence, with prospects for future growth remaining upbeat. 2 Further, this growth in global 50
1 No. of International Visitor Trips (m) Coal tourism continues to produce No. of International Visitor Nights (m) 30% above average results in most
0 June 2000 0 world regions, offering vital June 2001 June 2002 June 2003 June 2004 June 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 2008 June 2009 June 2010 June 2011 June 2012 June 2013 opportunities for employment and local economies. The Australian tourism investment Natural Gas pipeline is now estimated to have International International 24% been $44.1 billion in 2012; this Visitors' Nights Visitors' Trips 40 39 is an increase of 22% in pipeline Figure 27 Global Energy Use Mix, 2011 41 investment over the year. These Figure 28 International Visitors’ Nights and Trips, Australia, June 2000 to 2013 The Gascoyne is also regarded levels of investment clearly indicate visitors’ nights. This is illustrated in an established global reputation, as a low and variable rainfall area, the enormous potential of the Figure 28. with attractions like Monkey Mia averaging approximately 200mm tourism sector and highlight both supporting growing international Tourism is the largest industry per year with large amounts of the importance and attractiveness visitation to the region. The in the Gascoyne economy with rainfall from cyclonic and tropical of investing in Australia’s key region therefore possesses a expenditure by domestic and storm cells. Consistency of rainfall tourism-related activities. Since unique comparative advantage international visitors of almost is regarded as a critical factor in the beginning of this century, in international tourism market $250 million in 2012. This turnover the success of food producing international visitors’ trips and seeking a ‘natural’ or ‘wilderness’ is underpinned by a diverse regions and the Carnarvon nights have increased by 34.5% experience. This positions the and quality natural environment, horticulture district is investing in and 96.9% respectively. This is Gascoyne to reap the benefits of comprising pristine coastal, rugged improved infrastructure to increase an annual average growth rate this megatrend. access to aquifers, resulting in of 2.3% for international visitors’ outback and scenic pastoral improved water security. trips and 5.4% for international locations. The region possesses
122 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Consumer Price Index, Australia, 2002 to 2013 Source: RBA (2013) & RPS
190 Affordability and Cost of Living 180 Asian and Australian cities continue Currently, two of Australia’s cities 170 to move up the cost of living scale (Sydney and Melbourne) are ranked over the last few years which in the top five most expensive cities 160 has been offsetting traditionally to live, where ten years ago there 150 more costly European locations. were no Australian cities among 140 42
In particular, the cost of living in the 50 most expensive cities . In AUD/USD 130 Australian cities has been rising June 2013, the Consumer Price very quickly up the rankings as Index for housing was one of the 120 economic growth has supported highest in Australia (106.0), higher 110 inflation and currency swings to than that for all groups (102.8). 100 make them more costly. This is However, health was the highest 90 illustrated in Figure 29. (109.8) followed by Education March 2002 March 2003 March 2004 March 2005 March 2006 March 2007 March 2008 March 2009 March 2010 March 2011 March 2012 March 2013 Australian Dollar, 1983 to 2013 Source: RBA (2013) & RPS
1.2
1.1 All Groups Housing Health Education 1.0 Figure 30 Consumer Price Index, Australia, 2002 to 201344 0.9 (108.8). This is illustrated in two main drivers of regional price 0.8 Figure 30. differentials appear to be exposure
AUD/USD to mining and resource sectors and The Department of Regional 0.7 relative distance from metropolitan Development’s (DRD) Regional Perth (and the impact of transport 0.6 Price Index indicates that the cost costs on consumable goods). of living in the Gascoyne region 0.5 The combination of these factors is approximately 10% higher is illustrated in the Gascoyne, 0.4 than that of metropolitan Perth
Sep 1983 Sep 1993 Sep 2003 Sep 2013 Sep with Exmouth (and its greater in 201345. This is higher than the exposure to resource projects and Peel (99.7), South West (99.9) associated employment) having and Great Southern (97.6) but a higher cost of living in 2013 lower than the Pilbara (118.6) (116.7) than Carnarvon (107.4). Figure 29 Australian Dollar, 1983 to 201343 and the Kimberley (114.7). The 123 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Population Ageing The population of Australia is The population of Gascoyne is below. However, the standout in ageing – approximately 3 million slightly older and ageing faster than 2013 was Shark Bay with more people in Australia were aged the Western Australian average47. than 1 in 10 residents are over 65 years and over in 2011 This trend is not uncommon 65 years. This ageing can and will representing over one in eight among regional and rural parts of continue to impact the level of Australians46. This was an increase the State. There is considerable demand for a range of goods and of 27.6% over the last decade with variation across each of the LGAs, services (most notably health and an annual average growth rate of with Carnarvon and Exmouth community services) and decrease 2.5%. Looking forward, the number (12.8% and 11.1% respective of the relative size of the labour force of people aged 65 years and population aged 65+) broadly in available to new businesses and over is projected to increase by line with State averages and Upper industries. 83.6% over the next two decades Gascoyne (6.5%) considerablyHistorical and Projected Population, with an annual average growth 65 Years and Over, Australia, 2001 to 2031 rate of 3.1%. This is significantly faster than historical growth rates, 6.0 representing acceleration in the ageing of Australia’s population. By 2050, the number of people aged 5.0 65 and over is expected to reach one in five people, representing one of the greatest challenges for 4.0 policy makers, industry and the community. This is illustrated in Figure 31. 3.0 65 years and older (million)
2.0 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031
ERP Projections
Figure 31 Historical and Projected Population, 65 Years and Over, Australia, 2001 to 203147/48 124 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Broadband and the Digital Age Technology has played a central This increase in the use of The development and However the implementation of the role in enabling the globalisation of technology has not been limited implementation of the National NBN in the Gascoyne is unknown markets mainly by increasing the to only businesses as Australian Broadband Network (NBN) is at this stage. These opportunities reach and speed of communication households have also been expected to have a transformative include: while also assisting to reduce increasing their use of the internet, effect on the connectivity and ●● More reliable base costs, which have eased the for a range of reasons, from accessibility of regional residents telecommunications; flow of goods, capital, people reviewing and purchasing goods to the rest of the country and ●● Online retail and shopping; and information across borders. and services to online learning. world. This presents significant ●● Virtual education; These trends have profound life In the last five years, the share of opportunities for a more remote ●● Online entertainment, music and business changing effects. households using the internet has region like Gascoyne to provide and movies; The future evolution of the internet increased by almost 20%, from residents and businesses access ●● Telehealth; including increased speeds, cloud 2005-06 to 2010-11. to services otherwise unavailable, ●● Telecommuting and virtual work based computing and applications Business Use of Informationcost prohibitive Technology, or inefficient. 2007-08 to 2011-12 opportunities; will result in these benefits being Source: ABS 8129.0 (2013) & RPS ●● E-commerce and web-based more widely felt in regional 100 business activity. locations, through improved connectivity and the establishment 90 Asian and global markets of new, knowledge intensive 80 represents a significant opportunity industries. 70 for Gascoyne businesses to reach beyond the small and distributed The share of Australian businesses 60 domestic market and seek high using the internet has increased 50 returns for quality products and as a result of the digital age services. as e-commerce/banking gains 40 momentum. Between 2007-08 30 Share of Businesses (%) and 2011-12, the proportion of 20 businesses using the internet 10 increased from 86.8% to 91.9%, 0 while the share of Australian 2007-08 2009-10 2011-12 businesses with a web presence has increased from 36.3% in Businesses with Businesses with 2007-08 to 44.6% in 2011-12. internet access (%) web presence (%) This is illustrated in Figure 32. Figure 32 Business Use of Information Technology, 2007-08 to 2011-1249 125 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
National Defence An increasingly globalised and 2. The critical nature of to the Indo-Pacific region and 5. Regional military interconnected world does raise enhanced regionalism and Asia in particular. This has caused modernisation issues regarding national security. cooperation in South East Asia some tension in the US‑China Regional military modernisation The 2013 Defence White Paper With South East Asia the primary relationship; though it remains is largely a consequence of rising identified a number of interrelated pivot of the Indo‑Pacific region, Australia’s stated position that national wealth, enabling many factors that may influence interactions and engagements we are not required to choose states to modernise their defence Australia’s strategic security among and between South East between the US as our military forces with more advanced outlook in the coming decades. Asian nations can have significant alliance partner and the China as capabilities. This presents These include: global ramifications. Promotion our primary economic partner. significant new opportunities for and support of enhanced regional partnering with other nations’ 1. The importance of the associations (such as ASEAN and 4. Potential conflict hotspots in defence and military organisations. Indo‑Pacific in global security the East Asia Summit) are viewed North and South East Asia However, it also raises the levels of Global population and economic as highly beneficial to regional and While broader US and China capability required by the Australian activity is increasingly concentrated global security. relationships are expected to Defence Force (ADF) to maintain in countries that either border the be restrained by economic the edge that has historically Indian and Pacific oceans or are 3. The relationship between the interdependence, individual underpinned the defence of our dependent on trade routes through United States of America and hotspots are regarded as more continent with a comparatively these oceans. This is having the China serious a threat. These hotspots small population. effect of repositioning global This relationship represents the including Taiwan Straits, the Korean security focus. Current security defining feature of global security Peninsula, the East China Sea and 6. Terrorism architecture in the Indo-Pacific is over the next several decades. South China Sea. While enhanced counter- focused on a series of sub-regional Defined in the White Paper as terrorism capabilities, the death of arrangements with not unifying “collaborative competitiveness”, Osama bin Laden and sustained framework. The development and the relationship between international cooperation and effort establishment of this framework China and United States is have altered the nature of global in coming decades will significant characterised by strong economic terrorism, the threat of terrorism influences Australia defence interconnectedness and reliance and its potential impacts remain posture. which is not currently matched by real and significant. political and security cooperation. The US is currently implementing a ‘rebalancing’ of their defence posture to afford greater attention
