Looking forward... 2007-2010 Building a Stronger South WestSouth West Area Consultative Committee Strategic Plan
Message from South West ACC Chairman Mick Bennett
The South West ACC is the link between the Australian Government and the South West region. We work in partnership with our communities to help them develop self reliance through identifying projects that meet emerging needs and then assisting these groups to obtain funding to carry out these projects. I believe that anyone who lives in this region has a role to care for the region. It is an exciting and vibrant place with innovative people and diverse products. This remarkable region has many strengths and opportunities, but there are also pockets that face disadvantage and threats. It is our role to work with community, business and government to build on the strengths, realize the opportunities, assist overcome disadvantage and plan well to address future threats. Every member of the South West ACC is a committed volunteer drawn from the community, local business and government to provide strategic advice on project development and submission. The board, along with key stakeholders, has put together this strategic regional plan to guide its activities, identify opportunities, priorities and strategies for the region. The South West ACC encourages the people of the region to use the information contained within this plan to look to the future and work together to build a stronger South West, economically, socially and also importantly, environmentally. This will involve strong partnerships from communities working together. We look forward to working with you. HOW THE REGION CAN USE THIS PLANThe South West ACC has worked with many regional stakeholders from community, business and government to develop this plan for 2007 to 2010 to address strategic issues facing the region. South West community groups, businesses and governments can use this plan: as a supporting document to assist you obtain Australian Government funding from
grants programs; to assist your organisation, community group, business or local government to better understand the regional strategic needs of the South West to use when planning your programs, services and activities to address local and regional issues; as a supporting document to reference for submissions to Government on regional issues; as a supporting document to people , business or industry interested in investing in the region; to improve regional services and facilities; to link Government, business and the community to work together on solving issues; to support planning decisions; and to reference in reports, papers, studies.
South West ACC Strategic ObjectiveTo build a stronger South West, socially, economically & environmentally MissionTo strive for sustainable regional development by working collaboratively & innovatively.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in the South West
There are many opportunities in the South West in the future but also many threats. The following is an overview, but not a comprehensive list of what could be seen as some of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. We encourage your input for future updates. Strengths of the region
Diversity of industries, climate (stabilised environment), population growth – Greater Bunbury is the fastest growing region in Australia (2007), natural environment (biodiversity), geographic location – proximity to Perth, lifestyle, diverse and solid skills base, education sector, health services and facilities, food bowl, wine tourism, production level of industries, tourism attractions and events, established regional branding (Margaret River internationally renown), largest natural forested area of State, presence of multi – national companies, low crime rates, sufficient water (presently), stunning and diverse coast line, diverse recreational activities (marine and land based), manufacturing/construction niche markets, strong entrepreneurial spirit , seachangers, good business environment, operating port. Weaknesses of the region
Transport networks – limited connecting highways (east / west), electricity grid (requires further expansion and better grid systems), affordable housing, insufficient investment in infrastructure to cope with demand and growth, no air traffic to link inter/intra state, critical skills shortage, especially in low paying jobs, limited project development across sectors and towns, parochialism, small/inter town competition/politics,, town versus regional branding, limited public (rail and bus) transport, limited rail transport, limited telecommunications infrastructure especially inland, lack of regional big picture / future thinking (vision) overarching plan, reliance on traditional industry processes and products to cope with global market competition, concentration of tourism icons/attractions near coast, limited growth of timber industry, coastal creep from Mandurah down, remoteness to essential services-many only offered in Perth (e.g. some education and health services), distance between communities. Opportunities for the future
Developing more leaders with vision, lateral thinking in industry development, clean coal, IT contributing to breaking down town barriers and telecommuting, environmental sustainable practice in land development, IT infrastructure upgrade, automation of industry, innovative asset based public transport, development of a holistic three levels of government, community and business South West regional body, making the most of WA’s booming economy socially, economically and environmentally, promoting the stabilised climate for new investors, building on the region’s status as the most biodiverse region in the world, combining education and tourism for new innovation, South West Health Campus becoming a regional GP training location, continued health sector development in new forms of practice, aged care centres of excellence, closeness to Asia (time and travel/freight), Indigenous enterprise, lifetime leases as alternatives to house purchases, international status and attractions. Future Threats
Climate change, rising land prices impacting on industry including agricultural businesses selling out and small businesses unable to find staff for lower paid jobs, rising expectations of essential services, small town land development overpricing, unplanned small business succession, inability to attract and retain young people, Yarragadee aquifer supplying Perth resulting in capping of regional growth, undeveloped transport corridors, unmanaged growth of population, reliance on natural resources, cost of servicing an ageing community, Bunbury Port Operations (residential vs industry demands) telecommunications not keeping up with worldwide standards, disease affecting clean green status, road, rail or air strike affecting tourism or terrorism or disease affecting tourism. CHARTER FOR NATIONAL NETWORK OF AREA CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEESThe National Network of Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) provides an important link between the Australian Government and rural and metropolitan Australia. As volunteer community based organisations, ACCs are uniquely placed to respond to issues in their regions and provide a vital conduit to government on local, social, environmental and economic conditions. The Chairs of the ACCs, who are appointed by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, are leading members of the local community. They and their committee members are drawn from the community, local business and government, and provide strategic leadership and direction to ACCs in fulfilling their charter and functions. The Government recognises that optimal regional growth and development will only be achieved when regional communities manage change at the local level, realise their potential and plan for and lead their own development with the support of both the Government and the private sector. However, this will work best if there is an effective organisational arrangement in place that enables the Government to respond to each region’s needs and in turn encourages the local community to take up the Government programs designed to achieve these goals. It is this role that ACCs fulfill. ACC Core Responsibilities The ACC Charter comprises three core responsibilities from which all activity is derived. ACCs are a key facilitator of change and development in their region.
