REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA MURRAY REGIONAL PLAN 2013 - 2016
1
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR It is my privilege to present the Regional Development Australia Murray Regional Plan. The Murray region spans three quarters of the length of the river after which it was named. The region’s diversity includes the alpine zone above Khancoban through to the dry-lands, from the grazing and cropping zones of the slopes and plains, and includes the highly productive irrigation areas from Corowa to Wentworth. In a direct line it spans nearly 700 kilometres and its geographic centre is the same distance from Sydney, whilst Wentworth is 1,100 kilometres from the state capital by road. This Regional Plan builds on the RDA Murray Committee’s previous work and now represents the most comprehensive view of the region’s potential for future development. Not surprisingly, the focus by the whole community is on health, education, agribusiness, forestry, transport and infrastructure. The common denominator is high speed broadband access in all its forms, and hence the opportunity for the whole community to make a quantum development leap. The Plan’s economic and social indicators are derived from a massive resource of data, consultations and engagements and will be invaluable in driving the region’s future diversification and strengths. The plan is essential reading for all levels of government, agencies, businesses and the wider community. I commend it to everyone.
Peter Crowe Chairman
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2
Executive Summary
4
Overview
5
Vision for the Region
7
Long Term Vision
8
Role of the RDA
9
Analysis of the Region
10
Population
10
Local Government
11
Construction
13
Health
14
Cross border & regional collaboration
17
Industry Base
18
Employment
22
Environmental
24
Education
27
Infrastructure
29
Regional Priorities
31
RDA Projects & Initiatives
33
Sources
36
Attachment 1—Regional Profile
38
Attachment 2 –Stakeholder Consultation & Partnerships
46
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the Chair
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The RDA Murray Regional Plan has been developed as a motivator in driving key regional development objectives in the Murray region. The committee identified seven key priorities, clustered into four major priorities:
Gaps in our skills base is a challenge and need for many of our smaller communities, with allied health professionals and specialists in high demand throughout the whole of the Murray region. There is diversified opportunities for growth, with labour specialisation across not just the traditional sectors of agriculture and manufacturing, but also retail trade and numerous service sectors.
Economic Industry & Smart Futures
When promoting the region as an economic power house, the message must be a unified cross-border region (Victoria and New South Wales economies).
Capacity for Growth
Environmental
In this context, the Murray comprises a 139,938 square kilometre area along the Murray River. With over $100 million worth of building and development projects completed in the region over the past year and an additional $352 million planned in the next 2 years, the Murray region is an attractive investment destination. It should be highlighted that private and corporate investment via consortia’s are major players in these developments.
Maintaining Balance
Social Sustaining Communities Health & Wellbeing
Integration
These were determined after consultation with established and new networks and partnerships that included business, industry, community, local government, educators, health services and our valued committee members.
Government funding is a contributor and often a catalyst in driving development projects. However, over the last 3 years, there has been a significant decrease of New South Wales regional development funding due to the tight budget constraints enforced by the sitting state government. In comparison, the Victorian Government and some of their local government economic development operatives, are actively encouraging NSW Murray industries to relocate with funding incentives that are unable to be matched by the New South Wales Government.
The consultation process was framed around a Regional Profile of four key determinates of long term regional economic growth: 1) Human Capital 2) Sustainable Growth & Population 3) Access to International, National & Regional Markets and 4) Comparative Analysis & Business Competitiveness.
The Independent Local Government Review Panel’s ‘Future Directions’ Report (NSW), contained the potential for mergers of councils in regional centres, inclusive of the Murray and Riverina to establish a network of multipurpose county councils to carry out specific functions that will have a regional focus.
The findings and key data scoped from this process highlighted the strengths, challenges, needs and opportunities of the Murray region.
If implemented, this significant structural adjustment will be a challenge in the short term, but a strength in the long term.
In particular, transport and infrastructure upgrade of roads, rail, bridges and air services was a challenge, need and opportunity for the survival of our food processing, manufacturing, agribusiness and forestry plantations.
It is envisaged this reform will strengthen local government leadership, improve funding resources, enhance the opportunities to build human capital and establish economic development clusters that will support the wider community and industries.
The region has strong accessibility to major consumer markets — Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide their respective shipping ports. However, if transport infrastructure maintenance and upgrades are not included in annual State and Commonwealth funding budgets, the emergence of new businesses and the retention of existing ones reliant on freighting of products, will dissipate along with employment levels.
RDA Murray will continue to work actively and in partnership with Local Government, to promote and support economic development and community activities, as identified in their respective Economic and Community Strategic Plans.
Linking the region Providing Leadership
4
Overview Gross Regional Product (GRP)
The Murray region is situated along the Murray River. The region is known for its agriculture and food sector having both rich alluvial soil and leveraging the irrigation opportunities presented by the Murray River. The region produces approximately one third of NSW’s grapes, a quarter of its citrus and over half of Australia’s rice crop. The region is also home to the third largest vegetable growing area in NSW. Livestock is important to the region as well as having a strong presence in manufacturing and retail.
The GRP of the region’s economy was estimated at $18.2 billion in 2011-12, equating to annual growth of 0.4% from 2010-11 (4.2% over the last five years). The region’s growth is below NSW and Victorian averages.
GRP($B)
The Murray region provides a rich lifestyle for its residents, with affordable housing, picturesque landscapes and close proximity to major cities. The Murray River not only assists the agricultural industry, it also enhances the aesthetics of the area, and boosts the recreational and tourism industries by supporting a range of activities. The region’s location provides strategic and economic advantages. The eastern and central parts of the region are just three hours from Melbourne (by road). Albury has the advantage of being on the Hume Highway - the main transport route between Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, creating opportunities in transport and distribution. The western fringes of the region benefit from good connections to Adelaide. As a result of good access to Melbourne, Adelaide and other major regional centres, the Murray region is experiencing strong growth and pressure for tourism and lifestyle development.
5.0%
$18.0
4.5%
$16.0
4.0%
$14.0
3.5%
$12.0
3.0%
$10.0
2.5%
$8.0
2.0%
$6.0
1.5%
$4.0
1.0%
$2.0
0.5%
$0.0
0.0% 2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Murray Region
Murray Region Annual Growth
NSW Annual Growth
Victoria Annual Growth
Murray Region Indicative GRP and Growth [NSW and Victoria Growth 2006-07 to 2010-11] - Source AEC Group Limited
The Murray region covers 13 local government areas (LGA) comprising:
Population Projections
Balranald Conargo Deniliquin Jerilderie Tumbarumba Wakool
The region is expected to record positive population growth over the next two decades, attracting more than 41,000 new residents (or 12.8% growth from 2011) and reaching an estimated 361,262 residents by 2031. This growth is anticipated to support investment in the local economy through residential development and greater provision of retail, personal, community and recreational services. 400,000
3.0%
350,000
2.5%
300,000
2.0%
250,000
1.5%
200,000
1.0%
150,000
0.5%
100,000
0.0%
50,000
-0.5%
0
-1.0% 2011 Murray Region
2016
NSW Avg Annual Growth
2021
2026 2031 Murray Region Avg Annual Growth Victoria Avg Annual Growth
Population Projections—Murray Region (NSW and Victoria) - Source AEC Group Limited
5
Growth (%)
Population (No)
Albury Berrigan Corowa Greater Hume Murray Urana Wentworth
$20.0
Growth (%)
The region’s annual GRP growth rates have fluctuated over the past six years, ranging between 0.2% (2008-09) and 1.6% (2010-11). The region’s growth rates have remained consistently below the corresponding NSW and Victorian state averages.
Average Wages by Industry
Challenges
The estimated average weekly wages in the region are significantly below that of NSW average weekly wage levels (17.8%). This disparity in wage levels is evident across all industries, with differences most prominent in the information media and financial services sectors. The relatively low wage levels in the region equates to more affordable labour for business, offering a lower cost base for local businesses in the region compared to the remainder of NSW.
Community/Social Retention of youth
Ageing population
Energy saving & implementation of initiatives (rising power bills & how to tackle it)
Infrastructure Transport & infrastructure enhancements
Possible re-alignment of councils
Broadband Access
Business Diversity in the workforce & embracing new technology
Tourism development
Decline in manufacturing
Regional Business Promotion
Sustainability Murray Darling Basin Plan implementation/Environmental Regulation
Needs Infrastructure Better public transport
Access to energy/gas
More rail/under-utilised rail
Single industry communities
Telecommunications & broadband
Infrastructure Upgrades
Environmental Water uncertainty/drought/flood
Loss of agricultural land
Reduction in land capacity
Political Cross border issues
Sydney centric focus for government services
Lack of regional focus Low resourced councils
Political relevance
Lack of good economic development officers
Capacity & sustainability for small LGAs
State Federal understanding
Average Weekly Wage by Industry—Murray Region & NSW - Source AECGroup
Community Reduce Vulnerable small towns
Strengths
Range of skills taught/Further resources to education
Facilities Towns
Industries
Military Installations
Universities
Technical Colleges
Schools
Medical Facilities
Cultural Institutions
Resources Irrigation & Opportunistic Agriculture
Secure water for residential & industry
Diverse Agribusiness
Access to Markets
Irrigation
Air, Road and Rail Infrastructure
Retain local knowledge & skill due to loss of population Ageing population & loss of youth
More support of small business
Address Skills shortages
Promote business ties
Promote succession planning - leadership
Opportunities Energy
Grain cropping
Strong manufacturing and processing facilities Stable workplace
Land availability
Qualified trade and professional workers
Rail infrastructure Intermodal development
Plantation forests Native forests
Highly skilled teachers and medical professionals Excellent legal, financial and IT services Major industries
Inclusion
Leadership courses for community leaders
Mineral, sands, coal and gas
Military installation
Lifestyle
Available serviced industrial land
Diversity of crops
Education & partnerships
RDA Youth Committee
Flexible available workforce
Food Bowl
Community capacity
Business
Exporters
Major cities and towns
Indigenous enterprises
Collaborative/public/private partnerships
Small & home based business assistance
Local food processing Business infrastructure – collaborative approach
Horticulture
Access to water
Energy Industry – Solar, wind, bio-fuels
Transport Community/Social
Education The river, forests, wet lands & ecotourism
Diversity of land use
Niche marketing
Environmental credentials
Clean green reputation
Small business clusters
Ethereal Qualities
Tourism
National parks and forests
Inexpensive housing
The Murray River Experience
Lifestyle experience
Plentiful Sporting facilities Strong cultural institutions
Recreation Resilient communities
Diverse natural resources – Alpine to Savannah Organisations/service providers regionally Drought preparedness
River crossings/Bridge upgrades
Agricultural sustainability Water saving
Irrigation infrastructure upgrade
Farming/forestry/plantations
Research and development access
Government
Lakes and watercourses Clean green enviro-management Strong employment
Low crime rate
6
Strategic vision 20, 30 & 40 years for the region
Funding new projects
Urban planning
Focus on region along major access roads
Vision Murray regional communities that feel empowered, informed and encouraged to be prosperous, vibrant, excited by their potential and optimistic for their future.
Mission To develop and strengthen the Murray region by working in partnership with government and our communities to foster innovative solutions to economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusion of all members of the community.
Values Leadership Perseverance Respect Resourcefulness Accountability Responsiveness Innovation Equality Integrity
VISION FOR THE REGION 7
Long Term Vision To support the Murray’s long term growth and quality of life, the State and Commonwealth governments must undertake real strategies that ensure transport infrastructure is safe and supports existing projected uses, such as Murray River Crossing bridge upgrades and replacements. In particular, building works of the Echuca-Moama replacement bridge must commence immediately, to support the long term vision of the Murray and Campaspe local governments economic growth strategies. The long term management of the entire Murray bridges must take into account, improved mass limits linking major highways to accommodate large haulage vehicles. Strengthening of both strategic and regional road networks, rail corridors and airports to support all levels of freight traffic is essential in attracting businesses to establish and stay in the Murray.
The Murray region will work collaboratively utilizing the cluster of cross-border and cross-regional TAFE’s, Universities and not for profit service providers, willing to partner with business, community and local government to facilitate access to high quality Research and Development and extension services. The demonstration of this collaboration maybe the catalyst for both state and commonwealth governments to allocate funding streams for targeted R&D projects to counter the Murray Darling Basin implementation effects: “The vision of a healthy working Basin cannot be achieved by governments alone. Local knowledge must join with scientific experience to create targeted, flexible and effective solutions to the complex problems facing the basin. In other words, the vision will only be achieved by taking a localism approach.” With the successful roll-out of the NBN in the coming years, it will enable major diversification of business opportunities to efficiently deliver e-health; e-education; e-commerce and e-services. TAFE’s and Universities can take advantage of more online education models with greater personal interaction. The development of multiple level campuses/precincts throughout the region is a real opportunity to educate our youth locally and not lose them to capital cities. The advent of e-health services will save lives, save money, reduce travel times for patients. In some cases patients’ travel times to major centres and capital cities can take up to 7 hours by road. The retention of people in our smaller communities will stabilize and possibly increase due to the confidence of care and service via e-health implementation. Expansion of Age Care Services — the long term driver is not the building of age care facilities, but delivering preventative health and well-being initiatives to enable the ageing population sector to live in their homes and remain in the workforce longer. To enable this initiative, a whole of government approach must be developed and funded. The education, health and business sectors would work collaboratively to deliver the health and well-being culture.
Significant new investments in agribusiness and manufacturing will grow with the uptake of new innovative technology and energy savings initiatives — industries to benefit will include (but not limited to) grain, wool, processed foods, wood, pulp and paper, organic horticulture, pet food, wine, quarry, dairy, livestock, fruit and vegetable products and bio-fuel production. A regional culture in innovation and diversification will be created to establish the Murray as a recognized region that embraces change agents. This will involve creating existing regional economic and technology opportunities via education forums and workshops targeted to industry and business. These learnings will provide a regional process for promulgating best practice and innovation in agribusiness, wine and food technology, environmental engineering, natural resource management and information communications technology.
“Communities already exist. Instead, think about how you can help that community do what it wants to do.” Mark Zuckerberg Founder & CEO Facebook 8
ROLE OF THE RDA
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, state, territory and local governments to develop and strengthen the regional communities of Australia. It has a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Australia’s regions. RDA will work with all sectors of the community, including women, young people, Indigenous Australians and people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
enable all communities to provide input to governments about the strengths and weaknesses of regional Australia. RDA’s Charter contains five (5) roles and responsibilities: 1. Consultation and Engagement with the Community 2. Informed Regional Planning 3. Whole of Government Activities 4. Promotion of Government Programs 5. Community and Economic Development
What is RDA Murray? RDA Murray is a non-profit community-based organisation RDA Murray comprises of committee members representing the region’s communities, businesses and local government
A key focus of RDA will be on the economic, social and environmental issues affecting regional communities. RDA will be an important contributor to and driver of: regional business growth plans and strategies, which will help support economic development , the creation of new jobs, skills development and business investment environmental solutions, which will support ongoing sustainability and the management of climate change (including the impact of drought, flood or bushfires), and social inclusion strategies, which will bring together and support all members of the community. RDA, in consultation with the community, business, non profit organisations and all tiers of government, will articulate local priorities, identify and align resources, engage stakeholders and promote solutions. In doing this, RDA will support the growth and development of regional communities across Australia. RDA will support, promote and disseminate information on government policy initiatives for the benefit of local communities. To this end, RDA Committees and Chairs will have a strong understanding of federal, state and local government policies and initiatives, and the ways in which local communities can engage with them. RDA will take a leadership role in bringing together organisations to take advantage of government programs, policies and initiatives. RDA will be an effective conduit between governments and regional communities. It will
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RDA Murray has a broad and diverse skills base and has demonstrated networks and alliances RDA reduces duplication and overlap in regional activities RDA Murray encourages working collaboratively with stakeholders on projects and other activities where all parties have common interests and common boundaries. Further information about RDA Murray can be sourced from its website rdamurray.org.au. The website is constantly updated with relevant and useful information for the communities that RDA Murray serves.
The role of RDA Murray & the Regional Plan The RDA Murray Regional Plan is devised as a motivator in driving key regional development priorities in the Murray region for the term 2013– 2016. The intention of the Plan is to document RDA Murray’s assessment of the current and long term issues facing the Murray and the scoping of its’ strengths, challenges, needs and opportunities to identify the key priorities. These priorities are resultant of extensive consultation with the community, local, state & Commonwealth governments, business, industry and stakeholder groups. Ultimately, it will assist our stakeholders and economic and community practitioners to easily identify and embrace the roles and key functions of RDA Murray, enabling development and implementation of regional programs and funding streams.
