Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas Submission 86

Australia's regions are fundamental to the functioning of our cities and the nation. Regions supply much of the necessities of everyday life—from the food we eat to the energy that runs our households and industries. Without the driving force of regional Australia, the strength and vitality of our national economy and the Australian way of life would not be possible. Investing in our regions pays massive dividends for our nation—strong regions are the foundation of a strong Australia.1

Shoalhaven City Council welcomes this opportunity to provide input into the Inquiry by the Select Committee into Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas. Shoalhaven City Council notes that the motion that was put to the Senate on the 31st July 2019 included the following words outlined in italics: (1) That a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee into Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas, be established to inquire and report on the following matters: (a) new industries and employment opportunities that can be created in and around thermal coal mining communities and regions: (i) as automated mining and transport technologies replace jobs over coming years, and (ii) as domestic production and exports decline to keep global warming to levels safe for human life at or below 1.5 degrees, Council would like to thank the Senate for expanding the terms of reference by removing restrictions to discussions focused on clean energy technologies and restricted to thermal coal mining communities and regions. The broadening of the terms of reference enables Shoalhaven City Council to provide comment on opportunities for all regions and new industries and employment opportunities.

1 (Australia, 2017) Shoalhaven City Council Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas 2

Contents

The Shoalhaven – an overview of a regional centre ...... 4 Our Economy ...... 4 Not all regions are the same ...... 7 Defence – and long-term government investment continuing to create opportunities ...... 8 Manufacturing – the innovation sector ...... 10 Case Study – Global Defence Solutions ...... 11 Unique aspects of regional Australia – strong networks ...... 11 Case Study – Venus Shell Systems ...... 12 The importance of delivering training in the regions ...... 12 Regional Jobs and Investment Packages – thank you ...... 16 Case Study – Nowchem ...... 17 Responsive governmental support ...... 17 Attraction and retention of skilled workers ...... 18 Deliver new Regional Deals to drive local economic growth and create jobs ...... 19 Where does clean energy technology fit in? ...... 21 Alignment Matrix ...... 24 Bibliography ...... 27

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The economy of the Shoalhaven is diverse. Our largest employing industries are Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, Public Administration and Safety and Tourism. But this just tells part of the story. Council has long recognised that a healthy economy is based on the creation of high value jobs and the growth of high output industry sectors. Shoalhaven City Council has recently adopted its third 10 year economic development strategy Productive Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy 2017-2026. This document outlines Shoalhaven’s regional advantages and identifies key sectors that have the greatest return to the economy.

The following graph (Figure 2) was created to identify those sectors that should be supported in order to increase the creation of high value positions. The grey bar represents key sectors in the Shoalhaven by number of jobs. The blue bar is the indexed value-add of each job to the economy. From this we can determine that Public Administration and Safety (including defence) and Manufacturing are key economic powerhouses within the Shoalhaven. Construction is a high value-add industry sector that employs many people. Agriculture/Fishing, Administrative & Support Services and Transport/Warehousing are high value industry sectors, though currently small in terms of employment, which as they grow will contribute proportionally more to the economy of the Shoalhaven than other industries.

Value-Added data represents the marginal economic value that is added by each industry sector in a defined region. Value-Added can be calculated by subtracting local expenditure and expenditure on regional imports from the output generated by an industry sector, or alternatively, by adding the Wages & Salaries paid to local employees, the gross operating surplus and taxes on products and production. Value-Added by industry sector is the major element in the calculation of Gross Regional Product / Gross State Product / Gross Domestic Product. (REMPLAN 2019)

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Shoalhaven City Council suggests that the Federal Government acknowledge that each region has their own strengths and investment in regional towns should build on the strengths of that region.

Shoalhaven City Council suggests that the Federal Government recognise that not all jobs and all industry sectors contribute equally to a healthy economy. Focusing on the growth of industries that have a low output and create lower paid positions can contribute to a decline in the socio-economic status of rural and regional areas.

Recommendation:

1. That the Federal Government support new industries and employment opportunities that can be created in the region that focus on high value-add industry sectors.

