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ROLE
OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
An
Enterprising Alternative |
Shoalhaven Economic Development Strategy - "Shoalhaven - An Enterprising Alternative" (808Kb PDF File) |
Opportunity exists for further development within the region
and, with an ever increasing population, it is easy to see why the
Shoalhaven is proving to be so popular with investors and families
alike.
The Shoalhaven local government area has an area of 4,660
square kilometres and stretches from north of the rural township of
Berry to a point south of the harbourside township of Ulladulla. The
region is bounded by the Illawarra escarpment to the west and the
Pacific Ocean to the east. Its topography combines mountainous terrain,
flat coastal plain, bays, inlets, lakes and rivers.
There are over 4,000 businesses in operation within
Shoalhaven. This number has traditionally increased by approximately 100
per annum. This healthy growth in new business is due to the strong
population growth and the emphasis placed upon economic development by
Shoalhaven City Council .
The region’s retail sector is thriving, with a number of
major retail and supermarket chains such as Allens, Kmart, Woolworths, Coles, Target, Harvey Norman and Aldi already operating in
the area, and considerable new investment and development taking place.
Business
hotline
Council has an active policy of encouraging economic
development. Council’s Economic Development Manager and staff are
available to assist investors in negotiations with other government
agencies, to maximise any financial incentives and to enhance their
business presence within the City.
For further information on establishing your business or
relocating to the Shoalhaven, please contact the Economic Development
Office of Shoalhaven City Council on (02) 4429 3388 or fax (02) 4429
3167, or email econodev@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.
Commitment
to Enterprise Growth
Shoalhaven City Council adopted its Economic Development Strategy Creating a Platform for Growth (PDF document) in March 2000.
Shoalhaven’s expansion in population makes this region an
increasingly popular choice for investors and businesses, both
nationally and internationally.
Manufacturing, defence, building and construction,
education, tourism and agriculture represent the core income generating
economic activities for the Shoalhaven.
The manufacturing industry generates around $450m in annual
turnover with products such as paper, food, metal products and
machinery, chemicals, building products, marine craft and aircraft
maintenance.
Rural activities remain an important facet of the region’s
economic activities with dairy farming, nursery products, seeds and cut
flower produce having a gross value of around $40m.
Shoalhaven City Council, has been designed to accommodate
the increasing need for high technology based companies,
especially in aviation/avionics and other defence related activities.
Platform
for Growth
Selecting a new location for your business activity can
prove to be a most progressive and rewarding step.
The Shoalhaven is developing into a key business and
investment area within the south east of New South Wales providing a
smart business alternative to other major population centres.
The firm economic base provided by manufacturing, defence,
building and construction, education, tourism and agriculture will
continue to grow.
Shoalhaven City Council makes its Economic Development
Office available to you for consultation.
So consider the attributes of the Shoalhaven as outlined on
the following pages in arriving at your business decision.
Key
Regional Centre
Situated on the south coast of NSW, the City of Shoalhaven
is just two hours easy drive from Sydney on freeways/highways that
continue to be improved and upgraded. To support the population of
around 91,000, the business, commercial, education and health services
are comparable with those offered in metropolitan areas. Recreation and
lifestyle are features of this natural growth area.
A
Buoyant Real Estate Sector
The range of residential sites is diverse, from small
acreages and larger farms to suburban blocks in the Nowra/Bomaderry
area, near the shores of Jervis Bay or in the Milton/Ulladulla area.
In most instances the net proceeds from the sale of business or
residential property in a metropolitan area adequately provides for
similar or larger facilities in the Shoalhaven.
Land prices are comparatively cheaper than metropolitan areas.
New subdivisions are continuously being released to accommodate
the ever increasing population of the region.
from suburban blocks to small acreages and larger farms.
The Shoalhaven is keen to actively entice medium to large
size industrial developments into the area. Successes include:
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Australian
Paper - a manufacturer of paper and paper board. |
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The
Manildra Group of companies - a manufacturer of starches, gluten and
ethanol (currently expanding). |
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Tyco Flow Control - a manufacturer of valves (this company is an affiliate of a U.S. based parent corporation and is currently expanding).- flow` control valves |
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BAE
Systems - providing aviation engineering support and training at HMAS
Albatross |
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Minova
Pty Ltd - a manufacturer of chemicals and resins for the mining industry
(an affiliate of a UK company). |
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Azzura
Yachts - a manufacturer/exporter of fibreglass yachts and catamarans. |
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B &
J Hanlon Pty Ltd - a manufacturer of windows, both timber and aluminium
for metropolitan and south eastern NSW. |
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Ocean
& Earth - manufacturer of surf wear and surfing accessories. |
The expanding population and associated housing demands
provide local suppliers of bricks, timber products, windows and frames,
kitchen products and doors with abundant scope for market expansion.