126 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
7. Climate change impacts and Of particular note in the Defence The Gascoyne region is ●● Learmonth Solar Observatory resource security White Paper is the fact that the strategically located within the is a quasi-military installation Global energy, food and water economic importance of northern context of the Defence form jointly run by the Australian resources are under pressure Australia and offshore resources posture shift to northern and Bureau of Meteorology and the from population growth, rising has increased and this must be western fronts. This strategic US Air Force50. considered in defence planning. position has been recognised affluence and climate change. Exmouth’s position is highly The Defence Posture Review within historically with the region, and Robust demand for commodities is favourable in terms of its proximity the White Paper, builds upon Exmouth in particular, already home underpinned by rapidly emerging to major South East Asian the posture review undertaken in to a number of important Defence economies such as China and population centres, Indo-Pacific 2011 and reinforced the need for facilities/assets. These include: India. Demand for key commodities trade routes. The town is actually is expected to remain robust over Australia’s northern and western ●● Naval Communication Station better located, in terms of proximity approaches to be appropriately the long-term. Harold E. Holt, was built at the than Darwin as outlined in the defended with the capacity for high same time as the town and following table. tempo projections of power into the 8. Cyber warfare provides very low frequency region. The strategic position of Exmouth The 2009 Defence White Paper radio transmission support for and the existence of a number acknowledged that national security Defence establishments and ships and submarines of the of important Defence facilities, could be compromised by cyber- operations can provide significant US and Australian Navies; and attacks on defence, government or position Exmouth as a potential economic stimulus to a region. ●● Learmonth Air Weapon Range, beneficiary of further northern and commercial information networks. Townsville and Darwin, both of 18,954ha located 30km south western force posture movements. Cyber security continues to be which have extensive Australia west of Learmonth Airport a serious and pressing national 50 Defence personnel and facilities (itself a bare forward RAAF security challenge . have benefits significantly from this base); and presence, in terms of population growth, expenditure, economic 50 stability and infrastructure delivery Table 3 Distance in kilometres to Major Asian Centres, Exmouth and Darwin and capacity. FROM TO EXMOUTH TO DARWIN Ho Chi Minh City 3,706 3,705 Kuala Lumpur 3,089 3,657 Singapore 2,802 3,347 Cocos Islands 2,143 3,697 New Delhi 6,855 7,343 127 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Appendix 2 – Regional Profile Population by LGAs, Gascoyne Region, 2012 Source: ABS 3218.0 (2013) & RPS Population Shark Bay Upper Gascoyne The residential population of the As expected, the Carnarvon LGA 920 9% 262 3% Gascoyne region has been steadily is home for the majority of the declining over the decade to 2007, region’s population, with 62% in with approximately 1,000 residents 2012. This is followed by Exmouth leaving since 2001. However, (26%), Shark Bay (9%) and since 2007, population growth Upper Gascoyne (3%). Figure 34 has returned to the region with an provides the current breakdown of additional 500 residents calling the population across the municipalities Exmouth Carnarvon 2,549 26% 6,095 62% Gascoyne home. This represents in the Gascoyne region. growth of 5.1% over the period to 2012 as illustrated in the figure below. Estimated Resident Population, Gascoyne Region, 2001 to 2012 Source: ABS 3218.0 (2013) & RPS 9,900 Figure 34 Population Distribution, Gascoyne Region, 201251 9,800 While Carnarvon was the largest Western Australian Planning 9,700 LGA by population in 2012, it Commission (WAPC) WA did not account for the greatest Tomorrow Population Projections 9,600 increase in residents since 2007. suggest the population of the opulation 9,500 The population of Exmouth LGA Gascoyne will decline to 8,550 grew by almost 350 people over by 2026. However, this is not 9,400 the period, or more than half of the an accurate representation of growth for the Gascoyne. Upper recent population growth trends Residential P 9,300 Gascoyne was the only LGA during in the region, particularly since 9,200 this period to experience a decline 2007. An examination of more in population. bullish scenarios (Band E of 9,100 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 the WA Tomorrow Projections) estimate growth in the region to Figure 33 Estimated Residential Population, Gascoyne Region, 2007 to 201251 11,510 by 2026. This is based 128 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
on demographic considerations It is important to note that demand Demographics and trends and does not take for infrastructure, services and The Gascoyne has a traditional though this rate is significantly into consideration the economic facilities will not be generated population profile for a regional higher in Shark Bay LGA (17.1%) and employment potential of the by residents alone. Exposure to area. In 2012, the share of in 2012. region and the associated need for growth through industries such population aged less than 15 years workers. as FIFO resources workers and Larger differences between in the region (21.1%) was horticultural and tourism seasonal the region and State average Aspirational population targets marginally higher than the Western employees, both now and in the are evident in younger adults. were developed collaboratively Australian average (19.2%). future, will see the region’s service Only 23.4% of the Gascoyne’s by the Department of Planning Similarly, the share of population population (residents and short- population in 2012 was aged with the Gascoyne Development aged 65+ is also marginally higher term workers) exceed that of the between 15 and 34, compared Commission and Gascoyne LGAs. than that of the State average residential population. Currently, it Populationto Age 29.4% Profile, across WA. This These projections indicate growth (12.6% and 12.4% respectively), is estimated that the peak service Gascoyne Regionmeans and thatWA, 2012the region currently in the population of the region to population of the Gascoyne region Source: ABS 3235.0 (2013) & RPS 15,745 residents by 2026 and is appropriately 20,000. This 18% becoming 23,000 by 205152. is projected to grow to 35,000 16% in 2026 and 55,000 in 2051. Both figures are approximately 14% 15,000 people more than the 12% residential population at those times. 10% 8% Table 4 Population Projections, Gascoyne Region53 6%
SCENARIO 2012 2026 2050 Share of Population 4% WA Tomorrow – Band E 9,766 11,510 n/a Aspirational population targets 9,766 15,745 23,000 2% Estimated peak population 20,000 27,000 35,000 0% 0 to 4 5 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 85+
Gascoyne Region WA
Figure 35 Age Profile18 129 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Aboriginal share of Residential Population, Gascoyne LGAs, 2011
70% regions of the State, particularly net 45 and 152 people annually considering the growing nature with only one year with a positive 60% of the overall population and the net migration figure (80 people in employment prospects emerging in 2009-10). This is illustrated in the 50% the economy. following table. 40% Regional fertility rates are The net migration estimates in the consistently above the State and table above, correspond with the 30% national averages in the Gascoyne. estimate of population gain and
Share of Population When broken down by LGAs, the loss by LGA. Exmouth was the only 20% highest fertility rates are found in LGA over the period to experience Carnarvon at 3 children per woman, consistent population gains from 10% while Exmouth and Shark Bay net migration across all but one of are more consistent with the WA the years. Shark Bay was second
0% Carnarvon (S) Exmouth (S) (S) Shark Bay Gascoyne (S) Upper Gascoyne Australia Western Australia average rate. This trend contributes with population declines between to the region having a larger share 2008 and 2010 but an overall net of 0-14 aged residents as well migration of 29 residents. as supporting the growth of the Interestingly, while Upper population in recent years. Figure 36 Aboriginal share of Residential Population, Gascoyne LGAs, 201154 Gascoyne had population decline In contrast, net migration to over the 5 year period, it also had experiences difficulties retaining decreasing not only the proportion the region has not contributed a small but positive net migration young adults, particularly those of young people but also middle significantly to population growth figure with 14 people moving undertaking secondary and tertiary age workers (the parents). Despite in recent years. Over the 5 years into the area in net terms. This education and training and young this, the issue is not as stark in to 2010/11, the population of indicates that the low fertility rate workers, seeking greater number the Gascoyne as in some other the Gascoyne has declined by a in the area is leading to declining and diversity of student and employment opportunities. This is Table 5 Net Migration, by LGA not a unique trend in the Gascoyne, LGA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 with young families regularly Carnarvon -157 -174 -63 -14 -119 leaving the region to allow their older children to attend secondary Exmouth -4 29 34 88 0 school in metropolitan Perth or Shark Bay 3 19 -12 -12 31 other locations. The emigration Upper Gascoyne 6 -3 -4 18 -3 of this cohort has the effect of Gascoyne Region -152 -129 -45 80 -91 130 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
population through natural attrition. The Aboriginal population of Households Structures and Incomes Carnarvon, on the other hand, is the Gascoyne has a younger In 2011, there were a total of 3,312 family with children under 15 experiencing natural population age profile than non-Aboriginal households in the Gascoyne. This (21.9%), associated with younger growth (birth rate higher than death residents, with 36.1% of people represented an increase of 1.6% age cohorts. This is illustrated in rate); however the rate at which identifying as Aboriginal under the from 3,259 households in 2006. Figure 37. residents are migrating away from age of 15. In contrast, the share of The mix of current households the community has seen slower Aboriginal residents aged 65 and The average household size of the aligns with the age profile of the population growth over the past over is significantly below the non- Gascoyne region has increased Gascoyne, with Couple families five years. Aboriginal average. This aligns with from 2.50 persons per household with no children (30.6%), and State and national trends. in 2006 to 2.55 persons per The Gascoyne has a relatively large Lone person households (28.5%) household in 2011. This minor Aboriginal population. In 2011, In 2011, 19.2% of people accounting for the largest share. increase flows against the trend peoples of Aboriginal descent identifying as Aboriginal in the These households are commonly of State averages, reflecting the comprised almost one in every five workforce were unemployed, associated with older residents. continuing high fertility rate in Gascoyne residents (18.3%) or almost 5 times higher than the Similarly, the next largest share Compositionthe of Households,area. 2011 some 1,770 people. This is above broader unemployment rate at of household types is Couple Source: ABS Census 2011 (2012) & RPS the State (3.7%) and national that time. Those residents with (3.0%) averages. Aboriginal jobs are employed across a Group household Couple family 3% peoples are not evenly dispersed range of industries, with Health with no children 31% across the Gascoyne region. The Care and Social Assistance, largest number reside in Carnarvon Construction, Education and Lone person LGA (1,455 in 2011), accounting Public Administration the largest household for 24.0% the local population sectors. These industries all 28% and 82% of Aboriginal residents have a strong public sector of the Gascoyne. However, Upper focus, illustrating a reliance on Other family Gascoyne Shire has the highest the Government for employment 1% share of its population identifying opportunities. Improving access One parent family as Aboriginal, accounting for over to employment and enhancing with no children <15 7% 60%. the quality of life and prosperity of One parent family Gascoyne’s Aboriginal residents with children <15 requires greater focus on private 7% Couple family sector job creation and business Couple family with with children <15 22% establishment. no children <15 5%