Defence – and long-term government investment continuing to create opportunities

The Shoalhaven is home to two Navy bases being HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell. The Shoalhaven has a long association with defence commencing in 1939 with a decision to build an airfield on the land occupied by the Naval Air Station. HMAS Albatross has grown to become the largest operational Naval establishment and the Navy’s only Air Station. HMAS Albatross was recently expanded with the government investing over $500 million to upgrade facilities including the establishment of the new Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS). This investment means that defence will continue to remain one of the strong foundations of the economy of the Shoalhaven.

Defence is a significant contributor to our economy adding $568.3M in value-add and employing 1,727 people. Apart from Defence’s direct contribution, the presence of these Navy bases has attracted numerous defence support businesses to the area, many of whom are manufacturers.

The attraction of these defence support businesses was only possible due to having physical space to accommodate them. Shoalhaven City Council made a commitment to supporting our defence sector by creating Albatross Aviation Technology Park (AATP). AATP is an industrial park located adjacent to HMAS Albatross. It was established in 1998 as a specialised estate for the defence support industry. Activities at the AATP stalled for some time but has now grown to house businesses such as BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Australia, Raytheon and Australian defence suppliers Air Affairs, and Partech Systems.

Availability of land at AATP is a key reason for attracting defence support businesses to the region and the park is now also home to Sikorsky Australia who deliver the

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Through Life Support (TLS) for the RAN’s recent acquisition of 24 MH-60R (Romeo) maritime helicopters.

Sikorsky Australia, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has announced the consolidation of its rotary wing operations supporting the long-term creation of a centre of excellence at an existing facility adjacent to HMAS Albatross in Nowra.

30th August 20193

AATP was created through a long term commitment from Shoalhaven City Council with support from State and Federal governments. Development at the AATP did stall for several years but has now grown to employ approximately over 500 people with another 600 adjacent at HMAS Albatross in the defence support and aerospace sectors. Without the vision and long term commitment and support from all levels of government AATP would not exist and the Shoalhaven would not be in a position to leverage on recent significant government investments in defence.

AATP is not the only industrial land development that has been undertaken by Shoalhaven City Council. Flinders Industrial Estate was created in the late 1970’s supported by the NSW Department of Industrial Development and Decentralisation as a joint venture partner to Council. The Council bought out the Department’s interest in the 1990s at the request of the NSW Government.

At this South Nowra employment precinct there have been a number of expansions and Council is ready to commence the development of Stage 10. Sales of industrial land are heavily influenced by external economic factors. For example, no sites were sold for several years following the GFC but recent economic upturns have resulted in the sale of all Stage 9 blocks with buyers eagerly awaiting the next release.

The private sector cannot wait years for a moderate return; nor can they carry the costs tied up in an industrial land development particularly through extended periods of hiatus. Shoalhaven City Council considers industrial land as ‘employment lands’. The aim of the development of industrial sites such as Flinders is to generate employment. The motivation and return to the community comes through employment generation not land speculation and profits. It is this key difference in the objectives between government and the private sector which means that government has the ability to commit to such a long term return and is best placed to support these developments.

Any assessments of the economic viability of the development of industrial estates must be mindful of the extended financial return time otherwise regions will never be able to make an economic case for investment in this infrastructure.

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Shoalhaven City Council suggests that all levels of government acknowledge that the private sector will not generally invest in the development of industrial parks in regional areas as the return is too low and any benefits that may accrue are realised over the longer term.

Recommendation:

2. That the Federal Government acknowledge that development of new industries and employment opportunities in regions requires access to serviced industrial land (employment lands).

3. That all levels of government commit to the development of industrial land (employment lands) in regions despite the long time lags in realising economic benefits and that Federal and State economic assessments take this into account e.g BCR’s.

Manufacturing – the innovation sector

Manufacturing is one of the key sectors that forms the foundation of Shoalhaven’s strong and diverse economy. Our manufacturing sector employs over 5% of Shoalhaven’s workforce and contributes over $330M to the Gross Regional Product.

