Open for Business - Richmond Valley Council - NSW Government

RICHMONDVALLEY COUNCILWe’re Open for BusinessA perfect balance between town and country, beach and river.

RICHMONDVALLEY COUNCILOPEN FOR BUSINESSRichmond Valley Council is rolling out the red carpet, ratherthan the red tape, to prospective business.This brochure acts to whet the interest of business,showcasing the region’s rich natural attributes, logisticadvantage and robust economic development strategy.The area welcomes new business to join its collaborativecommunity. It is focussed on advancing a resilient economythat reflects the area’s strong sense of community, successfulestablished industries and desirable lifestyle.However, this booklet doesn’t replace a phone call.Richmond Valley Council is staffed by professionals who notonly want to help; they have the business acumen and localknowledge that can.Its answer to any business enquiry?“We’re all ears.”CONTACT INFORMATION02 6660 0300council@richmonfvalley.nsw.gov.auCorner Walker Street and Graham Place Casino NSW 24703

RICHMOND RIVER FACT BOXThe spectacular Gondwana rainforests, littered with world heritage listings,are located within and around the Richmond Valley. This cluster of 14 nationalparks, from the coast to the mountain ranges, makes it easy to discover theregion’s natural beauty.4

WELCOME FROMTHE MAYORMaking Richmond ValleyStronger, Making Business BetterAs a long-time advocate for small business,I understand its importance to our community.Our Council is a strong team and we work with ourcommunity in an inclusive manner.Small business is the backbone of our economy -creating employment for residents and investmentin our communities.Richmond Valley Council’s OPEN FOR BUSINESSbooklet provides an overview of our region,including a snapshot of our towns and villages,such as Broadwater, Casino, Coraki, Evans, New Italy,Rappville and Woodburn, as well as a general descriptionof Council’s vision.We are united by our vision and passion for all thatwe can be. We live in one of the most beautifulregions in NSW and we have the potential to beone of the most liveable places in Australia.I invite you to read our OPEN FOR BUSINESSbooklet and explore Council’s website and let ushelp you get started today.nd what youneed to start a business and which departmentscan assist you.Ernie BennettMayor5

THE BUSINESS-FRIENDLY GMRichmond Valley Council’s General Manager John Walker ispositive about the area’s future.The food bowl, which offers low-cost housing and energysolutions and a strong hard-working community, is an increasinglyattractive prospect for future-focused business“The Richmond Valley area is well-placed to strengthen itsposition as the industry and transport hub of the Northern Rivers,”says Mr Walker.Openly business-friendly, Council has recently adopted a range ofplans and policies to support new business in the area, he reveals.“We have created a dedicated Economic Development Unit andwe’re rolling out the welcome mat for new business,” Mr Walkersays.“The world is changing rapidly and Council has decided toprepare for this change and explore a new direction and acommitment to creating a robust and resilient economy for theRichmond Valley,” Mr Walker says.6

RICHMONDRIVER FACTBOXEquamet, velisl ut ullutautat augait, quat euisnullut nonulputet luptatadipsustrud ex el iritdui eumsan eniatievoluptate vel exer sumzzriliquat, sed tatetdel dolumPis ad delipismolobor iuscilismolore delenim ditluptat el duis dipismoloreetu mmodolor si ersuscipit wis nim venibheugiam quat velismoddoloborem dLa Senicanitus, Catalem reituusa con tes Cat,nost vasdam ad imtalin visquem, coniumfur. Parbis; Catquevirmanulis? que finteroesuliurat, que nemquod inpre, us prid pronihilisuli, crestimunumactus verum in perum,num ad audamnost Catum modita,noximpl. Gul tuuscribus“As energy prices skyrocket, the potential low-cost power providedby the area’s emerging coal seam gas and other natural gas supplyis an attractive prospect.“The area’s industrial capital, Casino, is ideally located on theSydney to Brisbane rail line and the intersection of the BruxnerHighway and Summerland Way.“The area has its own hospital and two aerodromes, establishedindustry, sporting clubs and an enviable outdoor lifestyle.“The people of Richmond Valley are one of the area’s best naturalresources. “We have hospitable and down to earth locals whowelcome jobs and relish a vibrant future.”“In addition, the proposed development of an intermodal rail freighthandling facility to service the Port of Brisbane and Sydney willmean the town can handle any logistic requirement.7