The Department of Defence is represented by a number of
facilities in the Shoalhaven area, the largest being HMAS Albatross, to
the South of Nowra. Defence personnel and support staff number almost
2,000 and inject over $60m in annual salaries into the local economy.
A number of opportunities have been identified to
strengthen the links between the Defence Forces, industry and the
community. Opportunities include supply of products and services, joint
development facilities, education, training and research. A South Coast
Defence Industry Network operates to enhance the linkages between prime
and sub-contractors.
The upgrading of HMAS Albatross combined with the
establishment of an Albatross Aviation Technology Park add impetus to
the growth in the defence sector. Links with the University of
Wollongong are getting stronger as R&D partnering emerges.
As access to Canberra and the military hierarchy becomes
even closer with the upgrading of Main Road 92, Nowra will become an
important defence related centre. Many
internationally recognised defence contractors operate in the
Shoalhaven, including Kaman Aerospace International, BAE Systems,
Raytheon, Tenix, Computer Sciences Corporation, Scientific Management
Associates, and Air Affairs.
The local retail industry has a turnover of over $400m and
is the Shoalhaven’s largest employment sector, including many part
time and casual staff. The region continues to attract considerable
investment from retail operators in new ventures and in upgrading of
existing facilities. A variety of major department, variety and
supermarket chains are represented in the area, eg: K-Mart, Target,
Woolworths, Coles, Allens, Harvey Norman, Aldi, Sussan, and Mitre 10.
A range of road haulage operators services the Shoalhaven
providing regular local, intrastate and interstate services.
An active housing construction sector exists with major
project home builders such as Masterton, Jennings, Beechwood, Clarendon,
and Pioneer operating in the area. Major industrial/construction
projects have been undertaken by Bovis Lend Lease, Edwards
Constructions, and Cordukes.
The agricultural sector remains an important economic
activity for the Shoalhaven. Dairy, nursery products, seeds, and cut
flowers are key rural activities having a gross value of produce of
around $40m while Shoalhaven’s fishing industry is estimated to
contribute $25m to the area’s economy. The local abalone industry has
achieved significant success in exporting its products to Japan.
Aquaculture development within Shoalhaven is growing both on land and
within the marine environment.
The Shoalhaven has a very strong natural resource base
including rich agricultural land, forests, and vast waterways.
Opportunities for growth in agriculture exist in value added dairy
products, aquaculture, grape and berry growing, viniculture, organic
farming, ecotourism, the nursery industry, and turf farming.
The area’s strong tourism sector has significant economic
impact and potential for growth. Visitors are attracted to the water
activities of the coast, the national parks, the spectacular rural
hinterland and the heritage aspects of the region. In recent years
considerable investment has been made in hotel/motel accommodation,
upgrading of existing caravan parks and the introduction of new holiday
accommodation of all types. Growth opportunities have been identified in
the "short break", ecotourism, and international visitor
markets.
The spectacular natural environment, and its role in
quality of life, is a major attraction of the Shoalhaven. The region
possesses scenic features such as the Jervis Bay Marine Park, Shoalhaven
River, Morton and Budawang National Parks (including Pigeon House
Mountain), the Budawang Ranges, Kangaroo Valley, and many sparkling
beaches.
Ulladulla Harbour
The Shoalhaven is strategically located on the Princes
Highway 160kms south of Sydney, 160kms north west of Canberra and 800kms
north of Melbourne.
Whilst located on the Princes Highway between Sydney and
Melbourne, a link exists between Nowra and Moss Vale which gives access
through Kangaroo Valley to the main Sydney/Melbourne corridor of the
Hume Highway.
There are several major road haulage contractors operating
in the Shoalhaven City area. These hauliers carry products to and from
the major metropolitan areas predominantly in Sydney, Canberra and
Melbourne.
Some typical travel times for fully laden semi trailers are
as follows:
