Notice of Meeting
Sustainable Economy Committee Meeting
A Sustainable Economy Committee Meeting of Byron Shire Council will be held as follows:
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Venue |
Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby |
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Date |
Thursday, 3 December 2015 |
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Time |
11.00am |
Shannon Burt
Director Sustainable Environment and Economy I2015/1490
Distributed 1/12/15
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
What is a “Conflict of Interests” - A conflict of interests can be of two types:
Pecuniary - an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person or another person with whom the person is associated.
Non-pecuniary – a private or personal interest that a Council official has that does not amount to a pecuniary interest as defined in the Local Government Act (eg. A friendship, membership of an association, society or trade union or involvement or interest in an activity and may include an interest of a financial nature).
Remoteness – a person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision the person might make in relation to a matter or if the interest is of a kind specified in Section 448 of the Local Government Act.
Who has a Pecuniary Interest? - a person has a pecuniary interest in a matter if the pecuniary interest is the interest of the person, or another person with whom the person is associated (see below).
Relatives, Partners - a person is taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter if:
§ The person’s spouse or de facto partner or a relative of the person has a pecuniary interest in the matter, or
§ The person, or a nominee, partners or employer of the person, is a member of a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter.
N.B. “Relative”, in relation to a person means any of the following:
(a) the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descends or adopted child of the person or of the person’s spouse;
(b) the spouse or de facto partners of the person or of a person referred to in paragraph (a)
No Interest in the Matter - however, a person is not taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter:
§ If the person is unaware of the relevant pecuniary interest of the spouse, de facto partner, relative or company or other body, or
§ Just because the person is a member of, or is employed by, the Council.
§ Just because the person is a member of, or a delegate of the Council to, a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter provided that the person has no beneficial interest in any shares of the company or body.
Disclosure and participation in meetings
§ A Councillor or a member of a Council Committee who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned and who is present at a meeting of the Council or Committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.
§ The Councillor or member must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the Council or Committee:
(a) at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the Council or Committee, or
(b) at any time during which the Council or Committee is voting on any question in relation to the matter.
No Knowledge - a person does not breach this Clause if the person did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the matter under consideration at the meeting was a matter in which he or she had a pecuniary interest.
Participation in Meetings Despite Pecuniary Interest (S 452 Act)
A Councillor is not prevented from taking part in the consideration or discussion of, or from voting on, any of the matters/questions detailed in Section 452 of the Local Government Act.
Non-pecuniary Interests - Must be disclosed in meetings.
There are a broad range of options available for managing conflicts & the option chosen will depend on an assessment of the circumstances of the matter, the nature of the interest and the significance of the issue being dealt with. Non-pecuniary conflicts of interests must be dealt with in at least one of the following ways:
§ It may be appropriate that no action be taken where the potential for conflict is minimal. However, Councillors should consider providing an explanation of why they consider a conflict does not exist.
§ Limit involvement if practical (eg. Participate in discussion but not in decision making or vice-versa). Care needs to be taken when exercising this option.
§ Remove the source of the conflict (eg. Relinquishing or divesting the personal interest that creates the conflict)
§ Have no involvement by absenting yourself from and not taking part in any debate or voting on the issue as if the provisions in S451 of the Local Government Act apply (particularly if you have a significant non-pecuniary interest)
RECORDING OF VOTING ON PLANNING MATTERS
Clause 375A of the Local Government Act 1993 – Recording of voting on planning matters
(1) In this section, planning decision means a decision made in the exercise of a function of a council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:
(a) including a decision relating to a development application, an environmental planning instrument, a development control plan or a development contribution plan under that Act, but
(b) not including the making of an order under Division 2A of Part 6 of that Act.
(2) The general manager is required to keep a register containing, for each planning decision made at a meeting of the council or a council committee, the names of the councillors who supported the decision and the names of any councillors who opposed (or are taken to have opposed) the decision.
(3) For the purpose of maintaining the register, a division is required to be called whenever a motion for a planning decision is put at a meeting of the council or a council committee.