ANALYSIS OF THE REGION Population Population Growth/Decline Areas within the region have experienced strong population growth as well as there being areas with declining population. Areas, particularly in the Western half of the region, have experienced population decline. This decline is shared with many other parts of Western NSW as these communities are facing ongoing issues from recent weather conditions, changes to rural industries, as well as outward migration of younger generations. The overall Murray region has experienced population growth of 2.3% since 2001, recording a resident population of just over 320,000 in 2011. Annual population peaked in 2006 at 1.1%, with the region’s population having remained relatively stable thereafter. Population growth is closely linked with economic and employment growth as new residents attract increased activity and expenditure to the region. The expansion of the local population over the past decade has supported the growth of the vibrant regional economy.
NSW 2021 Plan (Page 10)
Under the NSW 2021 Plan, the NSW Government intends to work with regional communities, businesses and local government to achieve steady and strategic growth in the regions with the view to increasing the population in regional NSW by 470,000 by 2036.
Ageing Population Australia’s population is ageing. This presents both challenges and opportunities that will lead to changes for individuals and communities. This significant demographic shift will affect the way services are delivered; the design of homes, cities and towns; the planning of transport and the development of the workforce. The number of people living in NSW aged 65 years and over will increase from just one million people in 2012 to 2.3 million in 2050. As at 30 June 2010, approximately 36% of the rural population was aged 65 and over. Local councils and communities will need to respond to the ageing population. Some communities will have a much higher proportion of older residents. Older people will need accessible environments and community plans focused on increasing social connection. Long term community planning will need to incorporate these needs. Population ageing is creating social and economic opportunities and challenges. The growing number of healthy, active seniors is a powerful economic force. Older people are a source of knowledge and expertise that can assist social and economic development, and there will be significant opportunities for business with increases in demand for new products. At the same time, there will be the need to respond to increased demand on government services, particularly in the health system. Population aged 65 years and over Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics - Population by Age & Sex, Australian States and Territories
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Local Government On 1 May 2013, delegates from the eighteen Member Councils of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) discussed the proposals set out in the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s “Future Directions” Report.
2.
The Panel’s preferred options (“Future Directions for NSW Local Government”) include amalgamate Albury and Greater Hume to strengthen the regional centre
The report contained significant proposals for structural reform of local government in New South Wales, including the potential for mergers of councils in Sydney and around some regional centres, together with proposals to establish a network of multi-purpose county councils to carry out specific functions that will have a regional focus. During May and June 2013, the Panel visited 29 regional cities and towns and eight locations in the Sydney metropolitan area and held workshops with groups of councils and conducted community hearings.
amalgamate Berrigan, Corowa, Jerilderie and Urana configure a multi-purpose county council for the grouping, based at Albury 3.
The council workshops enabled locally elected representatives and council staff to seek clarification, express opinions and help crystallise the Panel’s thinking around their proposals to strengthen local government in NSW. Future Directions paper - proposed council grouping options As part of the consultation process, information on the proposed regional groupings set out in the Future Directions paper was prepared to inform of the Panel’s deliberations and outline the stage three consultations with councils. The information was based on NSW Treasury Corporation’s (TCorp) report findings and other available data and information to provide an indication of how the proposed groupings are placed and the challenges ahead. The profiles have been made available to councils for their consideration to assist in any discussions on future options, and in their submissions to the Panel.
Riverina Councils - consideration of a new structural arrangement for the existing LGAs of Wagga Wagga, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Junee, Lockhart, Temora, Tumbarumba and Tumut. The Panel’s preferred options (“Future Directions for NSW Local Government”) are merging Wagga Wagga and Lockhart merging Junee, Temora, Coolamon and Cootamundra merging Tumut, Gundagai and Tumbarumba Alternatively, configure the grouping in a multi-purpose county council.
The Panel will submit its final report to the NSW Government in September 2013.
The proposed groupings that affect the Murray region are as follows: 1.
Upper Murray Councils - consideration of a new structural arrangement for the existing LGAs of Albury, Berrigan, Corowa, Greater Hume, Jerilderie and Urana.
Local Government Area
Estimated Resident Population
Albury
2011 49,467
2012 49,645
Balranald
2,361
Berrigan
178
-0.5
-11
8,282
8,318
0.4
36
Conargo
1,585
1,576
-0.6
-9
Corowa
11,302
11,355
0.5
53 21
7,317
7,338
0.3
10,039
10,099
0.6
60
Jerilderie
1,534
1,521
-0.8
-13
Murray
7,159
7,284
1.7
125
Tumbarumba
3,440
3,471
0.9
31
Urana
1,180
1,174
-0.5
-6
Wakool
4,080
4,038
-1.0
-42
6,787
6,767
-0.3
-20
116,544
116,948
Wentworth TOTAL
merge Conargo and Murray councils with Deniliquin to strengthen the regional centre
No.
2,350
Greater Hume
The Panel’s preferred options (“Future Directions for NSW Local Government”) are
% 0.4
Deniliquin
Lower Murray Councils - consideration of a new structural arrangement for the existing LGAs of Balranald, Conargo, Deniliquin, Murray, Wakool and Wentworth.
Change
Regional Population Growth Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (CAT 3218.0)
consider merging Wakool with the consolidated Deniliquin group excise the Northern regions of Wentworth and Balranald and transfer to proposed Western Region Authority configure Lower Balranald as a Local Board Create a new LGA from Lower Wentworth All members of the group to be included as a regional county council, based around Denilquin
11
Albury
Balranald
Berrigan
Conargo
Corowa
Deniliquin
Greater Hume
Jerilderie
M urray
Tumbarumba
Urana
Wakool
Wentworth
N SW
Murray Region GRP by LGA
Agriculture, forestry & fishing
0.1%
44.4%
30.4%
90.7%
17.4%
5.5%
28.1%
32.1%
23.3%
18.3%
68.1%
42.9%
23.2%
1.5%
Mining
0.0%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.1%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
2.9%
3.2%
Manufacturing
9.9%
3.1%
5.5%
0.5%
22.0%
6.6%
9.2%
1.9%
10.6%
14.6%
1.3%
3.7%
11.3%
7.7%
Electricity, gas, water & waste services
1.2%
2.9%
3.3%
0.0%
1.2%
6.4%
1.2%
1.8%
1.4%
13.5%
0.0%
3.7%
5.2%
2.6%
Construction
6.6%
3.9%
4.5%
0.9%
4.2%
5.5%
9.8%
3.9%
4.9%
4.5%
1.0%
3.7%
4.1%
4.9%
Wholesale trade
3.4%
1.9%
2.5%
0.6%
3.1%
3.0%
1.4%
0.7%
2.1%
1.0%
1.5%
2.2%
3.5%
4.5%
Retail trade
7.4%
3.0%
4.8%
0.6%
5.4%
7.4%
4.1%
2.9%
31.0%
5.6%
0.5%
3.5%
2.8%
4.1%
Accommodation & food services
4.3%
4.4%
6.5%
0.9%
77.0%
3.5%
2.5%
1.3%
13.1%
3.3%
1.0%
7.0%
4.6%
2.9%
Transport, postal & warehousing
3.4%
3.3%
4.8%
0.9%
4.0%
3.3%
4.2%
2.3%
3.7%
3.5%
9.1%
3.7%
5.5%
4.7%
Information media & telecommunications
3.8%
1.4%
1.3%
0.0%
0.5%
2.2%
1.1%
0.0%
0.9%
0.9%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
4.0%
13.7%
5.2%
3.8%
0.0%
5.0%
14.1%
6.2%
3.6%
0.2%
4.9%
0.0%
3.0%
2.8%
14.1%
Rental, hiring & real estate services
2.8%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
1.9%
1.9%
0.3%
0.7%
1.0%
1.6%
0.8%
1.4%
1.4%
2.5%
Professional, scientific & technical services
5.4%
1.2%
2.6%
0.0%
3.1%
5.0%
3.7%
1.4%
1.9%
2.3%
0.3%
1.9%
1.8%
7.4%
Administrative & support services
2.4%
1.3%
1.2%
0.0%
2.0%
1.8%
1.5%
0.5%
1.5%
1.7%
0.8%
1.3%
4.0%
2.9%
Public administration & safety
7.4%
5.0%
2.9%
0.7%
2.8%
6.2%
4.2%
5.0%
3.6%
6.7%
4.0%
3.2%
6.5%
4.4%
Education & training
6.1%
5.8%
5.1%
2.2%
3.6%
6.2%
7.4%
2.2%
3.9%
4.4%
4.1%
5.0%
5.6%
4.4%
12.3%
5.7%
8.7%
0.0%
5.8%
12.8%
5.8%
3.9%
5.7%
5.6%
3.7%
3.7%
6.1%
6.0%
Arts & recreation services
1.3%
2.0%
1.9%
0.0%
1.6%
0.7%
0.5%
1.8%
9.1%
1.4%
1.1%
3.1%
2.4%
0.9%
Other services
3.3%
2.0%
3.6%
0.0%
2.4%
3.2%
3.0%
2.1%
1.3%
1.5%
0.3%
2.3%
1.7%
1.8%
Ownership of dwellings
5.2%
3.6%
5.4%
1.9%
6.2%
4.5%
5.5%
2.1%
8.6%
4.2%
2.3%
4.0%
4.6%
Industry
Financial & insurance services
Health care & social assistance
8.0%
Gross Sector Value Add ($'M) Taxes Less Subsidies ($'M)
$ 3,263.4 $ 272.2
$ 141.8 $ 11.9
$ 399.8 $ 34.5
$ $
69.9 6.0
$ 626.2 $ 54.7
$ 478.1 $ 39.9
$ 455.0 $ 40.9
$ 114.7 $ 9.7
$ 290.8 $ 25.1
$ 204.0 $ 18.8
$ 108.6 $ 9.1
$ 250.4 $ 21.4
$ 370.6 $ 42.5
$ 421,252.1 $ 34,020.9
Gross Regional Product ($'M)
$ 3,535.6
$ 153.7
$ 434.3
$
75.9
$ 680.9
$ 518.0
$ 495.9
$ 124.4
$ 315.8
$ 222.7
$ 117.7
$ 271.8
$ 413.0
$ 455,273.0
Murray Region GVA by Industry by LGA in NSW (2011-12) Source: AEC group
The 13 Murray Local Government Areas Albury City www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Jerilderie Shire www.jerilderie.nsw.gov.au
Balranald Shire Council www.balranald.nsw.gov.au
Murray Shire Council www.murray.nsw.gov.au
Berrigan Shire Council www.berriganshire.nsw.gov.au
Tumbarumba Shire Council www.tumbashire.nsw.gov.au
Conargo Shire Council www.conargo.nsw.gov.au
Urana Shire Council www.urana.nsw.gov.au
Corowa Shire Council www.corowa.nsw.gov.au
Wakool Shire Council www.wakool.nsw.gov.au
Deniliquin Shire Council www.deniliquin.nsw.gov.au
Wentworth Shire Council www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au
Greater Hume Shire Council www.greaterhume.nsw.gov.au
12
Construction
Building Approvals More than $350 million of new residential dwellings were approved during the year ending December 2012 in the region, with the average value of each new residential dwelling approval equating to around $245,000. The local housing supply is dominated by residential houses accounting for more than 98% of new residential dwelling approvals.
Housing & Property Market The Murray region offers affordable housing to its residents as indicated by the relatively lower medium dwelling prices in the region. The region’s median dwelling price for the September quarter 2012 was approximately $200,000, around 60% lower than the NSW average and almost half of the corresponding Victorian average. However, with averages wages in the region only 82.5% of the NSW and 85.5% of the Victorian average, this presents quite affordable housing. Region Murray Region New South Wales Victoria
Number of Dwelling Units Total other Total Houses 1,414
1,459
Total residential
residential
building
building $
351.8
$
6.4
$
Major Building Projects The region has recorded significant investment in recent years with projects totalling over $100 million completed in the Murray region (both sides of the border) over the past 12 months. There is an additional $353 million worth of major projects currently in the pipeline. These future projects will continue to enhance the overall ambience and amenity of the region, making it more attractive and liveable for existing and new potential residents. Additionally, these projects are likely to expand on the employment land supply as well as provide key services to the local population.
8.0
7.0 6.0
Median Multiple
45
Total other Total Houses
These figures are reflective of the growing population base and are supportive of construction activity (a key industry for the region) going forward.
The relative housing affordability strength of the Murray region (compared to NSW and Victoria) is best reflected in the median multiple measure of housing affordability, which is calculated by dividing an area’s median house price by its average annual household wage. The region recorded a median multiple value of 3.2 in 2012, significantly lower than NSW (6.1) and Victoria (4.8) multiple housing averages. Meaning housing is between 1.5 to 2 times more affordable in the region compared to NSW and Victoria more generally.
5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0
0.0 NSW
building
Murray Region Building Approvals & Values, year ending 31 December 2012 Source: AECgroup (2013)
Median House Prices - Murray Region, NSW & Victoria Source: AECgroup (2013)
Murray Region
Total residential
residential building
Median House Price $ 200,641 $ 492,050 $ 398,500
Value of Approval ($M)
Victoria
Housing Affordability 2012 Source: AECgroup (2013)
Good housing affordability contributes to the region’s greater quality of life. More affordable housing means residents can afford both larger and better quality homes and means paying off the average house is less stressful in the region than in NSW and Victoria. Also, through more affordable housing, residents have higher disposable income, to help boost the region’s economic activity and vibrancy.
13
358.2
Health The region is covered by the Murrumbidgee and Far West Local Health Districts and Albury Wodonga Health. The public health system in Albury and surrounds is maintained by Albury Wodonga Health, a Victorian public health service. This major regional health service supports an outer catchment population of 320,000 and covers North East Victoria and Southern NSW.
Health Services The Standing Council of Health advises that rural and remote health services are more dependent on primary health care services, particularly those provided by General Practitioners. Facilities are generally smaller, provide a broad range of services (including community and aged care), have less infrastructure and locally available specialist services, and provide services to a more dispersed population. These characteristics usually create some unique challenges for health services delivery. However, they also provide opportunities for innovation. Rural and remote services can benefit from innovative approaches such as multi-disciplinary care, using new technologies in the diagnosis and care of patients, and training and expanding scopes of practice for doctors, nurses and other health care workers. The many and varied services provided through rural and remote facilities enables their communities to host interesting, professionally satisfying and meaningful jobs. Such innovations have contributed towards improvements in access to health services and the quality of care for many rural and remote residents. In addition, the integrated nature of rural and remote health services places them in a particularly strong position to pursue, and benefit from, the primary care agenda of the current national health care reforms. It is widely recognised that further reforms and improvements are still necessary. Health service planning and delivery has traditionally been developed in the context of metropolitan settings. This has resulted in service models and models of care that are better designed to meet the needs of larger cities and towns, than those of rural, regional and remote communities.
Rural & Remote Hospitals The Standing Council of Health outlines that hospital services are an essential component of a contemporary health care system and are particularly important for people who live in rural and remote settings. Achieving more equitable access to hospital services is a very significant issue for rural communities. Not only do rural patients require access to local hospital services, but they also require planned and predictable access to the more specialised and tertiary type hospital services that are only provided at some major regional locations and in metropolitan centres. Equity of access for country people must be measured not only by the ratio of hospital beds and facilities available but also by:
the standards of safety and quality of rural and remote hospital services the alignment of services provided with local needs availability and sustainability of an appropriately trained and skilled workforce the existence of planned and effective systems to provide safe and predictable access to hospital services at local, regional and metropolitan centres as required. For more rural and remote communities, equitable access is restricted by: the frequent need to travel great distances to access basic health services the difficulties involved in accessing more specialised services in regional and metropolitan centres including travel, accommodation, and financial, family and employment related impacts the limited availability of private hospital and related health care services in many parts of rural Australia and the consequent lack of choice for country people
Impact of rurality on health status The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that health outcomes, as exemplified by higher rates of death, tend to be poorer outside major cities. The main contributors to higher death rates in regional and remote areas are coronary heart disease, other circulatory diseases, motor vehicle accidents and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These higher death rates may relate to differences in access to services, risk factors and the regional/remote environment. Clear differences exist in health service usage between areas. There are, for example, lower rates of some hospital surgical procedures, lower rates of GP consultation and generally higher rates of hospital admission in regional and remote areas than in major cities. There are also interregional differences in risk factors; for example, people from regional and remote areas tend to be more likely than their major cities counterparts to smoke and drink alcohol in harmful or hazardous quantities. It is also likely that environmental issues such as more physically dangerous occupations and factors associated with driving (e.g. long distances, greater speed, isolation, animals on roads and so on) play a part in elevating accident rates and related injury death in country areas.
