SEGRA - Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia

The Meeting Post - Pre-SEGRA Edition

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Welcome to The Meeting Post - Edition 7

The Bush Christmas?

Even before the lights had dimmed on Kerry O’Brien’s election set, regional Australia had been thrust into the spotlight of the political post-mortem, and a tantalising opportunity presented itself.

But while our agenda enjoys some airtime, regional Australia needs more than a Santa sack.

The reality is a new chapter needs to be written on governing regional Australia. We need to leave behind the traditional sectoral approach of responding to agriculture, mining, water management etcetera, as separate entities.

I believe regional Australia will be best served by taking a fresh perspective, using a cohesive and multi-disciplinary approach to govern in a mature and case-sensitive way.

We need policies that recognise regional characteristics, tax policies that discourage fly-in, fly-out workforces, environmental policies that encompass the entire country and aren’t limited by borders or artificial territories.

Australians deserve to have decisions about their regions made as close to home as possible, to reflect the priorities of their communities and to ensure services are responding to their needs.

Current infrastructure funding models are largely inappropriate and will always struggle to be financially viable for regional Australia, just as mining companies cannot and should not be relied on to underwrite entire communities, replacing appropriate governance.

Infrastructure, be it road, rail or internet is critical to the connectivity of regions and consequently the prospects of long-term economic vigour. Education in the bush goes hand in hand with economic growth and opportunity.

None of this can be achieved without a cross- sectorial and multi-disciplinary approach to governance, looking to build a vibrant, viable regional Australia.

As Convenor of the national SEGRA conference, I look forward to these issues coming up for discussion at the next conference in Townsville from 19 – 21 October.

We have a wide range of topics to cover with a really thought-provoking line-up of speakers.

I hope you can join us.

Kate Charters.

 

Perspectives

Relocate Business to Regions

Spending $250 million relocating government agencies and businesses to regional New South Wales is the most popular of the 10 Big Ideas to Grow NSW launched by NSW Business Chamber.
 
The business relocation concept received twice as many votes as the next most popular idea (a whole-of-government audit), in the online poll run through the NSW Chamber of Business website.


Mr Stephen Cartwright, CEO NSW Business Chamber, presents at the 10 Big Ideas launch. Image courtesy of NSW Business Chamber

“There are a variety of options for government departments to be moved - Penrith would like Transport NSW because of the congestion problems they face for example. But more importantly we propose a Develop Regional NSW Fund that businesses can submit an application to, to receive government support in helping them relocate to regional areas” said Mr Stephen Cartwright, CEO NSW Business Chamber.

“A business would have to make a convincing case on why they should receive government support – job creation, boosting a particular industry in a community, exports etc.”

The Chamber announced its 10 Big Ideas in March this year, having conducted symposiums with government, academics, community groups and business people across the State in 2009.

“The 10 Big Ideas are about seizing opportunities to group our skills, strengthen our infrastructure, encourage confidence and prepare for the future,” said Mr Cartwright.
“We want to talk about making NSW the economic engine room of Australia once again.”

Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia have outstripped economic growth in New South Wales in recent years.

NSW Business Chamber has also worked in the regions to produce specific 10 Big Ideas for Hunter, Central Coast, Northern Rivers, North Coast and Murray Riverina.

The 10 Big Ideas project has stimulated discussion about Sydney’s CBD, including a proposed trial to delay the starting time of secondary schools in central Sydney in an effort to better manage traffic congestion.

Hon. Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber wrote to the State’s Premier to suggest the idea.

 

“Creative, bold, exciting ideas are what drive innovation in business and it should be no different for government.  The Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Snowy Hydro were creative solutions – I think we’ve lost some of the boldness we once had and we want to recapture it,” said Mr Cartwright.

The details of the 10 Big Ideas to Grow NSW can be found at www.10bigideas.com.au

 

The Real Australia of the Future—Governing a Hollow Country

Governments need to learn to govern a large ‘hollow’ country in which most people live on or near the coast, according to Associate Professor Geoff Cockfield, of the University of Southern Queensland.