To do this, ACCs know their region and communities well, from an economic, social and environmental perspective, by: understanding the dynamics of their communities and region in terms of investment patterns and demographics; searching out the unique strategic advantages in the region that generate growth and development, and determining what is making these communities thrive; identifying and working in partnership with the leaders in the community who are able to build enthusiasm for new initiatives, and fostering their support; identifying issues that are impacting on their communities, and determining the needs and priorities arising from these issues; and being particularly conscious of any sector of disadvantage in their communities and region, and looking to ensure such disadvantage is addressed as a priority.
ACCs are the link between Government, business and the community.
To achieve this, ACCs create and maintain cross-regional networks with all levels of government, particularly the Federal Government by: promoting and disseminating information on Government policies and programs, particularly those orientated towards business and communities; informing Government of the impact of policies and programs on business and the community; from a local community context, providing comment on, and as appropriate endorsement of, project proposals submitted for consideration under Government programs; and providing constructive and regular advice and feedback to Government on community needs, service and development requirements.
ACCs facilitate Whole of Government responses to opportunities in their communities.
To achieve this, ACCs act as a catalyst and coordination point for regional development by: drawing together the range of avenues and resources by which communities and regions can foster development; working to maintain constructive alliances with all levels of government, business and the community; actively identifying opportunities to bring Whole of Government solutions to community and regional issues; and facilitating the development and submission of suitable project proposals by local proponents and sharing ownership of the results.
THE SOUTH WEST AREA CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEEThe South West Area Consultative Committee is part of the National Network of Area Consultative Committees (ACC), funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. The Government's directive for the National Network is that it provides an important link between the Australian Government and rural and metropolitan Australia. As volunteer community based organisations, ACCs are uniquely placed to respond to issues in their regions and provide a vital conduit to the Australian Government on local social and economic conditions. The South West ACC is managed by a Board of key business, community and government or civic leaders from across the region, who give their time to provide strategic direction and advice, and make decisions on regional economic and social issues. Under the chairmanship of Mick Bennett, the Board manages a core staff of three, with a Small Business project officer. The South West ACC's 2007-2010 Strategic Regional Plan recognises the primary function of the organisation is to link the region with the Australian Government, through effective promotion and utilisation of Government programs and initiatives, successful applications for funding grants, and advocacy on behalf of the region on the impact and implications of Australian Government programs and initiatives. The Strategic Regional Plan provides the framework that informs the South West ACC Board in making recommendations to the Australian Government on applications under the Regional Partnerships program and other Australian Government programs that support regional Australia and where the South West ACC is asked for its input. To ensure that the organisation is fully aware of regional issues, the South West ACC consults widely and regularly with key stakeholders and decision-makers in the region, as well as with local communities and individuals. This plan was produced with the input of regional key stakeholders, as well as extensive research of regional strategies, social and economic data, plans, policies and programs prepared by or being undertaken by Australian and State agencies, local governments, business organisations, and community groups. SOUTH WEST ACC BROAD GUIDING PRINCIPLESUnderstand the dynamics of each individual community and sub region in terms of investment patterns and demographics Promote and disseminate information on the Federal Government policies and programmes, particularly those orientated towards business and communities Search out the unique strategic advantages within the region that generate growth and development and determine what is making these communities thrive Provide constructive and regular advice and feedback to Government on community needs, service and development requirements Identify and work in partnership with the leaders within the regional community who are able to build enthusiasm for new initiatives, and foster their support Be particularly conscious of any sector of disadvantage in our community and region and look to ensure such disadvantage is addressed as a priority Identify issues that are impacting on our regional communities and determine the needs and priorities arising from these issues Inform the Government of the impact of policies and programmes on business and the community From a local community context, provide comment on, and as appropriate endorsement of project proposals submitted for consideration under Government programmes