14
However, it is not currently possible to apportion the generally poorer health outcomes outside major cities to access, environment or risk factor issues. It is likely that each of these three play a part.
Melbourne other than in the ACT. Integration of Albury and Wodonga’s public health services has been seen as a logical step to achieving a number of benefits for the residents of the Murray region, including
Higher death rates and poorer health outcomes outside major cities, especially in remote areas, also reflects the higher proportion of the populations in those areas who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. NSW Health notes that overall, death rates for Indigenous people tend to be much higher than for non-Indigenous people for a number of reasons.
an improved model of health care ready access to one of the largest health services between Sydney and Melbourne improved continuity of care and more equitable access to service types for the whole community regardless of their residential location more effective health service delivery better training opportunities for clinical staff greater recognition and visibility of the combined health service, leading to improved recruitment and retention of the health workforce greater “critical mass” assisting in attracting a greater range of specialist services to the region provision of a strong foundation for service growth to match population growth in the region
200% higher for diabetes 70% higher for cardiovascular diseases 100% higher for chronic respiratory diseases 60% higher for injury and poisoning
Mental Health The prevalence of mental health conditions in rural and remote Australia has been estimated as equivalent to levels in major cities. However, rural Australians face greater challenges as a result of such conditions, due both to the difficulty of accessing the support needed for mental illness and to the greater visibility attached to mental health in a smaller community. Natural disasters such as droughts, floods, bushfire and pest infestations also contribute to mental illnesses and have a very direct impact on the income and wellbeing for rural Australians. Australia’s rural community has proven its resilience through many trials and disasters and deserves at least the same level of health service support available in the rest of the country.
AWH provides comprehensive and growing health services spanning the primary, sub-acute and acute needs of regional residents. With its significant increase in size, the future is expected to see the health services provided to the Murray region by AWH exponentially expand. The organisation is already planning new initiatives to improve cancer and cardiology services and further development of mental health services across North East Victoria and Southern NSW. Current developments include: expansion of the Renal Dialysis department by 50% a new Endoscopy Unit an expanded and enhanced Emergency Department at Wodonga planning is well underway for the Regional Integrated Cancer Centre to be completed by 2015 a PET Scanner—a new diagnostic service to be installed in 2013
Cross Border Health Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) is unique. It is the first cross border public health service to exist in Australia. Under an inter-governmental agreement between the NSW and Victorian governments, the Albury Base Hospital and Wodonga Regional Health Service merged to create one of the largest regional health services between Sydney and
Cross Regional Health Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) was established to operate public hospital and health institutions and provide health services to communities within its geographical area. MLHD’s primary purpose is to provide relief to sick and injured people through the provision of care and treatments; and promote, protect and maintain the health of the community The NSW State Plan identifies two key goals for NSW health services: keeping people healthy and out of hospital providing world class services with timely access and effective infrastructure
Albury Wodonga Health Catchment
15
Priorities identified for all LHDs in NSW are to focus on patient centred care, effective administration of services, greater local decision making and enhanced clinician and community engagement. The Murrumbidgee Local Health District is 15,562 square kilometres in area and encompasses 29 local government areas in the Central South of NSW - Berrigan, Bland, Boorowa, Carrathool, Conargo, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Corowa, Deniliquin, Greater Hume, Griffith, Gundagai, Harden, Hay, Jerilderie, Junee, Lachlan (part), Leeton, Lockhart, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Temora, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Urana, Wagga Wagga, Wakool and Young and also includes providing services to the Albury City population.
To complement these services, there is also a High Dependency Unit which supports a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, which was recently licensed to enable the performance of interventional cardiac procedures. This will enable non-acute cardiology to be carried out in the region rather than the need for patients to travel to capital cities. The Murray Valley Private Hospital is a uniquely designed hospital offering services such as: inpatient and day patient rehabilitation day chemotherapy inpatient oncology radiation oncology sleep disorder studies
List of facilities that form part of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Source: Murrumbidgee LHD
occupational therapy
For more information about the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and its Strategic Plan for 2012-2015, please refer to the website mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au.
physiotherapy aqua-physiotherapy motel style accommodation for patients and carers
Private Health Facilities Albury Wodonga and Murray Valley Private Hospitals are among the top regional private hospital facilities in Australia offering a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services. Both hospitals provide quality, supportive health care services for their patients ensuring that they have a positive experience and successful outcome of care.
onsite medical consultation suites
The two hospitals provide services to a catchment area of over 300,000 extending from North East Victoria through to the South East region of NSW. In recognition of their commitment to excellence in quality patient care and customer service, both hospitals are fully accredited under ISO9001:2008 and conform to the requirements of the Core Standards for Safety and Quality in Healthcare (2007). Albury Wodonga Private Hospital is a 96 bed surgical, medical and psychiatric facility offering both inpatient and day patient services.
16
Cross border & regional collaboration Cross Border RDA Murray sees to work collaboratively with both RDA Loddon Mallee and RDA Hume to ensure that communities that border each of these RDAs are able to overcome barriers to state regulations, services and other anomalies which may impede economic development, reduce service provision and lead to inconsistent planning or environmental decisions. Communities and the economy of border regions require these issues to be resolved. A broad process to identify and resolve issues, as well as specific planning initiatives for the Murray River corridor need to be implemented. Many of the critical cross border issues relate to transport infrastructure, regulation and health service provision and need to be addressed through collaboration between relevant local and state governments.
retail trading hours - cross border businesses are facing issues with adjoining jurisdictions that have more liberal trading periods. This is a particular issue for Moama bus driver authorities - the need for a common system of driver authorities for all bus drivers RDA Murray will maintain a close working relationship with the NSW Cross Border Commissioner to ensure that all anomalies faced by businesses and individuals throughout the Murray region are satisfactorily resolved.
RDA Murray will continue to collaborate with RDA Loddon Mallee to ensure that the urgently needed second bridge crossing in Echuca Moama is constructed.
Cross Region
NSW Cross Border Commissioner The NSW Cross Border Commissioner handed down his 2013 Business Plan to the NSW Government outlining the need for action to create more inclusive border communities. The Commissioner, in consultation with affected border communities, has identified many cross border issues that require attention and ultimately resolution. Issues include, but not limited to :
RDA Murray has a strong and enduring relationship with RDA Riverina. Both RDA Riverina and Murray continue to ensure that the activities outlined in Sinclair Knight Merz’s report Scenario Planning for an Innovative Response to the Water Challenges in the Murray and Riverina regions come to fruition. Sinclair Knight Merz were engaged to conduct the study on how communities, businesses and industries could continue with less water, after a significant period of drought. The resultant report provided indicative, but objective and evidence based business cases for a short list of practical and sustainable business opportunities, which justify the provision of investment based on clear ongoing benefits to investors including net financial, economic, social and/or environmental benefits. RDA Murray has, and will continue to provide support to cross regional funding submissions that will have flow on benefits for the Murray region. Successful funding submission that RDA Murray has supported include the Bomen Intermodal Facility in Wagga Wagga.
ambulance services - impediments to accessing health transport across borders, including crossborder ambulance services on the NSW/Victorian borders payroll tax - border businesses need help unravelling their payroll tax liabilities within Victoria and NSW, followed by workers compensation requirements the responsible service of alcohol - the need for a common national system of training and certification for the responsible service of alcohol. This is a particular issue for NSW/Victorian border communities
17
Industry Base The Murray region’s economy is well diversified, with the regional centres providing the commercial and administrative support for the more rural agriculturallybased economies. The region has clear strengths in the agriculture and manufacturing industries with the two sectors jointly accounting for approximately 30% of total Industry Gross Value Add (GVA) in the region for 2011-12. Much of the manufacturing in the region is associated with the agricultural industry, with food product manufacturing forming a large portion of the sector. Other industries contributing to the region’s local economy include, health care and social assistance (8.7%), financial services (6.8%), retail trade (6.7%) and construction (6.7%), which diversify the local economic base.
Agriculture, forestry & fishing Manufacturing Health care & social assistance Financial & insurance services Retail trade Construction Public administration & safety Education & training Professional, scientific & technical… Transport, postal & warehousing Wholesale trade Accommodation & food services Other services Electricity, gas, water & waste services Rental, hiring & real estate services Administrative & support services Information media &… Mining Arts and recreation services 0.0%
2006-07
2011-12
5.0% 10.0% 15.0% Industry Contribution to GVA (%)
20.0%
Percent Industry Contribution to Total GVA - Murray region 2006-07 and 2011-12 Source: AEC group
The overall economic structure of the region’s local economy has changed slightly since 2006-07. During the six years to 2011-12, the share of agriculture, professional, scientific and technical services and health care sectors has increased.
Manufacturing enjoys the benefits of location. Midway to the major markets of Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide, the region has main transport routes linking directly to 80% of Australia’s population.
There are obvious sub-regional distinctions between various economic activities. The Western part of the region has a strong emphasis on fruit, nut, vegetable and wine production. Whereas, the central part of the region has some of the most significant irrigated agriculture districts and a strong food processing sector. In the Eastern region, manufacturing is the largest employer. The following industry profiles confirm the current status supporting the fabric of our region’s economy.
Agribusiness The agricultural industry provides over 12% of employment and economic activity for the region. Fertile lands produce milk, fruit, vegetables, cereal crops, livestock and wine. Irrigation water from the Murray River is a fundamental resource which keeps the region’s economy vibrant and produces food for domestic and export markets.
Manufacturing & Engineering Provisions of high infrastructure into the region include natural gas, potable water, telecommunications and high voltage power. A stable workforce of semi skilled labour and professional business support services ensures manufacturing businesses receive ongoing support and can grow their potential. The availability of affordable serviced industrial land makes the decision to establish profitable manufacturing operations a reality. The region is a major player in the food manufacturing industry as a result of its proximity to agricultural products. When combining agriculture and food manufacturing, it accounts for 29.1% of total Industry GVA in the region, making the area an agricultural and food powerhouse. Breakfast cereals, pet food, tomato, vegetable, orange and cheese processing, bio fuel and canola oil refining, beef processing, softwoods timber and pork production are all significant value adding agricultural industries that draw on produce grown in the region.
The region is the prime location of choice for hundreds of companies in manufacturing. In fact, manufacturing employs the third largest workforce (11.6%) across the region. The manufacturing sector supports a range of complementary businesses including engineering companies that specialise in manufacturing, packaging, transport, logistics and warehousing.
Agriculture draws on a range of complementary agribusinesses that specialise in agronomy, farm supplies, machinery and livestock sales, engineering, food manufacturing, pulp and paper packaging, transport, logistics and warehousing. The region boasts affordable land, fertile soils, a temperate climate, irrigation infrastructure, a good workforce and corresponding rail and road transport which supports agribusiness and food processing investments.
18
Agriculture Industry Action Plan
the Victorian rail freight system (whilst in NSW, it is controlled by Victoria). The land in this area is in various ownerships and has broadly developed into an intermodal facility since the reopening of the railway line between Strathmerton and Tocumwal in the mid 1990s.
Agriculture is a key component of the NSW Government’s economy. Over the long term, agriculture is presented with a challenging backdrop of economic, environmental and social pressures to maintain viability. An important aspect of agricultural sustainability is the wise use of valued resources. A key initiative to promote agricultural sustainability, which has been led by the Office of Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security, is a new ten year strategic plan - the Agriculture Industry Action Plan (IAP) for NSW, developed by a partnership of industry and government to develop the agriculture sector of NSW.
It has been become clear through work related to the proposed inland rail project, that the tonnages and product range presently moving the Tocumwal Intermodal facility are in fact the most significant on the route and in effect provide the backbone to the entire freight load. Berrigan Shire Council has actively engaged with stakeholders to expand the volume of freight passing through the facility and are actively encouraging investment in the infrastructure and the establishment of further value adding industries that are dependent upon a cost effective freight logistics system, to bring expanded economic benefits to the region.
The Agriculture Industry Action Plan Taskforce (established in April 2013) has now released an Issues Paper which outlines the challenges and opportunities for the agriculture sector in NSW over the next ten years. The taskforce brings together leading agriculture thinkers from key beef, sheep, cropping and rural service sectors. Anyone with an interest in our agriculture sector is invited to read and comment on the Issues Paper, with comments structured around the key areas outlined in the paper: productivity, profitability and innovation workforce and skills business and regulatory investment and ownership markets and export connecting with community http://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/consultations/ agriculture-industry-action-plan-for-nsw/?date=2013-0613
Tocumwal Intermodal Group Courtesy: Berrigan Shire Council
A significantly proportion of freight is transferred to the Port of Melbourne - Australasia’s largest container and general cargo port. The port handles around 2.6 million containers annually (equivalent to around 27% of Australia’s container trade), 13% of the world’s trade in manufactured dairy products, 30 tonnes of coffee beans per day (equivalent to around three million cups of coffee daily) and has a total trade value of approximately AUD$80 billion.
The NSW Government clearly highlights that the Industry Action Plans are being developed within a tight fiscal environment where there are budgetary pressures for both the Government and Industry. Therefore, the IAPs are not expected to commit industry or the NSW Government to the injection of large amounts of additional funding.
Transport & Warehousing
Exports of containerised agricultural commodities increased by 18.2% in 2012 and accounted for over 60% of the growth in this sector. In particular, the crop based commodities in wheat, barley, rice and cotton all recorded double digit
Albury is the traditional transport hub and changeover point on the Hume Highway. In recent times the importance of the region for transport, warehousing and logistics has grown significantly. The region is the base for two of Australia largest interstate carriers and with recent expansions in the manufacturing sector, this growth looks set to continue.
growth in 2011-12.
The Ettamogah Rail Hub is regarded as a leading edge transport facility for Eastern Australia and has increased its capacity to handle over 200,000 tonnes of freight annually. Located on the Melbourne-Sydney rail line, the Hub offers exceptional access to the eastern seaboard, essentially linking freight from the region to almost any part of Eastern Australia. The Hub’s aim is to reinvigorate regional rail by introducing new technology and providing a professional and reliable service to clientele. The Tocumwal Intermodal facility is a key transport asset that provides a competitive advantage to users through cost advantages and direct Melbourne port access. The onsite container terminal is the second largest container terminal in
19
Mining
Coal Seam Gas
There are several mining sites throughout the Murray region.
At the request of the NSW Government, the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer is conducting a review of coal seam gas (CSG) related activities in NSW, with a focus on the impacts of these activities on human health and the environment.
The Campaspe & Atlas Deposits Bemax Resources Limited commenced exploration in the Murray Basin in 1997 and soon had success in the Pooncarie region with the discovery of mineral sand deposits. By 2005, the Ginkgo Mine became the first commercial mining operation in the Basin and was the first mine to be rolled out of Bemax’s Murray Basin development program. The mine contains 5.8 million tonnes of heavy mineral, including Zircon, Ilemnite and Rutile. The Ginkgo mine is located approximately 100 kilometres from Mildura and has a life span of six to seven years.
The Chief Scientist and Engineer is to 1. undertake a comprehensive study of industry compliance involving site visits and well inspections. The Chief Scientist’s work will be informed by compliance audits undertaken by regulatory offices, such as the Environment Protection Authority and other government agencies
Bemax’s Snapper Mine is located ten kilometres from the Ginkgo Mine Snapper is an even richer mine containing an overall higher tonnage and greater percentages of both Rutile and Zircon. The life span of this deposit is approximately ten to twelve years.
2. identify and assess any gaps in the identification and management of risk arising from CSG exploration, assessment and production, particularly as they relate to human health, the environment and water catchments 3. identify best practice in relation to the management of CSG or similar unconventional gas projects in close proximity to residential properties and urban areas and consider appropriate ways to manage the interface between residences and CSG activity
The Campaspe project is located in the North Eastern extents of Willandra East, approximately 140 kilometres North East of Wentworth and 270 kilometres South East of Broken Hill. The Atlas project is approximately ten kilometres South of the Campaspe deposit. Both projects are expected to be operational by mid 2014 and have a life span of seven to eight years. Despite the mines’ location, it is encouraging to note that Bemax has been drawing most of its personnel from within the Murray region.