Our manufacturing sector is strong and resilient and has not suffered the downturn as experienced elsewhere. Shoalhaven manufacturers, even those that supply Defence, have needed to maintain a diverse customer base in order to grow. A diverse customer base creates businesses that are responsive, agile and innovative. Our manufacturers have grown through building a reputation based on exemplary customer service and the delivery of quality products.

For example, a local engineering firm develops working prototypes for large multinational corporations because the corporations’ internal processes do not have the capacity to change entire manufacturing runs to test new ideas. These demands mean that our manufacturing sector has to be capable of developing a wide variety of smaller run goods for various clients, a task that relies on the innovation, quality and varied skillset of local people.

Shoalhaven City Council would like to suggest that the Federal Government acknowledge that innovation can and does occur in the regions.

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Case Study – Global Defence Solutions Global Defence Solutions (GDS) is a trusted sovereign provider of bespoke deployable force infrastructure solutions to the Australian Defence Force, emergency services and international disaster relief. They provide quality turnkey capability that is field-proven and fit for purpose. GDS partner with respected Australian and international manufacturers to offer complete deployable infrastructure solutions to our customers throughout Australia and the South Pacific.

Established in 1998, GDS is a rapidly growing, 100% Australian, family-owned business based in Nowra, New South Wales.

Unique aspects of regional Australia – strong networks

The Shoalhaven is home to a number of business networks such as the Shoalhaven Business Chamber, the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association, the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group and Blue BioTech Shoalhaven.

The Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group is an alliance between the local defence support industry, Council and the NSW government. This network was established over 10 years ago and aims to promote local industry capabilities. This network works because each business’s offerings are unique. The network is collaborative, rather than competitive.

Blue BioTech Shoalhaven was established in 2013 and consists of a number of industry partners that each have something to offer in the promotion of aquatic biotechnology. From algae growers (Venus Shell Systems) to processors and manufacturers (Nowchem, Essence Group etc), and backed by research from the University of Wollongong, Blue BioTech Shoalhaven is an example of a business network building on the regions assets to create a unique and innovative industry.

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Business networks seem to work better in regional areas because the business community is part of the community and there is a understanding of the benefits of collaboration.

Case Study – Venus Shell Systems Venus Shell Systems cultivates premium, traceable and tailored seaweed biomass. Venus Shell Systems sequester clean CO2 and nitrogen, balancing our ecosystem, while delivering a nutritionally rich food source. The seaweed biomass that is produced has important protein, marine Omega oils, pigments and minerals from the ocean. Further, Venus Shell Systems seaweed gels are at the frontier of future biomaterials.

Through Blue BioTech, Venus Shell Systems teamed up with Nowchem to bring the innovative PhycoDerm skincare range to market.

Shoalhaven City Council suggests that the Federal Government support the development of business networks in the regions.

The importance of delivering training in the regions

Regional businesses have often had to solve their own problems and address skills shortages. Aerospace Training Services was established in 1996 to provide quality aviation maintenance training and training support to Australian General Aviation, Regional Passenger Transport industries and the aviation elements of the Australian Defence Force.

Aerospace Training Services has developed Higher School Certificate programs, aviation traineeships, external studies for long distance students and apprenticeship training programs. They have also developed eLearning online platforms which allow

Shoalhaven City Council Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas 12 even further flexible delivery options for students and employers. Aerospace Training Services are the only Registered Training Organisation offering aeroskills training in Years 11 and 12. Local companies such as Air Affairs, Lockheed Martin – Sikorsky and BAE select their apprentices from graduates of this VET program. These secondary students are in high demand from local industry with over 80% being offered employment, an apprenticeship or traineeship at the completion of their secondary studies. The success of this training is that the training is delivered in the location where the skills are needed.

Many industries in the Shoalhaven, and in other regions, are finding it difficult to secure skilled workers and upskilling a large cohort of regional people is often not feasible as training centres are located outside of the regions. The Shoalhaven, and other regions, have businesses that are at the forefront of their industry. These businesses have modern equipment and processes and are much better equipped than training centres.

I send my staff away to be trained and they come back being taught about what was happening twenty years ago on outdated equipment. Our business has the latest, state of the art equipment that our apprentices use. Why is this exposure to modern manufacturing not counted towards their accreditation?

