Live Learn Work Invest

LIVE LEARN WORK INVEST

Y O U R F U T U R E I N P O R T M A C Q U A ri E - H A S T I N G S

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Q ueensland

Byron Bay

NORTHERN RIVERS

Grafton

Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour

New S outh Wales

Macksville

Kempsey

wauchope MID NORTH

port macœuarie

camden haven Taree

COAST

Bulahdelah Pac i f i c H i g h way

HUNTER

Newcastle

CENTRAL COAST

Sydney

D I S C L A I M E R While Port Macquarie Hastings Council has made every endeavour to ensure the information supplied in this publication is suitable, accurate and complete, no

warranty is given that the material contained within is free from error or omission. The material is intended for general use and information only. Port Macquarie Hastings Council does not accept any responsibility for any change or withdrawal of details or services shown which are subject to alteration without notice. Port Macquarie Hastings Council, its officers, employees, servants and agents expressly disclaim all liability for any act done, or admission made in reliance on such material, and any consequences of such act or omission. Information or images may not be reproduced without the written consent of Port Macquarie Hastings Council. Printed July 2013.

I magine a change of pace where you wake up to a spectacular ocean view or the mist over a rich green valley or a stan d of magnificent gum trees .

W here you can give your ki d s the chil d hoo d you ha d where they can

ri d e their b ikes homes from

school an d play in frien d ly neigh b ourhoo d s . S pen d your weeken d s e x ploring natures playgroun d , eating

fresh regional pro d uce an d en j oying the

b est climate in A ustralia . I sn ’ t it time you move d ?

T here are hun d re d s

of goo d reasons why you

shoul d leave the rat race an d relocate to our piece of para d ise . H ere are j ust a few goo d reasons to get you on the move .

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government area lies in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. Council acknowledges the Birpai Nation as the traditional owners of the lands within its local government boundaries. Under the Land Rights Act 1983, the area has four Aboriginal representatives’ bodies. These are the Birpai, Bunyah, Kempsey and Taree’ Purfleet Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE REGION

75,693 P opulation

(2013 E R P)

23,206

U N E M P L O Y M E N T R AT E

JOB GROWTH

(PLACE OF WORK)

( J une Q T R . 2 0 1 2 )

( people 2 0 1 0 to 2 0 1 1 )

31,507

J O B G R O W T H R AT E

LABOUR FORCE

( 2 0 1 0 to 2 0 1 1 )

(PEOPLE)

G ross R egional P roduct

$3.001 B Value - A dded

$375,000 $350 PWEREE K MEDIAN HOUSE SALE PRICE

2,373

E M PL OY M E N T

8.1% $3.292 B

4.9%

MEDIAN RENT - 3 bed house

h e a lt h c a r e & s o c i a l as s i s ta n c e L argest employing I ndustry

CONSTR U CTION L argest business sector

$6.199 B $126.12 B OUTPUT

1.649 M TOURISM - VISITORS

B U I L D I N G A P P R O VA L S

Source: REMPLAN, ABS 8165.0, PMHC

Community Profile, ABR, Tourism Research Australia and other government sources.

Contact economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au for more information.

i0

BEST R E A S ON S

To live and work in Port MacquariE - hastings region

1.

A climate of opportunity not just sunshine

Consider the $21 million expansion of the Port Macquarie Airport; the recent completion of the dual carriage Pacific Highway from Sydney to Port Macquarie; the $110 million expansion of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and the new Charles Sturt University campus catering for 5,000 students by 2030.

These and many more initiatives are

jobs were created and these new jobs continue

strengthening the diverse economic base of

to grow.

Port Macquarie-Hastings and injecting a strong sense of optimism into the local economy.

With a population approaching 80,000 and servicing a wide region, Port Macquarie-

From primary industries to tertiary service

Hastings provides outstanding opportunities

providers, Port Macquarie-Hastings offers

for many professional, personal and commercial

abundant employment and business

services. Accountants, lawyers, health

opportunities. Local knowledge of these many

professionals, tradespeople, teachers and

opportunities has spawned many a successful

consultants in a wide range of disciplines, are all

business operator and is waiting to do so again.

in high demand.

