Results from Public Consultation

Home , Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie Airport

Regional Plan (Update) 2016-2020 Results from Public Consultation

169 survey respondents:

Which industry do you represent?

Transport, logistics and warehousing 0.0% Tourism, accommodation and food services 11.8% Retail 2.4% Public services 8.3% Professional, scientific and technical services 14.8% Other 5.9% Not for profit 21.9% Media and telecommunications 1.8% Manufacturing 2.4% Health care, aged care and social assistance 8.3% Food growers and producers 4.1% Financial and insurance services 3.6% Electricity, gas, water and waste services 1.2% Education and training 8.9% Construction 0.6% Arts 4.1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Which local government area do you live in?

Outside the region 3.0%

Coffs Harbour 35.5%

Bellingen 8.3%

Nambucca 13.6%

Kempsey 14.8%

Port Macquarie -… 18.9%

Greater Taree 5.9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Careers advice linked to traineeships and apprenticeships

Issue: Youth unemployment is high and large numbers of young people leave the region after high school seeking career opportunities, however, skills gaps currently exist in many fields suited to traineeships and apprenticeships.

Target outcome: To foster employment and retention of more young people by providing careers advice on local industries with employment potential, linked with more available traineeships and apprenticeships.

Key points: - Our region’s youth unemployment rate is 50% higher than the NSW state average.

- There is a decline in the number of apprenticeships being offered in the region.

- The current school based traineeship process is overly complicated for students, teachers and employers.

- Skills gaps currently exist in many fields suited to traineeships and apprenticeships, including nursing, aged care, allied health, agriculture, auto-electrical and building trades.

Policy considerations: - More funding for careers advice in high schools, linked with clear outcomes for supporting school based traineeships and graduate traineeships or apprenticeships.

- Greater incentives for employers to offer traineeships and apprenticeships, particularly in areas of skills gaps, including: nursing, aged care, allied health, agriculture, auto-electrical and building trades.

- Simplification and streamlining of the school based traineeship process to encourage more schools, students and employers to look at these traineeships as a viable opportunity.

- School based traineeships need to provide students with the higher “Certificate III” qualification (the industry standard to work unsupervised) to reward the additional work experience of student trainees.

Survey results:

Careers advice linked to traineeships and apprenticeships

Priority issue 38%

Significant issue 50%

Minor issue 11%

Not an issue 1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 1

 Chambers and industry groups also ranked this 1st

 Councils ranked this much lower at 10.

Example comments:

 Priority issue - Coffs Harbour City Council This is possibly the most significant issue facing the region ... The priority should be to identify skills gaps in growing sectors and undertake a targeted approach to connect youth with pathways and career opportunities in these growth sectors. For example, the identified growth in health and aged care, and allied services... Perhaps additional resources to support career advice during school years could better inform youth about future sustainable employment opportunities in their region.

 Priority issue - Youth Directions The current systems (STS, DoE, AAN, RTO) which are involved in the establishment of school based traineeships make it an overly complex and therefore unappealing option for many employers. Subsidies to support the uptake of traineeships and apprenticeships is desperately needed to ensure youth employment growth and skills growth for our broader economy.

 Significant issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Port Macquarie-Hastings is under represented in the 18-25 bracket in addition to the 26 to 35 bracket in comparison to Regional NSW. Incentives to address the age imbalance would be most welcome as would be the support for youth innovation. The growth in education options will continue to bring young people to the region. The challenge is to keep them here post graduation by providing employment opportunities and compelling lifestyle reasons to remain in the region.

Demand for health care, aged care and disability services

Issue: An ageing population and a steady influx of baby boomers to the region has created a growing need for investment in health care infrastructure to support greater integration of health services and to attract skilled professional in health care, aged care and disability services.

Target outcome: To provide appropriate and integrated services to the growing, ageing and disadvantaged population of the Mid North Coast and to provide more employment opportunities.

Key points: - Health Care and Social Assistance (including aged care) is the region’s largest employment sector, accounting for one in every six jobs.

- 21.6% of the region’s population is over 65 years of age. The NSW state average is 14.7%. Aged persons are high users of health care, allied health, mental health, aged care and disability services.

- Between 2011 and 2031 the overall population of the Mid North Coast Local Health District is projected to increase by 17%, while the population aged 65 years and over is expected to increase by 75%.

- The increasing demand for services has highlighted skills gaps in many of the health fields, particularly in allied health, specialised nursing and aged care. Needs for skilled workers in mental health (such as dementia care) and disability services are also expected to rise.

- Aged care is the region’s fastest growing industry, with value added growth of 20.9% p.a. over the past 3 years.

Priority infrastructure: - Upgrade of hospital infrastructure to cater for population demands.