(4) Each decision recorded in the register is to be described in the register or identified in a manner that enables the description to be obtained from another publicly available document, and is to include the information required by the regulations.
(5) This section extends to a meeting that is closed to the public.
BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL
Sustainable Economy Committee Meeting
2. Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary
3. Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings
3.1 Sustainable Economy Committee Meeting held on 3 September 2015
4. Business Arising From Previous Minutes
5. Staff Reports
Sustainable Environment and Economy
5.1 Sustainable Economy Committee - 22 October 2015 Workshop overview and 3 December 2015 Agenda Items.................................................................................................................... 4
Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 5.1
Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy
Report No. 5.1 Sustainable Economy Committee - 22 October 2015 Workshop overview and 3 December 2015 Agenda Items
Directorate: Sustainable Environment and Economy
Report Author: Jane Laverty, Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator
File No: I2015/1482
Theme: Economy
Economic Development
Summary:
At the Sustainable Economy Committee meeting held on Thursday 3 September 2015 it was agreed that a workshop should be held before the next scheduled committee meeting to determine the future focus of the group and provide input into the draft Economic Development Strategy.
The workshop was held on 22 October 2015. Four key focus areas were agreed to guide the future agenda of meetings and actions for committee members:
1. Emerging industries
2. Public Private Partnerships
3. Enabling infrastructure
4. Planning and Design
At the workshop, it was decided to delay the SEC meeting scheduled for Thursday 5 November until Thursday 3 December. Agenda items were set for the 3 December meeting:
1. Planning and Design
a) Presentation and discussion on opportunities and challenges associated with DCP and LEP Planning Controls
b) Signage policy
2. Emerging Industries
a) Review of the Draft Business Retention Expansion Survey
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RECOMMENDATION: That SEC Members:
1. Note the report detailing the 22 October 2015 Workshop overview 2. Review the Agenda items set for the 5 November 2015 SEC Meeting with associated links and attachments.
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1 Discussion notes DCP & LEP , E2015/78021 , page 7
2 Draft BRE Survey, E2015/78009 , page 15
Report
Prior to the 22 October 2015 SEC workshop, Mayor Cr Simon Richardson contacted SEC members and suggested they consider four key focus areas to guide the future agenda of meetings and actions for committee members:
1. Emerging industries
2. Public Private Partnerships
3. Enabling infrastructure
4. Planning and Design
Attendees of the SEC meeting held on Thursday 22 October 2015 included:
Cr Simon Richardson
Cr Basil Cameron
Cr Sol Ibrahim
John Hertzberg
Damian Antico
Rob Doolan
Keith Byrne
Ajay McFadden
With apologies from Meredith Wray, Theodore Kabbout and Nicole Reeve.
The focus areas (above) were discussed by the SEC members and agreed that they would provide a good basis for the group to assist with sustainable economic development for the Shire. It was also agreed the SEC would provide guidance when required to the ED&T team on projects and/or ED strategy areas.
Committee members discussed each of the focus areas and what they considered priorities. Discussion can be highlight through the following points:
- Help Byron re-negotiate its economy
- Move from the dependence on tourism (but acknowledge its link to other industries)
- Pursue strategies that change and influence negative visitor behaviour
- Move our focus towards an economy based on our emerging strengths – food, creative
- Support business and industry sectors to deal with challenges
- Support start-ups – and those taking the next step
- Large scale industrial land needed (flood free, access to highway)
- Rezoning issues – employment lands - need to understand special needs
- Create incentives for growing your business/moving to Byron
- Fast track enabling infrastructure – roads and NBN
- Transport needs should be addressed
- Land development for affordable housing and housing diversity in the Shire (housing stock to enable economic stimulation)
- Address the historic legacies
- Take a regional view and understand labour market demand
- Plan and action for short, medium and long term
- Encourage stand alone energy systems
- Value our towns and villages and rural opportunities
- The battle between the ‘what we are’ and ‘what we are not’ is not resolved
- Values – guide but should not prescribe (concern that values can cause conflict)
- It is paramount that we protect the Byron brand
- Concerned about current planning instruments (LEP and DCP) – how can they enable rather not just regulate?
