Draft Goldfields-Esperance Regional Investment BLUEPRINT A Plan for 2050 March 2016 Acknowledgments The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land in this region, in which we reside, and Elders both past and present. The important role Aboriginal people continue to play within the Goldfields-Esperance community is acknowledged, together with the ongoing effort that is made to protect and promote Aboriginal cultures which will leave a lasting legacy for future Elders and leaders. In addition, the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission would like to acknowledge RPS Australia and the Department of Regional Development for their assistance in developing this Regional Investment Blueprint and to thank our State and regional stakeholders who provided input into the document. A Roadmap For Regional Development In 2010 the State Government of The ‘Structuring Regional The Goldfields-Esperance Regional Western Australia recognised that Development for the Future’ Review Investment Blueprint (the Blueprint) to ensure future economic and (known as the Duncan Review) is a roadmap for the future social community aspirations in regional presented an opportunity for Western and economic growth and prosperity Western Australia were met, the Australia’s nine regions to plan of the region to 2050 and beyond. development of strategic plans was strategically for long-term change By identifying opportunities, required to guide collective and through the development and challenges, priorities and strategies, coordinated action across the State1. implementation of Regional Investment it provides a credible and guiding Blueprints. The Blueprints are framework that will foster economic developed in the region, by the opportunity and build vibrant region, for the region’s future. communities, enabling the alignment of government, industry The Regional Investment Blueprints and community sector planning form part of the Regional Development and investment towards a shared Strategy for regional Western Australia regional vision. – an overarching State strategy directing effort and investment from the Regional Development Portfolio towards the objective of building vibrant regions with strong economies that build prosperity. Disclaimer: This document has been published by the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission as one of nine Western Australian Regional Investment Blueprints. Any representation, statement, opinion or advice expressed or implied in this publication is made in good faith and on the basis that the government, its employees and agents are not liable for any damage or loss whatsoever which may occur as a result of action taken or not taken, as the case may be, in respect of any representation, statement, opinion or advice referred to herein. Professional advice should be obtained before applying the information contained in this document to particular circumstances. 2 | Goldfields-Esperance Regional InvestmentBLUEPRINT Foreword Planning for the future of an We know that our region will continue to play a significant role in the area as vast and diverse as development of Western Australia and the nation. This builds on our great heritage and current achievements, be this constructing the longest water the Goldfields-Esperance pipeline in the world, developing Australia’s first commercial wind farm or region is a huge task. This the $19 billion gross annual revenue generated by our regional economy. Blueprint lays out a vision for These incredible achievements are just a taste of what the Goldfields- Goldfields-Esperance 2050, Esperance region can accomplish when we work together. a vision that represents the As Western Australia’s largest region, Goldfields-Esperance has long- collective aspirations and established access to significant markets, a number of globally focussed industries exporting across the world, coupled with abundant natural resources beliefs of regional and State and alternative energy possibilities. These all position us for a prosperous stakeholders and of what and sustainable future. Goldfields-Esperance is a multicultural, inclusive can be achieved through region of welcoming people, with significant opportunities yet to be tapped. collaborative planning, strong We reside in an ancient land, home to globally recognised biodiversity partnerships and rigorous treasures such as the magnificent Great Western Woodlands, as well as rich, red deserts and the bright, white sandy beaches and aqua Southern effort. Together we can plan Ocean. In a world of increasing urbanisation, our natural assets, wilderness for the possible technological areas and vast expanse of land are a rare commodity. The landscapes and and other changes that will features of our region present a unique