SOUTH WEST REGIONAL PROFILE One of nine regions in Western Australia, the South West covers an area of 23,970 square kilometres and is located in the south-west corner of the State. The region has the largest population of any region in the State, one of the fastest population growth rates, enjoys a strong, diverse economy and is recognised as one of the most desirable regional areas in WA in which to live, invest and visit. POPULATION While the region has 7.01 per cent of the total State population, it has over one-quarter (25.8 per cent) of the total population living in regional Western Australia. Currently around 140,846 people, the population is expected to grow to 165,400 by 2016 or an average of 1.5 per cent per annum. The South West has two distinct population corridors represented by 12 local governments: The Coastal Corridor includes Greater Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta, Capel and smaller towns in between and has an annual population growth rate of up to 6 per cent. The population distribution favours the coastal corridor with the biggest increases in recent years being around the Greater Bunbury Area (the City of Bunbury and the adjacent suburban areas of Eaton, Australind and Dalyellup), Busselton and Margaret River. More than one-third of the region’s population is concentrated in the Greater Bunbury Area. The Inland Corridor includes Harvey, Brunswick, Dardanup, Donnybrook, Balingup, Nannup, Pemberton, Walpole, and smaller towns in between and has had modest growth in the past five years. Exceptions are Collie, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Manjimup have experienced population decline. The age distribution of the region shows that approximately 7 per cent are aged 15 – 19 years; 27 per cent are aged 20 – 39 years; 27 per cent are aged 40 – 59 years and 15 per cent are aged over 60 years. MAP OF THE SOUTH WEST REGION
THE SOUTH WEST ECONOMY
The South West has a broadly based and diverse economy with an annual gross regional product of $8 billion. Agriculture, including wool, meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables and viticulture; forestry and timber products; mineral extraction, processing and manufacturing; light industrial manufacturing; construction; tourism, especially nature based tourism; and the retail and service sectors are the main contributors to the economy and employment in the region. The region's business community is characterised by a large number of small to medium enterprises - more than 7800 - with more than one-third operating in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries. The South West supplies: 55% of the world’s Tantalum;
60% of the world’s Lithium Minerals (concentrated);
20% of the world’s Alumina;
32% of the world’s Zircon;
24% of the world’s Rutile;
20% of the world’s Ilmenite
Manufacturing - $2.8 billion annual turnover. There are 1,051 manufacturing locations in the region making machinery and equipment, food and beverages, and clothing and textiles plus major mineral resource developments, agricultural processing plants, cottage industries, wood and paper products, printing, publishing and recorded media.
Mineral extraction, processing and manufacturing: $2.1 billion. Coal mining is valued at $270 million, while alumina export production is worth more than $1.7 billion. Mineral sands mining and processing has a production value of nearly $375 million.
Retail: $1.3 billion. The City of Bunbury, the surrounding Greater Bunbury Area and the Busselton-Dunsborough urban areas in the Shire of Busselton are the main retail centres.
Building and construction: $698m. With strong population and investment growth, the region's construction industry has been traditionally buoyant.
Tourism: $591m. Most of the 1.68 million visitors annually are drawn from Perth and other parts of Western Australia by the natural beauty of the forests and spectacular coastline. Wine tourism and nature based tourism are the fastest growing sectors of the industry.
Agriculture: $557m. The South West accounts for 8.4 per cent of WA’s total value of agricultural production. The region has 87 per cent of the State’s dairying herds, about 16 per cent of the prime beef cattle and over 1.2 million sheep and lambs. It produces 29 per cent of the State’s vegetables (the highest of any region) and more than 36 per cent of orchard fruit (again, the highest of any region). The region contributed 60 per cent of the State’s grapes for wine production making it by far the highest producing region in WA.
Forestry and timber products: $64m. The region generates about 74 per cent of the State’s hardwood and softwood log production. Unprocessed forestry products are worth $70 million per annum.
