Agenda of Economic Development and Tourism Committee Meeting

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT ON MATTERS FOR NOTATION SUBMITTED TO THE Economic Development and Tourism Committee Meeting TO BE HELD ON Tuesday 2 July, 2013

Page 1

ITEM 1 - PROMOTION AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES REPORT

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Updating Councillors on tourism activities being undertaken by Council's Economic Development and Tourism Team.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	2.2: Coordinated tourism product and a thriving visitor industry in Cabonne.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT\REPORTING - 479661

Economic Development Manager's REPORT

Wine of the Month

TP Action: 3.1.2

Cabonne Country Wine of the Month for July will be Zinga Family Wines’ Sauvignon Blanc. The Zinga Family Wines Vineyard is nestled in the foot hills of Mount Canobolas some 870 Metres above sea level. It is a light fruity wine which exhibits a subtle vanilla aroma with a crisp acid palate. It can be enjoyed chilled with fish, light chicken dishes or seafood.

What’s On in Cabonne

TP Action: 2.1.1, 3.1.2

‘What’s On’ is sent to tourism operators and village information centres throughout Cabonne, Visitor Information Centres in Forbes, Parkes, Cowra, Wellington, Orange and Bathurst and other outlets throughout the region. ‘What’s On’ is also emailed to regional media outlets and over 400 subscribers on the Cabonne Country mailing list. Events are also listed on the Cabonne Country website.

The July edition of “What’s on in Cabonne” will be presented to the ED & T Committee at the meeting.

Cabonne Country Website

TP Action: 3.1.2, 3.4.2, 3.5.2

Statistics collected from the Cabonne Country website for 2013 indicate the following:

*Month*	*Visits*	*Hits*
January	5495	57360
February	5088	45751
March	6148	67508
April	6695	64119
May	5297	60107
June – up to 21 June	3384	33715
TOTAL	32,107	328,560

Cabonne Country Tourism Advisory Committee

TP Action: 1.1.1, 1.2.1

The Cabonne Country Tourism Advisory Committee (CCTAC) is to meet on Tuesday 25 June. The Committee will be continuing with working on delivering the Top 5 priorities as identified by the Committee from the Cabonne Tourism Plan. They will also be evaluating their achievements in the first year of the implementing the Tourism Plan actions.

Cabonne Events

TP Action: 1.4.2, 1.4.3 and 3.6.3.

A number of successful smaller events have been held throughout Cabonne over the last month, including Twisted River Cellar Door Opening at Jayes Gallery (31 May), Italian Table at Swinging Bridge (1 June), and A Taste of Brazil at Taste of Canowindra (14 June).

Taste Orange’s next seasonal event, Frost Fest 2013, will be held from 30 July till 4 August. In 2013 the following Frost Fest events will be occurring in Cabonne:

· Black tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt – 3 August at 3.30pm, Borrodell Vineyard

· Sunday @ the Movies – 4 August at 1pm, Amusu Theatre

· Movie Poster Museum and Amusu Theatre Tour – all week from 11am till 3pm, Amusu Theatre

· Warm the Cockles of Your Heart – All weekend from 11am till 4pm, Small Acres Cyder

Regional Marketing Activity

TP Action: 1.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.4 and 5.3.2

Taste Orange has released their new ‘Orange & District Wine & Food Guide’. These have now been placed at all the Visitor Information Centres in Cabonne. Copies of the Guide will be presented to the ED & T Committee at the meeting.

In addition, Canowindra will feature in the second edition of the new Central West Lifestyle magazine. Up to 18 pages will be included and will highlight the people, businesses and attractions of Canowindra. It will be released in September to an audience of 80,000 readers.

Central NSW Tourism Update

TP Action: 5.2.2

Central NSW Tourism met with its members on 29 May in Orange. Items on the meeting agenda included Destination Management Plans, Trails Guides, Demand Funding Joint Projects, Evaluation of the Sydney Caravan and Camping Supershow 2013.

The Central NSW Tourism Website is being upgraded and optimised. Central NSW Tourism has asked all Council’s to provide content, event guide, logo and a deal to help encourage people to stay in the region longer. This website will also include a regional What’s On calendar.