Speaking ahead of next month’s Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) annual conference, where he will be presenting a paper on this topic, Associate Professor Cockfield said recent policy approaches have been based on romantic platitudes and sporadic and widely dispersed funding.

“Governments, for understandable political reasons haven’t publicly acknowledged and widely discussed the real, future picture of our country” he said.

“There is not one regional Australia, but sea change areas, tree change areas, remote indigenous communities, large-scale agricultural and pastoral areas, mining hot spots and regional cities and they all need different approaches”.

 “Open discussion of the reality of Australia’s make-up would allow public policy to focus on servicing the population where it is concentrating, investing wholeheartedly in infrastructure to access the major production areas and regional centres and then developing new approaches and technologies for remote communities.

Associate Professor Geoff Cockfield, University of Southern Queensland

Associate Professor Cockfield will present his paper to the SEGRA conference in Townsville, 19 – 21 October, where the concerns of regional Australia will be in the spotlight.

This paper will sit alongside a raft of agenda items critical to regional Australia including connectivity via transport and internet, health provision, water allocation and security, and leveraging the current national interest in regional issues.

Best Practice

Making Regional Development Happen

It sounds like the Holy Grail – pulling a diverse community together, garnering co-operation across Council boundaries and speaking with one voice to government at State and Federal level.

But G21 is delivering, with major investment in infrastructure such as a multi-million dollar ring-road and significant new industry attracted to the region.  Currently 53 projects are underway.

The G21 test case was launched in the Geelong region of Victoria in 2007 encompassing five Councils, and is now the blueprint for the Brumby government’s State-wide regional development policy Ready for Tomorrow, backed by $630 million.

The G21 concept saw the development of an autonomous body, with a Board drawn from the five member Councils and the community.  Through wide consultation, a Regional Plan has been written to define the region’s aspirations and provide a framework for future energies.

“It has been an amazingly successful model,” said Elaine Carbines, who was appointed CEO in June this year.

“The process of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the region has helped clarify where we want to go.

Elaine Carbines, CEO G21

“We are a rapidly growing region, with an ageing population and a local economy in transition, moving away from a traditional manufacturing base.”

The G21 corporate structure has eight ‘pillar’ groups to categorise the action areas, including:

With 300 volunteers contributing professional expertise, G21 has harnessed the intellectual assets of the community to work alongside staff and member organisations to build a better community for the future.

“We support applications going to government that fit in with the Regional Plan. It is mutually beneficial. We even have government departments loan Officers to work with our pillar groups,” said Ms Carbines.

“We are all working together for better outcomes for the region.” 

Elaine Carbines will be presenting at the SEGRA conference in Townsville 19 – 21 October.

For a full SEGRA program please visit www.segra.com.au

 

Rural Australia Putting Out the Welcome Mat

It might be as simple as a ‘welcoming committee’, to secure skilled workers including professionals such as doctors, police and teachers, for rural Australia.

Skilled workers are slipping through the fingers or rural communities and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has released a report based on Australian-first research that explains how to hang on to these prized new residents.

The research was borne out of SEGRA 2006 in Launceston, when regional development professional Martin Homisan from Mackay-Whitsunday- Isaac region, teamed up with some academics to try to understand the lack of commitment from mobile workers.

The collaboration resulted in a research project to understand the motivations of mobile workers across all six States.

Image Courtesy RIRDC
Publication Number: 10-077

The research team including Deakin University and Southern Cross University is now applying for a grant to look at the role of social entrepreneurs.

The findings of the initial research will be presented at this year’s SEGRA conference, 19 – 21 October in Townsville and the full report can be downloaded from https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-077

This article was first published in the RIRDC Rural Diversity – Issue Number 5, available at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-166

The RIRDC is also sponsoring a workshop on ‘Developing Research Collaborations’ at the SEGRA 2010 conference.

ROVING WORKERS TO THE RESCUE IN RURAL AUSTRALIA
Helping rural Australia get the most out of a skilled workforce

Attracting and retaining skilled workers is a common problem for many employers and communities in Australia.

It’s a challenge felt most keenly in rural communities, where they also often face ageing populations, and an ongoing struggle to hang on to their young people.