7. Fishing: $22m
EMPLOYMENTThe region’s labour force (total people employed and unemployed) has risen steadily since 1996/97. The South West Region has a workforce of 75,635 people, some 54 per cent of the population, which is slightly lower than the State percentage of people in work. The unemployment rate is about 3.6 per cent (September, 2006), which is lower than the overall rate for Western Australia, a position the region has generally enjoyed for a number of years. However, the range of unemployment across the region varies from a high of 5.0 in Collie to a low of 2.4 per cent of the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup. Significantly, there are sectors in the community where unemployment rates are much higher than the rate for the community at large. These include the Indigenous community, where unemployment rates are as high as 25.5 per cent (Indigenous males) and young people, where the regional rate is around 15 per cent (TBC) In a number of smaller inland communities, the unemployment rate is artificially low, as people leave to find work in other, larger centres in the region or leave the region altogether. The South West’s average taxable income for individuals has increased from $26,940 in 1994/95 to $36,192 in 2002/03. In comparison the average taxable income in 2002/03 for regional Western Australia was $39,254 and $40,180 for the State. The major areas of employment by sector are: 
INFRASTRUCTURE
One of the biggest issues facing the South West is that infrastructure development and maintenance is not keeping up with growth. Existing infrastructure is ageing and many Local Government authorities do not have the capacity to maintain, upgrade and develop new infrastructure to meet the service and facility expectations of a growing population. Water supply, roads, rail, port facilities, air transport communications, energy, industrial parks, health and educational infrastructure is all in high demand. The inability to develop infrastructure at the same pace as the general community and small business population attempts to grow is a significant barrier to growth and expansion. The ability of the region to become a region of excellence, a region that diversifies from its natural resources and encourages an entrepreneurial culture also relies on state of the art communications. At present the broadband speeds in the region are not comparable to other States in many pockets of the South West and require more work to be in the league of international levels. The infrastructure that requires constant monitoring includes an extensive road network, passenger and bulk freight rail service, airport/airstrips, plentiful water supply for irrigation, industry and domestic purposes, a communications network, and availability of electricity and natural gas (to parts of the region). The deepwater Bunbury Port is the focus for exports from the region and ranks 11th in Australia in total cargo trade, and is the 7th largest regional port. Measured in value added terms, the port has a significant impact on the region’s overall economic activity. In 2006 it handled over 12.3 million tonnes of cargo. The Kemerton Industrial Park, north of Bunbury, is the region's heavy industry park, with major mineral processing and manufacturing plants, including Millennium Inorganic Chemicals and Simcoa Operations Pty Ltd. The port city of Bunbury is the regional administrative, commercial, industrial and retail centre of the South West, with the town of Busselton the second largest commercial centre. The South West Region offers both government and private education facilities catering for almost 27,000 primary and secondary students. Tertiary campuses are also situated in the region allowing students living in the region to continue studying here with both Edith Cowan University and the South West Regional College of TAFE with campuses in Bunbury. TAFE also has smaller campuses in major towns in the region, while ECU offers extension courses in some centres. All communities in the region are within 50 kilometres of (district or regional) hospital services as well as specialist medical and community based health services. The South West Health Campus, located in Bunbury, incorporates the Regional Hospital and St John of God Hospital and services the whole region as does the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There is a police presence in most towns throughout the South West and courthouses operate in all the major urban towns. GEOGRAPHYOne of the greatest strategic or comparative advantages of the South West is its geography. Many areas of the South West, especially the southern inland areas enjoy plentiful rain, top quality soils and seldom experience drought conditions. The region has a mild Mediterranean style climate with reliable rainfall in winter (1000mm TBC) and dry summers resulting in the South West being identified as Western Australia’s green belt. Soils along the coastal plains are basically sands, with some pockets of heavier loams especially near Bunbury and Busselton. The inland plateaus provide considerable areas of heavy red loams and darker alluvial soils on old valley floors. Mineralisation in the region is extensive with bauxite, heavy mineral sands, coal, tin, tantalite and lithium, kaolin and clay slate, silica sand, aggregate, sand and limestone being significant mineable resources. The natural vegetation of the South West ranges from hardy coastal shrubs, through pockets of rich wetland marshes, to karri forests where the trees are hundreds of years old. The South West has 66.4 per cent of the State’s national parks and State forests. The region's climate, its attractive landscapes and its proximity to Perth contribute