Examples:

- The proposed major upgrade to Manning Base Hospital.

- Expansion of the Inpatient Mental Health Unit and car park at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

- Upgrades to Wauchope District Memorial Hospital, Macksville Health Campus and Dorrigo Hospital.

- Expansion of Coffs Harbour Base Hospital and car park.

- Expansion of the Nambucca HealthOne primary and integrated care service and establishment of new HealthOne primary and integrated care services at Bowraville, Urunga, Camden Haven and Bonny Hills/Lake Cathie.

- Health care, aged care and allied health training facilities. 5

- Infrastructure that improves the delivery of disability services and facilitates the training and employment of disabled persons.

Survey results:

Ageing population

Priority issue 34%

Significant issue 55%

Minor issue 11%

Not an issue 0%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 2

Example comments:

 Priority issue - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council As the largest employer in the region, the health and aged care industry is growing rapidly and this trend is predicted to continue. Demand for health and aged care workers will also grow proportionately and skill shortages are inevitable. The Port Macquarie hospital upgrade and the joint health precinct will put additional pressure on the need for an engaged, capable and employment ready skilled workforce.  Priority issue – Manning Valley Business Chamber Aged care and disability care are massively under resourced now with even greater demands coming when NDIS is fully operational.  Significant issue – Manning Valley Partnership Board The $120 Million upgrade of the Manning Base Hospital is a significant project for the provision of health services in the Manning Valley .The upgrade will encourage more medical professionals to relocate to Taree.

Access to higher education and training

Issue: More higher education and training opportunities need to be available to regional towns and within close proximity to vulnerable youth and indigenous communities.

Target outcome: To improve higher education and training participation rates in marginalised communities to provide for better employment outcomes.

Key points: - There is a close correlation between the distance students must travel to access higher education and their participation in higher education. This is particularly true of Indigenous communities who often prefer to stay “on country”.

- The region’s youth university participation rate (5.7%) is well behind the New South Wales rate (19.8%).

- Conversely, the region’s TAFE participation rates have been historically strong, due in part to a broad presence of TAFE campuses throughout the region. Restructuring to TAFE and changes to fee structures may have a bearing on participation rates in future.

Priority infrastructure: - University campuses in regional centres and satellite campuses or shared study centres in smaller towns and in close proximity to Indigenous communities.

Example: Upgrade of Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) campus to include allied health education.

- Specialist skills based training facilities catering to skills needs in regional areas, such as agriculture, construction, allied health and aged care.

Example: Establish a centre for Agricultural Education and Research in the Manning Valley, linked with North Coast TAFE, University of New England and Charles Sturt University.

Policy considerations: - Provide more public transport options to regional universities from neighbouring towns.

Example: Public transport linking Kempsey to universities in neighbouring Port Macquarie.

- Support for the availability of TAFE (or Registered Training Organisation) delivered courses that are linked with local skills needs. 7

Survey results:

Access to higher education and training

Priority issue 33%

Significant issue 54%

Minor issue 11%

Not an issue 1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 3

 Question generated a large number of comments. Appropriate courses and public transport featured regularly.

Example comments:

 Priority issue - RDA Committee Member I think this is a very high priority to ensure school leavers remain in the area to complete tertiary education.  Priority issue – Kempsey Chamber Public transport is needed to Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie universities.

 Significant issue - Manning Valley Partnership Board An Agriculture College should be established in Taree. This could be established in partnership with the North Coast TAFE. The Manning Valley is the largest milk supplier on the Mid North Coast.

 Significant issue – NSW Business Chamber A lot of Universities are moving to providing more courses on line, while this does not suit everybody it is a reality going forward. Satellite campuses or study centres may be the solution.

 Significant issue – Greater Taree City Council University models are continuing to evolve and we need to be cognisant of that situation. Physical presence is expensive and requires scale. Multi-function spaces shared by private and public sector organization and facilitating any university access are preferable. We need to understand good models that may be operating in regional Australia.

Council managed roads and bridges

Issue: Mid North Coast councils manage a disproportionately large network of roads and bridges. Funding for this infrastructure at the Commonwealth and State level is often allocated based on population or perceived economic benefits. Consideration needs to be given to the burden of infrastructure that each council faces.

Target outcome: A change in government funding models to address the backlog of ageing roads and bridges faced by Mid North Coast councils.

Key points: - Councils maintain they do not have enough ratepayers to fund this extent of infrastructure.

- Inadequate infrastructure is expensive to maintain and can present public safety risks in extreme weather events.

- This burden of infrastructure takes Council funding away from other areas of need.

Priority infrastructure: - Maintenance of our road networks, particularly with respect to securing access to rural communities and addressing known blackspots.