Figure 37 Composition of Households, 20114 131 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Individual Wage and Salary Income, Gascoyne Region, 2005-06 to 2009-10 Source: ABS 6524.0 (2012) & RPS
$50,000 incomes at over $1,200 per week 66.3% of the total population. while Managers have the fourth Of this population, 4,536 people $45,000 highest income levels. In contrast, were actively in the labour force $40,000 the occupations with the lowest (employed or seeking employment). $35,000 incomes in the Gascoyne region The distribution of the labour force $30,000 are Sales Workers and Labourers, mirrors the population distribution which traditionally have lower with Carnarvon LGA home to $25,000 education levels and higher levels 58.8% of the total labour force, $20,000 Annual Income of unemployment. followed by Exmouth (28.9%), $15,000 Shark Bay (10.1%) and finally Upper Gascoyne (2.2%). $10,000 Unemployment, Labour Force $5,000 and Skills Unemployment in the Gascoyne decreased rapidly in recent years, $0 As at 2011 the working age 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 falling from 7.0% in mid-2010 to population (15 to 65 years) just over 3.0% in September 2012 in the Gascoyne region was Unemployment Rate, Figure 38 Wage and Salary Income Growth55 Gascoyne Region– lessLGAs, than June half 201356. However, since 6,515 people. This represents Source: SALM (2013) & RPS The Gascoyne is a lower income impacting the earning capacity region of Western Australia. In and income levels of a number of 12% 2011, the median weekly personal regions across Australia. income of taxable individuals in 10% However, despite this volatility the region was $552 while the and uncertainty, incomes in household income $1,0724. Both 8% the Gascoyne have exhibited of these levels were below the significant resilience, continuing State averages (16.5% and 24.2% to experience growth between 6% lower respectively), though levels 2005/06 and 2009/10. This is in Western Australia have been 4% illustrated in Figure 38. Unemployment Rate distorted in recent years by the The occupations with the impact of the mining investment 2% boom and associated income highest incomes in the region growth. are currently Professionals. However, Machinery Operators 0% Income levels have been volatile Carnarvon Exmouth Shark Upper Gascoyne and Drivers and Technicians and Bay Gascoyne Region in recent years, with the GFC and Trade Workers also have high subsequent economic slowdown Figure 39 Unemployment Rate, June 20134 132 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Qualifications Gained, Gascoyne Residents Aged 15+ Source: ABS (2012) & RPS
10000 Exmouth LGA currently has the Figure 40. Overall, this post-school 9000 lowest unemployment rate (1.8%). qualification profile is highly biased toward TAFE related qualifications. Certificate level qualifications are 8000 Such qualifications are more most common among residents 7000 common among occupations such in the region, accounting for as Tradespersons and Machinery 6000 more than half of the population and Equipment Operators and 5000 with post-school qualifications. industries like manufacturing, Residents Bachelor Degree level and 4000 construction and tourism. There is Advanced Diploma and Diploma 3000 also a strong level of Engineering, level qualifications account for Architecture and Hospitality 2000 the next largest shares (19.5% Unemployment Rate, certificateGascoyne Region holders and from WA, the region. 1000 and 15.9%). This is illustrated Marchin 2008 to June 2013 Source: SALM (2013) & RPS 0 Degree Level Postgraduate Certificate Level and Graduate Graduate Diploma Degree Level Bachelor Diploma Level Diploma and Advanced Level Certificate 7.5% 7.0% 6.5% 6.0% 5.5% 4 Figure 40 Qualifications Gained, Gascoyne Residents Aged 15+ 5.0% 2012, unemployment rates in the projects associated with the 4.5%
Gascoyne have climbed higher Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan. Unemployment Rate 4.0% and as at June 2013, was 5.3%. Unemployment rates vary 3.5% This climb is sharper than, but considerably across the region, broadly in line with the increase in 3.0% reflecting different economic, State unemployment. Consultation 2.5%
age and social profiles and 2008 Mar Jun 2008 2008 Sep 2008 Dec 2009 Mar Jun 2009 2009 Sep 2009 Dec 2010 Mar Jun 2010 2010 Sep 2010 Dec 2011 Mar Jun 2011 2011 Sep 2011 Dec 2012 Mar Jun 2012 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2013 Mar Jun 2013 with stakeholders indicates that drivers. As at June 2013, Upper this increase has been primarily Gascoyne LGA had the highest associated by a combination of unemployment rate (10.8%), the peaking mining employment however, this is for a very small (particularly FIFO construction number of workers so its statistical Gascoyne Region WA employment) and the completion of validity is questionable. In contrast, a number of Royalties for Regions Figure 41 Unemployment Rate Gascoyne Region4 133 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Employment, Industry and Economy Despite the growth in population sector. This is illustrated in the Warehousing (6.6% up 91 jobs), According to data from the Public and labour force in recent years, figure below. Construction (7.5% up 77 jobs), Sector Commission, 2% of the employment in the Gascoyne and Mining (5.1% up 72 jobs). State’s non-metropolitan public Agricultural employment has increased marginally between 2006 A small level of growth was also sector workers are located in the experienced an employment and 2011, from 4,016 people experienced across public sector Gascoyne. This ranks the region decline in recent years, with the employed in 2006 to 4,149 in and population servicing sectors as having the lowest number sector experiencing a fall of 139 2012. In 2011, Accommodation such as Professional Services of public sector workers of all jobs between 2006 and 2011. and Food Services was the largest (2.8%), Public Administration regions in the State. Having said Manufacturing experienced a employer and accounted for 11.4% (11.2%), and Accommodation this, the Gascoyne has a larger faster fall of 29% but off a much of total employment or almost and Food. This is illustrated in share of public sector workers as lower bases leading to a decline 458 jobs. This was followed by Figure 43. a proportion of the total population of 77 jobs in the sector. The Public Administration (11.2%), share. This is illustrated in largest growth in employment was Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Figure 44. experienced in Transport, Post and Change in Employment, by Industry, (10.3%) and Retail Trade (10.2%) Gascoyne Region 2006 to 2011 Source: ABS Census 2011 & 2006, RPS Industries of Employment Industry Industries Source: ABS Census 2011 (2012) & RPS Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Mining Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Manufacturing Mining Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services Manufacturing Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services Construction Construction Wholesale Trade Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Retail Trade Accommodation and Food Services Accommodation and Food Services Transport, Postal and Warehousing Transport, Postal and Warehousing Information Media and Telecommunications Information Media and Telecommunications Financial and Insurance Services Financial and Insurance Services Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services Professional, Scienti c and Technical Services Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Administrative and Support Services Administrative and Support Services Public Administration and Safety Public Administration and Safety Education and Training Education and Training Health Care and Social Assistance Health Care and Social Assistance Arts and Recreation Services Arts and Recreation Services Other Services Other Services 0 100 200 300 400 500 -200 -150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150 Jobs Change
Figure 42 Industries of Employment4 Figure 43 Change in Employment, by Industry, 2006 to 20114 134 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Region Share of Non-Metropolitan Population, Public Sector Workers and Labour Force
30% Overall, the employment lower than the State GRP per 25% diversification in the Gascoyne worker of $180,100. The GRP has increased in recent years even level fluctuates even further when though total employment remained 20% the individual LGAs are examined. broadly stable. This indicates the The highest GRP per worker is in region is undergoing an economic Exmouth with a GRP of $245,885 15% restructuring. which remains low in comparison to the State average. The Upper In the financial year 2012/13 10% Gascoyne has the lowest GRP the value of the Gross Regional per worker at $89,460 per worker Product was estimated to be 5% which is less than half the State $870 million. Typically, about 95% average. This is illustrated in of this is generated in the coastal
0% Gascoyne Esperance Goldfields- Southern Great Kimberley Mid West Peel Pilbara West South Wheatbelt Figure 45. areas of the region. In 2012/13, the Gascoyne had per worker As highlighted in the industry and Gross Regional Product (GRP)Gross of Regional employment Product Per Worker,structure, agriculture, $152,933, which is significantlyGascoyne v Stateand Averagein particular 2011/12 horticulture, is the Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research 2012/13 Population Public Sector Labour Force $250,000 Figure 44 Region Share of Non-Metropolitan Population, Public Sector Workers and $225,000 Labour Force, 201357 $200,000 This reflects a combination of When adjusted for these spatial, $175,000 factors including: industry and environmental $150,000 characteristics of the region, ●● The large land area of the public sector worker levels in $125,000 Gascoyne region; the Gascoyne are actually below $100,000 ●● The concentration of average, particularly in population horticulture and fisheries $75,000 services and central agencies. This activities, with associated $50,000 reflects an increasing trend among State Government oversight Worker Gross Regional Product Per State and Federal Government $25,000 and management officers; and agencies to base regional $0 ●● World Heritage areas, marine Carnarvon Exmouth Shark Upper Gascoyne State services and administration for the reserves and national parks Bay Gascoyne Region Average Gascoyne out of the Mid West requiring management and (namely Geraldton). administration. Figure 45 Gross Regional Product Per Worker, Gascoyne v State Average 2012/135 135 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