to its position as the most visited region in WA, and its desirability as a place to live and invest, however this growth comes with environmental concerns along the coastal corridor. NOTE: Most statistics in this section are sourced from South West Economic Perspective, July 2006, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Department of Local Government and Regional Development, and South West Development Commission, WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development. THE FUTURE OF THE SOUTH WESTDeveloping, fostering and encouraging an entrepreneurial culture is one of the most important development roles that the region’s leaders can play. Meeting the needs of a global market place, is going to take a lot of thinking outside the square. Opportunities abound in automation of businesses with new technology, new ways to develop, save and conserve energy and water, new ways of doing business and new markets. Today the South West Region has a regional population growth rate of 2 per cent per annum is one of the highest in the State, however, population growth is uneven across the region: The coastal corridor is growing rapidly, while inland areas are stagnant or growing only slowly. Part of the reason for this population disparity can be attributed to a buoyant economy in the Greater Bunbury area, in 2007 declared the fastest growing location in Australia, much due to the emergence of a “lifestyle and beach” culture, driving rapid population growth along the coastal corridor, and part to the loss of employment opportunities in inland centres brought about by government policy, industry restructuring and changing market needs. At the same time, the region’s $8 billion per annum economy is the most diverse of any region in WA. However these factors paint a picture of a region of contrasts: On the one hand, the fast-growing population in the coastal corridor is creating an urgent need for physical and social infrastructure to keep pace with the population needs; on the other hand, the fragile economies of the inland centres point to the need for further government intervention in the provision of infrastructure to support private sector development, and targeted assistance to enable industry restructuring. Local Government resources in the South West are stretched to cope with this growth. On-going investment and development are an expectation of the region, with the proviso that any development does not interfere with the region’s acknowledged “clean and green” status, and that the environment generally is maintained. Climate change, competing land-use needs of urban expansion, industrial development, agricultural intensification and diversification to meet global needs and environmental considerations will remain an on-going challenge for governments, business and the community generally. If the region tackles these issues well it will continue to prosper. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTUREThe region’s opportunities are not limited to, but seen to be: Bunbury Port expansion and export development;
Home based businesses where high speed broadband is available;
Knowledge based industries;
The region’s ‘green economy’ potential – e.g.: renewable energy, carbon credits
Biotechnology, especially within the growing Asian market;
Supply chain development of regional products including regional branding of food and beverages;
Diversification and intensification of agriculture and aquaculture, including down-stream food processing for export markets;
Value-adding to native hardwoods and plantation timbers, including development and marketing of new products;
Tourism, especially attractions that generate further dispersal of visitors to non-traditional centres and significant growth in international visitor numbers to selected tourism “icons”; and
Expansion of mineral extraction, processing, manufacturing and power generation.
Some key projects include (but are not exclusive to): Roads – the Peel Deviation of the Old Coast Road between Bunbury and Perth; a heavy haulage access route to the Bunbury Port; upgrading of the South Western Highway between Bunbury and Manjimup; sealing of strategic tourist routes between Margaret River and Nannup, and Nannup and Manjimup and the Bunbury outer bypass;
Industrial land – further expansion of Kemerton Industrial Park as an alternative to Kwinana; development of a heavy industrial site near Collie; provision of on-demand light industrial land in all towns in the region;
Telecommunications – infrastructure and services upgrades, including provision of broadband access to the Internet across the region;
Bunbury Port – expansion of the Inner Harbour and establishment of container facilities to better service the region’s exporting businesses;
Tourism – provision of new international-standard tourism “icons” and other tourist attractions especially in the inland areas, for example the touted Skyjetty forest experience near Manjimup, Donnelly River Slide, Waterski and other water-based activities at Lake Kepwari near Collie, upgrade of the Busselton Jetty and Foreshore, upgrade of the Dolphin Discovery Centre, an Eastern States passenger service from the Busselton airport, Nannup Clock Tower, and development of Tourist Trails across Australia’s South West to encourage disbursement;
Diversification and intensification of agriculture and aquaculture including the potential for new crops, for example, green tea and natural medicine plants in Manjimup;
Revitalisation of small regional communities to encourage small business growth, increase in tourism, rekindle community spirit, reverse population decline and attract new services;
Supporting community infrastructure needs as population grows.