- Upgrade of degraded or inadequate bridges.

Policy considerations: - A review of infrastructure funding programs to reflect the extent of infrastructure to be maintained in each local government area.

- Investigate the potential for joint tendering across multiple local government areas to achieve economies of scale. Grant funding programs should also support joint submissions.

Survey results:

Council managed roads and bridges

Priority issue 42%

Significant issue 42%

Minor issue 15%

Not an issue 1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 4

 Not surprisingly, Councils ranked this issue 1st.

Example comments:

 Priority issue - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Funding for road infrastructure must focus on “access for all” including the community, visitors and business rather than the current strong focus on freight. Funding should support the feasibility and detailed design stages of road upgrades and new road projects. Funding should not focus on “shovel ready” projects alone but allow other projects of local significance to be progressed.  Priority issue – Coffs Harbour City Council Regional Council’s continue to struggle to provide adequate levels of service to their communities with regards to an ageing transport system and this is due primarily to the large amount of infrastructure, covering large areas, that services a small number of residents in rural areas.

 Priority issue – Manning Valley Partnership Board Both Federal and the state government need to change the way their funding for local government. At present the current formulas those councils with high populations receive higher funding .The grants should relate to the councils infrastructure liabilities.

 Significant issue – NSW Business Chamber It is a significant issue as the money needed is large and takes away from other priorities. There should be a push to use the concrete plant at Macksville to build concrete bridges to replace the wooden ones and this be funded by Local, State and Federal money.

Strategic link roads, including the Coffs Harbour Bypass

Issue: There is a need to establish or upgrade strategic link roads that provide a direct connection to transport corridors, industry clusters, regional airports and other key destinations. The Coffs Harbour bypass is one such example.

Target outcome: To provide strategic road infrastructure that will streamline freight movements, allow better access to key destinations and support industry growth.

Key points: - Inadequate road linkages to industrial areas, employment centres and strategic infrastructure causes traffic bottlenecks and limits economic growth.

- The town of Coffs Harbour is a transport bottleneck on the Pacific Highway, forcing all highway traffic through a busy commercial centre.

Priority infrastructure: - Construction of strategic link roads connecting to transport corridors, industry clusters, regional airports and other key destinations.

Examples:

- Construction of the Cundletown Bypass from Taree to the highway interchange at Cundletown.

- An upgrade of the Boundary Street link road to Port Macquarie Airport to mitigate flooding (currently the only access).

- Upgrades to the Oxley Highway, particularly between Wauchope and Port Macquarie to address safety and peak hour congestion.

- Upgrades to the Kempsey-Armidale regional link road to facilitate east-west trade, safety and transit.

- Upgrades to the Waterfall Way regional link road to facilitate east-west trade, safety and transit.

- Construction of the Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour bypass.

Survey results:

Strategic link roads, including the Coffs Harbour bypass

Priority issue 48%

Significant issue 31%

Minor issue 18%

Not an issue 3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 5

Example comments:

 Priority issue - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council There is a need for funding to support the planning and design of vital link roads in addition to funding for capital works. Funding for transport infrastructure that will support economic development and provide better linkages between key economic precincts (health, education, industrial, aviation etc) should be a priority.

 Priority issue – Coffs Harbour City Council Bypass of Coffs Harbour is a priority issue and will bring significant benefits in terms of safety and amenity issues. It is definitely a regional issue. Once all other towns are bypassed to the north and south, Coffs will become the bottleneck. It will give rise to some economic considerations, and it is considered that RMS should provide Council with some funding resources as a stimulus to local business and tourism issues. There will likely be short-term negative impacts on the tourism-related industries in Coffs. Some assistance to weather the downturn and recovery period will be welcomed. Also, this is likely to have a negative effect on the motel accommodation sector.

 Priority issue – NSW Business Chamber I understand that this is scheduled for construction after the rest of the highway is finished. But pressure needs to be applied to ensure that it actually gets done.

Agricultural production and food security

Issue: The food sector across the region is underdeveloped compared to adjacent rural regions. Small scale agricultural land holdings and a lack of food processing facilities are two factors that are hindering growth.

Target outcomes: To build industry capacity and create value-add opportunities for farmers by establishing more processing and packaging facilities and more agricultural cooperatives.

Key points: - More processing facilities for key emerging industries such as poultry would allow new farmers to enter the market.

- There is an opportunity for more investment in areas of competitive advantage in our coastal region, such as intensive horticulture, eggs, poultry and value adding.

- Nationally, the organic industry is growing at 15%p.a. Organic methods are suitable to smaller scale farms.

Priority infrastructure: - Establishment of more food processing and packaging facilities (including on farm processing), particularly for key emerging industries.

Policy considerations: - Incentives for the formation of agricultural cooperatives.