It is suggested that there be increased effort in collaborating with industry to develop training courses based on industry methodology and processes and a more streamlined way in which to recognise workers’ prior learnings. The focus on many RTO’s is to deliver their own developed course, at a place and location suitable to them, and they are hesitant to recognise prior learnings. RTO’s often focus on the delivery of courses that are cheap and easy to run. Industry needs skilled staff. There is a big gap between the training needs of industry and the ability and willingness of RTO’s to meet this need.

It has also been reported to the Economic Development Office that many courses have been ‘dumbed down’ with training hours cut. For example, a local mechanical business has raised concerns that their apprentices are not receiving as much training as they need due to course hours being slashed. This mechanical

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business repairs trucks, buses, tractors and other farm electronic equipment. This equipment is expensive and becoming more electronically oriented with their “technicians” regularly working on equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cutting time and costs in training does not build skilled regions.

Shoalhaven City Council urges the Federal Government encourage training providers to partner with industry to develop industry appropriate training and to provide better access to recognised prior learning.

Recommendation:

4. That the Federal Government acknowledge that training delivered in the regions, that is industry appropriate and supported, may cost more to deliver but is needed in order to create new job opportunities AND that the Federal Government work with training providers to develop and deliver industry appropriate training where the skills are needed.

Skilling people in the regions is about more than just servicing industry. It is about providing regional residents with equitable access to quality training, and the subsequent opportunities that this affords.

The northern part of the Shoalhaven is located only one hour from Wollongong which provides access to the University of Wollongong. In addition, there is a University of Wollongong – Shoalhaven campus located at West Nowra. The Shoalhaven has a TAFE campus as well as a number of other training providers. Despite this, many of our youth leave to pursue tertiary education elsewhere.

Figure 4 clearly shows that the Shoalhaven is missing many individuals aged between 20-49 years. This phenomenon is typical of many regional areas. Upskilling regional people, not only supports emerging industries and provides job opportunities, but will help retain youth in the regions.

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Figure 4: Age-Sex Pyramid of Shoalhaven vs NSW (2016) In terms of post-school outcomes, participating in VET in schools is estimated to have positive labour market outcomes i.e. transiting to a full time career job and increased wages in the first and third year after school. Overall, VET in schools is estimated to improve the chances of finding employment, especially full-time employment, increase weekly wages and improve the chances that youth will find a job they like as a career. The benefits are greater for those whose VET in schools course included a sizeable workplace learning component e.g. an average of more than 20 days per year.4

Secondary education also has a role to play in supporting the regions. Not all students are destined for university. And nor should they be. The Shoalhaven is experiencing a skills shortage - from diesel mechanics, to sheetmetal workers, panelbeaters and machinists, even hairdressing, to most trades required in construction. Secondary education has a role to play in training up the new generation of skilled tradespeople, as well as promoting the benefits of a trade qualification.

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VET is welcomed by industry in the Shoalhaven. It is unfortunate that “[O]ver a five year period, the number of school students undertaking vocational education and training (VET) as part of their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) has declined by 6.7% to 230 700”.5 VET in schools is valued by industry and this educational pathway should be more widely promoted and supported.

Recommendation:

5. That the Federal Government continue to invest in VET in schools especially in subject areas where there are skill shortages.

Regional Jobs and Investment Packages – thank you

The Shoalhaven was one of three LGA’s located in an eligible Regional Jobs Investment Package (RJIJP) region. The aim of this federal government grant was to help diversify the regional economy, stimulate economic growth and deliver sustainable employment in the region. One of the most exciting parts of this grant was the Business Innovation stream. Funding was available to businesses for a number of eligible activities including, but not limited to; • acquiring, installing, constructing and commissioning new machinery and equipment • and, fit out, alterations and/or extensions to existing premises related to the new machinery or equipment

Sixteen (16) Shoalhaven businesses received funding through RJIP resulting in business growth and new employment opportunities. Investment directly in business is an appropriate way to support the regions and create new employment opportunities.