AIM OF THIS STRATEGIC PLAN To realise the opportunities available from the Australian Government, the South West needs a Strategic Plan that provides clear linkages between Commonwealth programs and the needs of the region. Endorsed by the South West ACC Board, this Strategic Plan provides the impetus for local South West communities to inform the Australian Government of the projects that they believe will foster regional development. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has set priorities for ACCs to report against. This Strategic Plan lists those priorities in table format below and cross references the regional issues against the Minister’s priorities for regional Australia. It is imperative that this Strategic Plan has local community ownership however. The strategies and priority issues contained within must be relevant and realistic to the people of the South West or the document will not be used by the region’s people or the Australian Government. Underpinning the strategic priorities is sustainability and triple bottom line principals. The strategic regional priorities include, but are not limited to: Increasing skills and labour shortage;
An ageing population;
Infrastructure development, maintenance and upgrades, to cope with the rapidly increasing population and today’s lifestyle expectations;
Road infrastructure to cope with increased road freight and increased numbers of local people and tourists;
Water management, use and supply
The standard of telecommunications in the region to plan for an increased demand from knowledge based industries;
Alternative housing options and affordability of housing;
Tourism Infrastructure development to attract and sustain tourism on a regional, national and international scale;
Facilitate economic development and investment by advancing the region in new industry and business opportunities;
Assisting communities to help themselves; and
Sustainable development – managing the competing interests of social, economic and environmental development.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLANWith the increasing importance on sustainable development and issues such as the tapping of the Yarragadee and debate over nuclear power, 2007 to 2010 will be a critical time in the South West’s future. Water, energy, global warming, labour and skills shortages, migration and globalisation are rising in importance and recognition by the region’s people. The South West Area Consultative Committee Inc Strategic Regional Plan 2007-2010 aims to guide the activities of the organisation in the context of: Social, economic and environmental development issues facing the South West Region of Western Australia, and
Our Charter and Core Responsibilities as part of the National Network of Area Consultative Committees, funded by the Australian Government.
It is a plan that outlines to the Australian Government the priorities of the South West region and can be used by people in the region who are developing local solutions to meet these local problems. There are many Strategic Plans by various agencies in the South West that cover a myriad of issues. This Strategic Plan aims to highlight areas where the Australian Government can assist through its Departments, services and funding programs. The South West ACC is the first port of call for community groups and small businesses in the region looking for assistance from the Australian Government. Staff at the South West ACC make it their point to stay abreast of all Commonwealth services and funding programs to be able to offer the most up to date information and referrals to the right agency. The South West ACC is the local ‘one stop shop’ for information about Australian Government services in regional Australia. The Committee is one of a network of 54 similar organisations nation-wide, providing a vital link between regional Australia and the Government, particularly in fostering regional development. Under the chairmanship of Mick Bennett, the Committee has representatives from a wide cross-section of the South West Region’s business, community, education and government sectors. Graham Hodgson is the (acting) Executive Officer. The South West ACC works within the region to: - Facilitate regional development; and
- Provide advice and feedback to Ministers and Departments
- It is imperative that the South West ACC works in to deliver a whole of government service to the region and for the Australian Government.
The South West ACC invites approaches from business and community groups, local governments and Australian and State Government agencies in the South West Region for assistance in developing projects that lead to sustainable regional development. The Committee has a role in assessing and endorsing applications for funds under the Regional Partnerships program. It also provides information on a range of Australian Government programs that support community and business growth in regional Australia. This Strategic Plan will be linked to the key performance indicators of the ACC network. Each ACC across Australia reports against annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in how Regional Partnerships projects and ACC activities are responding to the Strategic Plan for the region. Whilst the ACC is working from the ground up, ensuring that it assists local communities to develop local solutions to local problems, it is always mindful of the big picture, in ensuring the strategic needs of the region are being met. SOUTH WEST ACC PEOPLEThe South West ACC board consists of: Mr Mick Bennett (Chairman)
Mick is a former shire president at the Shire of Dardanup, and has served on numerous other organizations including the Bunbury Wellington Economic Alliance, South West Development Commission and the Greater Bunbury Region Planning Committee. He has worked for Griffin Coal Mining Co since 1987. Ms Robyn Fenech (Treasurer)
Robyn was General Manager of marketing and tourism organisations in Hobart, Bunbury and Busselton for nine years. Her regional tourism consultancy business developed tourism strategies and viability assessments for numerous regional tourism projects for public and private sector clients over a period of six years. She is now involved in residential property development in Bunbury and the South West region Mr Tom Morris
Tom is currently the Director of Education Services at the South West Regional College of TAFE. He brings to the committee an extensive background in labour market research, strategic planning and the delivery of vocational education and training programs in the community and public sectors. Mr Keith Liddelow
A farmer and long-time resident of the Warren-Blackwood area, Keith has been shire president of the Shire of Manjimup and is currently a shire councillor. He has an in-depth knowledge of the area and extensive personal and professional networks in the Warren-Blackwood area and throughout the State. Mr Mark Grime