- Signage is out of control in town centres (A frame signs and shingles)
- Role of the committee to be advisory and advocacy (through SEC networks)
This was also an opportunity to align the focus areas and priorities with the draft economic development strategy objectives and strategies.
The SEC agreed to reschedule the Thursday 5 November meeting to Thursday 3 December and set the following agenda items.
1. Planning and Design (Shannon Burt and Chris Larkin)
a) Presentation and discussion on opportunities and challenges associated with DCP and LEP Planning Controls (link to DCP and LEP can be found on Council’s website - http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/development-related-plans-policies-and-controls#DCPs
b) Signage policy (DCP CHAPTER B10)
2. Emerging Industries (Jane Laverty)
a) Review of the Draft Business Retention Expansion Survey - to be undertaken as an economic development project in early 2016.
Financial Implications
N/A
Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications
N/A
BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL
Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 5.1 - Attachment 1
1. Car parking – rationalised one commercial rate for retail, office, cafes, takeaway food shops to facilitate change of use proposals without needing additional car parking.
2. Contributions – Removed S94 contributions on Commercial/ retail/ Industrial Development – Now levied under S94A as follows
· Nil for construction cost up to $100,000
· 0.5% of construction costs of $100,000 to $200,000
· 1% of construction costs >$200,000
3. Car parking contribution rates have been revised downwards.
(eg Byron Bay rates were trending around $60,000 a space now around $35,000)
4. B4 Zone Tweed Street Brunswick Heads
Council with the gazettal of Byron LEP 2014 has acknowledged the old Pacific H’way in Brunswick Heads has a commercial component to it and zoned in B4 which is a mixed commercial residential zone. More than doubles the commercial area of Brunswick Heads from 4.67ha to 10.45 ha. Further review of the floor space ratio provisions to this area will occur next year.
5. Extend Commercial Zone down South Jonson Street
Commercial Zone has been extended down the southern end of Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Potential for this area to be utilised for professional consulting rooms, office space etc.
6. Amended some of the Arts and Industrial Estate Land to B7 Bulky Goods Retailing - acknowledging broad retail activity in this estate.
7. Approval of Habitat Development in Bayshore Drive for mixed commercial residential studio living - Construction underway
8. Notification Policy - Reviewed and rationalised the types of development required for exhibition
Where we are up to in terms of additional major employment lands
1. West Byron Greenfield Site 1.1 ha of B1 Zone Land plus 7.5 ha of IN2 Land
2. Sunnybrand Chickens – Planning Proposal being prepared to seek a rezoning to IN2 – 14 ha
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3. Preliminary DA discussion for major rural industry development based around food production – Approximately 25000 m2 of floor area.
4. Planning proposal for Tyagarah Airstrip to facilitate its further development along recreational/ tourist/ industry and commercial based aviation uses etc.
Future
Value Adding on what we already have.
1. RMS Site at Bangalow – potential industrial uses/ food hub
2. Arts/ Music and Film - With Byron known for its major festivals, and development of the SAE at Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay – is there potential to leverage further of the local arts, music and film sector on the North Coast and develop this further with film and music studios, production etc.
3. Health Precinct - New Byron Bay Hospital will potentially adjoin an aged care facility with commercial component at Ewingsdale. Question – should this be developed more into a health precinct for specialist who want to establish in Byron as opposed to Lismore, Tweed Heads, John Flynn. Others may want to set up secondary offices in Ewingsdale. Other Allied Health professionals eg dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic, Optometry etc. even General Practitioners chemist shop Maybe a day surgery facility. Or do want to see this commercial area developed with the usual (eg general supermarkets, some specialty shops and a café etc).
4. Wedding Industry – Some 700 plus weddings p.a. are held in Byron Shire only 150 are local – major driver for hospitality and retail sectors – Controls need to be fashioned to facilitate this to occur legally on rural properties being used as de-facto function centres, removing potential for complainants to shut down an operation.