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Case Study – Nowchem

Nowchem manufacture a range of chemical products and offer contract manufacturing with their laboratories and industrial chemists on site. They own and operate a 'Theracell' TGA approved manufacturing area, are GMP compliant as well as being ISO9001 accredited.

Nowchem received a $129,250 Federal Government grant under the Regional Jobs and Investment Package program in 2018 to purchase and install automated pharmaceutical cream manufacturing equipment. The fully computerised mixing system improves consistency of product, increases output and facilitates a wider variety of pharmaceutical creams and lotions to be produced locally. This project has already created four new jobs with Nowchem now looking for another four trainees.

However, trainees are hard to come by and there is a lack of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) courses in the Shoalhaven. This also impacts a number of other manufacturing businesses.

“There’s this need in the Shoalhaven for about 20 new jobs a year for GMP trained people but there’s no GMP training here.” John Lamont, Managing Director, Nowchem.

TAFE, Council and manufacturing businesses have formed a cluster, with TAFE developing a 6 week Cert I in Engineering to help meet this industry need.

Shoalhaven City Council would like to thank the Federal Government for RJIP and the resultant jobs creation and economic growth. Repeating a successful program such as this would directly assist local regions.

Recommendation:

6. That the Federal Government consider expanding the RJIP program by rolling out the program to more regions and by creating subsequent rounds of funding.

Responsive governmental support

Recognising that some regions face challenges in terms of employment opportunities and growth, the Australian Government has introduced the Regional Employment Trials (RET) program in 10 disadvantaged regions, starting 1 October 2018.

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One of the disadvantaged regions selected to participate in the trials is the RDA Far South Coast region. The Shoalhaven is located in this RDA region. Although the project commenced on the 1st October 2018 there have been very few projects approved for funding with less than half of the Federal Government’s allocation of $1M for this region being awarded. The project concludes on the 30th June 2020.

There are concerns that local proponents are being encouraged to develop proposals that are then being thwarted by Departmental assessment when submitted. The worry is that this risk averse thinking may not allow all of this funding to be allocated to projects, and that in the rush to allocate funds, that the projects will not be completed in the next 13 months.

Delays in the assessment of grant applications have flow on effects. Businesses cannot wait for extended periods while grants are being assessed. Many grants have a financial contribution and businesses cannot afford to tie up cash flow for extended periods. This time lag discourages businesses and many opportunities are lost.

Recommendation:

7. That the Federal Government increases its level of acceptable risk when seeking innovative solutions to long term established problems.

Attraction and retention of skilled workers

Regional areas can only thrive if they are able to attract and retain skilled workers. Investment in infrastructure and community assets makes a place more liveable and attractive and is just as important as funding into industry. Council would like to thank the Federal government for the creation of the Building Better Regions Fund and the Stronger Communities Programme.

Recommendation:

8. That the Federal Government continues to invest in the Building Better Regions Fund and similar large scale community infrastructure enhancement funding programmes.

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Deliver new Regional Deals to drive local economic growth and create jobs

Shoalhaven City Council, on two separate occasions, unsuccessfully applied for funding via the Building Better Regions Fund. The projects that Council put forward were to undertake studies that would bridge the gap between planning and attracting investment.

In 2009 Council commence the development of the Nowra CBD Urban Design Master Plan. This was an extensive planning exercise, with significant community consultation. The Master Plan was finalised in 2014 and outlines a strategic direction to revitalise the Nowra CBD over 25 years.

The Master Plan identified a number of opportunity sites and the BBRF applications were to undertake a number of studies on the Shoalhaven River riverfront and in the CBD. The Economic Development Office believes that investment attraction is stymied because both sites contain unknowns. Unknowns in terms of geotechnical requirements, traffic modelling, contour and level modelling, hydrological modelling, utility provision and reticulation alignment. Each of these aspects needs to be investigated to determine the financial feasibility of subsequent development.