4. explain how the characteristics of the NSW CSG industry compare with the industry nationally and internationally 5. inspect and monitor current drilling activities including water extraction, hydraulic fracturing and aquifer protection techniques
West Balranald Deposit West Balranald was discovered in 2008. It is a high grade mineral sands deposit located in South West NSW approximately 12 kilometres from Balranald . The combined indicated and inferred resources at West Balranald contain 12.1 million tonnes of heavy mineral with an assemblage of
6. produce a series of information papers on specific elements of CSG operation and impact, to inform policy development and to assist with public understanding The Chief Scientist and Engineer will provide an initial report to the Premier and the Minister for Resources and Energy on findings and observations by July 2013.
Zircon—11.0% (1.3 million tonnes) Rutile—12.0% (1.45 million tonnes) Ilmenite—64.0%
Professional Services
The exploration license for the West Balranald deposit was granted to Iluka Resources on 18 February 2010. Iluka Resources advise that the deposit represents the single largest in-situ heavy mineral resource discovered in the Murray Basin by Iluka to date.
Business and industry across the region is supported by nationally recognised organisations that provide professional and business services. The domination of manufacturing, agriculture, retailing and construction industry sectors across the region provides an overwhelming demand for professional and business services to support all elements of business including finance, insurance, legal and all regulatory requirements. The professional and business service sector has in excess of 2,500 businesses offering finance and insurance, over 4,700 offering professional, scientific and technical services and over 3,400 offering administrative and support services. A combination of these business sectors reveals that the professional and business service sector is the third largest industry sector in the region. The delivery and calibre of skill provided by this sector demonstrates a high standard of service, an understanding of the local conditions and is equivalent in knowledge to the expertise of their city counterparts.
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Tourism
RDA Murray has partnered with Murray Regional Tourism Board, RDA Loddon Mallee and RDA Hume to develop a Regional Tourism Gap Analysis and Tourism Development Plan. The aim was to deliver a market focused analysis of the region’s tourism product offer, to enable the identification and prioritisation of investment opportunities in tourism facilities, products and services to grow visitation to the region. The Analysis will cover an array of tourism product offerings, but will have a detailed focus on nature based tourism.
6,000
10.0%
5,000
6.0%
4,000
2.0%
3,000
-2.0%
2,000
-6.0%
1,000
-10.0%
0
The Development Plan will provide the Murray Regional Tourism Board and key stakeholders with a clear direction for the future development of tourism within the region. The Plan will clearly identify product gaps and potential developments to assist local, state and federal governments in assessing opportunities into the future. In addition, the Plan will identify planning and regulatory issues requiring attention to allow future projects to proceed.
Growth (%)
Visitors ('000)
The region recorded 5.4 million visitors in 2012, equating to growth of 0.8% from 2011. The region has consistently attracted more than five million visitors annually. Growth was driven by the increase in the number of day trippers, with international visitation experiencing negative growth of 3.7%. The drop in international visitation is possibly associated with the strong Australian dollar making Australia a relatively more expensive tourist destination.
The key tourism opportunities within the Murray are seen as follows:
-14.0% 2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
investment in and around national parks and reserves including improvement to basic infrastructure and new visitor experiences and facilities invest and enhance golf infrastructure and complimentary facilities at existing courses - club houses, dining and accommodation invest and strengthen tourism facilities at wineries and other food producers - local product retail, cellar doors invest in heritage sites for improved visitor experience and interpretation and promotion of secondary heritage product encourage and develop quality dining at key tourist destinations and regional centres, with a focus on providing opportunities for riverfront dining strengthen the Indigenous experience through new and improved infrastructure development of large and iconic festivals and events, particularly at key accommodation nodes, that have synergies with the product strengths of the region and the destination development of conference infrastructure diversify the accommodation base across the region need for more self contained apartments, higher quality backpackers, high quality branded accommodation at primary tourism nodes
2012
Domestic Overnight
Daytrip
International Visitors
Domestic Overnight Growth
Daytrip Growth
International Growth
Total Murray Region Visitation by Tourist Type - 2006 to 2012 Source: AEG group
The region is primarily a holiday and leisure market with more than half of total tourists visiting the area for this reason. The natural beauty of the region is a key driver with the Murray River a major attraction.
Origin of International Visitors to the Murray Region Source: Murray Regional Tourism Board
A significant proportion of visitor expenditure is likely to be spent on retail, accommodation and food service businesses, thus boosting these small scale businesses in the region. Visitors spent an estimated $900 million in the region - an average of $124 per night. Visitors stayed, on average, 3.3 nights in the region - up by 0.2 nights on year ending December 2011. The region had 5,237 short term accommodation rooms available across 181 establishments in 2012. Over the year, 954,733 room nights were spent in the region, which equated to an occupancy rate of 50%. Takings from the year totalled $103.9 million, with an average daily rate of $108.80. Revenue per available room for the region averaged $54.30 during 2012.
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Employment
Industry Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Mining Manufacturing Electricity, Gase, Water & Waste Services Construction Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Accommodation & Food Services Transport, Postal & Warehousing Information Media & Telecommunications Financial & Insurance Services Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Administrative & Support Services Public Administration & Safety Education 7 Training Health Care & Social Assistance Arts & Recreation Services Other Services Total
Labour Force The Murray region’s labour force exceeded 196,000 during the December Quarter 2012, representing an average annual increase of almost 2% since the December Quarter 2011. The region recorded relatively stronger growth than NSW (1.2%) during the same period. Unemployment rates in the region declined slightly over the past year to 5.7% in the December Quarter 2012. Although the region’s unemployment rate continues to remain above the NSW and Victoria levels, it still presents an opportunity in the region to leverage an accessible labour force, with a higher ratio of readily available employees in the area, compared to NSW and Victoria. The greater drop in the unemployment rate in the region also suggests that the area is starting to utilise this available labour to support broader economic growth.
Murray Region 12.3% 0.5% 11.6% 1.1% 7.7% 0.3% 11.8% 7.3% 4.4% 0.8% 1.7% 0.9% 3.3% 2.4% 6.6% 7.7% 12.3% 1.0% 3.7% 134,900
NSW 2.3% 1.0% 8.7% 1.1% 7.5% 4.6% 10.6% 6.9% 5.1% 2.4% 5.2% 1.7% 8.1% 3.4% 6.1% 8.1% 11.9% 1.5% 3.8% 3,111,540
Victoria 2.3% 0.3% 11.0% 1.1% 8.4% 4.6% 11.1% 6.2% 4.8% 0.2% 4.3% 1.4% 8.0% 3.4% 5.5% 8.2% 11.9% 1.8% 3.7% 2,515,814
Employment by Industry, Murray Region, NSW & Victoria Source: ABS - 2011 Census
Skill Shortages & Business Migration The ongoing issue in regional areas is the shortage of skilled workers. These shortages are mostly applicable to the following sectors: health, education, agriculture and manufacturing. Employers in the Murray region find it difficult to fill these shortages. The ageing population and the relocation of youth to metropolitan areas have contributed to these skilled shortages. In addition to this, many of these vacancies are filled temporarily with workers relocating back to capital cities, due to a lack of settlement services. Examples of skill shortages in local government areas:
Labour Force Characteristics - Murray Region NSW & Victoria 2008 - 2012 Source: DEEWR (2013)
Albury City
Technicians and trade workers, professionals, sales workers, managers, clerical and administrative workers, labourers, machinery operators, drivers, community and personal service workers
Conargo
Skilled agricultural workers
Corowa
Doctors and other medical professionals, truck drivers, farming (dairy and pig), aged care, health/building inspectors, welders, hospitality and social workers
Murray
Medical professionals and allied medical health professionals
Deniliquin
Technicians/Trade Workers, Professionals and Labourers
Jerilderie
Town Planners, Health Professionals, Engineers, Builders
Urana
Medical Professionals, Trade Workers
Balranald
Engineers, Trade Workers, Medical Professionals
Berrigan
Medical Professionals, Trade Workers, Engineers
Employment by Industry The region has a large and experienced labour pool in key industries, which can be potentially leveraged by both new and existing businesses. The agricultural sector is the largest employer in the region and accounts for a significantly higher proportion of total employment than NSW and Victoria, highlighting its strength and importance for the region. The health care, retail trade and manufacturing sectors are also major employers in the region, with their contribution to total employment also exceeding the NSW and Victorian averages.
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One of the key driving forces in filling these skilled vacancies is regional settlement services for migrants. RDA Murray engages with skilled migrants and has identified their need for professional employment training and language skills assistance. Prevention of social isolation is a key factor in retaining skilled workers in regional and remote locations. Over time, regional employers have experienced first hand, migrants relocating to metropolitan areas in search of more social connections. Provision of a Settlement Service facility to offer face to face basic information to skilled migrants will enable retention of skilled professionals in the Murray.
demonstrate AUD$5 million is readily available for transfer sign a declaration to invest this money in complying investments commit to spending 160 days in Australia for the duration of the Provisional Visa intend to live in the nominating state/territory there are no age limits, points tests or language requirements
Settlement service providers will act as a link between new arrivals and existing migrants thereby establishing new ties in the region and creating peer groups.
NSW nomination applications are processed in five working days. NSW supports migrant investors and will drive and support SIV by: developing a communication strategy and improved online systems linking investors to business and investment opportunities in Sydney and regional NSW offering business information on the NSW NOW website (now.nsw.gov.au) providing lifestyle information - the Living in NSW booklet provides information on education, real estate and health care
Significant Investor Visa
ongoing stakeholder engagement
On 24 November 2013, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) commenced a new stream of Business Innovation and Investment visas, namely the Significant Investor Visa (SIV). The purpose of the SIV for Australia is to attract foreign investment attract migrant business and investment skills develop links with international markets The key requirements of SIV are: make and hold complying investments of at least AUD $5 million for four years be nominated by a State or Territory government the funds used to make the investment have been lawfully acquired meet health, character and national security checks New South Wales is one of the first Australian states to offer a ready-to-go designated investment vehicle for overseas investors looking to secure the new Significant Investor Visa. Applicants are nominated by a state or territory and then approved by DIAC. The requirements for SIV in NSW are simple. The applicant must invest a minimum of AUD$1.5 million in NSW Waratah Bonds. All other requirements are basic Commonwealth requirements, such as:
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Environmental The Murray region sits wholly within the Murray Darling Basin, Australia’s largest river catchment basin. Australia’s three longest rivers run through the region - the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Darling. All have important cultural, economic and environmental significance.
and potentially international importance. Not only is it a major environmental project, it will also involve infrastructure works, reconfiguration of an extensive water delivery system and protection of important environmental assets for the long term, as well as funding for Indigenous and local community project components in the Hay, Balranald and Wakool council areas.
The Murray River is known for its significant cultural heritage, as well as its role in sustaining one of the most important agricultural areas. In addition to the three rivers, there are a number of other waterways and water bodies wholly within or flowing through region, such as the Edward and Wakool Rivers, the Great Anabranch of the Darling River, Billabong Creek and the Mulwala Creek.
The project will also deliver social and economic outcomes for communities in the Murrumbidgee. It includes development of a stock and domestic water supply to support dryland farming, and projects to assist local government and communities including funding $530,000 for a community development co-ordinator in the Hay Shire and $100,000 for a Nimmie-Caira module in the Balranald Community Interpretive Centre.
The region has a diverse range of landscapes from the foothills of the Great Dividing Range supporting intensive forestry in the East, to vast floodplains with Riverina Red Gum forests and wetlands and highly regulated irrigation areas through to the flat, semi-arid environment of the West.
The project forms part of the Australian Government’s commitment to provide up to $708 million, subject to due diligence, to the NSW Government to implement a suite of programs as part of the NSW State Priority Projects.
The region also has some of Australia’s most significant natural and cultural assets including the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. This area contains over ten national parks including Yanga National Park and Mallee Cliffs National Park.
Nimmie-Caira Enhanced Environmental Water Delivery An agreement was reached on a significant water saving project in the Nimmie-Caira area of the Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain announced on 4 July 2013 by Federal Minister for the Environment Mark Butler and NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson. Facts about the Nimmie-Caira project The Nimmie-Caira area consists of 84,417 hectares and is located in the lower reaches of the Murrumbidgee River floodplain in NSW, East of the township of Balranald.
The Australian Government agreed to provide $180 million to NSW to purchase the land and water entitlements from 11 property owners in the Nimmie-Caira area, and for NSW to undertake extensive infrastructure works and develop long term land management arrangements.
the business case presented by NSW identified around 32,000 hectares of water dependent vegetation in the Nimmie-Caira, including red gum and black box communities and sensitive lignum wetlands. The business case also highlighted potential to restore cleared land and floodways to reconnect and reintegrate areas of water dependent vegetation
Minister for Environment Mark Butler said, under the Agreement, water entitlements currently used for flood irrigation will be transferred to the Commonwealth for environmental use, making a significant contribution towards ‘bridging the gap’ to the sustainable diversion limits under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
the average long term yield from the Nimmie-Caira water entitlement is 173,000 megalitres. Of this, it is estimated that some 40,400 megalitres on average has already been benefitting the environmental assets of the Nimmie-Caira
The project will provide 381,000 megalitres of Murrumbidgee supplementary (Lowbidgee) water entitlements that will benefit wetlands and floodways of the Lowbidgee floodplain and beyond, delivering a long-term average of 173,000 megalitres of water to the environment each year. It will reduce the need for the purchase of water entitlements from other areas in the Murrumbidgee Valley that include extensive permanent plantings and irrigation infrastructure.
trade of supplementary water entitlements is limited and unused entitlements cannot be carried-over into future years in the Murrumbidgee Valley. They are accessible only when flows exceed downstream regulated requirements and only in specified reaches of the river where those flows are occurring. In NSW, diversions of water accounted against a supplementary entitlement is allowed during times where natural inflows may result in dams overflowing or there are high tributary inflows into regulated rivers downstream of major dams.
Investment in the Nimmie-Caira area will provide lasting benefits to what is the largest remaining area of wetland in the Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain. The Nimmie-Caira project will provide an opportunity to protect and restore the extensive wetland and floodway ecosystems of the Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain that are of local, national
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(such as to the associated supply chain, agricultural processing, and freight and transport business) and social impacts (such as on social services and community wellbeing).
the Nimmie-Caira project will be implemented by the NSW Office of Water, in consultation with the Commonwealth, and with local landowners and stakeholders including Balranald, Hay and Wakool Shire Councils
Communities that have been identified as being more likely to experience significant changes include:
project funding is subject to formulation of a schedule setting out the milestones and conditions against which project funding will be provided
smaller towns in the Murray which could be affected by reductions in rice production the central and Western parts of the Murrumbidgee region which are highly reliant on irrigated horticulture and rice production, and already struggling with the continuing impacts of the drought and low commodity prices
the NSW government will own the land until long term land management arrangements are agreed, that will protect and maintain the environmental and indigenous cultural assets of the Nimmie-Caira and integrate where possible with long term objectives for environmental watering in Yanga National Park
Given these potential effects, it is an absolute imperative that the implementation of the Plan is managed carefully. To aid the transition, the Authority has proposed a review point in 2015 where progress towards the SDLs will be assessed. Central to this review will be consideration of how revised river management arrangements and new environmental works and measures could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water management.
The Murray Darling Basin Plan The Basin Plan is now law and provides a framework for implementation, working with Basin states, Basin communities and key stakeholders in achieving a sustainable Basin System. Continued involvement from Basin communities during implementation to provide input and feedback will help the Murray Darling Basin Authority to adapt the approach to ensure the Basin can continue to support communities, the environment and industry.
The social, economic and environmental benefits and costs of the Plan will be determined not only by how water is allocated between the environment and consumptive uses (by the SDLs), the benefits and costs of the Plan will also be influenced by how water is managed - and improvements in water management has the potential to reduce the amount of water that needs to be reallocated.
The Plan sets sustainable diversion limits (SDLs) for each of the major water sources in the Basin, along with other Basinscale arrangements for environmental water, water quality and water trading. States are responsible for the detailed water planning and management within that framework, including making catchment resource plans, seasonal water allocations and issuing and managing water entitlements.
