Aim of Economic Development
• The process by which a community or region can achieve
structured and managed sustainable economic growth and
improved prosperity for business and residents.
• Economic Development – is generally the policy, strategy
and supporting actions set by Government and
communities to enhance economic and social prosperity.
• Economic Growth is the measure of economic activity such
as output, productivity, employment and community
prosperity that result from economic strategy.
Role of Council – A Facilitator
• Creating partnerships with business and industry to identify needs,
potential barriers to growth and development;
• Attracting new businesses, diversifying the local economy, providing
business support to existing businesses;
• Enhancing or growing the tourism industry;
• Encouraging and facilitating population growth;
• Providing services and infrastructure to residents and business;
• Zoning to ensure adequate land supply and appropriate land use;
• Promotion and marketing of the region;
• Developing export opportunities with local business; and
• Providing customer service in the delivery of Local Government
services to business.
• Guiding business through the process.
Case Study Business Attraction
• Identification of appropriate assets within the Council
region – what opportunities exist?
• Consideration to; noise, pollution, residential, truck
access, transport routes, facilities, EPA issues etc…
• SWOT of region to identify what business and
industries fit the profile of the area.
• What businesses currently exist, what would
complement or add value to the region?
Matching business with opportunity…
• Midfield Meats identified they were looking at a potential move into SA to
establish a milk powder manufacturing plant. Their head office includes an
abattoir was Warrnambool.
• Initial discussions involved arranging a site visit to a potential site (The
former SAFRIES Site at Penola).
• Meeting also included RDA & PIRSA (critical to get the right key players
involved at the right time)
• Ongoing discussions with Midfield after this site visit. Included providing
information on Power, transport corridors, site access, truck movements,
supply chains and employment.
• Started engagement with EPA regarding waste water and DPTI regarding
site access off main road.
Communication is the key…
• This project was going to be a CAT 3 Development. Due
to the size of the development ($60 Million, 120 new
jobs), also qualified for Major projects.
• Midfield ran this project through the Council planning
process because they could see there was a clear
mandate from Council to work with business and support
economic development.
• They were aware we weren’t going to say Yes to
everything, but they had our commitment that we would
work with them to find solutions.
The Deal was done…
• Midfield purchased the site to build a state of
the art milk processing plant.
• Tight timelines due to specialized equipment
being ordered and dairy contracts.
• Also noting this was a CAT 3 Development
which requires significant consultation and
referrals.
Aligning planning and Economic Development
• By sitting down with the Midfield management
team we were able to understand their time
pressures and explain the CAT 3 process.
• We mapped out a best case scenario for
Development Approval (which included
community consultation, referral agency, DAP
Meetings)
• This was 12 weeks. (Can a CAT 3 Development
occur in 12 Weeks – is it possible)??
The consultation process
• Be transparent.
• Instead of an ad in the back of the paper we organized
public information sessions
• Midfield representatives were there to ask questions
and show the community their plans.
• Was a case for local businesses to discuss and provide
information on what services they could offer.
• Provided an opportunity for people looking for
employment to register their interest.
• Provided a forum for people with any concerns to
speak with the Managing Director of midfield and
other key staff to ask questions.
The Referral process – where things
can go wrong!!
• This stage had the potential to delay the
project.
• DPTI and EPA were both asking lots of
questions and taking time to respond.
• All referrals were received within our required
period, however this was due to the fact that
these key agencies were brought in from day
one of the discussions.
The DAP Process
• The planning process was all running to schedule.
• A DAP Meeting was called and there were no
representations from the community.
• The Development Approval was grants and the
entire CAT 3 process was completed within the 12
week timeframe.
• During this process, Midfiled were also successful
in obtaining a PIRSA Grant that Council assisted
them to write.
• Midfield commenced foundation pouring on the
site without any delays to the project.
Key learning's
• Be bold, actively chase businesses
• When dealing with sites and projects that involve
multiple agency's, or State Gov depts, bring in the key
people from day one.
• Internal Planning departments can make or break
projects. Get planning staff on board
• Communicate – understand the expectations of
business and be clear in what you can and cant do.
• After the project is complete, check in with the
business and stay in contact.
• Celebrate the success and influence the States
business confidence.
QUESTIONS