Mark is currently general manager (WA regional hospitals) for St John of God Healthcare Inc, being responsible for the overall strategic and operational direction of current and new regional SJGHC health facilities in Geraldton, Albany, Busselton and Bunbury. He serves on a number of boards and committees including Val Lishman Health Research Foundation, Bunbury City Vision Taskforce, St John of God Foundation Bunbury Lighthouse and the Community Palliative Care Advisory Group. Mrs Barbara Dunnet
President of the Nannup Shire Council, Barbara Dunnet has been a shire councillor since 1997. With a farming and teaching background, she helps run her family’s cattle grazing operation and irrigated agricultural pursuits at Scott River. Former member of South West Development Commission board and currently chairperson of the Augusta-Walpole Coastal Planning Strategy Group, vice chairperson of the South West Zone of the WA Local Government Association and serves on several committees addressing primary industry and local government issues. Mr Neil Martin
Neil Martin was born and educated in Collie and is a licensed real estate and business agent and a part owner of Southern Districts Estate Agency employing 45 people. Along with interests in property, Neil farms 560 ha with beef cattle and sheep. He is married with four children and maintains a strong community interest as the inaugural chairman of the Collie Community Bank and now a current board member. He has sat on numerous boards and committees including the Professionals Western Australian Board and the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation, and has represented Rotary at district level. Kelly Fox
Kelly Fox became involved with the ACC through a group called Aspire, an organisation that aims to facilitate networking and professional/personal development for young professionals, which came about through the South West Young Achievers’ Program. She is a Public Relations Officer for the WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod, assists the City of Bunbury with their events and has recently taken on a business, Southwest Concierge. David Haoust
David is the General Manager of Go West Tours, Hertz Car Rental and Gull Petroleum Strickland Street. He has interests in the Mining and the Tourism sectors and also contributes to the region's development through being a member on different regional committees such as Tourism Advisory Committee. Fiona Skilbeck Fiona was a councilor with the Shire of Harvey from 2003 and did not stand for re-election in 2007. During her time on council Fiona became involved with several different committees. Fiona is married to Don and they have two daughters. Together they purchased Bunbury City Glass/Bunbury Shower Screens in 2005. Fiona has worked with Don for almost twenty years and they live at Myalup after a Sea change from Perth. SOUTH WEST ACC STAFFThe South West ACC has a core staff of three, plus a project officer (business succession planning project): Executive Officer (acting) - Graham Hodgson Project Officer - position vacant Office Manager - Monique Venter Business Succession Planning Project officer - Lynda Spencer
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEThe Chairman, Deputy Chair and Treasurer form an Executive Committee with the Executive Officer to manage administrative matters, reporting back to the Board.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT OF PRIORITIES AND SOUTH WEST ACC STRATEGIC REGIONAL PLAN TABLEThe Government has determined the policies and programs it will instigate in support of regional development, and has tasked Area Consultative Committees with contributing to regional development in eight Ministerial Priority Areas arising from these policies. ACCs are required to determine which Ministerial Priority/s they intend to focus on over the course of the four year Strategic Regional Plan cycle, i.e., 2007-2010 and in each Annual Business Plan. The focus areas and the rationale for the decision must be included in the SRP and Business Plans, and linked to the Key Performance Indicators. The South West ACC has determined the following priorities: Ministerial Priority Area | South West Priority Issues | Outcomes sought to realise the strategic objective to build a stronger South West | Supporting a planned, cooperative approach to regional development, particularly to the social and economic impacts of structural change, in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia. | Labour and Skills shortages
Population growth
Ageing population
Industry restructure (dairy, timber) | - South West businesses will have access to a pool of skilled labour
- Balanced growth that caters for the social, economic and environmental needs of the region
- An ageing community that has access to high quality services and facilities to enjoy an improved quality of life
- Prosperous industries adapting to structural change
| Improving the business and investment environment in regions.
| Infrastructure development, maintenance and upgrades
Business owner/manager skills/knowledge development
Housing affordability
International tourism development and domestic tourism maximisation
| - Infrastructure that copes with a growing population and community needs
- A well skilled and knowledgeable business community
- Housing that is affordable and accessible
- A growing number of international tourists visiting the South West region and maximization of domestic tourism numbers
| Improving regional services, particularly by encouraging Australian Government
program take-up and support for partnership solutions
| Roads
Infrastructure development, maintenance and upgrades
Public transport
Training
Business migration
Export Development | - Road infrastructure that meets current and future needs
- Infrastructure that copes with a growing population and community needs
- Improved access to public transport for the region’s residents and people outside the region who wish to come into the region and around the region
- Training that is affordable, accessible and meets current and future needs
- New businesses are encouraged and supported to establish and grow
- Exports of South West products and services continue to grow and prosper
| Addressing pressing social issues faced by regional communities, particularly through building community skills and capacity. | Youth leadership
Youth counseling
Mental health
Adequate childcare
Community support services
Safe communities
Support for not for profit organisations
Empowered communities
| - Young people are encouraged and supported to take on leadership positions
- Young people have access to support networks
- South West residents have access to support networks
- South West residents have access to affordable quality childcare services
- South West residents have access to suitable community support services
- South West towns are regarded as safe, friendly and great places to live and visit
- Non profit organisations and volunteers are supported to provide community services
- South West residents have confidence to address local issues
| Actively seeking out those opportunities that arise from the evolving economic, social and technological environment that lend themselves to / are suitable for joint private / public sector
development.
