1 Gunnedah Shire Council PO Box 63 Gunnedah NSW 2380
Tel: (02) 6740 2100 web: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
The Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy was adopted by the Gunnedah Shire Council at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on 19 March 2014 (Resolution Number 13.03/14).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Jenny Rand and Associates for the Gunnedah Shire Council.
The Council wishes to thank all those people, businesses and organisations who attended consultative forums, met with the consultants and provided information for this Economic Development Strategy for Gunnedah Shire Council.
Disclaimer Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied, in this publication is made in good faith, but on the basis that Jenny Rand and Associates, Gunnedah Shire Council or its employees are not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever, which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to in the Economic Development Strategy and associated documents.
Prepared by
Jenny Rand & Associates and Suzanne Lollback Management Consultants 272 Prince Charles Parade Kurnell NSW 2231
Tel: (02) 9668 8474 Mob: 0411 782 700 Email: [email protected]
Contents
Page Economic Development Strategy Planning Context 1 Overview Economic Profile 7 Strategic Considerations 14 Priorities, Strategies & Actions 20 Priorities for Economic Development 21 Priority 1: To establish effective leadership, collaboration and communication between key stakeholders 22 Strategy 1: Consolidate Gunnedah Shire’s role as a leader and facilitator of economic development 23 Strategy 2: Build partnerships and strategic alliances 24 Strategy 3: Establish effective networks and communication channels 25 Priority 2: To ensure that the foundation ‘blocks’ needed to stimulate and support economic development are in place 26 Strategy 4: Build a strong, positive profile for Gunnedah Shire 27 Strategy 5: Ensure that Gunnedah Shire is an attractive place to live, work and invest 28 Strategy 6: Build a strong and skilled local workforce 31 Strategy 7: Ensure that there is suitable residential, industrial and commercial land and premises available in the Shire to facilitate growth 32 Strategy 8: Ensure that the infrastructure and utilities needed to support economic development are in place 33 Priority 3: To support and nurture existing economic activities and businesses – to encourage increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment 35 Strategy 9: Encourage the development of business skills and expertise 36 Strategy 10: Provide opportunities for business diversification and expansion 37 Strategy 11: Work with industry sectors to address issues and capitalise on opportunities 38 Priority 4: To target new businesses and economic activities 42 Strategy 12: Target new business and economic activities 42
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Introduction Gunnedah Shire Building a more diversified, sustainable and resilient economy is a priority for the Gunnedah Shire. Economic Aspirations The preparation of this Economic Development Strategy is one of the actions being undertaken by Council, in consultation with the Community, to assist in building, stimulating, managing and driving economic growth.
Engaging and Supporting the Community Purpose of the Strategy ~ The Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy provides the framework and directions for economic development within Building Our Shire’s Gunnedah Shire, with the focus being on actions that can be achieved over the next 5 years. In particular the Strategy Economy addresses:
~ The current level of economic development within the Shire and the factors that have and are continuing to influence development. Retaining Our Quality of The pressures and opportunities for Gunnedah businesses arising from developments at both the Shire and regional Life level. ~ Opportunities for Gunnedah Shire to support, capitalise on and benefit from new and emerging industries. Opportunities for Gunnedah Shire to diversify and strengthen its economic base in a sustainable and balanced way. Protecting and Enjoying Opportunities for Council to promote Gunnedah Shire and attract new businesses. Our Beautiful Surrounds Projects within the Shire that Council can focus on to stimulate growth.
Economic Development
The objective of economic development is to develop the local community into one where people wish to live, work, invest and enjoy. It involves improving the economic wellbeing of the community by focusing on retaining, strengthening and growing local businesses, attracting new investment and creating jobs. It explores opportunities to provide a positive and supportive environment for local businesses, including providing businesses with access to the advice and services needed to enable them to capitalise on external opportunities and to plan for and manage change and external threats.
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Structure of the Economic Development Strategy
The Economic Development Strategy is presented in two volumes:
Volume 1: Economic Profile Volume 2: Strategies and Actions
Volume 1: Economic Profile provides an assessment of:
Gunnedah Shire ‐ its role and position in the Northern Inland Region and its competitive advantages and disadvantages. Demographic and social characteristics of the Gunnedah Shire community. Economic indicators. Main economic activities within the Shire – agriculture, extractive industries, manufacturing, construction, retailing, tourism, healthcare and social assistance, and education and training. Infrastructure and services available to support economic development – land availability, transport, utilities and business support services.
It identifies a range of opportunities to grow and diversify the economic base of the Shire as well as the challenges which need to be addressed to encourage and facilitate growth. The analysis provided in the Economic Profile provides the rationale for the Strategies and Actions.
Volume 2: Strategies and Actions articulates the objectives and directions for economic development within Gunnedah Shire and provides the strategies and actions to achieve sustainable growth.
The Economic Development Strategy (Volumes 1 and 2) is linked to other Plans and Strategies that have been adopted by Council as part of its integrated planning approach. To be effective, the Economic Development Strategy must be a living document that is constantly evolving. The recommended actions need to be implemented and the results evaluated. Periodically the Strategy will need to be revised, building on what has been achieved, so that Gunnedah Shire can continue to prosper.
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State & Regional Planning Context
The Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy was prepared within the framework set by the NSW State Government through the NSW 2021 – A Plan to Make NSW Number One, and the resultant planning and development strategies that have been adopted for the Northern Inland Region of NSW (also known as the New England ‐ North West Region), in particular the New England North West Regional Action Plan (2012), the RDA Australia Northern Inland Regional Plan, the New England – North West Strategic Regional Landuse Plan, Namoi 2030 Regional Strategy and the various plans and strategies developed for the Namoi River Catchment Area.
The NSW Government’s priorities and key directions for the Region are:
Priority Key Directions 1. Support sustainable To support economic growth in New England North West, the NSW Government will: economic growth Foster growth sectors such as value‐adding industries, agriculture, agribusiness and food processing, aviation and advanced technology