The vision of a healthy working Basin cannot be achieved by governments alone. Local knowledge must join with scientific experience to create targeted, flexible and effective solutions to the complex problems facing the Basin. In other words, the vision will only be achieved by taking a ‘localism’ approach.
The Plan will be implemented over the next seven years to allow time for Basin states, communities and the Commonwealth Government to work together to manage the changes required for a healthy working Basin.
Natural Resource Management Change is coming to natural resource management across the Murray Catchment with the establishment of Local Land Services and the development of the Murray Catchment Action Plan. Local Land Services is a new approach to delivering integrated natural resource, agricultural and biosecurity services throughout NSW. From January 2014, Local Land Services will deliver the services currently provided by Catchment Management Authorities, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities and agricultural advisory services currently provided by the Department of Primary Industries, making it easier for farmers and landowners to access:
Evidence has identified that some towns in the Basin may face more significant adjustment as a result of the Plan. These communities are regarded as more vulnerable because they are more sensitive to changes in water available for consumptive use, while being exposed to a greater degree of change and, in some cases, having a diminished capacity to adapt because of the Millennium Drought. The Murray Darling Basin Authority is well aware that while water entitlement holders will be paid for their water, should they decide to sell it during the water recovery process, other businesses and organisations in communities do not have similar opportunities to offset impacts on them. Changes in irrigated agricultural productive capacity could result in flow-on economic impacts
natural resource management, carbon farming, onground works and property vegetation planning agricultural advice, crop and pasture agronomy, livestock management, marketing and breeding animal and plant biosecurity, animal and plant health, livestock traceability, chemical residues, animal welfare and invasive species emergency and disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery
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The Murray Catchment Action Plan has considered the complex social, economic and environmental issues that shape our local landscapes. Its goals incorporate
sustainable management of native grass species under a new exemption; and eliminate the dual-consent problem by eliminating the need for a property vegetation plan where landholders have development consent
PEOPLE - to have viable, vibrant and culturally rich communities
The new regulation will be supported and implemented by Local Land Services and a rigorous ongoing compliance and enforcement regime will be put in place to prevent illegal clearing.
ENVIRONMENT - to support a healthy environment with connected ecosystems that are valued and respected PRODUCTION - to promote diverse and profitable local economies that are built on sustainable and adaptive businesses and production systems
The new regulation will be released by 1 September 2013 and become fully operational from the start of 2014 following a public exhibition of the self-assessable codes.
LOCAL DECISIONS - to foster empowered local communities
More information about this new regulation and to download the independent facilitator’s report, access NSW Environment & Heritage’s website environment.nsw.gov.au.
CLIMATE - to develop communities adapted to climate variability and long term climate change Partnerships will form the basis of implementing the Plan, with groups such as Landcare and producer groups, local government, schools, landholders, Aboriginal traditional owners and other government agencies.
Institute for Land, Water & Society The Institute is one of four Centres of Research Excellence within Charles Sturt University. Its principal focus is on integrated research which contributes to improved social and environmental sustainability in rural and regional areas.
The Plan will be regularly adapted to changing circumstances. A key element is ‘adaptive management’, an approach to planning that includes taking small steps and learning and adjusting as it goes forward.
The aim of the Institute is “to undertake internationally recognised and integrated research in social and environmental sustainability to enhance the livelihood of people in rural and regional areas.”
Native Vegetation Regulation On 14 June 2013, the NSW Government announced changes to the Native Vegetation Regulation. This follows the release of an independent report on native vegetation management, following extensive consultation with regional stakeholders.
The majority of the Institute’s researchers are environmental scientists, social researchers and economists, its members also include researchers working in and across the fields of eco-agriculture, communication, education, regional development, cultural heritage, tourism, modelling and the arts.
The new arrangements will: let farmers clear paddock trees, manage invasive native species and thin native vegetation using self-assessable codes, saving farmers time waiting for approval
Whilst most of the research focus is on inland Australia, and in particular, the Murray Darling Basin, the Institute’s researchers also work on international projects in developing countries where they are helping to improve people’s livelihoods and environmental outcomes. In recent years, the Institute’s research focus was redeveloped to concentrate on Strategic Research Areas where the Institute has the research expertise, breadth of knowledge and interest to tackle the challenges facing rural and regional communities. The Institute undertakes research across a range of topics including biodiversity, climate change, energy use, natural resource management, sustainable water use, regional development, rural social issues, Indigenous business and cultural heritage. The Institute also provides support for researchers, access to the Institute’s research capacity, and help disseminate members’ research findings.
deliver faster and simpler assessment of property vegetation plans through a revised Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology adopt a state-wide list of invasive native species allowing a common sense and equitable approach to management stop the deterioration of native pastures, allowing the
The Institute has well established partnerships with State and Commonwealth Government departments and agencies and is an important contributor to policy making and management decisions needed to ensure a sustainable future. With over 200 members, the Institute is well positioned to address the critical natural resource management, biodiversity and social issues faced by Australia and other nations. RDA Murray is partnering with the Institute and is a member of the Institute’s Advisory Board.
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Education There are a diverse range of tertiary educational facilities located throughout the Murray region including (but not limited to):
Charles Sturt University (CSU) and La Trobe University have formed a partnership to merge their respective regional medical school proposals to form a joint multi-campus Murray Darling Basin Medical School serving Basin communities in regional NSW and Victoria.
Charles Sturt University (Albury) La Trobe University (Wodonga & Mildura)
The new Medical School proposal builds on, and enhances the innovative foundations laid by CSU over the last two years. The two universities have recommitted to a six year undergraduate medical program with entry preference for students from rural, regional, remote and Indigenous backgrounds, and a rurally specific curriculum designed to encourage a larger number of graduates to consider rural GP and proceduralist practice as a career. Both CSU and La Trobe have reconfirmed their fundamental commitment to inter-professional learning for medical, nursing, dental and allied health students as a distinctive and important feature of the program - a capacity that can only be genuinely delivered by regionally based universities.
TAFE NSW Riverina Institute (five campuses within the region) Wodonga TAFE Sunraysia TAFE (Mildura) National Environment Centre (Albury) University of NSW Rural Clinical School (Albury) The region has in excess of 70 government and private primary and secondary education facilities. As well as three specialist schools catering for children with special needs. Additionally there are alternate education offerings such as the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, the Yori Program and Multiple Pathways.
Using their established expertise in multi-campus delivery, the Murray Darling Medical School will be a genuinely multiregional medical school delivering a complete and integrated medical program in Orange, Wagga Wagga and Bendigo with a target of 60 commencing medical students on each campus. The program will utilise the existing resources across all the campuses, including the use of new health clinics in Albury Wodonga (completed), Bathurst (commenced construction) and Bendigo (completed) for inter -professional medical and health training.
The main tertiary providers in the Murray have developed strategic plans to take them forward. A common thread appears in all the strategic plans with the main objective of inspiring regional prosperity coming to the fore. Common threads include (but not limited to): lead, identify and innovate to maximise workforce capabilities for regional prosperity partner with individuals and organisations to deliver the best workforce development and student outcomes for regional communities
Educational profile of regional Australia
increase the number of partnerships with regional partners
There are significant differences in the educational profile of the workforce in state capital cities compared with regional areas. In capital cities, workers are more likely to have a post-graduate qualification (65% compared with 59%), with a significant gap in the proportion who have a bachelor degree or higher qualification (31% of works in capital cities compared with 18% in regional areas). Workers in regional Australia are more likely to hold a Certificate III or higher vocational qualification than those in capital cities (33% compared to 28%).
to meet the needs of regional communities, with an obligation to grow further this growth will give the ability to cater for students including mature aged students, career-change students, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and Indigenous students strengthen regional economic and community development, sustainability and inclusiveness improve the educational outcomes and lives of Indigenous, regional, rural and remote Australians encourage graduates from rural and regional areas to commence employment in the same area
Universities working together In the current economic climate, however, universities must also take into account that the capacity for the Commonwealth Government to make large scale investments is more limited and that universities have a responsibility to assist the Government and their respective communities to find more innovative models of delivery where this is possible and quality is not compromised.
Workforce Educational Profile by Location (% of locational total) Source: DEEWR Australian Jobs 2013
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Indigenous Education
Aboriginal land councils’ economic capacity and unlocking the Aboriginal owned land
Reflecting increase apparent school retention rates, the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over who had completed Year 12 increased from 18% in 2002 to 22% in 2008. (Australia wide).
building relationships with non-government employers to increase Aboriginal employment (industry based agreements)
Despite improvements in the rates of school completion within the Indigenous population, those aged 15-64 years were less likely than non-Indigenous Australians in the same age group to have completed school to Year 12 in 2008 (23% compared with 58%). They were also more likely to have left school at Year 9 or below (31% compared with 9%). In 2008, 23% of young Indigenous people aged 15-24 years had left school at Year 9 or below, compared with 4% of nonIndigenous young people in the same age group during 2008 -09.
developing the NSW Public Service Commission Aboriginal Employment Strategy; and coordinating government (LGA, Commonwealth and State) action to support Aboriginal economic development TAFE NSW Riverina Institute is committed to working with local Aboriginal communities to deliver the best possible training programs that lead to jobs for students and ultimately increasing economic development and sustainability that allows Aboriginal people to participate in the business sector and leads to increased employment opportunities.
Younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more likely than older people to have completed Year 12. The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people who had completed Year 12 ranged from 30% of those aged 25-34 years to 8% in the 55-64 years age group. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in major cities are more likely than those in regional or remote areas of Australia to have completed Year 12. In 2008, 29% of Indigenous people living in major cities had completed Year 12, compared with 20% in regional areas and 16% in remote areas. There is a strong commitment from the Commonwealth and State governments along with tertiary providers in the Murray to reducing disadvantage in education for Indigenous Australians.
Charles Sturt University engages in providing services to the Indigenous community. The Indigenous Student Services (ISS) has been in operation since 1991. ISS’s vision is to pursue all realistic opportunities that promote and enhance regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s access, participation and success in the tertiary education environment.
The Commonwealth’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy outlines four major goals involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in educational decision making equality of access to education services equity of educational participation
One of the key objectives of CSU’s Strategy for 2013-15, is to improve the education outcomes and lives for Indigenous, regional, rural and remote Australians by way of improvements in
equitable and appropriate educational outcomes The NSW Government Plan for Aboriginal Affairs (OCHRE) was launched in April 2013. OCHRE outlines new directions for Aboriginal affairs, based on a greater focus on education to drive generational change, higher standards of government accountability, healing and economic development.
proportion of Indigenous Australians and low socioeconomic status (SES) students graduates from rural and regional areas commencing employment in the same area
One of the draft goals of OCHRE is education to support economic development by way of culturally competent education and training pathways, especially in fields such as business, accounting, law, finance, management, commerce, and regional development and that lead to jobs or business development needed to achieve and maintain high rates of Aboriginal employment.
market share of students studying from CSU’s regional footprint contribution to regional employment and gross regional product scholarly and professional engagement successful research that influences and informs our communities, the professions and others
The key themes will focus on: connecting education to employment supporting the development of the Aboriginal Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector
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Infrastructure Infrastructure investment is a core regional issue. To grow employment and real incomes, regions must grow their capital stock. Lost investment opportunities mean lost employment and productivity growth, and as a consequence, lower per capita real income growth. Infrastructure investment is particularly important at the regional level because it is a catalyst, or driver, of private sector investment.
There are 30 road and/or rail bridges across the Murray River with approximately 100,000 vehicle crossings per day and 20 million tonnes of freight with the equivalent value of $29 billion crossing the river per annum. Many of the towns on the NSW side of the river are disadvantaged by low quality bridges as the majority of the infrastructure and markets are Melbourne focused. Issues, such as weight restrictions and the narrowness of some bridges, raises concerns about attracting industry to the region. Even though work has been done on improving bridges, a large proportion of bridges still need to be upgraded. Importantly, road infrastructure is the most critical means of transport in the region.
Industrial Land Affordable serviced industrial (employment) land is available across the region. Ranging from small factories and warehousing to large Greenfield sites, there is a location and price tag to suit business needs and investment requirements. Local industrial land values range considerably based on location, size and availability of existing services. However, local land values are considerably lower than those in Sydney and Melbourne. Unserviced land in some areas is extremely affordable, from $90,000 for large lots. Serviced industrial land in key centres can range considerably from $20 per square metre to over $100 per square metre. Commercial space in some areas is available for $600 per square metre to $800 per square metre. These prices are attractive as they provide a low cost base for local business expansion and investment attraction.
Rail (including High Speed) In conjunction with RDA Loddon Mallee, RDA Murray actively supports the planning and construction of the Murray Basin Transcontinental Rail Link between Mildura and Menindee connecting to the Sydney-Perth rail line. The project would include the standardisation of the Mildura rail line and construction of a rail bypass of Mildura. The Victorian Government has commissioned a study into future freight demand and infrastructure requirements for the Murray Basin which is expected to be completed later in 2013 and has included the project in its wish list to Infrastructure Australia. If the project is economically feasible, the new link would provide an important interstate connection for moving freight to port for export and help develop the export opportunities for mineral resources.
Transport An effective transport system is essential for the economic and social viability of communities in rural and regional NSW, enabling access to, and the distribution of, necessary goods and services. Regionally based businesses such as those that support the agricultural and mining sectors are significant contributors to the State’s economy and these sectors rely on effective transport connections to get their goods to market. Transport is critical in connecting people with vital education and health services and it plays an important role in social and recreational activities. In NSW, links between Sydney and major regional centres rely on a well maintained and efficient network of roads, rail and air services.
High Speed Rail (HSR) linking cities and regional centres along the east coast continues to garner interest from the media and the general public. Until recently, the HSR debate has been dominated by what HSR could do for capital cities. Regional Australia has been repeatedly neglected from this debate and the benefits have been ignored.
Transport and logistics are critical mechanisms of competitive advantage. With national transport companies and large intermodal rail hubs operating across the region, supply chain management and fast access to key markets provide business with superior performance.
Ensuring that the road system as a whole is in sound condition, and ensuring that rural and regional businesses have access to a modern and efficient road system is fundamental to NSW’s productivity and economic growth. Road connections need to be safe and serviceable, providing reliable access in all but the most exceptional weather events.
To better understand the potential benefits of HSR for regional Australia, the Australasian Railway Association commissioned a study to assess the economic and social impacts of HSR in regional NSW and Victoria. The study found that in today’s dollars, a 250 km/hr HSR network from Sydney to Melbourne will provide non work related benefits worth $5.1 billion per annum. These benefits include increased property values, transformational change through access to services and amenities, greater social connectedness, and the revitalisation of regional centres as places for employment and tourism.
Murray regional towns are strategically placed along or near Australia’s main north-south transport corridor, linking the region to populated markets and business economic centres. Albury is located on the Hume Highway, the main transport corridor between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. The east-west transport corridors connect with Adelaide.
As well as the social and economic benefits, HSR will provide short and long term work related benefits. In the short term, businesses will experience greater productivity through shorter travel times and in the longer term, businesses will be able to relocate to more affordable locations outside capital cities.
Roads
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Air Services
The region has many areas where telecommunication infrastructure is unreliable (for example, the Riverina Highway at Savernake) and therefore the region is well placed to demonstrate the clear benefits from the availability of faster and more geographically comprehensive internet access.
Commercial air services are only available to and from Albury and Mildura, although there are numerous smaller aerodromes and landing strips throughout the region. Albury Airport is the third busiest airport in regional NSW with more than 300,000 passengers travelling through the terminal per year. Daily services to Sydney and Melbourne are provided by Qantaslink, Regional Express and Virgin Australia. Brindabella Airlines ceased operating their Albury-Canberra service in June 2012.
Enhanced communications infrastructure presents the region’s businesses with an opportunity to grasp a long term advantage over their global competition and they are eagerly awaiting improved connectivity to enable them to grow their organisations.
In August 2012, Virgin Australia replaced its Embraer 190 jets with smaller, slower turbo prop planes on its Albury/ Sydney route. Albury City Council, whilst having an exemption, to allow the Embraers to land in Albury, needs to develop plans to widen the existing 1900 metre runway to allow larger planes to return to the city. Changes would including widening the existing runway from 30 to 45 metres, if there is increased demand by airlines to land larger planes. Demand for a wider runaway would see the airport outgrow its present location within 20 years.
The NBN has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives including home internet and telephone services in areas such as education, business, entertainment and access to online health services.