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5. Education – possibly missed out on opportunities for tertiary education to be established in Byron Shire, with Southern Cross Uni establishing in Tweed Heads/ Coolangatta and Coffs Harbour, but opportunities for schools from the private sector to develop and expand (eg Murwillumbah is major education centre in the Tweed). Council needs to be prepared to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.
6. Alternate Energy – Council needs to be ready to facilitate micro grid proposals on private property – Some discussion already with private land owners. SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 allows up to 100kw systems (Solar and wind generators)
7. Water and Sewer Headworks Charges - Should these be reviewed with costs spread across the rate base and levied annually or leave as is, with developers required to pay major headworks charges upfront? This is being considered by Council staff at present.
8. Car parking rates in Byron Bay – with paid parking and other parking options to be developed (eg multi decked car park etc) commercial car parking rates could be reviewed further. Limited onsite parking would then be required for freeing up more of the site for development. Customers/ staff etc though would then have to use paid parking instead!
9. Height limits – Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan is likely to recommend a review of the height limits for part of the Byron Bay CBD in terms of the current 9m height limit.
Current Planning Controls Governing Development in Byron Shire
Planning in NSW over the past 50 years has developed a complexity which for many is not easy to understand or its hierarchy which is derived from the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Generally though most development is controlled by the Byron Local Environmental Plan 2014 and the Byron Development Control Plan 2014, except for deferred areas which are still controlled by the Byron LEP 1988 and Byron DCP 2010. These deferred areas will be brought into the 2014 provision in the near future subject to the Department of Planning guidelines on how to deal with Environmental and Coastal Zones.
The contents of the Byron LEP 2014 comprises some 63 clauses, 20 zones and 5 schedules listing specific development for certain properties, exempt and complying development, heritage items and classification of public land.
Byron DCP 2014 is structured into five parts containing a total of 33 chapters. The five parts are:
§ Part A - Preliminary
§ Part B - Controls applying generally to Development Applications
§ Part C - Further controls applying to land with specific constraints and environmental characteristics
§ Part D - Further controls applying to specific land uses
§ Part E - Further controls applying to specific locations
It is relevant to note not all LEP clauses or all DCP chapters will apply to a specific development application, depending on its location, the constraints affecting it, and the type of development proposed.
In terms of the Planning Hierarchy flowing from the EPA Act 1979 the following diagram is provided as a guide.
Challenges and Opportunities
1. The System – a shown in the above diagram which has been simplified, and discussion on Councils own planning controls, NSW does not have a simple town planning system.
The EPA Act was made in 1979 and has been amended and tweaked a number of times over the past 36 years. The O’Farrell Government elected in 2011 attempted some serious review of the Act in terms of planning controls and regulation and to give greater certainty to developers. In particular they were proposing to introduced a level of development termed as “Code Assessable”, meaning if your proposal complied with Code it would be approved within set time frames. However, this would have been at the expense of local communities loosing the opportunity to object to development proposals and having any influence over the decision making process at the assessment stage. Generally it would appear the NSW public were not prepared to accept that loss and any amendments to the Act have been shelved.
2. The Process – Despite improvements in the way LEP Amendments and Re-zonings are progressed by both Council and the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), the most simple of proposals take in excess of 6 months to progress, with more complex proposals taking years to be finalised. In some instances this is due to a lack of information and technical reports being prepared upfront and submitted with the proposal, and or community concerns from the exhibition process resulting in the planning proposal being amended to reflect local issues. The DPE also have process and policies to abide, and in some instances despite Councils support for a development, particular rezonings or LEP amendments wont be approved.
Similarly Development Applications are not as simple as they use to be with a variety of planning controls to address and often important detail omitted and or applicants seeking too many variations to the planning controls to get it across the line. This then requires amendments to plans, preparation of technical reports to be submitted and further negotiation. Its not all the fault of applicants though. Council planners can at times require extensive levels of detail to demonstrate compliance with planning controls especially when variations to numerical standards are being sought based on merit and the performance criteria underpinning that standard. This caution has often come about from past experience in dealing with similar proposals, experience in the Land and Environment Court and the political/ community feedback they may have received.