SITTING PRETTYFOR THE FUTUREThe Richmond Valley Council area is well positioned forthe future. The global shift towards greater environmentalawareness, acknowledgement of issues such as housingaffordability, food security and social inclusion make theaffordable, food bowl an ideal choice for doing business.The Richmond Valley is a leader in primary industries and foodmanufacturing enterprises, with the NSW Sugar Mill locatedat Broadwater and Richmond Dairies and the Northern CooperativeMeat Company at Casino. This is now supported by agrowing number of diverse agricultural pursuits located acrossthe Richmond Valley specialising in grain, dairy, beef, poultry,fruits, vegetables, timber, coffee, tea-tree and sugar cane.There are also healthy retail, building and construction industrysectors and a growing creative industries sector.GROWTH OPPORTUNITIESIt is the work ethic of Richmond Valley people, consistentlymentioned by employers, that provides a distinct advantage forbusiness and industry investment.Emerging opportunities are clearly evident through aged careservices, residential developments and other population-drivenindustries such as health and community services, retail, tourismand support services.The coastal area at Evans Head has a strong tourism focus withCouncil seeking to diversify the economic base of that areathrough the development of part of the Evans Head MemorialAerodrome for aged care and airpark purposes.GAS AND RAILEconomic growth of the Council area is also expected toincrease with the emergence of the coal seam and natural gasdiscoveries and proposed development of an intermodal railfreight handling facility. This will prove a strong attraction fordevelopment of existing industry and attracting newinvestment due to the greener, less expensive energy sourcesfor associated industrial land developments. In addition to thedemand for residential land, there is also a strong demand forindustrial land.8

LOCAL COLOUR: Fashion retail, identified as apopulation-driven growth sector, is given a boost byCasino’s popular racing calendar and community events.9

KEY INDUSTRY AND DEVELOPMENTKEY INDUSTRYWith regard to industry, the largest contribution was made bythe manufacturing sector with approximately 19.7% of the totalGross Regional Product (GRP) for the Richmond Valley, followedby agriculture, forestry and fishing (7.7%), health care and socialassistance (7.3%) and education and training (6.6%).The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry experienced thehighest annual increase in industry value added in 2010-11, risingsignificantly by 43.2% from the level recorded in 2009-10. Othersectors that experienced high levels of annual growth includedconstruction (up 12.1%), manufacturing (up 10.5%) and arts andrecreation services (up 7.6%).The most recent ABS Australian Business Register indicatedthere were an estimated 1707 businesses registered for GST andactively trading in Richmond Valley in June 2011.Agriculture, forestry and fishing is the largest industry in termsof business numbers in Richmond Valley, accounting for 37.3%of the total number of businesses, followed by the construction(13.7%), retail trade (8.0%), rental, hiring and real estate services(5.6%) sectors.POPULATIONThe resident population of Richmond Valley was 23,213 in 2011,representing an annual increase of 138 persons, or 0.6% from thelevel recorded in 2010. Over the past five years, the population ofRichmond Valley has increased at an average annual rate of 0.9%.Source: ABS 3218.0GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCTThe Gross Regional Product (GRP) of the Richmond Valley LGAwas estimated at $809.3 million in 2010-11. Richmond Valleyexperienced real annual growth in GRP of 6.2% – much higherthan the averages for the Northern Rivers (4.9%) and NSW (2.2%)– and average annual growth of 1.8% from the level recorded in2005-06.Richmond Valley contributed 7.3% and 0.2%, respectively, tothe gross regional / state products of the Northern Rivers ($11.1billion) and NSW ($438.5 billion) in 2010-11.10