Rollout of the NBN for the region has not yet commenced. The NBN website highlights that Albury is currently designated to have work commence from December 2013 in phases with last work scheduled to commence in June 2014. No timeframes have been set for other areas throughout the region.
Mildura Airport is Victoria’s largest and busiest regional airport servicing 180,000 passengers per annum. A six hour road trip to Melbourne is reduced to 1½ hours by plane. Qantaslink, Regional Express and Virgin Australia offer daily services between Mildura and Melbourne.
Energy The region hosts a reliable network of power generators, transmission operators, distributors and retail suppliers in the electricity market. Electricity providers have invested in a robust network of transformers and provide a high voltage grid across the region, which accommodates for the energy requirements of communities and industry.
Challenges facing the regional aviation industry include rising costs associated with passenger and checked baggage screening requirements, higher fuel costs and maintaining regional airline access to Sydney Airport during peak times. As the population changes across the regions, consideration needs to be given to how aviation most effectively supports the task of connecting the regions to Sydney, what air connections should be given greatest priority and how air travel can most effectively support longer distance travel where patronage is likely to be relatively low.
The abundance of sunshine and the landscape of the region has seen the emergence of solar power technologies. Investment potential in solar power stations and infrastructure to harness solar will transform our future energy requirements.
Telecommunications including the NBN As a priority, the region requires fast, comprehensive and geographically guaranteed internet and mobile phone services. It is increasingly clear that a high speed, affordable communication network will enhance services and revolutionise the future development of business and the community. Access to such technology is particularly important in regional locations, where it can overcome the challenges of distance. Businesses in the Murray understand the value of doing business in the digital economy, however limited to unreliable access to mobile telecommunications and internet is hampering business in the region.
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Access to natural gas is limited throughout the region, with townships such as Albury, Finley and Moama having access, whereas other towns such as Deniliquin, Berrigan and Mathoura do not. Access to natural gas or other efficient energy solutions is considered to be a major decision factor when locating new industries or businesses to the region. Opportunities exist to address this gap where there is a strong business case to do so. The potential for mining of coal seam gas (CSG) is still under consideration. There remains growing concern about the potential of extraction on the aquifers or farmland around gas wells. The NSW Aboriginal Land Council has put forward an application for an exploration licence in the Corowa Shire. This application is being met with great resistance by residents. Please refer to page 21 for further information on CSG.
REGIONAL PRIORITIES Economic — Industry & Smart
Economic — Capacity for Growth
Futures
RDA Murray, in partnership with cross border RDA’s, Local, State and Commonwealth Governments, will support efforts in developing long term asset management of the Murray River Crossings.
RDA Murray will support organisations and government in developing existing and new industry investment. RDA Murray will work in partnership with organisations on Smart Futures initiatives in Information Communication Technologies, NBN, skills development, education and training;
RDA Murray will support the identification of regional infrastructure requirements and future funding options in partnership with whole of government and its’ stakeholders:
Initiatives to support business growth in agribusiness, processing and services
Future regional growth is dependent on having the right infrastructure in place, this includes roads, bridges, rail and utilities that will link city infrastructure services for industry, business and community. Local Governments within the Murray are facing recognized difficulties in funding the maintenance of existing infrastructure and securing the necessary capital funding for new infrastructure
Encouragement of emerging sectors in the region, including knowledge based services and advanced manufacturing and environmental services and technologies Development of industry clusters and networks in the region to build on new opportunities
Creating the foundations for growth also includes the reform of regulations which may impede growth. Despite intergovernmental processes and a focus on regulations and licensing which affect the labour force and occupational flexibility and impact on development opportunities
Attraction to new investment and new enterprises to the region, where this requires cross border and cross regions cooperation Knowledge industries — the identification of opportunities for growth in sectors that are knowledge intensive, provide sustainable employment , that can be physically based in the region
The Murray River crossings between New South Wales and Victoria are important for the movement of people and products and are part of the national transport system. Long term asset management by New South Wales, Victorian and Commonwealth governments in the planning for all bridge crossings is vital not only for national freight movements, but for local rural communities sustainability
Development of Skills that are required for growth in sectors that are knowledge intensive, provide sustainable employment, that can be physically based in the region Development of Skills that are required for growth including resolving skill shortages and skill gaps Education and Training — ensuring that the Murray region remains well serviced with higher education and vocational training capability Research and innovation — links between research institutes, universities and TAFE institutions and businesses in the region Strengthening of the ICT foundations, this includes ensuring regional broadband access and delivery of the National Broadband Network (NBN), supply chain linkages, e-commerce, e-health and online education initiatives To identify the mobile phone blackholes throughout the region
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Environmental — Maintaining
health services and aged care facilities particularly in smaller communities. Delivery of these services creates major challenges, as these sectors are reliant on government funding and hence ongoing funding pressures are impacting on delivery levels
Balance RDA Murray will review, research and work in partnership with whole of government and key stakeholders in addressing regional environmental issues including water, resource and energy management. With the fundamental importance of water resource management into the future, it must be a priority issue for the Murray. RDA Murray will ensure a region wide view can be put forward as the Commonwealth and State Governments implement the Murray Darling Basin Plan:
To support the quality of overall health services that will enable the attraction of new residents to the region Skill Shortage recognition of Doctors, Specialists, Registered Nurses and Pathologists
Support on-going Land and Water Management Planning
Support promotion in the attraction of Doctors, Specialists, Registered Nurses and Pathologists in conjunction with whole of government and health providers
Education — Improve science and knowledge base to better inform decisions
Continued support of the Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (Albury/Wodonga)
Integration — Linking the Region
Support the Murray Darling Basin Plan implementation and initiatives as funded and directed by the Commonwealth and State Governments
RDA Murray will lead on cross-border cooperation and solutions inclusive of economic, environmental and social investment:
Development and resourcing of energy renewable products
Regional cooperation — ensuring that there is cooperation among business, local government and the community on strategic region-wide issues that affect economic, environment and social development
Restoration and maintenance of environmental assets Address business, industry and community concerns on price of carbon pollution
Cross-border linkages — encourage engagement and linkages with Local Governments, RDA’s, education and health providers, industry and community organisations to deliver regional solutions
Social — Sustaining Communities RDA Murray will work with communities and local governments on the future of small communities and their links to larger centres when considering regional planning decisions: The retention and attraction of residents to the region
Support regional branding — Murray Now Ltd — a cross-border not for profit entity to unify the promotion of investment and job attraction
Recognition of the development pressures on small communities and the need to plan their future
Support cross-border and cross region tourism (Murray Regional Tourism Board)
Greater attention to the current and potential future connections between the larger cities and smaller satellite communities
Support the cross-border TAFE and University education pathways Support cross-sector and local governments Digital Economies Strategies
Support the delivery of the Homelessness Programs
Support the promotion and education of innovative social networking and on-line education initiatives
Develop a sense of community among residents Support the development of Cultural Heritage and Indigenous programs
Integration — Providing Leadership RDA Murray will deliver community leadership in sustainable development initiatives to support local government and communities, whilst also creating strategic support in mentoring the next generation of community and business leaders:
Support the development of Youth Retention Programs within communities
Social — Health & Wellbeing RDA Murray will take a region wide view of health issues and associated skill shortages to work with regional health services in indentifying funding options and services for the Murray Region:
Bring together recognized leaders from all sectors of the region — business, local government, services and community groups — to provide strategic leadership in sustainable economic and community development
Support the establishment of digital e-health rural and remote healthcare centres throughout the region Ageing Population — address the demand for both
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RDA PROJECTS & INITIATIVES The project will contribute to the reform agenda by better integrating the homelessness and mainstream service system. To achieve this, the project will provide interagency support to clients and allocate funding based on client needs identified in an interagency case management plan.
RDA Murray continues to support the delivery of projects to support the priorities identified in this regional plan, in delivering the Priority of Integration — Providing Leadership.
Homelessness Action Plan
The HAP program has exceeded the targeted number of clients supported during each financial year of operation. By the end of May 2013, a total of 278 clients had been assisted, (with the target being 280 by the end of June 2013). The program has also met its planned target of 40% Aboriginal clients, and it has taken on most clients in areas with the highest incidence of homelessness.
The NSW Homelessness Action Plan (HAP) - A Way Home: reducing homelessness in NSW, sets the direction for state wide reform of the homelessness service system to achieve better outcomes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Through the NSW HAP, the NSW Government will re-align existing effort, increasing the focus on the service system on prevention and long term accommodation and support. HAP establishes a series of priorities, strategies and actions to achieve the following three strategic directions: preventing homelessness to ensure that people never become homeless responding effectively to homelessness to ensure that people who are homeless receive effective responses so that they do not become entrenched in the system
Stakeholders have been very positive about the housing and wider benefits of the project for clients, with 93% of respondents to an online survey agreeing or mostly agreeing that clients were better able to sustain a tenancy and 95% stated that client wellbeing has improved as a result of participating in the HAP program. According to data collected by RDA Murray for all clients assisted until the end of June 2012, 80% of these clients have maintained their tenancy. As part of a survey conducted by ARTD Consultants, clients were interviewed and provided their feedback about the HAP program. The clients were positive about their experience with the program and reported a range of benefits, the main being their housing. Overall, the program was perceived as being instrumental in bringing them “back on track”.
breaking the cycle to ensure that people who have been homeless do not become homeless again The RDA Murray NSW HAP Program consists of: Early Intervention Brokerages - packages (moderate/ low needs) will be available to support case plans of at risk groups, managed by partner agencies and will allow for access to services that are otherwise unavailable through existing funds/infrastructure. Social Housing Intensive Support Packages Housing NSW will provide 30 social housing tenancies per annum for homeless people. These capital properties and/or leases will be located in Albury, Wagga and Griffith. 30 high needs brokerage packages will be available aimed at sustaining these tenancies.
The HAP program has brought together service providers to work together to provide results for their respective clients. The program has achieved more for clients than if participating organisations had been working alone. Identified success factors have included:
The target group for this service is “people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness”. This includes people who are in crisis and at imminent risk of becoming homeless
a collaborative model for working together, particularly through the coordination group meetings
people who are experiencing domestic violence and are at imminent risk of becoming homeless; and
a flexible client-centred approach
people who reside in the Riverina/Murray (encompassing the local government areas of Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Conargo, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Corowa, Deniliquin, Greater Hume, Griffith, Gundagai, Hay, Jerilderie, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Murray, Narrandera, Temora, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Urana, Wagga and Wakool)
organisational commitment and leadership
an effective coordination role by RDA Murray
Stakeholders have reported that the program has had a very positive impact on the service system, including increased knowledge of what other local service organisations offer, increased coordination and increased levels of trust between local providers.
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Another key impact of the HAP program has been the incidental education provided to services, in particular around legal matters, but also on other issues such as mental health. Stakeholders believe that having Aboriginal representatives participating in each local coordination group meeting has helped raise cultural awareness for organisations with working with Aboriginal clients.
Murray Valley Industry Park The Murray Valley Industry Park (MVIP) was established in partnership with RDA Murray, Deniliquin Council and Conargo Shire Council, on a 100 hectare irrigated property, located seven kilometres East of Deniliquin on Todd’s Road. The Park was formerly an Agricultural Field Station and has now been established as an agribusiness technology hub and community environmental learning centre and the home of the annual Deni Innovation Expo.
With the kind generosity of the NSW Department of Education, a surplus mobile classroom was acquired and placed on site. Funding was received from the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program for the Smart Board and through Club Grants and the Deniliquin RSL Club, RDA Murray was able to install a ramp for disabled access. Other local businesses have kindly assisted in the setting up of services and furnishings of the building. Broadband internet is available which can be linked to the Smart Board and access is available to individual laptop computers.
Clients assisted by location (March 2010 - June 2012) Source: ARTD Consultants
Within the overall target groups of high needs homeless clients and clients at risk of homelessness, Aboriginal clients were the only demographic group to be targeted. The HAP program aimed to have 40% Aboriginal clients, which the lead government agency and RDA Murray considered ambitious, given that only 8.9% of the homes in the Riverina Murray were Aboriginal according to the 2006 ‘Counting the Homeless Report’. But as shown in the table below, the project reached this target, with the proportion of Aboriginal clients growing from only 18% in the last quarter of 2009/10 to 40% in 2011/12 once the program was established.
The compound is surrounded by native tree belts and a sustainable garden has been developed to enhance the building.
Females made up 59% of all clients in 2011/12 and young people aged 16-24 years almost one quarter (24%).
Demographics of clients assisted (March 2010 - June 2012) Source: ARTD Consultants
Overall the HAP program has been very successful in assisting a high number of clients, in particular Aboriginal clients, that stakeholders felt would otherwise have not been supported. This is particularly true with the early intervention component that provided a new form of service, in line with the shift from crisis intervention to prevention promoted by the Going Home Staying Home reform. Local coordination groups have been another key success of the program, not only by contributing to better client outcomes, but also by supporting improved service systems through integrated case management. This type of platform has offered a practical example of good practice for the “no wrong door” and collaborative approach promoted by the Streamlined Access building block of the Going Home Staying Home reform.
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The Multi-purpose Community Environmental (MCE) Learning Centre and the MVIP is open to community agencies, agricultural and environmental educational programs and interest groups, workshops and is a meeting place to facilitate and enhance seminars, in a practical rural setting with a demonstration site. MVIP is a working property and is available to conduct agricultural trials and demonstrations. The addition of the MCE Learning Centre enhances the facility to become a showcase for the agricultural and environmentally conscious community.
NBN Readiness Project
the infrastructure and the retailers who will be delivering the service to end users or customers
A joint initiative between RDA Murray and RDA Riverina, the project engages a Project Coordinator on a part time basis to work with stakeholders and partners to deliver ‘information and awareness’ sessions in communities across the Riverina and Murray regions. The ‘information and awareness’ sessions contain the following presentations:
inform and educate business and community members of the opportunities that can be created with access to higher speed broadband and how that can assist their lives inform and educate business and community members about the applications, software and services that can be enabled with fast or higher broadband speeds
1. overview of NBN Co and the roll out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) fibre, fixed wireless and satellite in the Riverina and Murray regions 2. presentations from retailers, such as Telstra, Optus, Activ8 and Bordernet, explaining the role of the retailer and the broadband services that are currently available and those planned into the future 3. presentations and demonstrations of what faster broadband means for the end user (individual, business person, artist, tour operator, farmer, doctor and other professions)
The National Digital Economy Strategy has set down a vision and also identified eight goals to help measure the government’s progress towards the vision. All of these are significant to both RDA Riverina and RDA Murray, but the following have been a priority in the project: online participation by Australian householders greater digital engagement in regional Australia online engagement by Australian business and not-forprofit organisations The project will work with a number of stakeholders/project partners to ensure there is no duplication and also to capitalise on activities that may be planned in Education, Health, Business, Tourism, Arts, Agriculture and Local Government, to reach a range of audiences across both the Riverina and Murray regions.