3. Local Politics – Local Government is often said to be the closest level for the public to get involved in the decision making process. Staff and Councillors are easily accessible compared to federal or state government bureaucrats and politicians and all planning matters are usually accessible to the public. Further, planning decisions in terms of process, are also open to review by a third party under Section 123 of the EPA Act 1979. Controversial planning matters are heavily scrutinised in Byron Shire which can also lead to polarised views making it difficult to negotiate suitable outcomes.
4. Amending the Controls – In essence this is a decision and function of Council. For staff to undertake amendments there needs to be support from the elected body through Council Resolution to make these amendments. As discussed above there have been a number of changes made to Councils Planning Controls already, and a number of other projects under consideration and or being prepared.
Further ideas, proposals or concepts are always welcome. The SEC Committee could put forward recommendations in terms of the strategic economic direction of the Shire for further consideration by Staff and the elected Council, including changes to its planning controls.
Sandwich Board Signs
What are they?
A-Frame Sign - display area 1m2 on each of the two faces, width 0.75m
Chalk Board – display area 1m2, width 0.75m.
Where are they located?
Normally on Council land on the footpath – sometimes though on private property eg Arcades
Are they Permissible?
With Development Consent – but most probably don’t have approval.
Should also have secondary approval under the Roads Act 1993 and charged an annual license fee.
What are the issues?
Clogging up public space with structures that make it more difficult to navigate for pedestrians, people with wheelchairs, mothers with prams and the elderly.
They also create visual clutter and do little for the amenity of the streetscape.
With under-awning signs, window signs, facia and wall signs are they really needed?
Options to discourage
1. Council could refuse to issue owners consent to lodge Development applications as land owner. This would mean the development application would not be allowed to be lodged with Council in the first instance. This would require a policy direction from Council.
2. Commence an enforcement program to remove unauthorised signs.
3. Those that have an approval - increase licensing fees and the like to be on the footpath – providing a price mechanism to remove.
Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 5.1 - Attachment 2
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Business/Organisation Name: |
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Postal Address: |
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Name of CEO/General Manager/Managing Director: |
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Main Phone (Switch): |
Direct Phone: |
Mobile:: |
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Email: |
Website: |
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Name of person completing survey (if different from above) |
Position: |
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Email: |
Phone: |
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2.Business Profile:
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2.1 What category does your business fit into? (please tick one that relates to you) |
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o Independent business/trader |
o Part of a national business |
o Part of a multi-national business |
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o Associated with another business eg; retail outlet for manufacturer |
o Franchise |
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2.2 What is the structure of your business? (please tick one that relates to you) |
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o Sole trader |
o Privately owned company |
o Co-operative |
o Unlisted public company |
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o Partnership |
o Not for profit |
o Listed public company |
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2.3 How long has the business been established in Byron Shire? |
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o Under 1 year |
o 1-3 years |
o 3-6 years |
o 6-10 years |
o 10+ years |
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2.4 Was the business originally established in the Byron Shire? |
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o Yes |
o No. If no please specify when and where: |
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2.5 In which industry sector does your business operate? (please tick only one primary and one secondary) |
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Primary |
Secondary |
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Primary |
Secondary |
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Manufacturing |
o |
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Agriculture |
o |
o |
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Wholesale Trade |
o |
o |
Forestry and fishing |
o |
o |
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Construction |
o |
o |
Education/training |
o |
o |
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Retail Trade |
o |
o |
Mining |
o |
o |
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Finance/Insurance |
o |
o |
Electricity, gas and water supply |
o |
o |
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Property business services |
o |
o |
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants |
o |
o |
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Transport and storage |
o |
o |
Health/Community services |
o |
o |
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Communication |
o |
o |
Cultural/ recreation services |
o |
o |
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Multimedia |
o |
o |
Professional serves |
o |
o |
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Other, please specify: |
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2.6 What are the four main products/services offered by your business? (list in order of importance) |
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3.