- Designated regional Food Authority audit and compliance officers to assist in the design of food processing facilities and give guidance.

- Commitment to agricultural education, training and research facilities.

- Create categories in the regional ABS data for organic food to measure the growth of this burgeoning industry.

Survey results:

Agricultural production and food security

Priority issue 36%

Significant issue 46%

Minor issue 17%

Not an issue 1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 6

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Greater Taree City Council Massive opportunity regionally. Centres of excellence, trial sites and approaches, education connections are all important.

 Priority issue – MidCoast Water Agribusiness is a regional opportunity. Some parts of the region, such as the Taree area, have sufficient water and recycled water for more intensive agribusiness.

 Priority issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council There is a great opportunity for food clusters in the region which include growing, processing, storage and distribution facilities. Allowing growers to diversify their on farm activities through value adding and on farm retailing would also be beneficial. Marketing initiatives promoting fresh produce and local food products plus agribusiness training opportunities would also facilitate industry growth.

 Significant issue – NSW Business Chamber I am not a big believer in Government incentives. I believe that businesses should be able to do a lot of this themselves and if they do not want to then is it viable to do it.

 Significant issue – Dorrigo Chamber I would suggest quality produce not 'intensive' or 'high density'.

Energy Production

Issue: Reliance on the importation of energy means both businesses and households are vulnerable to rising electricity prices. The region has the potential to grow into a significant alternative energy producer and employer but supportive legislation is needed.

Target outcomes: Policy changes that make private investment in solar and other alternative energy generation systems a viable investment with a fair return, to create wealth, stimulate employment and meet renewable energy targets.

Key points: - The region imports 95% of its energy. Approximately 5% is currently generated using distributed renewable energy, predominantly solar.

- Major loss of jobs in Essential Energy’s regional centres highlights potential for a stronger solar energy industry to provide an alternative for local employment.

- In NSW there is currently no mandatory minimum feed-in tariff for solar energy producers. The voluntary “solar buy back” is around one quarter (commonly 5-6 cents/kWh) of the retail energy price solar energy producers pay (20-30 cents/kWh).

- Solar providers in the region express concerns over energy retailers seeking to raise access fees and introduce additional charges for solar connected clients, along with dropping the solar buy back rate.

- Other alternative energy systems have been proven to be viable, such as run-of-river "micro-hydro" energy systems which have been successfully trialled on the Dorrigo plateau.

Policy considerations: - Mandating a fair minimum feed-in tariff that all alternative energy producers are paid, based on the value of that energy to the footprint it supplies, to provide greater incentive for households and commercial operations to invest.

- Support for the development and grid connection of other alternative energy systems.

Example: Run of river “micro” hydro systems in areas of higher topography, such as the Dorrigo plateau.

- Creating a category in the ABS data for solar energy generation and employment (currently non- existent) to measure the growth of this burgeoning industry.

Survey results:

Energy production

Priority issue 39%

Significant issue 43%

Minor issue 16%

Not an issue 3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 7

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Port Macquarie Hastings Council A fairer alternate energy environment is a priority. There are significant cost saving opportunities for businesses where solar solutions are adopted. Concentrating on the rollout of solar across industries which are large daytime power users will stimulate business growth and employment opportunities.  Priority issue – Nambucca Shire Council Energy efficiencies are a must in the world of today. Lowering overheads for business is also very important for sustainable business.  Priority issue – Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce Also encouraging other alternative energy industries such as hydro electricity or wind power in suitable areas. Not everywhere is suitable to solar.  Significant issue – NSW Business Chamber I am a strong believer that the feed in tariff should be similar to the energy price.

 Significant issue – Manning Valley Partnership Board Our future is tied in the Solar energy.

Catchment management and water security

Issue: Our growing population and industry sectors need adequate provision of water for the future. We currently have a backlog of inadequate water and sewer infrastructure across the region.

Target outcome: To provide infrastructure and incentives that support the region’s water needs for the future and encourage management practices that protect our water catchments.

Key points: - There is considerable annual run-off from the Mid North Coast coastal rivers (Manning, Macleay, Hastings and Bellinger). Some estimate over 7 million mega litres of run-off is lost into the ocean each year.

- Flood mitigation is also an important consideration for many local governments and communities.

- Water is a key input for our agricultural sector, along with many other industries. Irrigation can provide for growth in many agricultural industries if sufficient water is available.

- Poor water quality and catchment land uses can severely impact our aquaculture industries, particularly oyster farmers.

Priority infrastructure: - Upgrade of outdated or inadequate water and sewer infrastructure.

- Infrastructure to provide for additional water storage and/or flood mitigation.