primary industry of the Gascoyne ●● Vegetables for seed; production up to the financial year This reflects the different region. In 2012, the Gascoyne ●● Runner and French Beans; ending 30 June 2012. agricultural commodities mix of region accounts for 8.7% of the ●● Capsicums; each LGA. Carnarvon is the primary In terms of the total agricultural State’s agricultural land holdings ●● Vegetable Herbs; centre of horticultural activities in land, 85% is located within the including 10.4% of the total grazing ●● Melons; the region with their associated Carnarvon and Upper Gascoyne area6. ●● Pumpkins; land use intensity and production LGAs. However, this differs from ●● Tomatoes; value. The horticultural industry in Horticulture, based along the the breakdown of agricultural ●● Carambolas; the Gascoyne region is conducted Gascoyne River in Carnarvon, production. In particular, production ●● Lychees; predominantly at Carnarvon in the is a strong contributor to the is concentrated within the ●● Mangoes; Carnarvon Irrigation Area (CIA). economy of the Region. In 2012 Carnarvon LGA, where 89% of ●● Bananas; and The CIA is centred on the banks of the Department of Agriculture and the region’s agricultural value is ●● Table grapes. the Gascoyne River extending from Food WA (DAFWA) estimated the produced despite only having 55% its mouth 19 kilometres inland. The Carnarvon horticulture industry The diversity of food production of the total agricultural land. This is area zoned for intensive horticulture alone to be valued at $100 million. in the Gascoyne and the primacy illustrated in Figure 46. in Carnarvon is approximately This sector was devastated by the of the region in the production of 2,000 hectares, with only 50% of floods in 2010/11 and a rare locust key crops for the State mean the Gross Value of Agricultural Land, the land actually under crop. plague that followed impacted region’s role as a major food bowl Gascoyne Region, 2010-11 on 2011 production volumes. should not be underestimated. Despite flooding and locust plagues, gross value of production The pastoral sector was also Carnarvon did not differ dramatically from devastated by the 2010/11 floods 2010 to 2011. DAFWA estimated and a bush fire in December 2011 Carnarvon’s horticulture industry to the end of January 2012 which Exmouth to have produced $75 million in burnt over 900,000 hectares. The
2013. Gross value has decreased ban on live exports had a severe LGA from $104 million in 2012 due financial impact in 2012/13 as Shark Bay to reduced water allocations, well. DAFWA statistics state the poor market prices and additional disposal of sheep and cattle for meat was $23.5 million and wool competition from domestic and Upper international markets. production was $3.4 million for the Gascoyne financial year ending 30 June 2011. The region is the primary producer 0 20 40 60 80 This has increased to $25 million for a range of horticulture crops, Value ($ million) for disposal of sheep and cattle including: for meat and $5 million for wool Figure 46 Gross Value of Agricultural Production, Gascoyne Region, 2011/1210 136 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
The pristine waters of the The Shark Bay Prawn and Scallop Biodiversity and Natural Amenity Gascoyne coast bioregion provide Managed Fisheries and the The Gascoyne is comprised of The Gascoyne region the perfect marine environment. Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed parts of two major bioregions – encompasses an extensive range of With water temperatures ranging Fisheries are two of the State’s Carnarvon (coastal) and Gascoyne national and state parks and marine from 22°C to 28°C and many most valuable commercial fisheries (hinterland). The combination of reserves. This includes two World natural marine incubators such as with combined catches in the range these bioregions underpins the Heritage Areas – Shark Bay and coral reef, sand flats and seagrass of $40–50 million annually. Prawn, diversity of the landscape and Ningaloo World Heritage Areas. beds, the Gascoyne coast scallop, crab and fish processing environment with a combination Other major reserves and parks bioregion has superior breeding are carried out in the region’s of coastal, scrubland and arid dry include: grounds, fish nurseries and towns. Fish processing occurs in land areas. Despite the region feeding habitats. These conditions Denham, prawn, scallop and fish Monkey Mia Reserve – offers one being comprised of extensive contribute to both successful processing in Carnarvon and prawn of Australia’s best known up-close pastoral leases, the Gascoyne commercial fisheries and a popular processing near Exmouth. wildlife experiences where you has a moderate high proportion of recreational fishery. can interact with wild bottlenose Pearling remains the largest land protected under conservation dolphins. The commercial fisheries of the aquaculture sector in the frameworks – 11.4%58. This is Gascoyne coast bioregion are: Gascoyne. In 2011/12, pearling equal to or higher than other non- Francois Peron National Park – produced $9.4 million in value, forested regions like the Wheatbelt known for its contrasting red cliffs, ●● the Shark Bay Prawn and representing about 10% of the (9.6%) and Goldfields Esperance white beaches and blue waters, Scallop Managed Fisheries, State’s production. Koi Carp and (11.6%), but is below that of the has a fascinating pastoral history. ●● Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed ornamental fish are two other forms Great Southern (15.9%). Fishery, Shark Bay Marine Park – known for of aquaculture but operations ●● the Shark Bay Crab (interim) A major competitive pressure for its large marine animals, such as are currently very small, with only Managed Fishery, the use of land with high ecological the famous Monkey Mia dolphins, $59,000 in combined production ●● the Gascoyne Demersal value is from agricultural uses. turtles, dugongs and sharks. The value in 2011/12. Fishery and the Inner Shark Bay There was approximately 7.7 million park and its vast seagrass banks Scalefish Fishery. hectares of agricultural land in the form an important part of the Shark Gascoyne in 2011. Pastoral uses Bay World Heritage Area. In 2011/12, Gascoyne fisheries account for the majority of this land accounted for the following shares (84.7%) which is the largest share of total State production: of any Development Commission ●● 50.6% of crabs; area. ●● 75% of other crustaceans; and ●● 95.8% of prawns15.
137 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Shell Beach – white stretch of Pilgramunna, Oyster Stacks and beach composed of billions of Coral Bay provide great snorkelling shells. from the shore. From April to July each year huge but gentle Hamelin Pool – boasts the most whale sharks, between four and diverse and abundant examples of 12 metres long, begin to appear in living marine stromatolites, or ‘living large numbers. fossils’, in the world, monuments to life on Earth over 3500 million Cape Range National Park – years ago. Includes rocky gorges of an arid, rugged landscape in the Ningaloo Dirk Hartog Island National Park Coast World Heritage Area59. – located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, has immense Kennedy Range National Park historical significance and offers – The Kennedy Range is an great fishing, steep cliffs and eroded plateau on the rim of secluded beaches. 2016 will be the Gascoyne River catchment, the 400th anniversary of Dirk about 150 kilometres east of Hartog’s landing on the island, Carnarvon. It extends for roughly which the oldest known European 195 kilometres in a northerly landing in Australia. direction from near Gascoyne Junction. The park offers Ningaloo Marine Park – Whales, spectacular scenery of gorges dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, and precipitous faces, with a vast huge cod, turtles and whale sharks plateau of ancient dunefields on are abundant at World Heritage top of the range. listed Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing coral reef in Australia and Mount Augustus National Park – the only large reef in the world Mount Augustus, or Burringurrah found so close to a continental land as it is known by the local Wadjari mass, making it an easy snorkel Aboriginal people, is about 850 from shore. More than 500 tropical kilometres from Perth and midway fish species inhabit the 300 between the Great Northern and kilometre long reef. They live in and North West Coastal highways. At around more than 200 species of over 1,100 metres above sea level, coral. Lakeside, Turquoise Bay, it is one of the most spectacular 138 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
solitary peaks in the world, it on the vegetation and fauna of the Tourism rises 717 metres above a stony, region. The tourism sector in the Gascoyne the past three years; however, red sandplain of arid shrubland The marine fauna of the Gascoyne has been relatively stable over the there has been a strengthening – dominated by wattles, cassias region is diverse and plentiful. The past decade. Between 2000/01 of the number of international and eremophilas – and is clearly single, most profound effect on and 2012/13, overnight visitor visitor nights, which hit a record in visible from the air for more than this fauna is the Leeuwin Current. nights and day trips typically 2012/13 and the economic value 160 kilometres. The granite rock of Green and hawksbill turtles, remained between 1.5 million and has continued to increase. This is Mount Augustus is 1,650 million dugong, humpback whale and the 2 million over the period, spiking illustrated in the figure below. years old. Making it not only, more whale shark are common to the above 3 million in 2006/07 as than twice the size of Uluru, but The number of day trips to the region. At the southern end of the a result of a jump in domestic considerably older60. Gascoyne is very low compared region is the World Heritage listed overnight trips to Exmouth. Overall Domestic & Internationalto other Visitor regions. Nights & DespiteDay Trips, this, The region is also home to a area of Shark Bay. Shark Bay has visitor numbers have declinedGascoyne over Region, 2000-01 to 2012-13 diverse range of terrestrial and one tenth of the world’s dugong Source: TRA (2013) & RPS marine fauna. Red and Euro population (approximately 10,000 3,500,000 Kangaroos are common in the animals) and significant loggerhead region. Smaller marsupials turtle rookeries. Shark Bay contains 3,000,000 and bats, including rare and breeding grounds for prawns, 2,500,000 endangered species, are found scallops and commercial finfish as often in the less accessible parts well as habitats for endangered 2,000,000 of the mainland and on offshore green turtles. islands. A wide diversity of birds, 1,500,000 A unique subterranean fauna Days Visitor both resident and migratory, has been recently discovered in inhabits the Gascoyne region. 1,000,000 Cape Range and has created Large flocks of corellas and galahs worldwide scientific interest are the most easily visible as well 500,000 because it provides evidence of as emus, parrots and numerous continental drift and the evolution 0 smaller birds. Lake MacLeod is 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 of specific species. The fauna, home to diverse bird species and known as troglobites are small, live an important resting spot for trans in limestone rock caves and are equatorial migratory waders. It has blind due to adaptation to a life in been nominated in part, for Ramsar darkness. listing. Dingoes and feral animals Day Trips Domestic International Visitor Nights Visitor Nights such as goats, foxes, cats and rabbits have had a significant effect Figure 47 Tourist Visitor Nights and Day Trips, Gascoyne11 139 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