Local councils in the Central NSW Tourism area have been asked to provide detailed information on tourism and economic development in their Shire to assist with developing a regional Destination Management Plan. A Central NSW Tourism Destination Management Plan will provide support for any future Cabonne Country tourism initiatives and assist in gaining access to DNSW funding. Future proposals with no connection to DMP will not gain funding from DNSW. The draft DMP was presented to tourism managers and stakeholders at a workshop in Orange on June 11.

Central NSW Tourism announced that Trail Guides, incorporating the best of Central NSW Tourism products and services, should be ready in the coming weeks. Once completed, all six guides will be distributed throughout the Visitor Information Centres and put on the Central NSW Tourism website. The six guides cover food and wine, art, nature, family activities, mining and history. Central NSW Tourism is currently looking into the possibility of holding soft launches at Visitor Information Centres.

The Caravan and Camping Show held in Sydney saw a total of just over 76,000 people attend. This was a 4.3% decrease from the 2013 show.

Information was also provided to Central NSW Tourism by all Councils and a regional submission was written to the Legislative Council regarding the recent inquiry into tourism.

The next Central NSW Tourism Meeting will be held during the second week of July, date to be confirmed.

Community Assistance

TP Action: 1.1.3, 5.2.5

Council’s EDM and CBDO have provided tourism and promotion advice and/or assistance to the following organisations, operators and event co-ordinators throughout June:

· Taste Orange

· Manildra Showground Committee – RV Friendly Town and Motorhome Sewer Dump Point

· Canowindra – RV Friendly Town Application

· Cudal Progress Association – obtained photos and information from the PA to use on the Community Noticeboard and provided draft for comment

· Yeoval Progress Association – obtained photos and information from the PA to use on the Community Noticeboard and provided draft for comment

· Cumnock Progress Association – obtained photos and information from the PA to use on the Community Noticeboard and provided draft for comment

· Cargo Progress Association – obtained photos and information from the PA to use on the Community Noticeboard and provided draft for comment

· Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association – obtained photos and information from the PPA to use on the Community Noticeboard and provided draft for comment

RV Friendly Town

TP Action: 4.6.1, 4.6.2

Councils EDM and CBDO are currently working on two applications to apply for RV Friendly Town status. The applications are for Canowindra and Manildra.

PTO Position

Implements the actions of the Tourism Plan

The PTO position is currently vacant. The position was readvertised and closed 21 June. Interviews will be held shortly. In the meantime, the EDM and CBDO are sharing aspects of the role.

AOFM Position

Manages the Age of Fishes Museum, Section 355 Committee of Council

Age of Fishes Museum Manager is currently on annual leave. During this time, the EDM is acting in this role till the end of July. To assist with the ongoing operation of the museum, the EDM works from the museum on Mondays. She can be contacted at all other times by mobile or email. Work has been allocated for the volunteers and the roster is full till 12 July.

ITEM 2 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES REPORT

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Updating Councillors on economic development activities being undertaken by Council's Economic Development and Tourism Team.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	2.1: A strong and vibrant local business sector and 2.4: Jobs for Cabonne people in Cabonne.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT\REPORTING - 479662

Economic Development Manager's REPORT

Small Towns Development Group

EDS Objective 9.5

The next Small Towns Development Group meeting will be held on 13 August.

The June meeting had the General Manager as a guest who answered inquiries from the Committee.

Draft information for the village community information noticeboards have been given to Progress Associations (Cumnock, Yeoval, Eugowra, Cargo and Cudal) for review. Once the content is agreed upon, they will be printed and attached to the noticeboards.

UTS Student Placement Program

EDS Objective 9.5

Cabonne Council has secured three students to undertake the 2013

UTS Student Placement Program. They will revisit the shire in August to complete their surveys.

They continue to work on their project with information relevant to the project provided by ED staff when required.