Policy considerations: - Investigate the potential benefits of using a regional approach to reduce the number of water utilities and achieve better efficiencies and cost savings.

Example: The MidCoast Water county council water utility proposes that the region merges into two water utilities.

- Provide grant funding for water reuse programs, targeting industry and other large water users.

- Provide discounts on the Section 64 water and sewer contributions imposed by water utilities where rainwater collection or water efficiency measures have been undertaken in the construction or upgrade of new businesses and dwellings.

Survey results:

Catchment management and water security

Priority issue 35%

Significant issue 46%

Minor issue 16%

Not an issue 3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 8

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Manning Valley Partnership Board There should a move to regionalise the local water utilities. This would result in MidCoast Water, Port Macquarie and Kempsey councils forming a water utility and Bellingen, Nambucca, Coffs Harbour and Clarence valley councils should also form a water utility.  Priority issue – Transition Nambucca Valley All new developments both industrial and domestic, should have water catchment and storage facilities.

 Priority issue – Nambucca RFS Kempsey Macintyre dam and the new dam in Bowraville are prime examples of ineffective planning. Neither dam circulates water and the catchments are not managed. Water has massive Algae problems and are unusable at times.

 Significant issue – Nambucca Shire Council Don't support mergers of water utilities. it will only lead to government taking dividends as they have with electricity. Utilities should be catchment based and mergers only considered where a utility is shown to be poorly managed or inefficient.

Broadband access to key employment lands

Issue: The connection of high-speed broadband services to new and existing employment areas is an important stimulus for economic development. Broadband access is a particular issue for the population of Lord Howe Island.

Target outcome: To support the growth and investment of businesses throughout the region by prioritising broadband access to strategic employment areas, such as commercial precincts and new employment lands.

Key points: - The lack of access to the NBN is a frequent complaint from regional industries.

- Lord Howe Island currently has very limited internet access, with only a small number of premises and businesses able to receive an internet connection. This hampers eftpos, online transactions, education and basic internet connectivity for the island’s population and tourists.

Priority infrastructure: - Secure adequate broadband access to all premises, commercial, civic and educational facilities on Lord Howe Island.

Policy considerations: - Prioritise broadband access to new employment lands and existing commercial districts to support business investment, growth and employment.

Survey results:

Broadband access to key employment lands

Priority issue 40%

Significant issue 39%

Minor issue 16%

Not an issue 5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 9

 Advice from NBN Co’s regional stakeholder liaison is that they have a mandate to build it as fast as possible and as affordably as possible. The rollout is entirely determined by the engineering and once they are in an area they connect the entire area, without preference to residences or businesses. Whilst this issue is well known to them they aren’t changing their methodology.

Example comments:

 Priority issue – RDAMNC (on behalf of Lord Howe Island Board) RDAMNC has identified that broadband access is a priority issue for Lord Howe Island.

 Priority issue – Nambucca Shire Council The lack of access to the NBN is a frequent complaint from industry.

 Significant issue – Coffs Harbour City Council The connection of high-speed broadband services to existing and new industrial areas is important for economic development.

Revitalising retail and tourist centres

Issue: Retail trade and tourism are two of the largest employers across the region and town centre revitalisation is a key priority for many Local Governments and businesses. Job loss from the Pacific Highway bypass of towns has accentuated the need to create more attractive retail and tourist precincts.

Target outcome: Investment in town centres and tourist centres to stimulate the retail and tourism industries.

Key points: - Retail trade is a regional growth sector with industry revenue growing at 8.4% p.a. It is one of the region’s highest employing industries and a big supporter of both young and mature aged workers.

- Tourism is a regional growth sector with an annual tourist spend of around $1.3 billion.

- When towns are bypassed, investment needs to be made into the town CBD to attract retail customers. There were over 70 job losses to the town of Kempsey following the Kempsey Bypass in 2013.

- Towns of Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Macksville, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Harrington and Taree all have current plans in place within 2016-2020 for town centre upgrades.

Priority infrastructure: - Development of key retail precincts in large towns and regional centres, particularly when towns are bypassed.

- Development of foreshore areas and other key tourist destinations.

Survey results:

Revitalising retail and tourist centres

Priority issue 36%

Significant issue 38%

Minor issue 26%

Not an issue 0%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 10

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Revitalising unique shopping precincts in towns and villages, not just large towns and regional centres, throughout the region is a priority. For example, implementation of the Wauchope Main Street Plan... A key priority for Port Macquarie Hastings Council in the next few years will be upgrades to our foreshore areas which are important for a vibrant central business district in addition to the local and visitor economy.