marketing position that can be used drive innovation and advance to attract people and investment from across the continents. opportunities, enhancing our Our mining and agricultural sectors will continue to be a driving force of connections with each other our economy up to and beyond 2050, delivering substantial financial, social and economic outcomes. However, the future diversity of our economy will be key and the rest of the globe. to riding out the ‘boom and bust’ nature of the industries that we rely on most. This Blueprint establishes a pathway for State and regional stakeholders to enable, value-add and diversify to meet new and emerging opportunities, addressing local challenges and delivering prosperity to all our people. The Blueprint has been developed by the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission with State and regional stakeholders. We thank them all for their input and continued ownership. The priorities and strategies within this document reflect the confidence and commitment of the people throughout the region to embrace a shared vision and create a future where: “In 2050, the Goldfields-Esperance region enjoys exceptional lifestyle opportunities and a prosperous, diverse economy built upon our skills, natural resources and rich cultural heritage.” Tony Crook Chair Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission Goldfields-Esperance Regional InvestmentBLUEPRINT | 3 Contents Appendices 3 Foreword 122 6.0 Regional and 210 Appendix 1: Global Influences Existing Plans and Strategies 6 Executive Summary 6.1 The Technological Age 6.2 Environmental Change 212 Appendix 2: Benchmarking and Resource Stress 16 Methodology 2.0 Regional and Local 6.3 Population Factors Characteristics 2.1 A Vast and Diverse Region 216 Appendix 3: 136 7.0 Capacity for Growth Local Government 2.2 Our People 7.1 Comparative Benchmarking 2.3 Regional Communities Advantages and Assets 2.4 World-Renowned 7.2 Core Challenges to Growth 218 Appendix 4: Biodiversity and Environment 7.3 Economic Competitiveness Acknowledgements 7.4 Economic Diversification 44 3.0 Regional Economic Profile 7.5 Growth Scenarios 219 Appendix 5: References 3.1 Economic Overview 3.2 Characteristics of 154 8.0 Regional Priorities 222 Appendix 6: Acronyms Regional Trade 8.1 Goldfields-Esperance @2050 and Beyond 3.3 Labour Market Features 8.2 Regional Priorities 3.4 Industry Profile 8.3 Enhancing Regional Living 8.4 Enabling Infrastructure 88 4.0 People, Community 8.5 Fostering an and Place Profile Innovative Economy 4.1 Workforce Development, Education and Training 202 9.0 Implementation and 4.2 Health, Wellbeing and Security Monitoring Framework 9.1 Blueprint Implementation 4.3 Housing and Land 9.2 Monitoring and 4.4 Regional Centres Evaluation framework 110 5.0 Regional Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities Profile 5.1 Movement and Connectivity 5.2 Energy and Utilities 4 | Goldfields-Esperance Regional InvestmentBLUEPRINT Figures Tables 7 Figure 1 Economic Highlights 109 Figure 24 State Planning 46 Table 1 Regional Average Strategy Regional Centres Economic Fundamentals and 7 Figure 2 Goldfields- Sustainability Scorecard Esperance Region Map 113 Figure 25 PortLink Inland Freight Corridor Development Plan 47 Table 2 Industry Share of 13 Figure 3 Regional Priorities Goldfields-Esperance GRP 120 Figure 26 Towns Serviced by Water 15 Figure 4 Department of Planning, Corporation, Goldfields-Esperance 50 Table 3 Goldfields-Esperance State Planning Framework Intra-Regional Trade 124 Figure 27 Main Types 17 Figure 5 Indigenous Status by of Online Work 51 Table 4 Business Counts by LGA, Goldfields-Esperance, 2011 Industry and Employment 129 Figure 28 Projected Agriculture 18 Figure 6 Goldfields-Esperance Imports by Commodity, World 53 Table 5 Regional Average Region, Western Australia Entrepreneurship and 131 Figure 29 Historical Population, Innovation Scorecard 22 Figure 7 Living in the Regions, Goldfields-Esperance, 1994-2014 Participation in Social, Cultural 63 Table 6 Jobs by Top Industries, and Sporting Activities, 131 Figure 30 Historic Population by Goldfields-Esperance Goldfields-Esperance LGA, Goldfields-Esperance 68 Table 7 Large Gold Mining 44 Figure 1 Economic Highlights 148 Figure 31 WA Tomorrow Operations, Goldfields-Esperance (2015), Population Forecasts 49 Figure 8 Regional Export Local Government Areas 89 Table 8 Regional Average Workforce Sectors by Percentage Participation and Skills Scorecard 152 Figure 32 Strategic Growth Themes 49 Figure 9 Regional Import for the Goldfields-Esperance Region 97 Table 9 Regional Average Sectors by Percentage Health and Community 153 Figure 33 Incentives to Attract Services Access Scorecard 54 Figure 10 Living in the Regions and Retain Population 2013, Business Survey, 114 Table