It is already a major destination for tourism, has

And remember, all these challenging and

a rich agricultural heritage now transformed

exciting work opportunities come packaged

into a vibrant food and wine sector, a strong

in the laidback charmed lifestyle that is Port

manufacturing base and is positioning itself

Macquarie-Hastings.

as the centre of a “smart� region, expanding its tertiary education base and seeking out innovative opportunities.

Travel time to work? 10 minutes for most, 30 if you become a country dweller working in town. Traffic snarls? Unheard of. Parking? Often

We are one of the best performing areas for

right where you work. And think how more

increased jobs and employment. Today our rate

enjoyable your workday would be if at the end

of unemployment is in line with the NSW state

of it all - nature’s playground is just waiting for

average. Between 2006 and 2011 6,118 new

you to enjoy.

2.

N ature ’ s playground

Summers are brilliant, winters warm and autumn and spring, well, they’re simply too good to miss. Our magnificent climate is the perfect encouragement to take to the great outdoors.

While we don’t mean to brag and you may have already been here for a holiday, let’s just remind you of some of the features that have created our laidback and relaxed lifestyle.

•

S eventeen pristine beaches dotted up

and do w n over 6 2 kms of coastline .

There is a beach for everyone, from safe beaches for families to the best fishing and surfing spots around.

No wonder we host the Australian Surf Festival, the Port Macquarie Festival of Bodyboarding and the

• We

have over 4 0 , 0 0 0 hectares of

N ational parks and S tate F orest

for bush

walking, camping and panoramic views. Native flora and fauna abounds and not only out of the city.

Port Macquarie is the home of the only Koala Hospital in the world, just one example of our love

NSW Long Board Championships, the Golden Lure

and care of our environment.

Fishing Tournament and many other aquatic events.

These are just a teaser of the magnificent landscapes

• Y ou

nature has provided us - the perfect backdrop to

can e x plore our beautiful

hinterland , forests and mountain ranges

only minutes away dissected

by the majestic Hastings and Camden Haven rivers and inland waterways.

create a lifestyle envied by so many. It could be yours. It might even create a business opportunity.

3.

L ive the life of your dreams

So many choices of where to live and whether you’re buying or renting, you get so much for your money. Unlike many city locations, coastal living is still within reach to many parts of our region.

Imagine spectacular ocean or river views to wake up to every morning from a cottage by the sea or a contemporary apartment.

Perhaps even marina living with your own jetty and boat moored right at your front door.

Maybe you dream of a place in the bush or the country, a hobby farm or room for a pony for the kids. Perhaps a Victorian cottage in the heritage village of Kendall or a farm house in Wauchope. Our towns and villages are full of character just waiting for you to add your own charm. Whatever and wherever you choose, you will still be within 30 minutes of the vibrant regional centre that is Port Macquarie today.

4.

A real sense of community

Most conversations in the city start with “what do you do?”. Most conversations around here start with “how are you?” There is a sense of self-reliance, resilience and independence you do not find in the city and we have developed strong connections and alliances to support our community.

Whichever part of Port Macquarie-Hastings you may

south of Port is the Camden Haven with a number

choose to live you will find a community known for its

of picturesque villages (Dunbogan, Kendall, Kew,

sense of belonging and participation with over 500

Laurieton, North Haven and West Haven) nestled

community groups active across all areas of endeavour

along serene inland waterways and magnificent coastal

and interests, for all ages and for all people.

parks and beaches. Twenty minutes west of Port is

At the heart is our largest town, Port Macquarie, affectionately known as Port, an increasingly diverse regional business and commercial centre. Framed by a stunning coastline of beautiful beaches and the majestic Hastings River, it has for many years been a major destination for holiday makers. Thirty minutes

the agricultural centre of Wauchope, gateway to our rich rural hinterland and communities (Comboyne, Long Flat, Beechwood, Byabarra, Pappinbarra, Ellenborough, Hollisdale, Bellangry, Rollands Plains and Ballengarra).

The choice is yours!

5.

At your leisure

First class sporting facilities cater for every talent and interest including football ovals, hockey and cricket pitches and indoor and outdoor netball and basketball complexes.

We have 18 sports fields with associated facilities.

We have six golf courses, countless bowling clubs and four swimming pools. Yes, we are the home of and proud of “the missile”, James Magnusson, 2012 World Swimming Champion.

Neighbourhood and community parks provide playgrounds, skating ramps and the ideal surrounds for barbecues, picnics, and quality family time. Or take a walk along our 9 kilometre coastal walk linking seven of our beaches or explore

6.

nature reserves such as Sea Acres Rainforest Centre or the 52 hectares at Kooloonbung Nature Reserve right in the commercial heart of Port Macquarie. And who could resist a picnic on the lawn at historic Roto House and then a one minutes stroll to the world’s only Koala Hospital, a must visit for all.

There are neighbourhood centres, historic halls and club rooms in every community and a library network second to none.

A healthy place to live

Living in nature’s playground makes it that much easier to adopt a healthy lifestyle but inevitably we all have to call on health facilities from time-to-time.

In Port Macquarie-Hastings you’ll find no shortage of health professionals, doctors, specialists and facilities.

We have three major hospitals with the Port Macquarie Base Hospital undergoing a $110m expansion to increase the regions clinical service capacity. The hospitals are backed up by a broad range of diagnostic and Allied Health services including Radiology, Ultrasound, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and numerous medical specialists. There are also a number of quality aged care facilities and nursing homes in the region. For more day to day health matters the area has seen an increase in the last couple of years of both GP and dental services while there is also a range of health related services and natural health practitioners ensuring access for all to quality health services. Not surprisingly the health and community sector is one of the largest employers in the area.

7.

E ducation .

O ur passport to the future

Your children will thrive here and fulfil their potential.

There is a choice of well-resourced facilities from kindergarten to year 12 with over 30 schools, both public and independent, delivering a standard of education equal to if not better than the city.

There is also quality childcare and after school care, allowing you to work to your full potential, knowing your children are happy, safe and secure.

Subject choices in the senior levels are continually expanding linking to the increased range of vocational opportunities being provided by an expanding tertiary sector. Charles Sturt University opened its doors to its first intake of students in 2012 and has a major campus for up to 5,000 students to start construction next year. The University of Newcastle has also increased the range of courses offered and is growing it’s longstanding presence in our town. The University of NSW Rural Clinical School offers a part time medical degree with plans to extend it to the full 6 year program from 2015. There are also many other distance education programs offered by other universities for our area while the North Coast Institute of TAFE has campuses in both Port Macquarie and Wauchope.

Nor should we forget the Community Colleges in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and the Camden Haven and a very active University of the Third Age. This range and diversity in education and training options for families, career and personal development now sets us apart on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

8.

Where I nspiration surrounds creativity abounds

Any community relies on more than bricks and mortar, it requires a heart and a soul and in Port Macquarie-Hastings art and culture is around every corner. Yes, that can be taken literally with over 40 public art works situated at great picnic sites, parks, beaches, popular walking paths and city streets.

These varied and at times very original designs reflect and form the very identity of our place.

Our showcase of the creative industries is the Glasshouse, the regions premier arts and cultural centre, named Australian Performing Arts Centre of the year in 2012. In the last year it has hosted performances by many of Australia’s leading companies including: Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance, Sydney Symphony, Circus Oz and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Different insights were offered by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow and Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy and BAFTA recognised short film festival while a unique partnership with Sydney Opera House brought some very unique

shows. The Regional Gallery has also hosted 26 major art exhibitions. Who needs to go to the city to see the best?

The Glasshouse also presents the works of many local artists and performers and simply reflects the creativity that abounds in local theatre and dance groups, design and film students, musicians of every instrument and style. And they are not just Port Macquarie based. The Camden Haven stages events of national importance such as the Kendall National Violin Competition and the Watermark Literary Muster while Wauchope is home to Bago Magic, a very special performance group which focuses on ensuring accessibility for all people, enabling people with a range of disabilities to participate.

9.

L ocation . L ocation .

L ocation

Should you ever need to leave temporarily, or more likely friends and family come to stay, we are now so easy to get to, connected to the world.

It’s an easy 4 hours drive north of Sydney, now dual carriage all the way, 2.5 hours from Newcastle and 5 hours to the Gold Coast. Port Macquarie Airport is serviced by 6 direct daily flights from Sydney with QantasLink and Virgin Australia and a daily direct service to Brisbane with Virgin Australia. The airport expansion to be completed in 2013, will expand the capacity to service even more flights and destinations. There is also the XPT train service 3 times a day between Sydney and Brisbane stopping at Wauchope and also Kendall on request.

10.

C ity style w ith country smiles With increased population has come an increasing sophistication in our retail areas. The main shopping streets in Port Macquarie are alive with fashion boutiques, popular chain stores, quirky homewares and a number of specialist and lifestyle outlets.

Also in the heart of town are Settlement City Shopping Centre and Port Central Shopping Centre, both open 7 days a week. These centres provide a complete shopping experience, with a range of local and national fashion retailers, banks, department stores, supermarkets and food courts. For something truly unique, you can take a wander through the eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and galleries in the village like ambience of Wauchope and the Camden Haven. The regions food and wine scene is also flourishing offering a huge variety of popular cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels. A major shift is also underway as our chefs embrace the paddock to plate philosophy and our hinterland farmers lead the way with an array of fresh

produce and products.

What is common to all these outlets is that they offer service with a smile, for everyone has the time to linger and to enjoy. The continuing expansion of both the retail and hospitality industries offers both jobs and business opportunities. There are a variety of full-time, part-time and casual jobs to suit a persons’ work life balance needs, whether that be accommodating education and study, or working around a busy family schedule. Your business skills may also be honed by starting a business, either servicing our local markets, or expanded markets online. You could even start off at a variety of our local arts and scenic foreshore markets.

i0

BEST R E A S ON S

T o DO B USINESS in Port MacquariE - hastings region

1.

A V ibrant and D iverse E conomy

Port Macquarie-Hastings is committed to maintaining and strengthening this diversity in order to provide those that live and invest in the area with a broad range of economic opportunities and a stability that comes from a well-balanced economy. the number of businesses with high turnover.

Industries such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, construction and retail trade all make significant contributions to the local economy. It also means we have a diversified labour market. The largest proportion of registered businesses in the region are sole owner/operator businesses. Nevertheless in an area where new

The total value of all goods and services produced over the previous year (Gross Regional Product or GRP) is estimated to be $3.2 billion on a turnover of $6.2 billion. The area now sells more products and services to customers outside of the region

ideas, initiative and innovation are encouraged, the

($1.6 billion) than it imports ($1.2 billion), an

past few years have shown a significant increase in

outstanding performance for a regional economy.

REGIONAL EXPORTS & IMPORTS 1,800 1,600

$ Million

1,400 1,200 1,000

Exports

800

Imports

600 400 200 0 Port Macquarie

Coffs Harbour

Greater Taree

Kempsey

2.

A gro w ing population = strong local market While historically the area may have been seen as a sleepy seaside haven attracting large numbers of retirees with fond memories of summer holidays gone, this is far from the truth today. Today the biggest increases in our population are those aged 35 to 49.

With a population in 2012 of 75,693 Port Macquarie-Hastings region is one of the fastest growing areas in New South Wales today. All the evidence suggests Australians will continue to want to live by the coast. With so many reasons for people to choose Port Macquarie-Hastings this growth is only going to continue delivering a growing market for the delivery of goods and services and an increasingly educated and skilled workforce.

3.

We are at the centre of things

The Port Macquarie-Hastings’ strategic location mid way between Sydney and Brisbane makes it the gateway to the Mid North Coast and regions beyond.

It is serviced by a network of air, road and rail infrastructure that radiates north, south and west of the region and still has an important sea link to the east to Lord Howe Island. The vital Pacific Highway link connects us not only to Sydney and Brisbane but the major port of Newcastle.