 Priority issue – Coffs Harbour City Council The revitalisation of the Coffs Harbour CBD and Pacific Highway strip development will be an important component of Coffs Harbour’s long-term future as a tourism destination. Funding and strategic planning will be required. This is particularly pertinent given that the planned Coffs Harbour Bypass will create the opportunity to revitalise the pacific highway strip and economically regenerate this stretch of the CBD.

 Significant issue – NSW Business Chamber This is an issue for the towns being bypassed. Port Macquarie is a good example of how a town can grow and prosper when it is never had the highway through it.  Isolated issue – Greater Taree City Council This is largely an issue for Local Government. There are great benefits but there is great variation across the region.

Affordable, adaptable and accessible housing

Issue: There is a lack of affordable, adaptable and accessible housing in the region that is suitable to low income earners and an ageing population.

Target outcome: To increase the stock of affordable, adaptable and accessible housing in the region.

Key points: - The Department of Planning estimates there will be 72,200 additional dwellings across the North Coast (Hunter to Tweed) of NSW by 2036. Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour are predicted to be high growth areas in this region.

- There is a growing trend among older people to want to “age in place”, meaning that new housing developments need to cater to a variety of housing choices that may suit people at different stages of life.

- The high council contributions charged in some local government areas are limiting the construction of affordable housing, such as secondary dwellings (granny flats).

Priority infrastructure: - Establish infrastructure linkages to identified growth lands.

Policy considerations: - State and local governments to consider requirements on property developers to incorporate an appropriate mix of affordable, adaptable and accessible dwellings in large developments, potentially rewarded by a reduction in development contributions.

- Exemption or reduction of stamp duty for all first home buyers.

Survey results:

Affordable, adaptable and accessible housing

Priority issue 28%

Significant issue 48%

Minor issue 21%

Not an issue 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 11

Example comments:

 Significant issue - RDA Committee Member Council contributions are a major obstacle to investing in affordable housing.

 Significant issue – MidCoast Water MidCoast Water is looking at introducing a policy to reduce contributions for the construction of affordable housing.

 Significant issue – Coffs Harbour City Council The cost of housing means that affordable housing will continue to be a problem and is one that is especially pronounced in coastal regional areas. While Council is not in the business of providing housing product to local market Council can influence the provision of affordable housing through its planning controls and S94 contributions. Last year Council significantly reduced the development contribution rates for secondary dwellings to encourage this type of affordable accommodation.  Significant issue – Nambucca Shire Council Constructing cluster housing developments with energy efficiencies at an affordable entry point for first home buyers close to all infrastructure and transport facilities to gain equity as a stepping stone into the 3 bedroom family home.

Develop manufacturing and freight hubs

Issue: Decline in the broader manufacturing sector in Australia and transport costs relating to the distance of regional towns to major centres and export markets has resulted in significant closures of manufacturing businesses, pressures to compete for existing businesses and job losses.

Target outcome: To attract and retain manufacturing and logistics businesses by creating opportunities for business investment in industrial lands, particularly land in close proximity to the Pacific Highway.

Key points: - Clustering of manufacturing and logistics businesses in close proximity to highways, airports and rail corridors can provide improved transport efficiencies and encourage collaborative partnerships between businesses.

- The low cost of regional industrial land can attract business investment if the right infrastructure is in place.

- Councils report that the development of employment lands in many areas is being stalled by the cost of building link roads and interchanges for higher mass limited vehicles and connecting the primary services of water, sewer and broadband internet.

Priority infrastructure: - Manufacturing hubs and freight distribution centres with direct access to the Pacific Highway.

Examples:

- Cundletown Commercial Precinct

- Sancrox Employment Precinct

- South Kempsey Employment Lands

- Valla Industrial Park

- Woolgoolga Industrial Park

- Connection of interchange roads for Higher Mass Limited vehicles.

- Connection of electricity, water and sewerage services to industrial land developments.

- Connection of broadband internet services to commercial and industrial land developments.

Survey results:

Develop manufacturing and freight hubs

Priority issue 30%

Significant issue 44%

Minor issue 21%

Not an issue 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 12

 Key stakeholders including councils, industry groups and business chambers rank this at 3rd.

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Nambucca Shire Council The decline in manufacturing can be contributed to the high Australian dollar however for the next two years and the foreseeable future the Australian dollar is to remain low which in past has increased the broader manufacturing sector, increased exports and created employment. Now is the time to provide manufacturers with low cost affordable industrial land located close to main highways so they can establish a sustainable footprint for the future to prepare for Australian dollar fluctuations while improving manufacturing processes. The stats quoted informs us of what happens in the situation of a high Australian dollar.  Priority issue – Manning Valley Partnership Board The Cundletown Freight Interchange hub will be an important part in attracting industry in the Manning Valley.