The projects being undertaken in 2013 is:

1. Enhancing and extending the visitor experience within Cabonne Shire

This project relates to the following strategies listed in the Cabonne Shire Tourism Plan:

· Strategy #4.3: To make improvement to local tourist attractions within the Shire which will enable their story to be told and the visitors experience enhanced.

Identify tourist attractions across the Shire. Audit these sites and make recommendation to improve the visitors experience at each site.

· Strategy #4.5: Investigate opportunities for cultural tourism development in Cabonne.

Identify opportunities within Cabonne for cultural tourism development, including the arts. Work with stakeholders to further develop this concept with the expectation to encourage visitation to the Shire.

All projects undertaken are identified in the Cabonne Tourism Plan.

GrantBlast

EDS Objectives 9.3 & 9.4

The three-month edition (May/June/July) of GrantBlast was distributed in early May. Both the previous edition and the current edition can be accessed directly from Council’s website. The next edition (July/August/September) will be out in early July.

As a result of this newsletter, the CBDO has received a number of enquiries about potential applications and has received a number of positive comments about the usefulness of this resource.

Grant Submissions

EDS Objectives 9.3 & 9.4

The CBDO has assisted the Cumnock Progress Association, in conjunction with the Cumnock Community Centre Committee, with an application for an Australia Post Our Neighbourhood Community Grant. The Cumnock PA and Cumnock CCC are seeking funding to improve the Community Centre, beginning with a new kitchen, sanded and polished floors, and retiling of the toilets.

Other funding opportunities in progress are:

· The Cumnock Showground group have submitted an application under the 2013 Community Building Partnerships Program. The project is to gain funding to replace the toilet block facilities at the showground. Grant funding amount requested is $110,000. This application was submitted in November 2012 and is still pending.

· The CBDO has assisted the Manildra Showground Trust and the Baldry Hall Committee complete and submit applications under the Crown Lands Public Reserves Management Fund. The Manildra Showground Trust has applied for approximately $145,000 to construct a new RV Amenities Block. The Baldry Hall Committee has applied for approximately $26,000 to also renovate and improve the existing amenities block. Both these application are still pending.

· The Cumnock Golf Club Volunteers have submitted an application under the Participation and Facility Program through Sport and Recreation. They have applied for funding of approximately $20,000 for a new tractor to help maintain the course. This application was submitted in February 2013 and is still pending.

Community Group Development

EDS Objective 9.4

Council has administered the following enquires and/or met with:

a. Canowindra Challenge Inc

b. MADIA – enquired about potential funding application

c. Age of Fishes Museum – ongoing support.

d. Cumnock Golf Club Volunteers – assistance with funding application

e. Cudal A & P Society – assistance with funding received and assistance with potential new application

f. Cargo Progress Association – received funding enquiries and enquiries about Community & Business Directory

g. Manildra Showground Group – assistance with multiple funding applications

h. Cumnock Progress Association – assistance with funding application

i. Cumnock Showground Committee – provided grant information

j. Clergate Motorcross Club – enquired about potential funding

k. Baldry Hall Committee – assisted with funding application

l. Eugowra Show Society – assistance with funding received

m. Cudal Progress Association

n. Yeoval Progress Association – assisted with funding information

o. Cumnock Community Centre Committee – assistance with funding application and advice about application process

p. Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association – provided grant information

Business Enquiries & Development

EDS Strategy 10.7, 9.2

Council has administered the following enquires:

a. A copy of Council’s Business Development Assistance Program has been provided to an existing business in Eugowra to relocate another essential business in Eugowra.

b. A copy of Council’s Business Development Assistance Program has been provided to a new business soon to open in Eugowra.

c. A copy of Council’s Business Development Assistance Program has been provided to a new business soon to open in Cargo.

d. A new business owner in Molong enquired about possible assistance from Council. A copy of Council’s Business Development Assistance Program has been provided.

2013 Cabonne Daroo Business Awards

EDS Objective 11.2

The Daroo Business Awards Committee met on 11 June 2013.

The following organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2013 event:

- Cabonne Council

- BEC

- VERTO

- Cadia

- WIN (as the major media sponsor)

- AusIndustry

- First Choice Credit Union

- Adloyalty

- MSM Milling

- Pulse HR

This means that all available categories have been covered by sponsors and the total amount of sponsorship that the 2013 Committee will receive is $6400.