POPULATIONRICHMONDRIVER FACTBOXEquamet, velisl ut ullutautat augait, quat euisnullut nonulputet luptatadipsustrud ex el iritdui eumsan eniatievoluptate vel exer sumzzriliquat, sed tatetdel dolumPis ad delipismolobor iuscilismolore delenim ditluptat el duis dipismoloreetu mmodolor si ersuscipit wis nim venibheugiam quat velismoddoloborem dLa Senicanitus, Catalem reituusa con tes Cat,nost vasdam ad imtalin visquem, coniumfur. Parbis; Catquevirmanulis? que fi nteroesuliurat, que nemquod inpre, us prid pronihilisuli, crestimunumactus verum in perum,num ad audamnost Catum modita,SUMMARY OF RECENT ECONOMIC & STATISTICAL INDICATORSnoximpl. Gul tuuscribusREFERENCEPERIODBEYOND BEEF: A new dry land biodynamic rice millexemplifies the increasing diversifi cation of local industry.LEVELLEVEL –12 MTHS AGOCHANGE(+ / -)ANNUAL %CHANGEEstimated ResidentPopulation2011 23,213 23,075 +138 0.6%EMPLOYMENTEmployed Persons Mar Qtr 2012 9,680 9,496 +184 1.9%LABOUR MARKETThe estimated number of employed people in theRichmond Valley was 9680 in the March Quarter 2012,representing an annual increase of 184 persons, or 1.9%from the level recorded in the March Quarter 2011.The unemployment rate in Richmond Valley fell by 0.2percentage points to 6.3% in the March Quarter 2012,which was also 0.4 percentage points lower than the raterecorded in the March Quarter 2011 (6.7%).UnemploymentRate (%)(a)Mar Qtr 2012 6.3 6.7 -0.4 -0.4Labour Force Mar Qtr 2012 10,326 10,176 +150 1.5%Participation Rate(%)(a)2010 52.0 53.5 -1.5 -1.5BUSINESS INVESTMENTGross RegionalProduct ($ million)2010/11 809.3 726.0 +83.3 6.2%GRP per capita ($) 2010/11 35,074 31,688 +3,386 10.7%No. of Businesses June 20111707 1722 -15 -0.9%Total IndustryTurnover ($ million)Average BusinessTurnover ($’000)2010/11 547.8 556.7 -8.9 -1.6%2010/11 320.9 323.3 -2.4 -0.8%11

ON THE MOVE: The recently beautified Casino CBDattracts crowds of locals and visitors alike.13

WE’RE ALL EARSEconomic Development VisionA collaborative community working together to advance a resilientand robust economy which refl ects a strong sense of community,successful businesses and a healthy environment.Richmond Valley Council doesn’t just wantbusiness – it knows business. To make thisvision a reality Richmond Valley Councilhas appointed a dedicated EconomicDevelopment Manager with a robustbusiness background who speaksyour language.Richmond Valley Council identifiedsignificant change for its community whenthe NSW Government, through the Ministerfor Planning, released the Far North CoastRegional Strategy (2006) determining that9900 new homes would be required by2031. The potential impacts of populationgrowth in combination with global economicand environment pressures, gave reasonfor Richmond Valley Council to initiate theEmbracing Change Project – a projectdesigned to develop a strategy committedto providing an economic environment thatfosters sustainable living and businesspractices. The process has highlighted majorbusiness and industry strengths along withopportunities for developing a robust andresilient economy that can cater for futurepopulation growth while nurturing liveabilityand our strong sense of community andsense of place.14

THERICHMONDVALLEY VISION• Attracts businesses ofexcellence through itsdeveloped comparativeadvantage• Is a destination for industryinvestment and activelyfacilitates new investment• Supports existing businessand industry stakeholderswith facilitation assistance• Has key industry clustergroups workingcollaboratively with resourcesharing, training andjoint ventures• Is the industry hub for theNorthern Rivers andprovides an advantage forall Northern Rivers businesses• Strengthens industrysectors through valueaddingopportunities andidentification and progressinto export markets• Indigenous enterpriseopportunities are supportedand strengthened• Is well regarded by all for itsfood manufacturing andvalue adding to primaryindustry capabilities• CBD redevelopmentimproves opportunities forretail industry and tourismproduct development• Industrial land availabilityand size flexibility attractsinvestment• Tourism industry strengthsare fosteredON YOUR SIDE: from left, Executive Manager Derek Swanborough,General Manager John Walker, and Executive Manager Gary Murphy15

A WAY OF LIFE: The valley’s natural beauty andfamily-friendly lifestyle is the area’s biggest asset.16