 Priority issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Manufacturing remains a critical part of the regional economy while it is true that employment numbers are declining. Providing a supportive environment to encourage new investment in industrial areas is a priority to create job opportunities and regional growth. Manufacturers on the Mid North Coast are innovative and capable which needs to be more actively promoted. Supporting and investing in innovation, and world class infrastructure, will help this sector grow to a point of sustainability.

Indigenous employment, skills and land use

Issue: There is a need for more training and employment prospects for Indigenous people that are “on country” and utilise their Indigenous-owned land.

Target outcome: To address the generational unemployment and low education levels experienced in many of our Indigenous communities.

Key points: - Indigenous unemployment in the region is 23.6% which is well above the NSW state Indigenous unemployment rate of 16.9%.

- Many Local Aboriginal Land Councils have access to large parcels of agricultural land that could be utilised as working Indigenous agribusinesses or training centres for skills in agriculture, conservation and land management.

- Cultural tourism possibilities exist for Indigenous communities to profit from of the region’s thriving visitor economy.

Policy considerations: - Support for Local Aboriginal Land Councils looking to establish agribusinesses or training enterprises on Indigenous owned land.

- Support for Indigenous enterprises to establish viable businesses, including eco and cultural tourism enterprises.

Survey results:

Indigenous employment, skills and land use

Priority issue 21%

Significant issue 47%

Minor issue 28%

Not an issue 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 13

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Nambucca Shire Council Many Aboriginal communities hold valuable residential land within all regional coastal townships Training could be delivered how best to realise the value of some of this residential zoned land to further develop other areas of Aboriginal advancement within our region.

 Priority issue - MidCoast Water MidCoast Water has contributed significantly in this area and is prepared to discuss further opportunities.

 Significant issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council This is certainly a significant issue on the Mid North Coast whilst an isolated issue in Port Macquarie-Hastings. Providing greater flexibility in planning instruments at local and state levels will allow “on country” initiatives to occur. Council supports initiatives which facilitate indigenous employment in agriculture including the proposed WHS Farm Card.

 Significant issue – Youth Directions Great ideas worth exploring. Food security - employment - care of the environment.  Minor issue – Greater Taree City Council This is an important issue but is relatively small in scope. I agree that there is a need to continue in a consistent manner and utilizing opportunities as they arise.

Choice in schooling to attract investors and professionals

Issue: There is an increasing demand for greater choice of schooling, located on public transport routes, particularly in towns outside the larger regional centres.

Target outcome: To attract and retain investors, professionals and working families in the region by offering a wide choice of quality schooling to suit individual preferences.

Key points: - Schooling opportunities are a major consideration for many working families and for investors and professionals looking at relocating to the region.

- There is a decrease in public school attendance in favour of non-government schools across the region.

- The prominence of drugs, bullying and antisocial behaviour in schools is widely reported.

Priority infrastructure: - Establishment of more primary and secondary schooling choices in growing regional areas, particularly in towns where the choice is limited.

Policy considerations: - Greater funding for existing schools to upgrade and improve facilities and to support quality education in the region.

- Provide better bus linkages between schools in regional centres and neighbouring towns where choice of schooling may be limited.

Survey results:

Choice in schooling to attract investors and professionals

Priority issue 18%

Significant issue 50%

Minor issue 25%

Not an issue 7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 14

 A polarising issue with many respondents showing staunch support for public schools and the need to fund them. However, the issue is a growing number of parents and investors are looking to private school choices outside the regional centres of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. The survey responses show a significant percentage of the community view this as a priority.

Example comments:

 Priority issue - Nambucca Shire Council When the Council fields enquiries from businesses looking to locate to the area, opportunities and choice in secondary schooling is always a high priority for potential investors.  Significant issue - NSW Business Chamber The location of the schools near public transport routes is an important issue to be consider in this matter.  Significant issue - Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce More of an issue is dealing with the current schools we have in helping to SOLVE the issues instead of just providing other non-government schools.  Minor issue – Greater Taree City Council Schooling choice varies significantly by location. The issue needs to be clarified to determine where more choice would be beneficial but would also be commercially viable.

Regional airports and commercial aviation precincts

Issue: Regional airports are an economic catalyst and more investment is needed to improve air services and to open up commercial aviation precincts.

Target outcome: To attract more air services, particularly to the key destinations of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and to attract more commercial investment through the establishment of commercial aviation precincts.

Key points: - Passenger movements through regional airports have doubled over the past 10 years.

- Business passengers commuting to and from the major centres of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane frequently complain about the poor timing of air services in the region, sometimes resulting in unwanted overnight stays.

Priority infrastructure: - Airport infrastructure upgrades to cater for growth.

Examples:

- Extension of the runway at Lord Howe Island Airport.

- Upgrades to parking and terminal facilities at Taree Regional Airport.