improved health and aged care expanded online education
Project Aims - To educate and inform communities about the applications and uses of access to higher/faster speed broadband. Project Objectives - Through a series of interactive information sessions, the following objectives have been activated: inform community members about the infrastructure that NBN Co will be putting in place and how the technology works inform business and community members across the Riverina and Murray regions about the planned roll out of the NBN fibre, fixed wireless and satellite and the proposed timelines for the rollout in various communities educate business and community members about the relationship between NBN Co as the entity delivering
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ABS (2011). Population by Age & Sex, Australian States & Territories, June 2011. Cat. No. 3201.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra ABS (2012). Employment by Industry. 2011 Census. Cat. No. 2068.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra ABS (2013). Regional Population Growth, Australia. Cat. No. 3218.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra AEC Group (2013). Murray Now Economic Profile Update 2013 - 14. Melbourne AHURI Research Synthesis Service (2013). Homelessness Action Plan - summary of evaluation findings. Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Sydney Albury City Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan (Albury 2030). Albury ARTD Consultants (2013). NSW Homelessness Action Plan Evaluation - Evaluation of the Riverina Murray HAP Program (5.6a). Final Report March 2013. Sydney Australasian Railway Association (2013). http://ara.net.au/hsr Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (2013). Impact of rurality on health status. Canberra (Retrieved 18 June 2013 from http://www.aihw.gov.au/rural-health-impact-of-rurality) Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (2011). Young Australians: Their health and wellbeing 2011. Canberra. National Economics & Australian Local Government Association (2013). State of the Regions 2013-14. Balranald Shire Council (2012). Balranald Shire 2022. Balranald Bemax Resources Limited (2013). http://www.bemax.com.au/eastern_australia_detail.asp#Ginkgo Berrigan Shire Council (2012). Berrigan Shire 2022 - A Community Strategic Plan. Berrigan Charles Sturt University (2013). University Strategy 2013-2015. Bathurst. (Retrieved 1 May 2013 from http://www.csu.edu.au/about/publications/corporate-publications/charles-sturt-university-strategy-& -plans) Conargo Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan 2012 - 2022. Deniliquin Corowa Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan 2022 and beyond. Corowa DEEWR (2013). Small Area Labour Markets Australia. Labour Market Research & Analysis Branch, Australian Government Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, Canberra. DEEWR (2013). Australian Jobs 2013. Australian Government Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, Canberra. Deniliquin Council (2012). Deniliquin 2025 Community Strategic Plan. Deniliquin Greater Hume Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan - Greater Hume 2030. Culcairn Housing NSW (2013). Going Home Staying Home - Linkages to Human, Social and Justice Agencies Working Group. Key Consultation Themes Report. NSW Government, Sydney. Iluka Resources (2013). Company Overview - Mineral Sales Industry Overview - Murray Basin, Victoria/ NSW, Australia (Retrieved on 30 May 2013 from http://iluka.com/company-overview/operations/ murray-basin-victoria-australia) Independent Local Government Review Panel (2013). Strengthening Local Communities Sydney (Retrieved on 16 July 2013 from http://www.localgovernmentreview.nsw.gov.au/) Jerilderie Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan 2013-2023. Jerilderie La Trobe University (2013). Future Ready: Strategic Plan 2013-2017. Melbourne. (Retrieved 1 May 2013 from http://www.latrobe.edu.au/about/downloads/Future-Ready-Strategic-Plan-2013-2017.pdf) Murray Darling Basin Authority (2011). Socioeconomic analysis & the draft Basin Plan. Part A - Overview and analysis. Canberra. (Retrieved 12 June 2013 from http://www.mdba.gov.au/what-we-do/basin -plan/development/socio-economic-reports)
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SOURCES
ABS (2011). The Health and Welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Oct 2010Education: Education Attainment. Cat. No. 4704.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra
Murray Regional Tourism Board (2013). Travel to the Murray Region. Year ended December 2012 Quarterly Tracking of Selected Measures. Echuca Murray Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan 2012/13 - 2021/22. Mathoura National Economics & Australian Local Government Association (2013). State of the Regions 2013-14: Rethinking Regional Development. Canberra (Retrieved 1 June 2013 from http://alga.asn.au/?ID=165&Menu=44,68,179) NSW Business Chamber (2010). 10 Big ideas to Grow Murray Riverina. Sydney NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (2013). Terms of Reference. Review of coal seam gas activities in NSW. Sydney (Retrieved 1 July 2013 from http://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/27150/NSW-CSE-TOR -Review-of-CSG-activities-in-NSW.pdf) NSW Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care (2012). NSW Ageing Strategy. Sydney (Retrieved 1 June 2013 from http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/strategies/nsw_ageing_strategy) NSW Department of Primary Industries (2012). Nimmie-Caira enhanced environmental water delivery. NSW Water Infrastructure Project. Sydney NSW Environment & Heritage (2013). Review of the Native Vegetation Regulation. Sydney (Retrieved 1 July 2013 from http:// www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/reviewofnvregulations.htm) NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet (2011). NSW 2021 - A Plan to make NSW Number One, Sydney. (Retrieved 1 June 2013 from http://www.2012.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/NSW2021_WEB%20VERSION.pdf) NSW Health (2012). Murrumbidgee Local Health District Strategic Plan 2012-2015. Sydney. (Retrieved 1 July 2013 from http://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/StrategicPlanMLHD12September2012.pdf) NSW Health (2010). The health of the people of New South Wales. Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2010 - Summary Report, 2010. Sydney (Retrieved 1 May 2013 from http://wwwo.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2010/pdf/ chorep_summary_2010.pdf) NSW Office of Communities, Aboriginal Affairs (2013). OCHRE Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Employment NSW Government Plan for Aboriginal affairs: education, employment & accountability. (Retrieved 14 July 2013 from http://www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/AA_OCHRE_final.pdf) NSW Office of Water (2013). Nimmie-Caira Project Approved. Joint Media Release from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water; and the Minister for Primary Industries. Sydney. (Retrieved 4 July 2013 from http:// www.water.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/48/media_release_130704_nimmie-caira_project.pdf.aspx) NSW Transport (2012). NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan. Sydney (Retrieved 1 May 2013 from http:// www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/nsw-transport-masterplan-final.pdf) Port of Melbourne Corporation (2013). http://www.portofmelbourne.com RDA Loddon Mallee (2012). Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan (Northern Region). Melbourne Sinclair Knight Merz (2010). Scenario Planning for an Innovative response to the Water Challenges in the Murray & Riverina regions. Melbourne Standing Council of Health (2012). National Strategic Framework for Rural & Remote Health. Canberra TAFE NSW, Riverina Institute (2013). Our Strategic Priorities. Albury (Retrieved 15 July 2013 from http:// www.rit.tafensw.edu.au/priorities/) TAFE NSW, Riverina Institute (2012). Strategic Plan 2012 - 2017. Wagga Wagga TAFE NSW, Riverina Institute (2012). Annual Report 2012. Wagga Wagga Toms, Steve (2013). NSW Cross-Border Commissioner: 2013 Business Plan. NSW Trade and Investment. Sydney Tumbarumba Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan 2030. Tumbarumba Wakool Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan - Vision 2023. Moulamein Wentworth Shire Council (2012). Community Strategic Plan. Wentworth West Corurgan Private Irrigation District (2013). Corurgan Profile. Berrigan (Retrieved 15 July 2013 from http:// www.corurgan.com.au/corurgan-profile.html) Wodonga TAFE (2010). Strategic Plan 2010 - 2012. Wodonga Urana Shire Council (2012). Urana Shire Community Strategic Plan 2013 - 2033. Urana
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ATTACHMENT 1 — REGIONAL PROFILE RDA Murray has identified the following priority actions for each of the four key determinants of long term regional economic growth.
increase in new residents to the region that may have an effect on unemployment levels (Urana) shortage of medical and allied medical professionals (Murray)
Human Capital
a gap has been identified in collating and documenting what industry wants (Murray)
a) Regional workforce challenges and workforce development priorities (including skill shortages) manufacturing sector has been contracting contraction and transitioning period for this sector expected to continue (Albury City)
retention of skilled agricultural workers (Conargo)
health and social services sector continues to expand and demand for regional health services increases, e.g. $65 million Cancer Centre (Albury City)
skills shortages identified in mining, health, transport and logistics (Wentworth)
loss of key research, development and support roles in the region (Conargo)
skill shortages identified in technicians, trade workers, professionals and labourers (Deniliquin)
dual lane construction of Hume Highway in this region will be finalised in next 12 months - new employment opportunities to retain civil construction workers and contractors in the region (Albury City)
employment/educational and career guidance opportunities (Deniliquin) aged population (Jerilderie)
Evocities
youth leaving to pursue education and employment, retention of young people (Jerilderie)
skill shortages - technicians and trade workers, professional, sales workers, managers, clerical and administrative workers, labourers, machine operators and drivers, community and social workers (Albury City)
major employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing, retail trade, health care and social assistance, education and training and manufacturer (Jerilderie)
retention of young people and ability to attract young people to the Shire (Corowa)
declining population (Jerilderie)
attraction of another employer/industry - employment is currently reliant on a few major employers (Corowa)
business retention and attraction, in particular those industries that support and value add to agriculture sector and will provide local employment opportunities (Jerilderie)
ageing population - limited employment opportunities for older residents (Corowa)
education, training and employment opportunities to young people be available locally (Jerilderie)
potential to leverage regional skill base (Corowa)
ageing population (Berrigan)
medium enterprises find it difficult to compete with wages offered by the larger industries such as Rivalea, Thales and Nestlé versus Riverina Milk, local transport companies and the retail sector (Corowa)
attraction and retention of young people and families (Berrigan) population growth in Murray River border townships (Barooga and Tocumwal) attracting families to lifestyle blocks and retirees from metropolitan Melbourne (Berrigan)
skilled labour shortages currently exist in the areas of doctors and other medical professionals, truck drivers, farming (dairy and pig), aged care, health/ building inspectors, welders, hospitality and social workers (Corowa)
ageing population and how we re-prioritise current expenditure to meet community needs (Wakool) ageing population (Balranald)
retaining youth in training and/or employment, attracting workers willing to undertake itinerant farm work, attracting trained personnel, tradesmen such as mechanics (general and diesel) and welders (Urana)
ageing population (Greater Hume) retention of youth - young people moving to larger cities for work opportunities (Greater Hume)
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Riverina Institute of TAFE
skill shortages identified were town planners, engineering professionals, design, traffic, utilities, construction and senior management (Conargo)
Riverina Institute of TAFE will lead the development of workforce skills and qualifications in regional communities by establishing industry and community workforce skills and qualification requirements and direction. Deliver specialised programs for regional communities, including responsive workplace delivery modes; pathways to higher level qualifications/employment; flexible delivery including online; foundational and academic skills. Areas of specialisation include Conservation and Land Management; Sustainable Agriculture; Permaculture; Forestry; Rural Health and Community Services; Creative Arts, Design and Media; Sport and Recreation; Engineering and Mining; Aerospace; Public Safety; and Wine and Food.
lack of skilled agricultural workers (Tumbarumba) skilled shortages identified in town planning, civil engineering, utilities engineering, trades such as mechanics and building maintenance, accountants and rating professionals, environment health and building officers (Berrigan) b) Educational profile of the workforce
2009
2010
2011
2012
Enrolments at or above Certificate III level (all funds)
9,242
10,997
11,283
11,350
Enrolments (all funds)
33,783
35,997
32,361
34,124
Annual student hours ('000)
5,573
5,801
5,621
5,913
COURSE DATA
Employment Outcomes by Selected Field of Education, Bachelor Degree Graduates (% employed full time) Source: DEEWR Australian Jobs 2013
Enrolment Levels 2009 - 2012 Source: TAFE NSW Riverina Institute
Delivery of trade and graduate training is an important tool in meeting workplace and industry skills requirements in the Murray. Close ties between providers and local business and industry ensures that education facilities develop and produce the skills that are in high demand. Speciality training courses exist in speciality areas of horticulture, food processing, transportation and logistics, health care, education and business.
c) Skills, training and education challenges (including education and training infrastructure, needs and attainment) funding cuts to TAFE and higher education sectors (Wentworth) employees in many cases must relocate or commute to larger centres to undertake training which is costly (Murray)
Education - Charles Sturt University (CSU)
lack of tertiary education and funding cuts to TAFE (Murray & Corowa)
CSU will introduce courses such as Engineering, Medicine and Regional Creative industries and languages within their courses and campuses. In consultation with communities, develop a regional and campus strategy that articulates the CSU model and maps out discipline and course profile futures for its campuses and distance education.
need for small business management and agricultural studies training - no local training and education opportunities (Urana) lack of tertiary education onsite facilities (Corowa)
In relation to Indigenous education, CSU will complete recruitment of the Indigenous Academic Fellowships and increase the employment of Indigenous staff in general, and
a reduction in vocational training by governments may hinder the development of a trained workforce with the skills necessary for efficient productive business operations (Berrigan)
implement cultural competency training for all staff
TAFE NSW Riverina Institute offer nationally accredited courses and training in
ensure all undergraduate programs incorporate Indigenous Australian content consistent with Indigenous cultural competence pedagogical framework
Accounting and Finance Administration and Computing Applications
maintain national leadership in this area
Business and Management
This will be measured by
Project Management
programs with Indigenous content
Wagirra Trail - The Murray River Experience. The project is a unique, long term initiative that connects Albury City, the Aboriginal community and is a key Indigenous tourism product and indigenous employment
staff who have completed training proportion of Indigenous Australian academic staff and students
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Human Resources
Sustainable Communities & Population Growth
Retail and Real Estate
ECONOMIC
Small Business Operations
Workplace Health and Safety
a) Socio Economic Profile (including average household/individual incomes, participation rate, unemployment rates, income support dependency and the challenges these pose for the region)
Training and Assessment Warehousing Operations and Logistics d) Factors that may affect the demand and skill profile going forward, for example, growing/declining industry activity manufacturing sector has been contracting contraction and transitioning period for this sector expected to continue (Albury City) decline in horticulture, lack of critical infrastructure such as natural gas in industrial areas (Wentworth) agribusiness - lack of water (Murray Darling Basin Plan) (Conargo) change in technology in agribusiness - new technology initiatives result in less employees (Murray)
Population by Age Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 and 2011
job cuts and outsourcing of jobs (Wentworth)
retention of youth in regional areas due to lack of higher education facilities
growth in tourism, agricultural, manufacturing industries (Corowa)
unemployment rates in the Murray region declined slightly over the past year to 5.7% in the December Quarter 2012. Although the region’s unemployment rate continues to remain above the NSW and Victoria levels, it still presents an opportunity in the region to leverage an accessible labour force, with a higher ratio of readily available employees in the area, compared to NSW and Victoria. The greater drop in the unemployment rate in the Murray region also suggests that the area is starting to utilise this available labour to support broader economic growth
poker machine reform and import of pig meat (Corowa) opportunities for growth in demand for skilled and unskilled labour including the munitions factory contract renewal (Corowa) diversification of agriculture sector from grains, sheep and cattle to encompass horticulture, viticulture, organic agriculture, tree (fruit and nut), timber harvesting and tourism (Balranald) key employers: timber plantation and processing industry, the commercial business centre, Tumbarumba Shire Council, Snowy Hydro, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (Tumbarumba)
refer to page 23 for the labour force characteristics of the Murray region. the Homelessness Action Plan (HAP) program has exceeded the targeted number of clients supported during each financial year of operation. By the end of May 2013, a total of 278 clients had been assisted, (with the target being 280 by the end of June 2013). The program has also met its planned target of 40% Aboriginal clients, and it has taken on most clients in areas with the highest incidence of homelessness.
main industries: agriculture, horticulture and viticulture (Tumbarumba) maintenance of employment (Tumbarumba) agriculture sector will create more jobs (Berrigan) transport and storage industry will increase more jobs if there is investment in actions that strengthen the advantages of our proximity to transport and freight infrastructure (Berrigan)
within the HAP program , females made up 59% of all clients in 2011/12 and young people aged 16-24 years almost one quarter (24%).
construction, health, aged care and community services will create more jobs if there is investment in centres of excellence, local training and research (Berrigan)
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incentives is imperative (Murray)
b) Changes in industry composition and challenges these present for the sustainability of the region
NBN rollout - opportunities to be embraced, but there is a lack of certainty (Murray)
tourism support for business investing in the region (Murray, Albury City & Conargo)
private investment stimulus required (Murray)
manufacturing industry contraction (Albury City)
there has to be a whole of government support and promotion to attract and retain skilled labour (Urana)
decline in horticulture (Wentworth)
ENVIRONMENTAL
lack of critical infrastructure such as natural gas in key industrial zones (Murray)
a) Water management (including, where relevant, reference to the Murray Darling Basin Plan)
agribusiness - lack of water (Murray Darling Basin Plan) (Murray)
the Murray is reliant on adequate water supplies c) Priorities and opportunities (including current challenges and how the region plans to address them i.e. supporting regional innovation)
Murray Irrigation Limited is the largest private irrigation company in Australia. The company’s irrigators are also shareholders and include more than 1,200 family farm businesses and over 300 domestic only customers. Murray Irrigation has spent over $9 million on infrastructure in the last two years with a vision to improve water delivery services while containing future costs.
maintain high level community infrastructure to attract and encourage investment, tourists and residents (Murray, Albury City & Conargo) resolving cross border anomalies is a priority i.e. funding for planning and development, investment attraction, health service delivery and emergency services (Wentworth)
Looking to the future, Murray Irrigation has proposed a set of projects that will improve water use efficiency both on and off-farm:
partnerships that allow innovative professional development and connection
upgrading water management and measurement systems
facilitate and provide a comprehensive program of training and assistance, and accurate information that develops and maintains the economic culture (Corowa)
investment in remote control and automation of regulators targeted channel refurbishment
create partnerships and implement projects that seek to attract, retain and develop the region (Corowa)
system reconfiguration; and system retirement All of these projects are expected to be completed in the period to 2017, and result in a higher level of service to customers and more efficient water delivery whilst maintaining present cost levels.
resolve issues of water by creating a well managed water supply, taking into consideration the effect of agriculture and tourism promote tourism maintain infrastructure (Urana) integrated transport network population growth/decline (Urana) new bridge development in Echuca/Moama (Murray)
the West Corurgan Private Irrigation Stock and Garden Water Supply District serves approximately 300 properties covering an area of some 212,000 hectares between the Murray River and the Billabong Creek. The area is bounded by the towns of Corowa, Daysdale, Oaklands, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Savernake and Rennie. The Board of Management has an annual water allocation of 80,828 megalitres delivered to landholders via 565 kilometres of open channel. Daily capacity of 686 megalitres is extracted from the Murray River ten kilometres downstream of Corowa via five electricity driven pumps which lift the water 13 metres vertically, the water is then able to gravitate throughout the system.