the number of day trips has 2001 to 2013, increasing from This combination of decreasing Carnarvon increased from 46,000 trips in 315,758 visitor nights in 2001 to domestic visitor nights and ●● One Mile Jetty Heritage 2001 to 79,000 trips in 2013, 570,487 visitor nights in 2013. increasing international visitor Precinct representing an increase of 71.7% This represents a total growth rate nights is in line with State and ●● Carnarvon Space and over the period. This is a strong of 80.7%. Conversely, the number national averages and reflects Technology Museum performance considering the of domestic visitor nights has the impact of the high Australian ●● Growers Markets and distance of the region from major decreased from 1,246,000 visitor Dollar on the affordability of plantations day trip origins (namely Greater nights in 2001 to 1,090,000 visitor overseas holidays for Australians. ●● Gwoonwardu Mia – Gascoyne Perth). nights in 2013, highlighting a Expenditure by tourists in the Aboriginal Heritage and decline of 12.5% over the period. Gascoyne region has grown Cultural Centre The number of international This is relatively consistent with strongly since 2001, increasing ●● Tropicool Festival visitor nights to the regionRegion hasShare of Non-Metropolitan Population, Western Australian regions. from $136 million to $246 million ●● Gascoyne Arts Council Biennial also experienced growthPublic from Sector Workers and Labour Force in 2012. This represents an almost Arts Awards doubling in expenditure levels, with Ningaloo Reef World Heritage 30% international share of expenditure Area increasing over this time. ●● Ningaloo Reef 25% The Gascoyne region offers a ●● Cape Range National Park diverse range of tourist activities ●● Whale Sharks 20% and attractions. The natural ●● Whale migration amenities and ecological assets of ●● Vlamingh Head Lighthouse 15% the region are complemented by ●● Coral Bay a range of man-made attractions, ●● Exmouth Cultural Arts Centre 10% festivals and events. These include, Biennial Arts Awards but are not limited to: ●● Whale Shark Festival 5% Shark Bay World Heritage Area ●● Gamex (tag and release) ●● Monkey Mia Inland Gascoyne ●● 0% Gascoyne Esperance Goldfields- Southern Great Kimberley Mid West Peel Pilbara West South Wheatbelt Francois Peron National Park ●● Mt Augustus ●● Dirk Hartog Island ●● Kennedy Ranges National Park ●● Hamelin Pool ●● Gascoyne Murchison Outback ●● Shell Beach Pathways ●● World Heritage Discovery ●● Gascoyne River Festival Population Public Sector Labour Force Centre ●● Burringurrah Fire Festival ●● Fishing Fiesta ●● Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash™ Figure 48 Tourist Visitor Expenditure, by Origin, Gascoyne Region41 ●● Bare Foot Black Tie 140 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Passenger Throughput, Annual, Learmonth Airport Source: BITRE (2014) Airport Traffic Data 1986/14, Australia Government, Canberra Tourist accommodation Carnarvon has experienced greater 100,000 establishments in the Gascoyne consistency of room occupancy 90,000 have exhibited greater levels of rates than Exmouth in recent 80,000 resilience in their performance quarters, with occupancy rates than other tourism destinations in not falling below 60% over the 70,000 regional Western Australia. Since period and reaching or exceeding 60,000 March 2012, room occupancy 80% in two quarters. This reflects 50,000 rates for establishments within 15 the concentration of short- or more rooms in the Gascoyne term construction employment 40,000 have remained broadly stable within Carnarvon, owing to flood 30,000
between 50% and 80% across the reconstruction and mitigation Airport Passenger Throughput 20,000 quarters. This is illustrated in the infrastructure investment and 10,000 figure below. Room Occupancy Rates,Royalties Tourist Accommodation for Regions projects Establishments with 15+ Rooms, 2012-2013 0 Source: ABS 86355.0 (2014) & RPS 1985-86 1987-88 1989-90 1991-92 1993-94 1995-96 1997-98 1999-00 2001-02 2003-04 2005-06 2007-08 2009-10 2011-12 90
80
70 Figure 50 Passenger Throughput, Annual, Learmonth Airport13 60 under the Gascoyne Revitalisation movements over recent years 50 Plan. It is expected that Carnarvon has increased significantly at the accommodation occupancy will airport – from 16,000 in 2001/02 40 return to more normal levels in the to 90,500 in 2013/14. The largest 30 medium term. growth has occurred between 2011 and 2012, with annual Room Occupancy Rate 20 The Gascoyne is directly serviced passenger growth of 22.1% and by air through a number of small 10 56.5% in 2010/11 and 2011/12 airports. These include Carnarvon respectively. The impact of the 0 Airport, Shark Bay Airport, Mar 2012 Jun 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 Jun 2013 departure of Virgin Australia from Gascoyne Junction Airport and the Exmouth aviation market in late RAAF Learmonth (Exmouth). 2014 leaving Exmouth with a sole Learmonth Airport is the largest of Carnarvon Exmouth provider is still to be assessed. these airports which is serviced by Figure 49 Room Occupancy Rates, Tourist Accommodation Establishments 12 weekly return flights by Qantas This upswing is primarily with 15+ Rooms, 2012-201361 Airlines. Annual total passenger associated with FIFO workers 141 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Passenger Throughput, Annual, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia Airports Source: DoT (2013) Review of Regulated Air Routes, Carnarvon - Monkey Kia Community Consultation Group Meeting Presentation, 17 October 2013, Department of Transport, Perth
30,000 Small Business and Investment The Gascoyne has a dynamic redevelopment and investment in 25,000 entrepreneurial business Carnarvon. community with strengths in food Non-employing businesses (or 20,000 production, construction and businesses with only one individual) tourism. In 2012, the Gascoyne represent the majority of locally 15,000 was home to over 1,000 locally registered businesses, accounting registered businesses16. This is for 55% in 2012. This is a common the highest number of businesses 10,000 trend across Australia and reflects registered in the region since the self-employment and sub- Airport Passenger Throughput 2009, reflecting a recovery in 5,000 contractor workforce trends in the economy after the impact Registered Businessesconstruction by Size, (61% non-employing), of natural disasters and recentGascoyne Region, 2009 to 2012
0 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010 -11 2011-12 2012-13 Source: ABS8165.0 (2012) & RPS 450
400
Carnarvon Monkey Mia 350 300 Figure 51 Passenger Throughput, Annual, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia Airports12 250 supporting Oil and Gas industries. or 50 seats. Passenger volumes The presence of the airport and to Carnarvon have averaged 200 associated regular passenger approximately 25,000 per year 150 services helped to diversify the in recent years, with Shark Bay Registered Businesses 100 transport and travel options of averaging only 5,000 passengers. visitors to the Gascoyne region and It is questionable whether this low 50 provided for improved accessibility volumes reflects a constraint of 0 to the region, particularly for capacity and price or a low level of 2009 2010 2011 2012 employment and business-related demand. travellers. Other centres, such Non 1-4 5-19 20-199 200+ as Shark Bay and Carnarvon are employing serviced by Skippers Aviation using turboprop aircraft of 30, 36 Figure 52 Locally Registered Businesses, Employing and Non-Employing, Gascoyne16 142 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Number of Registered Businesses per 1,000 Residents, Gascoyne Region, WA and Australia, 2012 Source: ABS 8165 (2012) & RPS agriculture (59% non-employing), staff, which is a positive for the and some professional sectors regional economy. like finance and real estate (69% Australia The Gascoyne region has non-employing). These shares have above average shares of micro remained broadly consistent in (0-4 workers) and small (5‑19) recent years. businesses than the State average. Western Non-employing businesses This reflects the dynamism Australia account for a smaller share of the and entrepreneurialism that Gascoyne business community characterises the Gascoyne than the Australian average. This business community. Analysis from Gascoyne suggests the region hasLocally a higher Registered Employingthe Small Businesses,Business Development Region propensity to grow and employby NumberCorporation of Employees, suggests there Gascoyne andare Western 91 small Australia businesses in Source: ABS 8165.0 (2012) & RPS 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Businesses per 1,000 Residents
Figure 54 Number of Businesses per 1,000 Residents, Gascoyne, WA and Australia16 Western 63% 22% 11% 4% Australia the Gascoyne region for every Australia and 94 nationally. This 1,000 residents. This is above suggests the presence of an the Western Australian average entrepreneurial culture in the of 85 and the Perth Metropolitan region. average of 83. However, it is As expected, the largest share of below the average small business locally registered businesses is Gascoyne 56% 21% 17% 6% Region level for the Goldfields Esperance in the Agriculture, Forestry and (93), Wheatbelt (134) and Great Fishing sector (295 in 2012). This Southern (149). was followed by Construction (169 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Gascoyne’s rate of business in 2012). Both of these sectors have high shares of non-employing Share of Registered Businesses formation and operation is strong compared to State and national businesses, which has the effect averages. In 2012, there were of increase the total business Non employing 1-4 5-19 20-199 105 registered businesses per numbers. Transport, Postal and Warehousing (88 businesses), Figure 53 Locally Registered Employing Businesses, by number of Employees, 1,000 residents in the region. Retail Trade (76) and Rental, Hiring Gascoyne and Western Australia16 This compares to 91 in Western 143 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
and Real Estate Services are Tourism has the potential to be However, efforts are required to Community Facilities other noticeable industries. This is a significant local employer and foster a culture of coordination A summary of existing social illustrated in the figure below. economic multiplier in the region, and collaboration among small infrastructure in each of the LGAs and significant small business businesses in the region, to allow Regional economic growth in the Gascoyne region is provided opportunities are evident in the major procurement contracts to be is increasingly dependent on in the following table. Note a large Gascoyne Regional Tourism met. integrating tertiary education majority of facilities and services Strategy and the Ningaloo and research with innovative, A targeted approach is required identified in the inventory were Shark Bay National Landscapes knowledge intensive industries to ensure that the small business located within a major centre of Experience Development and a dynamic small business sector has access to the each LGA, including Carnarvon, Strategy. Many small businesses community. One of the relevant development programs Exmouth, Denham and Gascoyne lack the production capacity to opportunities is profiling of to increase its productivity Junction. Due to the sources of appropriately service the LNG potential investment opportunities and competitiveness. There is information used to compile the companies supply chains. Small by small businesses in the region, opportunity to develop a small inventory, location of some services businesses have the potential especially in the horticulture, food business incubator with associated could not be identified. to benefit from exposure to the and tourism sectors, through regional outreach program, a Registeredmining and Businesses energy byresource Industry, sector. Regional level facilities such as industry organisations or the CCIs. Gascoyne Region, 2009 to 2012 working hub to provide a flexible hospitals, university, library, art Source: ABS 8165.0 (2013) & RPS co working space, a small business gallery, museum and performing collaboration website including Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing arts/theatre cater are high Mining framework for small businesses order facilities that cater for the Manufacturing to join forces on large public and Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services entire regional population. In private sector procurements. Construction the Gascoyne region, existing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade regional level facilities include Accommodation and Food Services the Regional Art Gallery and Transport, Postal and Warehousing Library in Carnarvon, and Shire Information Media and Telecommunications Financial and Insurance Services of Carnarvon’s Civic Centre (with Businesses Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services performing arts facility). Professional, Scienti c and Technical Services Administrative and Support Services Public Administration and Safety Education and Training Health Care and Social Assistance Arts and Recreation Services Other Services 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Figure 55 Locally Registered Businesses, by Industry, Gascoyne16 144 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Table 6 Summary of Existing Social Infrastructure
EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Facility/Services SHIRE OF CARNARVON SHIRE OF EXMOUTH SHIRE OF SHARK BAY SHIRE OF UPPER GASCOYNE SENIORS Aged care /respite centre ( hospital) ✓ ✓ Seniors Centre/Club ✓ ✓ ✓ CHILDRENS Child Care Centre ✓ ✓ ✓ Toy Library ✓ ✓ Playgroup ✓ ✓ ✓ YOUTH Youth Centre/Services ✓ ✓ ✓ COMMUNITY SPACE Multipurpose hall/local community centre/meeting space ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Multi-purpose community centre/Civic Centre ✓ HEALTH Local Community Health Centre ✓ ✓ Medical Services ✓ ✓ District Community Health Centre ✓ ✓ Hospital ✓ ✓ Royal Flying Doctor ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Nursing Post ✓ ✓
145 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Facility/Services SHIRE OF CARNARVON SHIRE OF EXMOUTH SHIRE OF SHARK BAY SHIRE OF UPPER GASCOYNE EDUCATION & TRAINING Kindergarten/Preschool ✓ ✓ ✓ Primary School (Public) ✓ ✓ ✓ Primary School (Private) ✓ District High School (Public) ✓ ✓ High School (Private) ✓ Private College K-12 Senior College 10-12 (Public) ✓ Middle College 8-9 (Public Remote Community School ✓ School of the Air ✓ ✓ TAFE Campus (District) ✓ ✓ University Residential College University of The 3rd Age (U3A) CULTURAL Local Art Gallery ✓ Regional Art Gallery ✓ Arts and Cultural Centre ✓ ✓ Visitor Centre ✓ ✓ ✓ Local Library ✓ ✓ ✓ Regional Library ✓
146 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Facility/Services SHIRE OF CARNARVON SHIRE OF EXMOUTH SHIRE OF SHARK BAY SHIRE OF UPPER GASCOYNE Local Museum ✓ ✓ ✓ Regional Museum ✓ Performing arts space/Theatre ✓ EMERGENCY Police ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Ambulance ✓ ✓ ✓ Marine Rescue ✓ ✓ ✓ SES/Fire ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ SPORT AND RECREATION Indoor Sports Centre/Recreation Centre ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Swimming/Aquatic Facility ✓ ✓ BMX/Skate Facility ✓ ✓ ✓ Various Sports Clubs ✓ ✓ ✓ COMMUNITY SUPPORT Community Resource Centre ✓ ✓ Community Education Centre Men’s Shed ✓ ✓ ✓ Women’s Services Centre ✓ Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre ✓ Multicultural Services Centre Family Services Centre ✓
147 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Facility/Services SHIRE OF CARNARVON SHIRE OF EXMOUTH SHIRE OF SHARK BAY SHIRE OF UPPER GASCOYNE SERVICES Government Services ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Income Support ✓ ✓ ✓ General Community Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Family Support ✓ ✓ ✓ Parenting Programs ✓ Domestic Violence ✓ Sexual Assault ✓ Community Development ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Home-based Care ✓ Counselling ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Specialists Support Counselling ✓ Legal Services and Mediation (Legal Aid, offender support) ✓ Employment Support Services ✓ ✓ ✓ Disability Support Services ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Older People Services ✓ ✓ ✓ Children’s Services ✓ ✓ ✓ Young People ✓ ✓ Multicultural Services i.e. translation, interpreting Aboriginal Community/Health Services ✓ ✓ Complex needs arising from mental health, drug and ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ alcohol and homelessness
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Analysis has been undertaken for additional demand during the peak Carnarvon has regional level Sports and recreation programs are existing social infrastructure in each tourist season. cultural facilities such as a library currently being delivered through LGA. The findings are outlined and art gallery, a civic centre various models in the Gascoyne According to Gascoyne WA below. (with performing arts theatre), region. These include regional Country Health Services, the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne and local sports association demand for aged care beds Aboriginal Heritage and Culture (delivery of sporting activities and Shire of Carnarvon outstrips current supply (the Centre, and a visitor’s centre. competition), local government Carnarvon Multipurpose Health All of the educational institutions (delivery of club development Service/Hospital has 16 aged care Carnarvon does not have a are located in the regional centre officers to support participation beds but the demand is double the multipurpose community centre, of Carnarvon. These include a in sport and recreation, increase number of beds available). In terms however the Gwoonwardu Mia, Community College run over two volunteer and club capacity, and of aged care support services, the Civic Centre (Wool Shed sites, two private primary schools development of sporting facilities), Silver Chain provides palliative Function Room) and the Regional (one of them currently caters up to DSR (delivery funding, sport and care, continence management, Public Library and Art Gallery offers Year 10) and one School of the Air. recreational facilities planning, and respite, wound care, domestic meeting spaces for residents. talent development), community There is also a Durack Institute of assistance, transport, personal There are various sporting clubs, organisations and NGO (provision Technology campus. Carnarvon care and social support to older a skate park and a 50 metre of sporting and recreational has a range of higher order health residents. facilities such as the Multipurpose swimming pool in Carnarvon. opportunities and programs), Health Service (District Hospital), There are is one centre based child However, the audit found there is Aquatic Gascoyne Reference Carnarvon Medical Service care service, and three playgroups no dedicated sports and recreation Group (delivery aquatic training and Aboriginal Corporation (which in Carnarvon. centre other than PCYC. development), Active After Schools provides outreach services to There is a PCYC facility with both Carnarvon has a police station, Community Programs (catering for Gascoyne Junction), Carnarvon indoor and outdoor recreational St John’s sub-centre, volunteer primary school students). Community Health Service, areas available for young people marine rescue, volunteer fire In the Gascoyne region, DSR is Carnarvon Medical Service, the and the wider community. There is fighters and SES. Construction currently contributing to the funding Department of Health Gascoyne also a recreation centre attached is currently underway for the of State sporting associations Population Health Unit, Carnarvon to Carnarvon Community College new Police and Justice Complex, such as Netball, Yachting, BMX Mental Health Service, Alcohol and (the former district high school site) which will house courts, police, and Golf, delivery of Sports For All Drug Centre and a nursing post in which is utilised for school use and community and youth justice Program (Kids Sports, Community Coral Bay. Discussions with service during school hours and is available services into one facility. The Volunteer Project, Club Talk and providers indicated that health for community hire after hours. project has been designed with support to nature play WA), services in Carnarvon was under input from the public and the local development of the Community increasing pressure to meet the Aboriginal community. Construction Sport and Recreation Leadership is due for completion in early 2015. 149 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Program and implementation of Schools) have capacity to cater The library is a dedicated room There are various sporting and DSR Gascoyne Inclusion Strategy. for up to 690 students. Currently within the Shire office and has recreation clubs in Exmouth, some the schools have a combined a small collection of books and having their own club houses. The Shire of Exmouth enrolment of 447 students and this internet access. Shire has recently completed the figure is projected to increase to Exmouth Recreation Precinct Plan There is no private practice GP Based on the audit, the Shire of 491 by the year 2017. which provides a master plan for within the Shire, however doctor Exmouth has more than 20 different the existing recreation centre but The Shire does not have a services are available at the community facilities and services, with the inclusion of ovals, tennis community centre however it was hospital. The Royal Flying Doctors all of which are located in the courts and skate park on one site. main township of Exmouth. There noted by the Shire of Exmouth that Service comes to the town as is a Multipurpose Health Service the Sports Club currently functions needed. The availability of GPs Shire of Shark Bay (formerly called the Exmouth as a community hub. It is used for during tourist seasons (May to Hospital), a Community Health community events and activities, as September) is a major issue given Shark Bay has more than 15 Centre, Kindergarten and Primary well as for private functions. there is approximately a 4-5 week different services and facilities wait during this period. School, a District High School, The Shire Hall is a Council-owned that support community wellbeing. Durack Institute of Technology facility that has a seating capacity There are no resident specialist The main township of Denham (district campus), playgroup of 287 people. On average, the medical services available for older has a Community Resource and long day care, a Seniors hall is used 4 days a week and is people. Based on discussions with Centre, a town hall, a public Centre, PCYC, a library as well booked out for weeks in a row for the Shire of Exmouth, it was found school (Kindergarten to Year as a toy library, a visitors centre, a larger performances. Although the that people seeking many specialist 10 and senior years by distant recreation centre and a 50 metre hall is well utilised during the week medical services must travel to education), a community health swimming pool, meeting rooms/ and weekends, its usage rate could Geraldton or Perth. centre, child care and after school halls, and a number of sporting be improved if its acoustics and care, a respite centre, a sports and There is a Home and Community clubs with onsite club houses. performance space were improved. recreation centre, and emergency Care (HACC) service but no aged Exmouth also has a police station, a The hall also functions as an services (police, ambulance, SES care facility within the Shire. volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and St evacuation centre during times of and marine rescue). The Shark John’s Ambulance. disasters. The Exmouth Multipurpose Health Bay World Heritage Discovery Service (District Hospital) is and Visitor Centre is also located A summary analysis of the services Another community space available currently being upgraded using in Denham and is a major tourism and facilities indicates that: for hire is the Truscott Club, which Royalties for Region Gascoyne facility providing informative has a fully equipped commercial Discussions with the Department Revitalisation Plan funding. displays and resources on Shark kitchen. The Club is used regularly of Education indicate that existing Disability services are provided via Bay Marine Park and World by the darts club. schools (Exmouth Kindergarten, outreach programs from Carnarvon. Heritage Site. Primary and District High