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4. |
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3.Market Growth and Collaboration:
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3.1 Where is your market located? (please provide a percentage breakdown ie; 50% local 50% interstate) |
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Local (Byron Shire) ___% |
Regional (Northern Rivers) ___% |
Other areas of NSW ___% |
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Interstate ___% |
National ___% |
Export ___% |
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3.2 Is your business capable of export or achieving export market growth? |
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o Yes, already exporting |
o Yes, looking for growth opportunities |
o Yes, working toward export |
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If yes already exporting - where are you exporting to: |
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If yes, looking at or working towards – what products and where is your interest?
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If no, please go to question x |
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3.3 In relation to what you produce/sell, please list 5 core raw materials that your business sources and where they come from: |
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Raw materials/supplies Ie sheet metal, timbers, IT components etc. |
Resourced from (please tick) Local Regional NSW Interstate Offshore |
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1. |
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2. |
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3. |
o |
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4. |
o |
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5. |
o |
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3.4 What are the main reasons for purchasing goods/services from outside Byron Shire? |
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o Buying policy |
o Price |
o Quality |
o Availability |
o Delivery time |
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o After market service |
o Unaware of local provider |
o We don’t but outside of Byron Shire |
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Other, please specify:
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3.5 Are there critical services/supplies for your business that you cannot source locally but you feel could be successfully located here? |
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o Yes |
o No |
If yes please specify: |
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3.6 To what extent do you undertake the following activities with other businesses? Never Would like to Casually Ongoing basis |
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Collaborative marketing/advertising |
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Joint tendering |
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Referral to work |
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Joint participation in business management learning activities |
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Discussion/networking groups |
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Group purchasing of supplies |
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Staff sharing |
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Joint training of staff |
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Buying and/or joint sharing of equipment |
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Sharing distribution services |
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Other, please specify: |
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3.7 Are you a member of any networking groups? |
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o Yes |
o No |
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If yes, please specify the activity: |
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If no, please specify reasons: |
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4.Business Growth/Expansion:
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4.1 How would you rate the outlook of your business over the next 12 months? |
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o Very good |
o Good |
o Fair |
o Poor |
o Very poor |
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4.2 What are the plans for your business over the next 2 years? (please tick as many as apply) |
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o Expand |
o Diversify |
o Downsize |
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o Split off part of the business |
o Restructure |
o Integrate/merge |
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o Change the focus of the business |
o Implement succession plan |
o Nothing different |
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o Sell |
o Move to another area, please specify where: |
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4.3 If your business is changing, what is the nature of this change and what, if any, are the major constraints or reasons? (tick as many as apply) |
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Nature of change: |
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o New larger premises |
o Additional production lines |
o Additional services for customers |
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o Change the focus of the business |
o Additional investment in equipment and technology |
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o Process improvements |
o An increase in staff |
o An increase in floor space |
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o Other, please specify: |
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Constraints to change: |
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o Finance |
o Lack of suitable premises |
o Warehousing |
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o Transport/freight |
o Problems with Das* |
o Local regulations (eg, zoning) |
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o Roads |
o Energy costs |
o Energy reliability |
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o IT (ie, broadband access) |
o Lack of/access to skilled staff |
o Lack of industrial land |
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o Other, please specify: |
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4.4 Have you approached anybody in Local/State/Commonwealth Government or business development organisations to discuss your expansion plans? |
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o Yes, who have you approached: |
o No |
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o NSW Dept. of Industry |
o Local Council |
o Chamber of Commerce |
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o Business advisory service |
o Aus Industry |
o AusTrade |
o State Training Services |
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o Other, please specify: |
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4.5 In terms of the costs of doing business, how do you rate this community with respect to the following factors? (please rate between 1 and 5 with 1 being poor, 5 being excellent because costs are reasonable/comparable to other locations?) |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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Wage rates |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Changes in consumer tastes |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Raw material costs |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Raw material shortages |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Population changes |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Economic climate |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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New technology |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Foreign competition |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Local/Domestic competition |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Interest rates |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Energy costs |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Taxes |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Transportation |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Government policies |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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4.6 If you have ticked ‘problems with DA’s please describe the challenges you have faced: |
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5.Employees:
Note in this section we need to know the number of “full time equivalent” employees. For example, one person working 3 full days per week equals 0.6 full time equivalents. Similarly a casual employee working 19 hours per week equals 0.5 full time equivalents.