Port Macquarie Airport is currently being upgraded to cater for the potential introduction of up to 180-seat B737-800 / A320 series aircraft. On completion, the upgrade will significantly improve the capacity and the potential for new routes. The Airport Master Plan is currently being reviewed to identify further improvements to the terminal and carparking after the completion of major extensions to the runway.

The MV Island Trader provides regular sea freight services from Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island, situated 600 kilometres east of Port Macquarie. A seasonal weekly air service to the Island is also available from Port Macquarie from February to June, and September to December.

4.

A R egional hub We are a regional hub for so many activities, creating a market well beyond our resident population.

Within 2 hours of Port MacquarieHastings there is an additional market of 200,000 people which is expected to grow by 28% in the next 20 years. Our regional beacons include our airport, our medical and specialist services, shops, the Glasshouse and the number of major events that now call Port Macquarie home. Day-trippers are now our largest tourist market with 871,000 people a year travelling from out of their region to spend a day and do business in Port Macquarie-Hastings.

Photo: Delly Carr/Sportshoot

5.

A proactive C ouncil

Number of registered businesses in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Region Construction Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Rental, Hiring and Real Estate

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is a proactive Council with a proven history of outcome focused partnerships.

We are committed to fostering balanced and long term outcomes for the region with a new approach to economic development in Council’s management structure and operation. In 2013 we implemented a major review of economic development for the area and what it needs. We established a new Economic Development Steering Group to guide Council with members representing Council, industry and business groups.

Through commitment and action, it has declared Port Macquarie-Hastings well and truly open for business.

Retail Trade Professional, Scientific and Technical Financial and Insurance Services Health Care and Social Assistance Transport, Postal and Warehousing Accomodation and Food Servces Other Services Manufacturing Administrative and Support Services Wholesale Trade Education and Training Arts and Recreation Services Not Classified Information Media and Telecomms Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Public Administration and Safety Mining 0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 8165.0

6.

S ecure and sustainable infrastructure Business needs to be confident that an area can deliver secure and sustainable infrastructure into the future.

Port Macquarie-Hastings is a leader in the provision of first-class water collection, treatment and distribution and ensuring the principles of total water cycle management are incorporated into all new developments. Port MacquarieHastings Council is investing more than $120 million in water storage, treatment and reclamation technology, and encouraging a community that continues to be pro-active and well-informed on sustainability. The area has a secure supply of electricity and is a regional centre for energy provider, Essential Energy, a committed supporter of many community events.

7.

B ig picture planning

It is estimated that Port Macquarie-Hastings has the capacity to comfortably accommodate and service growth for another 25 years.

Our well researched and community agreed strategies provide the certainty for anyone in business moving to the area. There are residential land stocks for up to 7,000 new homes while we have superbly located industrial land central to both our workforce and the ever important Pacific Highway and transport corridors. Our commercial strategy ensures the continuation of a vibrant commercial city centre in Port Macquarie, local centres that remain the heart of their villages and that other commercial services will be provided for in new centres of population.

8.

M ajor projects to fuel further gro w th

Over $200 million worth of projects are planned or proposed for Port Macquarie-Hastings and for completion in the short and medium term future. This development activity will underpin long term economic growth and further job creation. Key projects include:

$110 m

$20 m

$40 m

P ort M acquarie B ase H ospital

R U R A L H E A LT H PRECINCT

C harles sturt university campus

$5.9 m

$21 m

$5.3 m

FOOD, SOIL AND WAT E R R E S E A R C H CENTRE

P O R T M A C Q UA R I E A I R P O R T E X PA N S I O N

I N D O O R S TA D I U M UPGRADE

The health, education and airport projects are outlined elsewhere but two other projects indicate the potential for growing the economy and jobs:

•

F ood , S oil and Water R esearch C entre

A Food, Soil and Water Research Centre is to be built as part of the new science precinct at the Charles Sturt campus at Innes Lakes. The Centre will also provide new facilities for Port Macquarie- Hastings Council which already operates an environmental laboratory for water and other testing services. This new centre of excellence will contribute to research in vital areas such as environmental sustainability, soil quality and water management. Such research is the foundation to strengthen local businesses and opportunities.