Bridging the gap between planning and development is not unique to Nowra. Many regional centres have a number of development opportunities yet to be realised but they do not occur because developers look elsewhere – generally for locations that contain no surprises and are development ready e.g. infill areas within Sydney and

Shoalhaven City Council Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas 19 metro regions. Both of the Shoalhaven development locations contain multiple landowners, with the majority of the land owned by local or state government. The BBRF did not fund these projects as they did not fit the funding guidelines. Council agrees with this assessment. At the time the BBRF was the only potential option to progress these projects.

Council welcomes the announcement of Regional Deals. Modelled on the concept of City Deals, Regional Deals are a way to address this gap between planning and implementation, assist with planning, and create a mechanism whereby multiple landowners can pool their resources/land to create developments that will shape the future of the regions.

Deals are tailored to each region’s comparative advantages, assets and challenges and reflect the unique needs of regional Australia.

Regional Deals support ‘a place-based approach’ by putting community- identified priorities at the centre.6

Regional Deals are a mechanism to turn strategic planning into reality. They have the potential to shape the future of regional areas by overcoming barriers to investment and development. They are the mechanism whereby regional communities can create visionary places.

Shoalhaven City Council strongly urges the Federal government to partner with us in a Regional Deal – focused on the activation of the Nowra Riverfront, Nowra CBD and Health precinct. The Federal and State governments have each committed $155M to the Nowra Bridge Project. The NSW RMS are currently planning a new four lane bridge over the Shoalhaven River, upgraded intersections and additional lanes on the Princes Highway. Now is the most opportune time to invest in the regional centre of Nowra, and entering into a Regional Deal would be the most appropriate mechanism to demonstrate best practice in invigorating place and supporting community. This is a way to leverage regional assets, create new jobs and opportunities and create something that the community can be proud of.

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Recommendation:

9. That the Federal Government enter into a Regional Deal with the Shoalhaven.

Where does clean energy technology fit in?

Renewable energy and clean energy innovation, including emerging technologies will play an increasingly important role in our modern and dynamic electricity market. Innovation in clean energy technology is essential for Australia for continued economic prosperity and to contribute to global efforts to reduce emissions Clean energy technologies including renewables contribute to Australia’s emissions reduction targets. Renewable technologies are deployed widely throughout Australia and include large-scale and residential solar PV, concentrated solar thermal, wind, hydro, biomass, wave energy, geothermal and battery storage technology. 7

Clean energy, like tourism, is not an industry sector. Rather it is an amalgam of a number of industries representing employees from many sectors. There is no doubt that the roll out of clean energy technologies will help the environment, make our businesses more competitive in a global market and increase reliability of energy supply for our communities.

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The development of clean technologies not only needs those people who dream big and create new and innovative technologies, but a skilled and agile workforce to manufacture, install and maintain. The roll out of clean technology relies on those skills which are already in short supply.

Recommendation:

10. That the Federal Government recognise that the skills which are in short supply now are the same skills required to roll out clean technology AND that the Federal Government invest in addressing skills shortages by working with industry and through the promotion of the value of a trade qualification.

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For Australia, and the regions, to be at the forefront to leverage these opportunities, the government needs to invest in building the skills of our workforce. It is for this reason that Shoalhaven City Council makes the following recommendations:

1. That the Federal Government support new industries and employment opportunities that can be created in the region that focus on high value-add industry sectors.

2. That the Federal Government acknowledge that development of new industries and employment opportunities in regions requires access to serviced industrial land (employment lands).

5. That the Federal Government continue to invest in VET in schools especially in subject areas where there are skill shortages.

6. That the Federal Government consider expanding the RJIP program by rolling out the program to more regions and by creating subsequent rounds of funding.

7. That the Federal Government increases its level of acceptable risk when seeking innovative solutions to long term established problems.

8. That the Federal Government continues to invest in the Building Better Regions Fund and similar large scale community infrastructure enhancement funding programmes.

9. That the Federal Government enter into a Regional Deal with the Shoalhaven.

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Alignment Matrix

Matter Response

1. That the Federal Government support new industries and employment opportunities that can be created in the region that focus on high value-add industry sectors.

2. That the Federal Government acknowledge that development of new industries and employment opportunities in regions requires access to serviced industrial land (employment lands).