- Upgrades to fuel services at Kempsey Airport.

- Establishment of commercial aviation precincts adjacent to airports.

Examples:

- Establish an aviation business park in Coffs Harbour Regional Airport.

- Establish an aviation business park at Port Macquarie Airport. 31

Survey results:

Regional airports and industrial aviation precincts

Priority issue 16%

Significant issue 48%

Minor issue 33%

Not an issue 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 15

Example comments:

 Priority issue – RDA Committee Member For example the inclusion of a carrier providing daily flights to Brisbane from Coffs Harbour is critical for those of us with business interests interstate. This is welcomed.

 Priority issue – Coffs Harbour City Council Investment in an aviation business park in Coffs Harbour Regional Airport is very important. This will provide a catalyst to the development of regional air routes, but also local employment.

 Priority issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council The Port Macquarie Airport underpins the region’s future growth, development and tourism potential ... The airport supports a vibrant general aviation sector including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, freight and emergency services. The proposed Airport Business Park will facilitate further investment in ancillary services. Underpinning any expansion of the Port Macquarie Airport is the upgrade of Boundary Street and a proposed major link road to John Oxley Drive and the Oxley Highway.  Significant issue – Port Macquarie Chamber Investment in the PMQ airport and surrounds would have a significant economic benefit to the region, as would training facilities at Kempsey  Minor issue – Greater Taree City Council There is significant capacity now. The priority is not urgent as I understand it (I could be wrong).I support a steady path of improvement.

Business incubators for non-employing business

Issue: The majority of businesses in our region are non-employing micro businesses and there is a need for investment in business incubators and mentoring opportunities to assist sole traders and business start-ups to grow.

Outcome: To establish co-working spaces, business incubator programs and social enterprise programs that support micro businesses and start-ups to grow.

Key points: - 60% of the businesses in our region are non-employing businesses.

- Non-employing businesses account for 15% of the jobs in our region.

- The retention of skilled young people and the establishment of more professional services businesses could be encouraged by providing co-working spaces in regional centres.

Priority infrastructure: - Establishment of co-working spaces (or “smart work hubs”) and other business incubator facilities in regional centres.

Policy considerations: - Support for business mentoring programs and social enterprise programs that are aimed at assisting micro businesses to grow.

Survey results:

Business incubators for non-employing businesses

Priority issue 20%

Significant issue 40%

Minor issue 36%

Not an issue 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Weighted ranking: 16

Example comments:

 Priority issue – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Micro and small businesses will continue to be major contributors to the regional economy. Council supports the smart work hub concept where start ups and existing businesses driven by innovation can flourish and have access to the support, both socially and professionally, they require. There is also wonderful opportunity to play in the tele-worker space.

 Significant issue – RDA Committee Member It is the way of the future so providing these spaces puts us ahead however those kinds of businesses need support as above to get off the ground. However an increase In Sole traders should be welcomed also. An increase in that demographic may assist with under/unemployment issues.  Significant issue – Coffs Harbour City Council This is a significant issue. While Coffs Harbour has made good progress in this area, further investment is required and the development of business accelerator environments is a priority. In addition, the creation of a regional innovation fund should be considered to support this activity.  Minor issue – NSW Business Chamber If there was a commercial need for this then it would have been done. ETC are trailing a smart work hub in Port Macquarie.

Addressing disadvantage through education and economic development

Issue: Vulnerable and unsupported communities in the region contribute to social disadvantage, economic disparity, poor workforce participation and low productivity.

Target outcome: All levels of government, industry and community groups should commit to education and economic development initiatives that will reduce social disadvantage in the region.

Key points: Compared with the NSW state averages, the Mid North Coast region has:

- Higher levels of youth unemployment (17.9%).

- A higher proportion of the population receiving disability, unemployment and youth benefits.

- A higher part time workforce.

- A lower average weekly household income (66.8% of NSW average).

- A much higher percentage of Indigenous persons with higher levels of Indigenous unemployment (23.6%).

Question: Select all choices that you believe are key drivers to reduce this social disadvantage:

 Access to quality and relevant educational facilities and greater choice of schooling.

 Careers advice linked with more available traineeships and apprenticeships.

 Access to higher education and training, including university, TAFE and trade training centres.

 Long term strategic infrastructure development.

 Investment in industrial land developments to attract industries with employment potential.

 Improved pathways for lower income earners towards owning their own home.

 Other (please specify) 35

Survey results:

Select all choices that you believe are key drivers to reduce this social disadvantage:

Strategic 74.2% infrastructure

Higher education 70.4%

Industrial land 66.7%

Schooling options 59.7%

Careers Advice and 59.1% Traineeships

Home ownership 42.8%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%