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5.1 How many people are employed in the business? (include working employers where appropriate) Full-time Part-time Casual Home based Apprentice |
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1. Total employee |
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2. How many of your employees are male? |
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3. How many of your employees are female? |
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4. How many of your employee where hired in the past 2yrs? |
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5. How many employees do you plan to hire in the next 2 yrs? |
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5.2 Please specify the number of current employees according to the roles listed and give an indication of new employee numbers for these roles over the nest 2-5year period: Current Within next 2years Within next 5 yrs? |
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Manager/business administration |
o |
o |
o |
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Plant/machine operator or driver |
o |
o |
o |
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Professional |
o |
o |
o |
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Labourer/farm hand |
o |
o |
o |
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Computer technology /programming |
o |
o |
o |
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Technicians |
o |
o |
o |
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Hospitality |
o |
o |
o |
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Customer service |
o |
o |
o |
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Sales |
o |
o |
o |
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Clerical |
o |
o |
o |
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Apprentice/trainee |
o |
o |
o |
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Unskilled labour |
o |
o |
o |
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Skilled trades |
o |
o |
o |
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Please specify trade/role: |
Other please specify: |
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5.3 Does your business have difficulty retaining employees? |
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o Yes |
o No |
If yes, please specify: |
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5.4 Are there any occupational skills you find difficult to source locally when looking for staff? |
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o Yes |
o No |
If yes, please specify: |
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5.5 Where do your employees live? (provide a % breakdown ie 50% Byron Shire, 30% Tweed, 20% Ballina) |
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Byron Bay ___% |
Lismore ___% |
Richmond Valley ___% |
Clarence ___% |
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Tweed ___% |
Ballina ___% |
Kyogle ___% |
Other ___% |
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5.6 Please rate the following attributes most highly regarded in your organisation: Very important Unimportant Neutral Important Very important |
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Good attitude |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Grooming/appearance |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Qualifications |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Experience |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Initiative |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Reliability |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Communication skills |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Training |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Other, pleas specify: |
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5.7 Are you interested in employing trainees or offering apprenticeships: |
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o Yes |
o No |
o We would like more information to fully consider |
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6.Operating in the Byron Shire:
What is your
overall opinion of the Byron Shire as a place to conduct business?
(please rate between 1 and 5 with 1 being poor, 5 being excellent):
1 2 3 4 5
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6.1 What is your level of satisfaction with each of the following services and infrastructure? (please rate between 1 and 5 with 1 being poor, 5 being excellent): |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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Access to airport facilities |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Access to highway/roadway |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Availability of road transport services |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Availability of warehousing |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Proximity of markets |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Proximity of suppliers/materials |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Proximity to CBD & key businesses |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Reliable support business & other local services |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Local customers loyalty |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Access to well planned & serviced car parking |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Availability of appropriate zoned land |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Quality & support of local labour |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Housing availability for employees |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Access to training/vocational & tertiary education |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Access to local/state government economic development professionals |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Lifestyle, location and quality of life |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Disposal of waste material/recycling |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Fire protection (fees and obligations) |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Inspection (licensing etc.) |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Development approval process |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Telecommunications/communications networks (ie broadband) |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Water and sewerage supply |
o |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Other, please specify: |
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6.2 What do you see as some of the main assets of the Byron Shire community as a place to live and own a business?