3. That all levels of government commit to the development of New industries and industrial land (employment lands) in regions despite the long employment time lags in realising economic benefits and that Federal and opportunities that can State economic assessments take this into account e.g BCR’s. be created in the regions 6. That the Federal Government consider expanding the RJIP program by rolling out the program to more regions and by creating subsequent rounds of funding.

7. That the Federal Government increases its level of acceptable risk when seeking innovative solutions to long term established problems

9. That the Federal Government enter into a Regional Deal with the Shoalhaven.

The number of existing 10. That the Federal Government recognise that the skills which jobs in regional areas in are in short supply now are the same skills required to roll out clean energy clean technology AND that the Federal Government invest in technology and addressing skills shortages by working with industry and ecological services and through the promotion of the value of a trade qualification. their future significance. Lessons learned from structural adjustments in the automotive, manufacturing and 6. That the Federal Government consider expanding the RJIP forestry industries and program by rolling out the program to more regions and by energy privatisation and creating subsequent rounds of funding. their impact on labour markets and local economies

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2. That the Federal Government acknowledge that development of new industries and employment opportunities in regions The importance of long- requires access to serviced industrial land (employment lands). term planning to support the 3. That all levels of government commit to the development of diversification of supply industrial land (employment lands) in regions despite the long chain industries and time lags in realising economic benefits and that Federal and local economies State economic assessments take this into account e.g BCR’s.

9. That the Federal Government enter into a Regional Deal with the Shoalhaven.

Measures to guide the transition into new i. industries and employment, including: 8. That the Federal Government continues to invest in the Building i. community Better Regions Fund and similar large scale community infrastructure to attract infrastructure enhancement funding programmes. investment and job creation 9. That the Federal Government enter into a Regional Deal with the Shoalhaven.

ii. the need for a public ii. authority to manage the 9. That the Federal Government enter into a Regional Deal with transition the Shoalhaven.

iii. iii meaningful community consultation This has not been addressed specifically. Shoalhaven City Council, to guide the transition like many other regional Councils, regularly consult with the community. This submission is based on community feedback. The request for a Regional Deal is due to in excess of 10 years of strategic planning, involving the community at every step, without having a pathway to implementation. The community are ready for the next step and a Regional Deal would be a collaborative way in which this could happen. iv. the role of vocational iv. education providers, including TAFE, in 4. That the Federal Government acknowledge that training enabling and reskilling delivered in the regions, that is industry appropriate and and retraining supported, may cost more to deliver but is needed in order to create new job opportunities AND that the Federal Government work with training providers to develop and deliver industry appropriate training where the skills are needed.

5. That the Federal Government continue to invest in VET in schools especially in subject areas where there are skill shortages.

6. That the Federal Government recognise that the skills which are in short supply now are the same skills required to roll out clean Shoalhaven City Council Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas 25

technology AND that the Federal Government invest in addressing skills shortages by working with industry and through the promotion of the value of a trade qualification.

The use of renewable resources in North Australia to build a No comment clean energy export industry to export to Asia Any related matters. No comment

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Bibliography Australia, C. o. (2017). Regions 2030 - Unlocking Opportunity. Canberra: Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

Australian Government. (2019, March 27). Regional Deals. Retrieved September 5, 2019, from Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development: https://www.regional.gov.au/regional/deals/

Australian Government. (n.d.). Clean energy and the electricty market. Retrieved September 5, 2019, from Department of the Environment and Energy: https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/energy-supply/renewable- energy-and-technology

Kuper, S. (2019, September 4). Defence Connect Key Enablers. Retrieved from Defence Connect: https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/4686- lockheed-martin-consolidation-to-support-industry-hub-and-adf-capability

National Centre for Vocational Education Research. (2019, September 2). VET in Schools participation declines. Retrieved September 5, 2019, from NCVER: https://www.ncver.edu.au/news-and-events/media-releases/vet-in-schools- participation-declines

Professor Andrew Beer, D. o. (7 August 2017). Committee Hansard, (p. 3). Canberra. Retrieved September 4 , 2019

Scott, P. (2014). Trade Training Centres in Schools Program - Independent Review 2014.

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