Murray River crossings and bridges upgrade and maintenance planning - imperative that cross border cooperation continues with NSW, Victoria and South Australian governments lack of mobile phone coverage throughout the Murray impact of government policies i.e. Red Gum industry, Murray Darling Basin Plan implementation, native vegetation and changes in government legislation (Murray) no natural gas in majority of the Murray - hindering industry growth, alternate energy initiatives and
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Gross value of agricultural crops produced from the area is approximately $90 million annually, with that income being derived from sheep and beef production, rice, vegetable, oilseeds and cereal cropping. The total area irrigated is only ten percent of the total land mass area and is seen to be environmentally sustainable in the long term. The Land and Water Management Plan currently in place will ensure that sustainability as it focuses upon not only biodiversity but all aspects of best management practices.
energy savings action plan and implementation (Albury City)
The Scheme was officially opened in April 1969 and in September 1979, statutory authority status was granted to the scheme under the provisions of the Private Irrigation Districts Act of NSW. The Private Act has now been incorporated into the Water Management Act, 2000.
reduce carbon emissions including ‘Ban the Bulb’, various energy programs, BASIX building controls, community projects to encourage use of solar power and garbage recycling (Murray)
Halve Waste campaign - address waste management (Corowa) energy audits (Corowa) solar technologies being considered (Corowa) joint Sustainable Choice Purchasing (to integrate sustainability into our procurement system) and Planet Footprint (emissions monitoring) (Murray)
lack of funding incentives for green energy e.g. solar (Murray)
groundwater reduction program (Aquifers 4 and 5) (Corowa)
effective water management practices (Jerilderie) recycle of waste (Jerilderie)
blue green algae alerts, which usually occur alongside peak tourism times. Significantly impacts on tourism industry and local economy (Corowa)
Norske Skog—The Albury Mill continues to focus on the production of newsprint for the Australian Market. In the late 1990’s the Mill achieved a world first with the development of an irrigated plantation which enabled the plant to go “off river” with its treated process water and commissioned a $130 million de-inking and recycling plant and associated paper machine re-build. In July 2011, the Albury mill produced its 6 millionth tonne of newsprint. The company is a world class performer in environmental performance and continually implements ground breaking technology and energy efficiency initiatives to strengthen their operation for the longer term
industry currently recovering financial position due to drought. This has impacted on trade and the additional investment needed for water buyback (Corowa) two prominent groups in Echuca-Moama (Murray) Echuca Moama Sustainable Town Water Group - develop a water sensitive urban design strategy for Echuca Echuca Moama Energy Group - promote the development of renewable energy enterprises in the town centre, as part of a sustainable future
Charles Sturt University aims to move to neutrality by 2015
supporting environmental industry to establish in Murray Shire e.g. recycling business
continue to aggressively pursue energy efficiency, implement a recognised framework to manage, measure, improve and promote sustainability performance
implemented and planned for innovative stormwater projects (Murray)
celebrate leadership in this area as an example to others
projects to protect and enhance the natural environment e.g. weed removal in Horseshoe Lagoon, access to prevent erosion of river banks (Murray)
encourage and assist organisations in regional communities to achieve sustainable goals
agribusiness and uncertainty - water issues (Conargo)
SOCIAL
protect waterways including lake, wetlands and creek (Jerilderie)
a) Urban growth (including housing land and water management issues)
farming - adapt and move forward with challenging seasons and changes - implementation of Murray Darling Basin Plan and effect on irrigated agriculture and the community
lack of freehold land (Wentworth) oversupply of housing resources with the ageing population of our communities (Urana & Conargo) lack of available short term accommodation, temporary accommodation to meet the needs of industry and their employees - casual or travelling staff such as transport industry, farming contractors (Urana)
b) Proactive action (already in place) to reduce carbon emissions (including promotion, take up/use of alternative energy generation and innovation regional approaches)
plan and cater for population growth (All LGAs)
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local government (of which in most cases they do not have the resources) (Wentworth)
b) Cultural diversity (including overseas migration to the region and settlement services)
d) Quality of life issues (including desirability to live in the region)
integration and support of skilled migrants into community; programs to promote cultural diversity in the community and to connect with industries (Corowa)
improve visitor and residents’ experience well managed infrastructure and assets
reduce social isolation issues
improved public transport
address lack of public transport issues in small communities
access to higher education would enhance retention of youth
improved settlement services
POPULATION
increased participation in art and cultural activities
a) Regional demographic change (including the impact of an ageing population and migration to or from the region) improve visitor and residents’ experience (Albury) well managed infrastructure and assets (Albury) increase in ageing population - priority to have access to health, emergency and community services - specialist support (Corowa, Urana) inability to attract and recruit qualified people to deliver services in community (Urana) c) Health and ageing (including access and demand for services and the health of the region) increase in ageing population - priority to have access to health, emergency and community services - specialist support (Urana) ability to attract and recruit qualified people to deliver services in the community (Urana) availability of housing for ageing population (Conargo) attraction of health professionals to the area (Corowa)
lack of availability of housing for ageing population (Conargo)
demand for mental health services (Corowa)
difficulty in attraction of health professionals to the area (Corowa)
high ageing population - limits revenue and capacity to deliver essential services (Corowa)
unmet demand for mental health services (Corowa) high ageing population - limits revenue and capacity to deliver essential services - retirement destination (Corowa, Conargo, Murray) need for more aged care facilities (Corowa) funding issues - as local providers ask for assistance from Councils (Wentworth) ageing population - increased skilled shortages employers unable to source suitable employees (Urana)
need for more aged care facilities (Conargo, Deniliquin, Hay, Finley and Jerilderie)
difficulty in attracting and retaining suitable employees - distance, lack of high quality housing, lack of services (Urana)
lack of State and Commonwealth funding for local providers leads to them seeking assistance from
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Access to International, National & Regional Markets
upgrade and maintenance of road for transport
a) Understanding the current and future trade patterns
Expansion of the Midway Centre (Wentworth)
sealing of Arumpo Road and Wentworth Airport
need for additional and upgraded Murray River bridge crossings
the Murray region is a natural fit for a vibrant manufacturing and engineering sector, with its agricultural base and affordable land. The region has clear strengths in the agriculture and manufacturing industries, with the two sectors jointly accounting for approximately 30% of the total industry Gross Value Add. Both national and global food processors are among the established businesses operating locally and manufacturing accounts for 11.6% of the region’s labour force
need for Trans-continental rail link increase freight transported on rail Upgrade of the region’s highways e.g. Newell, Sturt and Hume Highways mineral development and associated transport issues cross border issues - heavy vehicle combinations, funding models for transport infrastructure, state government priorities e.g. bridge crossings
b) Regional infrastructure challenges, ‘bottlenecks’ and infrastructure priorities (including road, rail, maritime, air and intermodal) natural gas lines are at capacity which limits availability for major industry, therefore deterring potential investment and expansion of existing industry (Corowa)
c) Regional communication challenges and opportunities (including rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and current or expected benefits/utilisation)
opportunity to explore improved gas infrastructure (Corowa)
telecommunication blackspots - South Corowa and Savernake
Corowa Airport development (Corowa)
rollout of NBN to Howlong in the next three year release
regional road upgrades (Corowa)
NBN will provide the opportunity to deliver improved educational and health services
Yarrawonga/Mulwala Bridge (Corowa) freight and large scale industrial land (Albury)
NBN rollout in Albury - to commence in September 2013
Nexus Industrial Precinct - two major businesses employ 300 staff (Albury)
development of the Albury Wodonga Digital Economy Strategy lack of mobile phone coverage quality and accessibility of telecommunication services - mobile and internet (embracing social media) d) Human infrastructure, including regional networks and industry clusters a newly developed Industry Investment Prospectus (murraynowindustries.com.au) is a web portal giving access to the latest business survey results, economic data analysis, commercial and industrial real estate, transport networks, supply chain linkages and comprehensive industry listings relating to the Murray region’s 21 local government areas (cross border NSW and Victoria). This is utilised by local government, industry, business and community groups
the Ettamogah Rail Hub near Albury provides direct access to the standard gauge railway line between Sydney and Melbourne and road access to the Hume Freeway (part of the National Highway). It handles more than 20,000 containers per year and with access to regular train services, the Hub is working towards reinventing regional rail as an efficient and sustainable transport component Davey Road interchange - building of southern access ramps Albury Airport need for a second river crossing in Echuca-Moama Passenger rail to Melbourne requires upgrade
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Comparative Analysis & Business Competitiveness
Albury Airport - expansion of regular passenger services and air-side development (Albury) tourism - largest industry (Corowa)
a) Regional economic strengths (including, if applicable, current and future transition issues)
central location - transport linkages (Corowa) affordable/skilled labour force
proximity and links with Mildura region (Victorian counterparts)
affordable industrial land and affordable housing
growth and expansion of both Albury and Mildura airports
low unemployment rates strong transport industry (Corowa)
well maintained road infrastructure
c) Regional arts, creative and sporting industries (including infrastructure, participation and priorities)
farming - adapt and move forward with challenging seasons and changes - implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and the effects on irrigated agriculture and the community
Murray River Experience - development of the Riverside precinct.
attracting smaller scale industrial development, such as farm production businesses and trade services diversified economy, strategic location and depth and breadth of services, infrastructure and facilities comparable to metropolitan setting
Lavington Sports Ground - establish Regional Sports Administration Hub the Flying Fruit Fly Circus is a full time children’s circus in Australia located in Albury Wodonga. Many of the children attend the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School where they undertake educational studies as well as circus training. The Circus regularly performs in Australia and internationally, at corporate events and at festivals. The Circus’ show The Promise won the Helpmann Award for best presentation for children in 2009
fully serviced, affordable industrial land strong availability of residential land and high quality, affordable housing (refer to page 13) central location, effective distribution point, extensive transport linkages, connections to regional centres and capital cities
South West Arts Inc. was initiated in 1983 through the joint effort of several local government bodies, the Arts Council of NSW and interested members of the community. The organisation commenced with the establishment of the RADO (Regional Arts Development) position. In 1997, South West Arts became fully devolved from the Arts Council of NSW, and is now regionally self managed by a ten member elected board. South West Arts has enhanced the cultural life of communities in the South West for over 25 years. During this period, it has consistently received strong local government support, with contributions to the program increasing annually
strong transport industry - providing businesses with access to markets throughout the country comparably low unemployment strong statutory planning and development controls the region’s proximity to the major markets of Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide giving manufacturing investors a distinct advantage. Transport corridors link directly to 80 percent of Australia’s markets. In fact, the Port of Melbourne Corporation has invested human resources and networks in the Murray and Riverina regions. b) Regional comparative advantages and regional economic opportunities, including ‘new’ and ‘green’ economy opportunities expansion of solar technologies (Wentworth) aquaculture industry to support second, third and fourth use of water (Wentworth)
Murray Arts is the regional arts development organisation servicing the Board and North East region. The organisation is passionate about the arts in regional communities. Murray Arts works directly with individuals, communities and local government to assist in developing the arts and cultural life of their communities. Murray Arts is one of 14 Regional Arts Boards in NSW and also part of the Regional Arts Cultural Network, servicing the LGAs of Albury City, Greater Hume and Corowa in NSW and the City of Wodonga, Indigo and Towong Shires in Victoria The Bridge Arts Projects — Bridging History On the Murray is a monumental contemporary public arts project which will interpret Australia’s epic indigenous and postcolonial story on traditional Yorta Yorta territory in the Murray Goulburn region. It will facilitate the creation of a compelling visual narrative on and around the new Echuca -Moama bridge structure and to oversee the construction of an additional indoor contemporary art gallery, café, outdoor sculpture space and historic interpretive centre
expansion of the Albury Art Gallery - redevelopment and further progression of Albury’s Cultural Precinct Masterplan (Albury) strengthen visitor economy - product and facility development, Murray River Experience, Wagirra Trail and Riverside Precinct, Lavington Sports Ground redevelopment and Regional Sports Administration Hub (Albury)
on the NSW landing.
employment creation and capital investment (Albury)
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ATTACHMENT 2 Stakeholder Consultation & Partnerships RDA Murrays geographic location, sharing the borders of New South Wales and Victoria, automatically supports crosssectorial and intergovernmental partnerships. RDA Hume, RDA Lodden Mallee in Victoria and RDA Riverina and RDA Southern Inland in New South Wales collaborate in project delivery, social and economic data, tourism initiatives and digital economies strategies. RDA Murray also partners with Murray now Ltd in supporting a united approach in coordinating investment attraction across the 21 Local Government Areas that call the Murray region home.
Murray Catchment Management Authority
Stakeholder involvement in developing the Regional Plan has been vital. RDA Murray has drawn and built upon already established networks, local knowledge and expertise to assist with the preparation of this Plan. The Committee has sought the input from the following organisations to identify issues and opportunities, articulate priorities and seek feedback, along with discovering these organisations’ visions for the future.
Murray Now Limited
NSW Trade & Investment Housing NSW NSW Communities DEEWR Support agencies dealing with homelessness Mildura Development Corporation
NSW Office of Water Murray Regional Tourism Board Albury Wodonga Health Murrumbidgee Local Health Network Not-for-profit organisations throughout the region
Albury City Council
DIAC
Balranald Shire Council
Cross border and cross region RDAs
Berrigan Shire Council
NSW Office of Environment & Heritage
Conargo Shire Council
Government (levels, agencies, interactions)
Deniliquin Council Greater Hume Shire Council
RDA Murray works in conjunction with the following government agencies:
Jerilderie Shire Council Murray Shire Council
Communities Services NSW
Tumbarumba Shire Council
Housing NSW
Urana Shire Council
Department of Education and Communities
Wakool Shire Council
NSW Trade and Investment
Wentworth Shire Council
Murray Catchment Management authority
RAMROC
DEEWR
Balranald Inc.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Communities throughout the Murray region
Murrumbidgee Local Health District
Indigenous groups throughout the region
Corrective Services
AEC Group
Department of Primary Industries
Chambers of Commerce
NSW Office of Water
Charles Sturt University Institute of Land Water and Society
Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sports
La Trobe University
Albury Wodonga Health
NSW TAFE Riverina Institute
13 Local Government Areas in the region
Wodonga TAFE
Cross Border and cross region RDAs Department of Roads and Ports
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REVIEW Process to review and update the Regional Plan This Regional Plan provides the structure to develop an annual Business Plan with results monitored and reported on a quarterly basis to the Commonwealth and NSW governments. The Committee meet on a regular basis to review progress against targets and milestones that have been agreed in the development of the Regional and Business Plans. Progress reviews take place at three different levels. 1. Strategic Reviews Strategic reviews take place at three monthly intervals and are directed at assessing progress towards targets that have been detailed in the Regional Plan. Where these targets are numerical, an agreed and consistent form of measurement will be throughout the life of the Regional Plan. The Regional Plan will be reviewed for relevance and progress every year.
2. Special Reviews Special reviews may be needed when: unexpected demands or issues arise; or the Committee is able to identify additional sources of funds; or the Committee decides to undertake a special project (such as hosting a regional conference) These reviews should be separate from the regular meeting schedule to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for regular reviews while still allowing the opportunity for the Committee to undertake additional activities. 3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) KPIs are quantifiable measurements that have agreed value and reflect critical success factors of an organisation. The Committee will report against specific activities within its Business Plan that indicate it is observing approved systems of governance and operational management.
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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA MURRAY rdamurray.org.au www.facebook.com/rdamurray
@RDA_Murray
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