6.3 What do you think can be done to make the local economy stronger and to create more local jobs?
6.4 What do you think could be changed or introduced to position the Byron Shire to attract greater investment?
7.Support and Sustainability:
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7.1 How would you rate your current business management skills and in 2 year, ghow far would you like to progress those skills in relation to the following: please rate between 1 and 5 with 1 being poor, 5 being excellent) |
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Where I am now |
Where I want to be |
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Managing people |
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Time management |
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Balancing work and life |
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Succession planning |
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General business planning |
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Planning and organising work and business systems |
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Planning and organising production and services processes |
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Improving production or service processes |
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Quality Assurance/Accreditation |
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Risk identification and management |
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Business Strategy |
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Financial Management |
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Legal/regulatory requirements |
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Marketing |
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E-commerce |
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Developing and commercialising new products and services |
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Information technology applications |
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Sustainable business practices |
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Other (please specify): |
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7.2 Is there any aspect of your business on which you would like to have more information, training or advice for you and/or your staff? (tick those that apply) |
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o Labour training |
o Business segmentation/diversification |
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o HR/management relations |
o Cash flow |
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o Industry regulations |
o Marketing |
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o Consumer affairs |
o Website development |
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o Management training |
o Branding |
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o Finance applications |
o Customer services |
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o Database/CRM applications |
o Staff motivation |
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o Export markets/opportunities |
o Increase productivity |
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o Quality assurance/accreditation |
o Succession planning |
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o E-commerce |
o Environmental management |
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o Workplace safety |
o Community contribution models |
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o Merchandising |
o Positioning for sale |
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o Other, please specify: |
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7.3 Corporate Social responsibility, including environmental management and community contribution principles are important aspects of being in business today. Do you have an environmental management plan? |
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o Yes |
o No |
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7.4 Environmental management: (please tick the level of activity within your organisation) Most of the time Occasionally Would consider Would not consider |
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Use of compact fluorescent lights |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Use of recycled paper throughout the organisation |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Duel flush toilets installed on premises |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Participated in a Water use tune-ups |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Participated in an energy audit |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Have a ‘lights off’ principle |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Have an office compost bin |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Give away, recycle or sell some of your waste product (oil for biofuel, coffee for compost) |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Use business vehicles that are 4 cylinder and/or diesel and/or gas |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Source product/supplies locally that are: |
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Low waste |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Free range |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Organic |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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Not tested on animals |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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7.5 Accessibility |
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Have had an accessibility audit |
o |
o |
o |
o |
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7.6 Community contribution (please tick the level of activity undertaken within your organisation) Most of the time Occasionally Would consider Would not consider |
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Provide sponsorship for community events, activity or groups |
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Provide products or services ‘in-kind’ for public benefit eg; supply timber for play equipment, allow employees to participate in Clean Up Australia Day ect. |
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Provide employees opportunities for training, professional development or lifelong education |
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Have policies and practices in place that support a healthy work/life balance for employees |
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Activity participate in promoting the Byron Shire and it’s a community enhanced |
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Other environmental management or community contribution practices, please specify:
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7.7 What are you most proud of with regards to how organisation is supporting corporate social responsibility? |
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8.0 Please provide us with your ANSZIC code
A listing of the codes has been provided herein or can be accessed at www.byron.nsw.gov.au and click on BYRON SHIRE BOOST.
Why are we collecting this ANSZIC code?
We are collecting the ANSZIC code to help identify opportunities for assisting you with your business growth and to identify specific projects we should pursue to service certain industry sectors. These codes will provide us with more accurate data on the Shire’s businesses. Rather than having data that simply by key descriptors such as manufacturing or retail, we will have a far more accurate picture of the Shire’s businesses using the ANSZIC codes. Therefore your patience in filling in this code is very much appreciated.
Once we have this data we can search the database for opportunities to:
· Foster clustering;
· Undertake supply chain gap analysis;
· Attract investment in areas of weakness with our supply chains;
· Identify key industry strengths and our comparative advantages;
· Identify opportunities for training and explore skills enhances or attraction projects;
· Identify opportunities for joint venturing and collaboration;
· Help foster a business climate that is better suited to the types of businesses we have operating within our Shire.