The Committee have come to the decision to use a Guest Speaker from the WorkCover Paralympian Sponsorship Program for the Gala Event. This program provides a trained speaker at no to minimal cost to the Committee. WorkCover have responded to the Committee’s request for a speaker and have allocated Nigel Smith. Nigel lost his left leg in a workplace accident and has gone on to represent Australia in volleyball.

Central West Economic Development Forum

EDS Objectives 9.5

The next Central West Economic Development Forum will be held on Wednesday 26 June at Cowra. Council’s EDM is the Chairperson of this Committee. The Committee meets 4 times annually.

Councils that attend this forum are Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Wellington, Forbes, Parkes, Lachlan (Condobolin), Bland (West Wyalong), Cowra, Young, Harden, Boorowa, Oberon and Weddin (Grenfell). In addition representative from Regional Development Australia, CENTROC, NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Foundation for Regional Development, Enterprise Connect and the Business Enterprise Centre also attend.

2013 Country and Regional Living Expo

EDS Strategy 10.2 & 10.3

Preparation for the 2013 Country & Regional Living Expo has commenced. The expo will be held in Sydney on 2, 3 & 4 August. Meetings regarding the coordination of the site have been held in June with Orange City Council.

Invest Central NSW – Regional Opportunity Assessment

EDS Strategy 9.5

Regional Development Australia Central West continues to develop and deliver projects that assist with regional investment and regional growth. RDACW is currently updating the ‘Central West Opportunity Assessment’ with ABS 2011 data for each of the 11 LGA’s in the region. The purpose of doing the opportunity assessment by LGA is to identify key economic drivers and growth opportunities that will assist Councils with the implementation of community strategic and economic development plans. The opportunity assessments will also be used by RDACW to develop regional projects and broker partnerships across three levels of Government and industry to support investment and growth.

The EDM and CBDO have been asked to compile the following information for RDACW:

Key Actions where Council input is requested:	Purpose of Data:
Geography and environment – e.g. is climate or altitude suited to other industries or activities.	This data will help to identify other industries and activities that may not have been considered.
Sole traders and home based businesses.	Identifies opportunities to help to develop this sector.
Local investment/development trends; and neighbouring investment/development trends.	Identifies further opportunities that flow-on from investment locally and regionally.
Current facilities, services and businesses available – where are the gaps?	Will identify gaps in services, facilities and businesses that may provide opportunities.
Infrastructure and land availability.	Helps identify issues and opportunities for development.
What is the current industry base and emerging sectors?	Identifies how existing industry can be developed and supported and identifies emerging sectors.

This information was prepared and supplied to RDACW on June 21.

ITEM 3 - MEDIA RELEASES

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To inform Council of media releases issued since the last report
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.2.f - Provide effective communications and information systems for residents.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\COMMUNITY RELATIONS\MEDIA LIASON\MEDIA RELEASES - 2013 - 480630

Communications and Media Officer's REPORT

DATE	MEDIA RELEASE	MEDIA/PUBLICATIONS
20 May 2013	Daroo Awards give power to the people	WIN TV, Central Western Daily, Molong express, Yeoval Satellite Weekly, Canowindra News, Canowindra Phoenix, Cudal News
4 June 2013	Tip users warned to cover loads or risk fine	ABC Radio, 2EL, Radio 1089, 2PK, Molong Express, Central Western Daily, Cumnock Progress Review, Canowindra News
13 June 2013	Cabonne residents urged to attend National Broadband Network workshop	Prime TV, ABC Radio, , 2EL, Radio 1089, 2PK, Central Western Daily, Molong Express
14 June 2013	New-look Canowindra Pool complex progressing swimmingly	Prime TV, ABC Radio, , 2EL, Radio 1089, 2PK, Central Western Daily, Canowindra News, Canowindra Phoenix
16 June 2013	Cabonne to re-enforce status as one of State’s soundest councils	ABC Radio, 2EL, Radio 1089, 2PK, Central Western Daily, Molong Express, Canowindra Phoenix
18 June 2013	Bike shop owner’s generosity puts Peter back in the saddle	Prime TV, ABC Radio, , 2EL, Radio 1089, 2PK, Central Western Daily, Molong Express
21 June 2013	Molong newsagents thanked for long-term Meals on Wheels support	2EL, Radio 1089, Radio 105.1, 2PK, Molong Express
21 June 2013	Calling Cabonne locals to appear on White Pages cover	2EL, Radio 1089, Radio 105.1, 2PK

ITEM 4 - MEDIA ACTIVITIES REPORT

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To inform Council of other media activities since the last report.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.2.f - Provide effective communications and information systems for residents.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\COMMUNITY RELATIONS\MEDIA LIASON\MEDIA RELEASES - 2013 - 480633

Communications and Media Officer's REPORT

SUBJECT	MEDIA OUTLET
New Cabonne family day carers	Canowindra Phoenix
Cabonne Council on the right track	Central Western Daily
Changes to Molong road after woman falls	Central Western Daily
New Molong scoreboard a ‘bobby dazzler’	Molong Express
Peter’s special bike stolen	Molong Express
Returned: a tricycle built for Peter	Central Western Daily
Good deed restores Peter’s bike	Molong Express
Canowindra fitness path on track	Canowindra News
Update on caravan stopover point	Manildra Matters
Gold trails website a wealth of information	Central Western Daily
Plans to fix highway curves at Guanna Hill	Molong Express
2013 murals weekend success	Eugowra News
Architect’s plans for Canowindra pool	Canowindra Phoenix
Cabonne backlog a bridge too far	Central Western Daily
Residents unite in Cargo Road upgrade bid	Central Western Daily
Winter won’t affect Nashdale Bridge work: Cabonne Council	Central Western Daily
Cabonne Council helps Canowindra swimming club	Canowindra Phoenix
Federal Parliament says ‘Yes’ to local government	Molong Express
Council merger proposal extremely detrimental	Canowindra News
Have your say at local government review panel forum	Canowindra Phoenix
Testing local government boundaries	Central Western Daily
Have your say on amalgamations	Central Western Daily
Councils one big happy family	Central Western Daily
Divided opinions on councils uniting	Central Western Daily
Regions residents share and share alike	Central Western Daily
Council amalgamation? Cabonne wants best on offer	Molong Express
Cabonne and Blayney not in the same boat	Central Western Daily
Orange General manager sees bigger amalgamations picture: roads a stumbling block for council	Central Western Daily
Review panel chairman waves his magic wand	Central Western Daily
Little say in big council: Canowindra resident	Canowindra News
Fears of what Cabonne would lose in merger	Central Western Daily
Cash incentives key to council mergers	Central Western Daily
Avoid A-word with county councils	Central Western Daily
Growing pains no reason for Blayney to merge	Central Western Daily
Eugowra resident wants to stay put	Central Western Daily
Council rates like comparing apples with oranges: Cabonne General Manager	Central Western Daily
Join Cowra? More than one Canowindra resident looking south instead of north	Canowindra News
Review panel’s meeting leaves region’s mayors unconvinced and frustrated	Canowindra News
Debate as to whether county councils are solution instead of mergers	Central Western Daily
Super county council proposal ‘mind boggling’: Orange Mayor	Central Western Daily
Former Cabonne employee thinks amalgamation should happen	Central Western Daily
Ex-Cabonne Mayor pushes for merger	Central Western Daily
Amalgamation threatens Cabonne: Ian Davison	Molong Express
CMO’s regular weekly radio updates	2EL, Radio 1089, 2GZ, 2PK

Reason For Report	To allow tendering of apologies for Councillors not present.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS LEAVE OF ABSENCE - 480408

Reason For Report	To allow an opportunity for Councillors to declare an interest in any items to be determined at this meeting.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS DECLARATION OF INTEREST - 480409

Reason For Report	Provides an opportunity for Councillors to call items for noting for discussion and recommends remainder to be noted.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\PROCEDURES - 480411