The irony is that many of these rural towns often enjoy a steady flow of skilled workers, passing through their communities – the problem they face however, is getting these roving workers to establish their roots there and enticing them to stay for the long term.

RIRDC has released Australia’s first ever study into how rural communities can encourage these mobile professionals such as doctors, locums, teachers, ‘tree changers’, and ‘sea changers’ to live and work in rural communities longer.

The Mobile Skilled Workforce (RIRDC Pub. No. 10/077) undertaken by Deakin University led by Professor Sue Kilpatrick also looks at how rural communities can get the most out of these skilled professionals during their stay.

The report found that communities that were innovative, embraced diversity, accepted newcomers and acknowledged the skills of new arrivals were more likely to attract and retain skilled workers.

The study also found there is much local government, employers and community groups can also do to assist mobile skilled workers to integrate into new communities and to encourage them to extend their stays.

For example, communities which are proactive in welcoming skilled workers and their families and which help them to integrate and feel a sense of belonging, are most likely to benefit during their stay.

The researchers also argue that it’s important to achieve the ‘right fit’ before a mobile skilled worker starts work in a rural area.  To do this, employers and HR managers are encouraged to assess the capacity and willingness of mobile skilled workers and their families to become involved in community life outside the workplace.

The Deakin University research team will present their findings at the upcoming SEGRA (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia) conference that is being held this year in Townsville from 19 – 21 October.

 

Building Soul into Suburbs

SEGRA (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia) will examine the X-Factor that builds community spirit at the upcoming conference in Townsville 19 – 21 October.

 “The problem with new suburbs is there is no-where to make a mess. One thing I know about community groups like theatre groups, pottery co-ops, Girl Guides and the like, is they need a shed - some where to store all of their gear, and it may not always look pristine.”

Lorna Hempstead AM is a community leader with a long association with professional and amateur Arts groups.  Her dedication has seen her serve on the National Performing Arts Board, Tourism Queensland Board and the James Cook University Governing Council to name just a few.

Ms Hempstead will address the upcoming SEGRA conference focusing on the social infrastructure deficit and the looming volunteers crisis – both critical ingredients for vibrant communities.

New suburbs, country towns and remote areas all strive to create a buzz of activity and amenity.

Ms Hempstead points to the green spaces and parklands that are mandatory inclusions in any new development, but warns the ingredients that build community atmosphere are overlooked.

 “It’s not the first thing people think of, but the infrastructure that creates really vibrant communities is physical space and good will,” said Ms Hempstead. 

“Groups that engage people, young and old, and keep them fit and active, need a home.  Often they end up being based in someone’s garage, and if that person moves town that can spell the end for that group,” said Ms Hempstead.

Australians are flocking to the coastline, putting enormous strain on burgeoning coastal communities. New developments, such as the recently approved Rocky Springs south of Townsville will ultimately house 38,000 people.

Ms Hempstead hopes developers, local businesses and councils will all consider accommodating community groups with donations of land or rent-free arrangements.
 
Aside from the physical infrastructure, the other criticial issue is the decline in volunteers to run community groups.

“We are in a crisis now, but it will really hit in around 10 years time, when the baby boomers start pulling out,” said Ms Hempstead.

The modern two income family, combined with the reluctance to let children travel unsupervised is sapping people of time, that previously would have been dedicated to volunteering.

“Australia has such as strong tradition in volunteering, but it has been severely eroded in less than a generation.

“As a society we need to look for creative solutions, otherwise the things we really value in our community will start to disappear,” said Ms Hempstead.

SEGRA convener, Ms Kate Charters said creating social amenity was a critical factor in determining a community’s economic success.

“If towns are vital and attractive it is easier to draw in and secure a workforce,” said Ms Charters.

“With a stable or growing population to underpin the local economy, regions can attract investment and embed some resilience into the community.

“It is an elusive quality at times, but Lorna Hempstead has some valuable experience and insights which will inspire SEGRA delegates,” said Ms Charters.

SEGRA is the premier national forum for discussion of regional development, and will host debate on a raft of ideas and emerging issues for regional Australia.