A BETTER WAY OF LIFEAsk any Richmond Valley resident why they love the area, and the answer is usually thesame; “It’s just a better way of life.”Situated on the far north coast of NSWand stretching from the hinterland toglorious beaches at Evans Head, theRichmond Valley “with its administrationcentre in Casino” offers a range oflifestyles with ready access to qualityeducational and medical facilitiesin close proximity to Lismore, Ballina andthe Gold Coast.In recent years, sea and tree-changersattracted to low cost housing, ampleamenities and spectacular settinghave been credited for a 1.5 % increasein population.POPULATIONThe retail and residential hub, Casino, hasa population of more than 10,000 withthe balance of the population of 23,000residing in the communities of Evans Head(3,000), Woodburn (500), Coraki (1,100),Broadwater/Rileys Hill (500) and Rappville(259). The area has a higher than averageAboriginal population of 5.5%.RETAIL AND ARTSCasino’s wide open streets and laid backambiance adds to the convenience of thewell-serviced retail centre.The beautiful and natural surroundingsof the Richmond Valley has alwaysattracted artists and craftspeople to thearea, evident in galleries and nationallyacclaimedBentley and Coraki Art Prizes.The emerging café culture and first-ratelocal farmers’ markets, set the place apart.AERODROMECasino has its own airport, which is usedregularly by private charters and the localaero club. Regional Express Airlines (REX)operate daily services to nearby Lismore,Ballina and Grafton from Sydney. Inaddition, daily flights between Newcastleand Ballina are available. Jetstar andVirgin offer flights daily between Sydneyand Ballina and regular flights betweenMelbourne and Ballina. Gold Coast Airportis only a 90-minute drive from Casino.SPORTING AND INTEREST CLUBSThere are well established sporting clubsin the area, ranging from archery tocroquet, swimming, cricket, football andeverything in between.The big-hearted and social nature of theRichmond Valley people is evident in thenumerous interest & charity groups andservice organisations which include art,gardening, Rotary, Lions and Quota.The popular Casino RSM Club is a socialhub and supporter of many sporting andcommunity organisations and charities.Casino is also home to its own racecourseand the town’s golf course is arguablyamong the Northern Rivers finest.HOSPITALCasino & District Memorial Hospital isthe regional hospital servicing the townof Casino and surrounding communities.Services offered include general medical,obstetrics, paediatrics, surgery and daysurgery. The general medical departmentoffers ‘high dependency’ service and theAccident and Emergency department.SCHOOLSThe Richmond Valley has 17 schoolsincluding three quality high schools, aNorth Coast TAFE Campus, as well asrecognised childcare facilities.17

BEEF WEEK 2012: NCMC Chief Executive OfficerSimon Stahl says the region’s hard-working and loyallocals rally to support the businesses of the region withvibrant community events.A LOCAL SUCCESS STORYTestament to the region’s work ethic and ingenuity is the enduringsuccess of the Northern Co-operative Meat Company Limited.Internationally recognised for its quality and efficiency, theMeatworks, which has called Casino home for 79 years, employsover 1000 locals and contributes $55 million in wages a year tothe area.It operates an international export and domestic service abattoirand boning complex, which produces over 49 million kilograms ofmeat and meat products each year.NCMC Chief Executive Officer Simon Stahl says, “The Cooperativeis very positive about the future direction of RichmondValley Council through the leadership of John Walker and adedicated team behind the scenes. Council’s vision to attract newand existing businesses benefits all of the community, including ourschools, sporting teams and hospital.”Part of the company’s success, he says, is the facility’s strategiclocation. “Located only three hours from the port of Brisbane,Casino is an area that can service all businesses. Livestock carriersand refrigerated transport companies easily service the Casinoarea through major transport routes of the Summerland Way andBruxner Highway.”However, it’s the loyal and hard-working Casino people that are thebackbone of the company, says Simon.“The community of Casino is very proud of their town, theirsporting achievements, their schools and the businesses thatoperate here. The community supports businesses that operate inCasino, resulting in that community spirit.”“We are very fortunate to enjoy our Northern Rivers location,renowned as a clean, green food bowl of Australia,” he adds.18

“WE’D LOVE TOHEAR FROM YOU”CAPTION: General Manager John Walker and ExecutiveManagers Gary Murphy and Derek Swanborough are lookingforward to hearing from you soon.The Richmond Valley is embracing change and planning for a futurewhich ensures quality of life for its residents.Council has an important role to play in creating the rightconditions for investment, employment and growth. This involvesthe expansion of development opportunities by engagingeffectively with industry and business.Our number-one, long-term goal is to make the Richmond Valley aviable region; a place where prosperity and growth are shared forthe benefit of all.Council has a dedicated Economic Development Group, readyto assist existing businesses looking to expand or relocate, ornew investors considering the Richmond Valley as an investmentdestination.We have put in place new measures to help us move forward.We want to send a message loud and clear to individuals andcompanies alike; the Richmond Valley is open for business.19

CONTACT INFORMATIONTo help bring more business into our region, Richmond Valley Council has appointed John Adam as the new Economic DevelopmentManager. John is charged with a vital community service - stimulating economic activity and creating jobs in the Richmond Valley.Please do not hesitate to contact John at John.Adam@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.auThe Economic Development unit will be encouraging major employment-generating initiatives and promoting Richmond Valley Council’srole, as articulated in our Community Strategic Plan.If you are thinking of building or development in the Richmond Valley and would like more information, please visit Council’s website atwww.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au, or contact our Customer Service Team on 02 6660 0300.20