150 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Monkey Mia, situated 25 km community services within Shark Silver Chain provides aged care There is also a Remote Community northeast of Denham, has a range Bay LGA. The Centre has an office and respite services, however there School in Gascoyne Junction which of tourist accommodation and space, conference room and video- is no aged care accommodation caters for low numbers of students. camping facilities for visitors. A conferencing facilities available for within Shark Bay. In December 2010, severe flooding small number of dining and retail public and private hire. It operates There is a full time child care and swept through many parts of facilities is also available. There as an agent for Centrelink and after school care delivered by a the Gascoyne region, including is also a boat ramp, jetty, toilets provides training and technology private provider in a Council-owned Gascoyne Junction which lost and barbeques for community support to residents and local community building. a historic pub and adjacent fuel use. In Useless Loop, there is a businesses. There is also after station, shop and caravan park kindergarten and primary school school and holiday activities There is no dedicated youth centre as a result. The Shire of Upper program. provided by the Shire from the or services within Shark Bay. There Gascoyne has recently opened a Shark Bay Community, Sport and is however, a skate park and a A summary analysis of the services $9.1 million RfR funded tourism Recreation Centre. BMX track. and facilities indicates that: precinct which includes a tavern, Silver Chain Services operates There are various volunteer-driven roadhouse, and caravan park with According to the Department of the Shark Bay Health Centre community organisations and cabins. Education, the Shark Bay School which delivers a range of services sporting clubs, including SES, currently has 100 students enrolled including primary health and St John Ambulance and marine and the student population emergency, child health, centre- rescue. is projected to increase to based day care, palliative care, 110 students by the year 2017. continence management, respite, The school has physical capacity Shire of Upper Gascoyne wound care, domestic assistance, to cater for up to 270 students. transport, personal care and social Community facilities and services Similarly, the Useless Loop support. There is no permanent provided in Upper Gascoyne are Kindergarten and Primary School doctor in Shark Bay and while limited. The main township of Program has current capacity to the Royal Flying Doctors Service Gascoyne Junction has a Shire accommodate 50 students. At provides a regular fly-in doctor to Office, a museum, a racecourse, present, it has 34 students and Denham, it may not be viable given tennis courts, the Pavilion (includes only an increase of 4 students is the high flight costs. Demand for a gym and badminton court), and a projected by 2017. health services peak during the Community Resource Centre winter tourist season. Residents which has a small library nook, The Community Resource doctor’s room, computers, internet, Centre in Denham functions as and visitors requiring specialist services or other services not a meeting space and it hosts a community hub and a one- visiting services such as a doctor stop-shop for government and available locally must travel to Carnarvon or out of the region. and Aboriginal Medical Service. 151 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Based on discussions with the Gascoyne, residents usually Housing Mix and Type diverse, reflecting a higher density Department of Education, the make their own arrangements of product and higher level of other There are a total of approximately Gascoyne Junction Remote School by travelling to Carnarvon or forms of dwelling such as caravan 3,242 occupied private dwellings has sufficient capacity to cater elsewhere. parks etc. given the coastal in the Gascoyne region in 2011. for up to 20 students, and given location. There are no sporting clubs Separate houses represent the declining trends in student in Upper Gascoyne due to its 75.7% of the total while semi- The occupancy rate of these enrolment, no additional schools population size (not having enough detached and townhouses and dwellings (84%) is below the are required. people to form organised sporting apartments represent a further national average (92%). This is a The Community Resource Centre teams). 11.6%. Gascoyne’s housing stock common attribute in high amenity functions as a service hub, hosting is roughly comparable with the housing markets, particularly those The Royal Flying Doctors Service various visiting health, social and national average but with a lower with strong tourism bases due to a operates on an as needs basis. government services including level of flat/units and apartments. large number of holiday homes and Australia Post, Medicare, Centrelink Durack Institute of Technology Compared to regional WA, the rentals. and Carnarvon Aboriginal Medical delivers training programs to dwelling stock is significantly more Service. The CRC was constructed Burringurrah, a nearby Aboriginal community subject to enrolment with funding from the Royalties Dwellings by Type, Gacoyne Region, 2011 for Regions funding schemes and numbers, availability of lecturers Source: ABS Census 2011 & RPS contribution from the Shire. The and facilities. Other building was officially opened in The only police station in 409 12% Separate House October 2012. Upper Gascoyne is located 2,439 76% The Pavilion caters for both at Burringurrah, which is community and private functions, approximately 200 km east of Flat, Unit, or Apartment and has an indoor gym for Gascoyne Junction. The Shire 156 5% residents. of Upper Gascoyne’s Strategic Community Plan 2012/2013 – The Upper Gascoyne does not 2022/2023 identifies a need for have any playgroup, child care a permanent police presence in Semi-Detached or youth services due to very low Gascoyne Junction. or Townhouse proportions of children and young 216 7% people. There are no local or visiting age care or disability services. According to the Shire of Upper Figure 56 Dwellings by Type, Gascoyne Region, 20114 152 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Residential Sales, Gascoyne Region Source: RPData (2013) & RPS
Shark Bay LGA had the highest Sales Trends 200 share of its dwellings unoccupied The number of house and unit 180 in 2011, within 30% unoccupied sales in the Gascoyne has declined at the time of the Census. Upper 160 steadily since 2007, reflecting Gascoyne was next with 27% 140 affordability issues and negative unoccupied, followed by Exmouth net migration. House sales fell from 120 (15% unoccupied) and finally 178 in 2007 to 125 in 2013 in 100 the highest occupancy rate in Sales the year to date, while unit sales Carnarvon with just 13% of 80 declined from 8 in 2007 to just 5 dwellings unoccupied. in 2013. This is illustrated in the 60 figure below. 40 20 0 Occupancy of Private Dwellings, 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Gascoyne LGAs, 2011 Source: ABS Census 2011 (2012) & RPS Houses Land Units Figure 58 Residential Sales, Gascoyne Region62 100% 90% Prices and Affordability growing at a faster rate than supply, particularly for new land. 80% While sales volumes have remained 70% steady, the median sales price of Median sales prices for houses 60% dwellings sold in the Gascoyne increased from $390,000 in have increased since 2007. 2007 to $430,000 in 2013. This 50% This growth has been relatively is mirrored by an increase in the 40% consistent for house and land median price of land sold in the Share of Dwellings 30% prices, while unit median prices region over this period – from have fluctuated widely as a result of $200,000 in 2007 to $270,000 in 20% the low volume levels. The steady 201362. Prices for units have been 10% price growth even through the volatile – picking up after the GFC 0% difficult years following the Global only to fall significantly in 2011 Carnarvon Exmouth Shark Upper Gascoyne Financial Crisis indicates that there to hit a low of $120,500. Prices Bay Gascoyne Region is not an oversupply of housing rebounded the following year to hit Figure 57 Occupancy of Private Dwellings, Gascoyne LGAs, 20114 in the market and that demand is $380,000, however, have softened 153 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
in the year to date 2013 to sit at – particularly labour cost – than the It should be noted that the mass. A simple and effective $245,000. As noted, this reflects Perth metropolitan region. lower dwelling prices does not measure of whole-of-market lower sales volume, increasing necessarily lead to better housing affordability is the Median Multiple While, dwelling prices are lower overall price volatility. This is affordability given the lower income – the ratio of median house prices than the Perth metropolitan area, illustrated in the figure below. levels in the region. to median household income. In land prices are on par with the other words, the Median Multiple Gascoyne dwelling prices are Perth metropolitan median which Price growth is generally regarded illustrates the number of years broadly lower than that of the Perth reflects the larger land parcels as positive as it contributes to the of household income required to Metropolitan Area. According to being sold in the region compared wealth and affluence of a region. equal current prices. This approach the figure below, house and unit to Perth. As such the square However, maintaining affordable is effective in that it allows for prices in the region were lower metre rates are actually lower in housing options is critical to differences in local income levels than that of the Perth Metropolitan the Gascoyne than in the Perth underpinning employment and within a region – like the Gascoyne averages. This highlights the fact metropolitan area. lifestyle based migration required – to be considered, ensuring that that the Gascoyne has lower costs to increase local population criticalMedian Price, Residential Sales, Gascoyne and Perth Metro, 2013 Median Price of Residential Sales, Gascoyne Region variations in purchasing power and Source: RPData (2013) & RPS Source: RPData (2013) & RPS $550,000 $500,000 $500,000 $450,000 $450,000 $400,000 $400,000 $350,000 $350,000 $300,000 $300,000 $250,000 $250,000 $200,000 Median Price
Median Price $200,000 $150,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $0 Houses Land Units $0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Gascoyne Perth Houses Land Units Region Metropolitan
Figure 59 Median Price of Residential Sales, Gascoyne Region62 Figure 60 Median Price, Residential Sales, Gascoyne and Perth Metro, 201362 154 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Table 7 House Prices and Median Multiples, by LGA, 2006 and 2011 This reflects the fact local house not expected to reach the peak of LGA 2006 2011 prices have broadly tracked growth the previous year although is still in local incomes, maintaining the expected to be a strong year. House Household Multiple House Household Multiple multiple at existing levels over the Price Income Price Income The largest share majority of period. This is outlined in Table 7. Carnarvon $220,000 $44,616 4.9 $282,500 $57,564 4.9 residential building approvals Exmouth $375,000 $55,068 6.8 $490,000 $71,396 6.9 occurred in the Carnarvon LGA; Building Approvals and however, in recent years there have Shark Bay $340,000 $40,560 8.4 $290,000 $49,192 5.9 Development been a growing number of dwelling Upper NA $43,784 NA NA $44,824 NA approvals in the Exmouth LGA Residential building approvals Gascoyne which mirrors recent population peaked in 2011/12 with a total of Gascoyne $322,500 $47,372 6.8 $415,000 $60,684 6.8 growth changes in the two 88 private new dwelling approvals. Region municipalities – particularly with In the year to September 2012/13 Note, there was insufficient house sales data for median prices to be calculated with any degree of the strength of Exmouth population there were a total of 57 approvals statistical accuracy. growth. in the Gascoyne region whichResidential was Building Approvals, relative affordability are determined. Prices and affordability levels vary Gascoyne Region This is illustrated in Figure 60. considerably across the region, reflecting the different dynamics 90 Overall, the Gascoyne had a within individual local housing Medium Multiple in 2011 of 6.8. 80 markets. Housing affordability is This is above the WA average a major issue in coastal locations 70 of 6.0, indicating affordability and areas of major employment, issues in the regional housing 60 while inland areas often have market. House prices are high more affordable housing stock. 50 compared to regional WA while As expected, Exmouth has a very incomes are broadly in line with 40 high median multiple as does Approvals State averages. This means Shark Bay. Affordability in Shark 30 buyers have comparatively less Bay has improved considerably 20 purchasing power in the Gascoyne in recent years as a fall in house market. Note that the current state 10 prices and rising household average is regarded as seriously