For a full program visit www.segra.com.au

Around the Regions

SCU Leads the Way


Stephen Cartwright presents at the SCU Symposium in Byron Bay. Image courtesy of SCU.

Following on from a national survey last year into key issues affecting regional Australia and relevant criteria to assess and prioritise Southern Cross University (SCU) has taken a lead role in regional development dialogue in Australia, hosting a Byron Bay symposium in August.

SCU’s Regional Futures Institute attracted more than 70 professionals from around the region under the banner of ‘Big Ideas, Innovative Thinkers and Future Directions for Regional Australia’.

“The speakers raised some very interesting arguments and issues that stimulated lively discussion and thinking,” said Professor Buultjens, Director of the Institute.

Northern New South Wales, home base of SCU, is exploring the potential of the region, with a paper being developed by the NSW Business Chamber under its 10 Big Ideas for Growth project.

Chamber CEO Stephen Cartwright attended the Symposium and was enthusiastic about the grassroots response from around New South Wales, including Northern Rivers.

“What we are seeing now is local communities putting together their own solutions and priorities for jobs, investment and growth. In many cases we are seeing smart, organic solutions to real issues being put forward – many of these solutions and ideas do not require a great deal of money, just a willingness by government to ‘have a go’,” said Mr Cartwright.
 
The ‘10 Big Ideas for Growth in the Northern Rivers’ is a working document, which currently includes:

Guest speakers at the Symposium represented business, academia, regional development professionals and indigenous agencies.

“Ideas from the Symposium will be developed into a communiqué over the next few weeks and we will use them to help guide activities undertaken by the Regional Futures Institute,” Professor Buultjens said.

Some of the presentations delivered at the symposium are now available online http://www.scu.edu.au/regionalfutures/index.php/dds?cat_id=1234#cat1234
The Transformational Economic Development Symposium was held at the Byron at Byron in Byron Bay on Friday, August 27 and was supported by Thomas Noble & Russell Chartered Accountants and Pinnacle Business Solutions.

 

Country Spirit Motivates the Motivator

She’s supposed to be the one doing the inspiring, but a chance trip to country New South Wales was an epiphany for Motivational Speaker, Janine Shepherd.

With a stellar career on the corporate circuit, Janine Shepherd has been inspiring well-heeled professionals with her story of will and determination, following her near fatal accident while training as an Olympic cyclist.

After a presentation to a small group of country women, a young mother of two who’s family was about to lose their farm, asked Janine if she had ever thought about suicide.

She realised how desperate things could get in the bush, the enormous toll years of drought and adversity have taken, and how brave that woman was to approach a near stranger with her fears.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I do,” says Janine.

“Story-telling is so powerful. It’s important for people to know, yes I felt like that, it’s normal and I survived it. ”

Janine Shepherd. Image courtesy Janine Shepherd

Janine had support people who were who were able to help that one woman, but it has inspired her and her partner, country singer and songwriter, Darren Colston to launch Lifting the Spirit.

The concept will see Janine and Darren go to small rural and remote communities to share their stories, perform, entertain and uplift the people.

“I usually work in the cities, talking to people where a big corporate has paid – it’s not open to the public… (but going to the bush) I really loved it.  People really wanted to be there and it’s a good opportunity for them to get together and connect with their neighbours,” says Janine.

Janine’s concept is already gathering momentum and she is currently in discussions with Beyond Blue and Lifeline, which are helping provide backup services, as well a documentary maker to record the stories of duo and the people they meet.

She is also hopeful of securing a partnership with a national women’s magazine.

The first performances will be held in October.

For further information about tour dates and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.darrencolston.com/index.cfm?pageName=gigguide

 

Regions Missing Grey Dollars

Every six minutes a new recreational vehicle (RV) is rolling off a production line in Australia, with the owners touring for longer than ever before. But the majority of regional Australia is not ready for the lucrative invasion, according to industry insider, Mr Gary Rebgetz.

A critical mass of travellers is expected to hit next year, according to Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) research, with continued growth of up to 30 per cent predicted to 2016.

Past chairman of CMCA, Gary Rebetz will present the research findings to the Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) conference in Townsville 19 – 21 October, flagging the potential windfall to local councils.
 