| Secure new global markets | - South West small business and industry seizes global opportunities
| Sustaining our natural resources and environment | Sustainable mineral resource development
Sustainable forest product development
Climate change (rising sea levels, drought, flood, fire)
Water management and supply
Energy management and supply
Wildlife conservation
Heritage protection
Marine fisheries sustainability
| - South West natural resources are mined sustainably and value adding opportunities are maximised
- South West forests are logged sustainably and value adding opportunities are
maximized - Cultural change occurs to address climate change issues at community level
- Water use is managed sustainably
- Energy use is managed sustainably
- The South West’s biodiversity is well protected and managed
- The South West’s Heritage attractions are maintained and protected
- Marine fishing is managed sustainably
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 - METHODOLOGY TO PREPARE PLANThe South West Area Consultative Committee Inc. prepared this plan with the input of key stakeholders in the South West Region. The South West ACC Board of management and the staff consulted widely and regularly with stakeholders and clients in the region in 2006 and 2007 to ascertain the trends, issues, values and priorities of communities within the region. In late 2006 key stakeholders were invited to indicate the important issues facing the South West Region and the priority actions/projects for the 2007-2010 period. These stakeholders included Federal and State Members of Parliament, Federal and State Government departments, local government chief executive officers, chambers of commerce, farmers’ organizations, economic alliances, and tourism associations. In addition, the South West ACC analysed a full suite of strategic and operational plans prepared by Australian and State Government agencies as they affect the South West. All 12 local governments’ strategic plans were examined and input sought from business organisations, community groups and individuals. Particular mention is made of the contribution of the South West Development Commission and the WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development, whose documents South West Economic Perspective and Indicators of Regional Development in WA provided much of the statistical data for the plan. The South West Development Commission also provided input on the strategic issues and development opportunities for the region.
A draft of the plan was circulated to selected stakeholders for further comment, and posted on the South West ACC's website, where comment was sought from the broader community. A full meeting of the Board of Management of the South West ACC endorsed the Plan as being an accurate statement of the expectations of the South West ACC for 2007-2010. The Plan will provide the framework for the preparation of Annual Business Plans for 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. REVIEWTo ensure the Plan remains relevant in the face of changing circumstances both within and outside the region, the South West ACC will undertake a mid-term review at the end of 2008. APPENDIX 2 — REGIONAL PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS The Hon. Nola Marino, MHR for Forrest Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources Australian Government Departments South West Development Commission WA Department of Education and Training WA Tourism Commission WA Department of Industry and Resources WA Department of Agriculture WA Department of Fisheries WA Department of Environment and Conservation City of Bunbury and the Shires of Harvey, Collie, Dardanup, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Manjimup, Nannup, Augusta-Margaret River, Busselton, Capel and Donnybrook-Balingup. Bunbury-Wellington and Warren Blackwood Economic Alliances Edith Cowan University (South West campus) South West Regional College of TAFE Indigenous organisations Tourism associations Chambers of Commerce and Industries Community organisations, including Progress Associations, Telecentres
REFERENCES- South West Economic Perspective, July, 2006
- South West Development Commission Strategic Plan 2005-2020
- South West Directions—an Action Plan for a Sustainable Future July 2004
- Regional WA – a Better Place to Live – Regional Development Policy 2003
- Focus on the Future – the WA State Sustainability Strategy, September 2003
- Australia’s South West Destination Development Strategy 2006-2016
- Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Strategic Plan—Plan for the Future 2006-2010
- Shire of Nannup Forward Plan 2006/07—2010/11
- Shire of Collie Strategic Plan 2002-2007
- Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup Strategic Plan 2006/07
- Shire of Busselton Strategic Plan 2006-2011
- Shire of Boyup Brook Strategic Plan 2003-2008
- Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes Strategic Plan 2005/6-2009/10
- Shire of Manjimup Strategic Plan 2003 and Beyond
- City of Bunbury Strategic Plan 2002-2007 and City Vision
- Shire of Capel Strategic Plan 2003-2007
- Shire of Harvey Strategic Plan 2003-2007
- Shire of Dardanup Strategic Plan 2005-2015
- South West Youth Co-ordination Network Youth Sector Consultation August 2006
- Dept of Planning and Infrastructure South West Region Framework Workshop Nov 2006
- Critical Horizons Regional Futures Conference February 2007
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