incomes increased local household 0 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 unaffordable by international purchasing power. Carnarvon has standards, with the Reserve Bank a comparatively affordable housing of Australia considering a ratio of market (remaining above national 4.0 to 4.5 affordable in Australia. averages but below WA average). Figure 61 Residential Building Approvals, Gascoyne Region63 155 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
Appendix 3 – Regional Plans and Strategies
The following plans, strategies Gascoyne Fishing & Aquaculture Gascoyne Regional Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2009/10-2019/20, and policy documents related to Investment Profile, GDC (2009) Review, GDC (2010) Gascoyne Junction, Shire of Upper the Gascoyne were reviewed and Gascoyne (2009) Gascoyne Mining Investment Gascoyne Development referenced in preparation of the Profile, GDC (2009) Commission Strategic Plan 2010- Water resource allocation planning Blueprint: 2020, GDC (2010) series Report no 46: Lower Gascoyne Pastoralism Investment Carnarvon Artesian Basin: Water Gascoyne water allocation plan, Profile, GDC (2009) Geological Survey of Western Management Plan, Department of Department of Water (2011) Australia Bulletin 133: Geology of Water (2007) Gascoyne Tourism Investment the Carnarvon Basin, Department Profile, GDC (2009) Draft Gascoyne Regional Planning of Mines (1987) and Infrastructure Framework, Gascoyne Regional Development National Heritage List, Department WAPC and Department of Plan 2010–2020, GDC (2010) of Sustainability, Environment, Planning (2012) Gascoyne Regional Infrastructure Water, Population and Department of Fisheries Strategic Review, GDC (2010) Communities (2011) Plan 2009 – 2018, Department of Gascoyne Revitalisation Profile – Mid West Area Fisheries (2013) Plan, Department of Regional Consultation Document – Area Economic Development Development (2010) Profile for Comment, Disability Opportunities for the Gascoyne Gascoyne Regional Infrastructure Services Commission (2013) Region Associated with Resource Priorities 2011 Workshop Paper, Shire of Carnarvon 10+ Strategic Sector Investment and Expansion, WAPC (2012) Community Plan, Shire of GDC (2012) Management Plan for the Ningaloo Carnarvon (2011) Fisheries Environmental Marine Park and Murion Islands Shire of Exmouth 10+ Strategic Management Review – Gascoyne Marine Management Area 2005 – Community Plan, Shire of Exmouth Region, Department of Fisheries 2015’. Management Plan No. 52, (2011) (2000). Department of Fisheries (2013) Shire of Shark Bay 10+ Strategic Gascoyne: a Region in Profile, Mount Augustus and Gascoyne Community Plan, Shire of Shark Department of Regional Outback Development Taskforce Bay (2012) Development and Lands (2011) Final Report, GDC (2010)
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Appendix 4 – Stakeholder Consultation
The Gascoyne Development (Primarily Director Generals and Department of State Development Other relevant organisations Commission spent over three Regional Managers) contacted Department of Training & months widely consulting with Department of Agriculture and Workforce Development Country Arts WA over 200 stakeholders through a Food Western Australia series of workshops, one on one Department of Transport Gascoyne Arts Council Department of Commerce meetings, teleconferences and Department of Water Gascoyne in May questionnaires. Department of Culture and Arts Disability Services Commission Gascoyne Offroad Racing Club Inc Local Government Areas Department of Education Horizon Power (Shire Presidents, Chief Executive Department of Fisheries Officers and Shire Councillors) LandCorp Department of Health Shire of Carnarvon Lotterywest Department of Housing Shire of Exmouth Main Roads Western Australia Department of Justice Shire of Shark Bay Tourism Western Australia Department of Lands Shire of Upper Gascoyne West Australian Police Department of Local Government Federal Government Community consultations and Communities conducted Department of Aboriginal Affairs Department of Mines and (Including community groups, Petroleum Regional Development Australia not for profit organisations and individuals) Department of Parks and Wildlife Small Business Sector Carnarvon Department of Planning and Small Business Development Western Australia Planning Corporation Exmouth Commission Chamber of Commerce and Denham Department of Regional Industry groups Gascoyne Junction Development Major Industry State Government Agencies Department of Sport and Oil and gas and resource mining. Recreation
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Appendix 5 – References and Notes
1. Department of Education, Employment and 8. Values of Major Gascoyne Industries. 16. ABS (2013) Count of Businesses, Cat Workplace Relations with additional estimates Source: ABS, Dept of Fisheries WA and No 8165.0, Australian Bureau of Statistics, by DRD. Dept of Regional Development. Canberra.
2. The Gascoyne’s aspirational goal of 23,000 9. ABS, Dept of Regional Development. 17. ABS (2012) Count of Businesses, Cat people living in the region by 2050 is based No 8165.1, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 10. DAFWA (2013) Carnarvon Plantation on the recent 1.5% growth rate experienced Canberra. Industry Production Statistics, WA State between 2010 and 2012 and with almost 8 Government, Perth. 18. ABS (2013) Population by Age and Sex, years of continuous positive population growth Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra. in the Gascoyne, which resulted in a population 11. TRA (2013) Online National and of 17,516 by 2050. An additional percentage International Visitor Survey Data, Australian 19. Service Plan 2010 - 2020, Gascoyne Health growth based on the successful implementation Government, Canberra. District, WACHS Mid West, 2011, p. 46. of the Blueprint was added to this figure which 12. DoT (2013) Review of Regulated Air Routes 20. Service Plan 2010 - 2020, Gascoyne Health produced a final aspirational figure of 23,000 - Carnarvon – Monkey Mia Aviation Community District, WACHS Mid West, 2011, p. 53. Consultation Group Meeting Presentation, 3. Western Australian State Government 21. Porter, M.E. (1990), The competitive 17 October 2013, Department of Transport, submission to Commonwealth Joint Select advantage of nations. New York: Free Press. Committee on Northern Australia – March 2014 Perth. 22. RSPCA (2012) An economic analysis of the – page 2 (derived). 13. BITRE (2013) Airport Traffic Data 1985/86 live exportation of cattle from northern Australia, to 2012/13, Australian Government, Canberra. 4. ABS (2012) Census of Population and ACIL Tasman, Melbourne. Housing 2011, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 14. GDC (2013) Review, Analysis and 23. GDC (2009) Gascoyne Pastoralism Canberra. Commentary on the Draft Western Australian Investment Profile, GDC, Carnarvon. 5. National Institute of Economic and Industry State Aviation Strategy in Relation to the Research 2012/13. Gascoyne Region, Gascoyne Development 24. TRA (2013) National and International Visitor Commission, Carnarvon, WA. Survey Online Data, Australian Government, 6. ABS (2012) Agricultural Commodities, Canberra. 2010/11 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 15. DoF (2013) Gascoyne Fishing & Canberra. Aquaculture Production, WA State Government, 25. FIRB (2013) Annual Report 2011/12, Perth. Foreign Investment Review Board, Canberra. 7. DRD (2010) Unpublished Data, WA State Government, Perth. 26. ABS (2013) Foreign Investment Position Cat No 5352.0, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra. 158 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
27. BREE (2013) Gas Market Review 36. ABS (2013) Mineral and Petroleum 46. Australian Government (2010) October 2013, Australian Government, Exploration, Cat No. 8412.0, Australian Bureau Intergenerational Report 2010, Australian Canberra. of Statistics, Canberra. Government, Canberra and ABS (2012) Estimated Residential Population, 28. ICN (2013) ICN website attached at 37. Pearman, G. (2008), Climate Change Risk Cat No 3235.0 Australian Bureau of Statistics, http://www.icn.org.au on 10 December 2013. in Australia Under Alternative Emissions Futures, Canberra. Review of multiple current LNG projects Department of the Treasury, Canberra. nationally. 47. ABS (2013) Population by Age and Sex, 38. DoE (2013), National Greenhouse Regions of Australia, 2012, Cat No 3235.0, 29. CSRM (2010), Procuring from SMEs in Gas Inventory - Kyoto Protocol Accounting Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra. Local Communities, University of Queensland, Framework, Department of Environment, Brisbane access at http://www.csrm. Canberra. 48. ABS (2008), Population Projections, uq.edu.au/docs/4361%20CSRM%20 Australia, 2006 to 2101, Cat No 3222.0, 39. BP (2012) Statistical Review of World SME%20Report%20Email%20V2.pdf on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra. Energy, June 2012, BP, London. 10 December 2013. 49. ABS (2013) Business Use of Information 40. TRA (2013), Tourism Investment Monitor 30. ABS (2013) International Trade in Services Technology, Cat No 8129.0, Australian Bureau 2013, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra. Cat No 5368.0.55.004, Australian Bureau of of Statistics, Canberra. Statistics, Canberra. 41. Tourism WA (2013) Unpublished 50. Shire of Exmouth (2011) Australian Defence Expenditure and Visitation Data, 31. UN (2013) World Population Prospects: Force Posture Review – submission by Exmouth Tourism WA, Perth. The 2012 Revision, Highlights and Advance Shire Council, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth. Tables, United Nations Department of Economic 42. The Economist (2013), Worldwide Cost of 51. ABS (2013) Estimated Residential and Social Affairs/Population Division, Living 2013, The Economist Intelligence Unit Population, Cat No. 3218.0 Australian Bureau of New York. Limited, London. Statistics, Canberra. 32. FAO (2012), OECD-FAO Agricultural 43. RBA (2013) Exchange Rates Historical 52. DoP (2013) Regional Population Planning Outlook 2012, Food and Agriculture Data, Reserve Bank of Australia, Sydney. Update November 2013, Department of Organisation, Rome Italy. 44. ABS (2013) Consumer Price Index, Planning, Perth. 33. FAO (2012), Grain Supply and Demand, Australia, Cat No 6401.0, Australian Bureau of 53. WAPC (2012) WA Tomorrow Population Food and Agriculture Organisation, Rome Italy. Statistics, Canberra. Projections, Band C, WAPC, Perth. 34. FAO (2012) Food Price Index – August 45. DRD (2013) Regional Price Index 2013, 54. ABS (2013) Estimates of Aboriginal and 2012, Food and Agriculture Organisation, WA State Government, Perth. Torres Strait Islander Australians, June 2011, Rome Italy. Cat No 3238.0.55.001, Australian Bureau of 35. Ports Australia (2013) Trade Statistics, Ports Statistics, Canberra. Australia, Melbourne. 159 GASCOYNE REGIONAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT
55. ABS (2012) Estimates of Personal Income, Cat No 5624.0 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.
56. DEEWR (2013) Small Area Labour Market Data June 2013, Australian Government, Canberra.
57. PSC (2013) Public Sector Workers Data, Public Sector Commission, Perth.
58. DPaW (2011) Unpublished Data, Western Australian Government, Perth.
59. DPaW (2013), Parks – Australia’s Coral Coast Tourism Region, accessed at http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/tourism-region/ australias-coral-coast on 10 December 2013.
60. DPaW (2013) Mount Augustus National Park accessed at http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ park/mt-augustus on 14 January 2014.
61. ABS (2013) Tourist Establishments, Small Area, Western Australia, Cat No 8635.0, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.
62. RPData (2013) Unpublished Sales Data, RPData, Brisbane.
63. ABS (2013) Building Approvals, Cat No 8731.0, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.
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