“The CMCA represents over half a million grey nomads. We have green credentials, we’re coming and we spend money, but not a lot of areas are ready for us,” said Mr Rebgetz.

With 800 new members joining CMCA each month, the grey nomads are a formidable sector, touring the country for an average of 197 days, 40 days longer than when last researched in 2003.

Gary Rebgetz. Image courtesy CMCA

Parking and access to rest areas are the factors most likely to influence where they stay.

“On average RV travellers spend $527 per week over a 28 weeks trip, a total average of $16,000 per vehicle,” said Mr Rebgetz.

More financial travellers can spend more than $1000 per week, but the research shows travellers with fully self contained vehicles strongly object to paying caravan park fees of up to $40 per night, which include payments for power, water, toilets, swimming pools and barbecues - services they don’t want or need.

Dumping points for black waste is a service the self-sufficient travellers do need, with $10 a night for overnight parking in or near a town, and basic facilities like toilets and water being the ideal, according to the research.

The Queensland government is aware of the potential, having given a five year grant of $250,000 for new black waste dump points.

“More dump points means more dollars for regional Queensland, with tourists spending money at take away shops, corner stores, newsagents and petrol stations in small towns and communities,” said Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace.

 

Events

Regions to Drive National Outlook

Serendipity has landed regional and rural Australia ringside seats in the next government, raising hopes of a radical redirection of governance for the regions.

Championing a ‘new take’ on regional management is Brisbane-based think-tank, SEGRA (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia).

“Currently policy for industry sectors, such as agriculture or mining, contributes a lot more to our national outlook than policy for regions. SEGRA believes this could be turned on its head,” said SEGRA founding Director, Ms Kate Charters currently convening SEGRA 2010 conference for Townsville 19 – 21 October.

Established in 1997, the group has galavanised the voice of regional development professionals, academics, businesses and those passionate about the fortunes of country, coastal and remote regions of Australia.

Image Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

The SEGRA conference will explore a raft of issues impacting regional Australia including population policy, innovative local council alliances, food and water security, among many others at the upcoming conference.

For a full conference program visit www.segra.com.au

 

Workshop with Global Ecotourism Leaders on Noosa Beach


Images Courtesy Tourism Queensland

Leading national and international tourism identities will gather next month in Noosa, Queensland, for the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference (25-28 October 2010). Outstanding speakers will represent Australia, New Zealand, China, Cambodia, South Africa, USA, UK, France and more.

This is a unique opportunity for the whole tourism industry to receive leading advice from global experts on sustainability, ecotourism marketing and product development.

World-leading operators will also be present to share their success stories. Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of Gap Adventures; Mark Witney, Director of Singita Game Reserves; Kauahi Ngapora, Chief Operating Officer at Kaikoura Whale Watch; Jena Gardner President and CEO - JG Black Book of Travel; and David Gunson, Head of Programming, Presentation and Advertising Sales, National Geographic are amongst many speakers who will provide case studies on their world award-winning ecotourism achievements.

This is certainly a professional development opportunity not to be missed!

To view all the highlights for Global Eco 2010 please visit www.globaleco.com.au

   

 

Publications

More than Luck: Ideas Australia needs now

“It’s time for Australia to show that we are not just a lucky country but a country that knows how to make our luck last.” 
- Mark Davis and Miriam Lyons, Editors More Than Luck: Ideas Australia needs now

More than Luck: Ideas Australia needs now is the latest book released by the Centre for Policy Development, in an effort to stimulate public discussion about policies to position Australia for the future.

Many of the chapters address issues that directly impact on regional Australia, such as delivery of health and Australia’s reliance on a resource-led economy.

The book has gathered 21 policy experts to provide informed analysis of the big issues facing Australia, as well as an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Labor's past three years and how to take to take good policies out of the too hard basket.

More Than Luck: Ideas Australia needs now, available online at http://morethanluck.cpd.org.au (and soon to be in print), is by Miriam Lyons (CPD Director) and Mark Davis (author of Land of Plenty)

Also included is an article by Ian McAuley on regional policy in the wake of the election, and you can find it online here.

 

 

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