•

P ort M acquarie I ndoor S tadium

Final design work is currently underway for a $5.3 million expansion of the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium to provide two additional indoor multipurpose sports courts and a PCYC. Located close to town in Stuart Park it is a precinct identified for the expansion of local and regional sporting facilities. This growth will not only assist in attracting more major sporting events to the area but as one of the largest and best equipped indoor venues on the North Coast it will attract major trade shows and exhibitions. Sporting events already contribute over $25 million a year to the local economy.

Our goal is “to make events better for tourism and tourism better for events.”

9.

F uture investment hotspots

Future growth is not just about projects with big price tags but making the region known for its centres of excellence. Council has a vision for a number of clusters of like businesses that promote collaboration and using best practices around a specific focus area, driving significant business results. These are: • An

integrated transport cluster

established around a large site at S ancro x

offering immediate access to

and acceptance of Port Macquarie as a serious education destination. A full university campus for Charles Sturt University is also expected to be

the Pacific Highway and providing customers

open in 2015, located in the Lake Innes area.

choice of transport, logistics, heavy industry and

• An

warehousing opportunities.

•A

M arine precinct

A irport precinct

access to air transport services and the airport

adjacent to Birdon

land that is available for expanded commercial

Slipway and incorporating the Commercial

development.

Wharf.

• An

• An

E ducation cluster

based on ready

based around the

A llied H ealth and M edical

S ervices cluster

centred on the Port

North Coast Institute of TAFE and University of

Macquarie Base Hospital and surrounding land

Newcastle University precinct aimed at further

aimed at promoting the further development of

developing new markets and raising awareness

the Health industry and its export capabilities.

10.

Talking to people in the kno w

The Port Macquarie-Hastings region has a number of organisations and services that exist to help you start, build or grow your business or business ideas.

•

C amden H aven C hamber of C ommerce

•

D ept. of T rade & I nvestment,

Represents many local businesses and is proud to promote the benefits of working, living and holidaying in the Camden Haven.

R egional I nfrastructure S ervices

Actively encourages business growth by working with companies at all stages of their development.

•

E dmund B arton C entre

•

E nterprise & T raining C ompany Ltd

Created to help sustain economies across regional Australia by providing assistance to both new start up and existing businesses.

Specialising in the delivery of employment, training and business services. ETC Business Solutions can provide you with guidance, networking and mentoring opportunities when starting a new business, as well as those established businesses looking to grow. They service many business programs including the: New Enterprise Incentive Scheme; Small Biz Connect; Indigenous Business Australia; Business Enterprise Centre and ETC Business Leaders.

•

G reater P ort M acquarie T ourism A ssociation

Representing more than 200 tourism businesses it partners with Council to market and promote the Greater Port Macquarie region.

•

H astings B usiness E nterprise N et w ork

Focuses on the sharing of information, experience and networking opportunities between members to help build better business in the Hastings.

•

H astings Women ’ s B usiness N et w ork

•

I ndustry M id N orth C oast

•

M icro B usiness F orum

•

M id N orth C oast N S W B usiness C hamber

•

P ort M acquarie C hamber of C ommerce

•

R egional D evelopment Australia

Provides Hastings businesswomen with a networking service to help and support them in their chosen careers.

Encourages and supports the development and maintenance of a dynamic and sustainable manufacturing industry sector within the Mid North Coast of NSW. Provides an opportunity for business people to meet in a friendly, relaxed environment. Members support each other through utilising services, becoming alliance partners or providing referrals Connects members to information, networking opportunities and advice to assist them to navigate their business challenges.

Works to develop and grow local business by creating opportunities that will benefit the business and professional community throughout the Greater Port Macquarie region.

Works to bring together all levels of government to enhance the growth and development of regional Australia.

• Wauchope C hamber of C ommerce

A voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to build better business in the Wauchope region.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council aims to increase the level of sustainable business activity in Port Macquarie-Hastings.

For more information please contact: WEB

www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au

PHONE

(02) 6581 8111

EMAIL

economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au