Agenda of Economic Development Committee

YVC_logo_test_transparent

Minutes of the

Economic Development Committee

Thursday 3 December 2020

5.00pm

Council Chambers
209 Comur Street, Yass

Table of Contents

1. Apologies. 2

2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest. 2

3. Confirmation of Minutes. 2

4. Staff Reports. 2

4.1 Economic Development and Tourism Operations Report. 2

4.2 Your High Street: NSW Government Grant Opportunity. 3

4.4 Tablelands Destination Development Project Update. 3

5. General Business. 4

5.1 Visitor Information Centre Vs Information Centre. 4

5.2 Committee Charter. 4

5.3 Matters To Be Carried Forward From Previous Meetings. 4

6. Next Meeting. 4

Present

Cr Harker, Cr Frost, Cr Reid [Zoom], Kim Williams, Evelyn Everson, Sean Haylan, Roger Buckman, Jim Hutton (YVBC), Sheri Norton, Graeme Shaw, Carisa Wells (RDASI) [Zoom], Carolina Merriman [Zoom], Nyree Ashton [YVBC – Zoom]

Also Present

Cristy O’Sullivan

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Andrew Curlewis and Mark Eady.

2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

Nil

3. Confirmation of Minutes

COMMITTEE DECISION

That the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on 12 November 2019 be taken as read and confirmed.

(Haylan/Buckman)

4. Staff Reports

4.1 Economic Development and Tourism Operations Report

SUMMARY

To provide the Committee with an update on the operational activities undertaken by the Tourism and Business Liaison Unit.

COMMITTEE DECISION

That the Economic Development and Tourism Operational Report be noted.

ACTIONS:

That:

1. Links to Economic ID online platform to be forwarded to all Committee members.

2. The opportunity to present/collate an ongoing calendar for Yass Valley to be noted as part of the Event Strategy Development and including Event Mapping (Exit and Evolution of Events).

3. The opportunity for sharing of the Business Audit, which is sitting as a live document with YVBC, and the opportunity for formulation of a Business Directory be reviewed.

4.2 Your High Street: NSW Government Grant Opportunity

SUMMARY

To provide the Committee with an overview of “Your High Street” NSW Government Grant available and seek inputs t where YVC may apply for funding to activate elements of current YVC Main Street Strategy.

COMMITTEE DECISION

That the opportunity presented by “Your High Street” Grant is one worth pursuing, concentrating on basics (3Ps – Power/Poles/Pavements) in the absence of an updated Main Street Strategy.

ACTIONS:

That:

1. A grant submission be completed with a focus on basic infrastructure.

2. The development of a Main Street Master Plan, including reference to the previous work undertaken by the Business Chamber, form part of a review and formulation of a new Yass Main Street Strategy.

4.4 Tablelands Destination Development Project Update

SUMMARY

To provide the Committee with an update for Tablelands Destination Development Project (TDDP) including Tablelands Destination Development Plan and Yass Valley Destination Action Plan (YVAP).

COMMITTEE DECISION

That the Tablelands Destination Development Plan update report be noted.

ACTIONS:

That:

1. A copy of the Tablelands Destination Development Program and the Yass Valley Destination Action Plan be printed and forwarded to all Committee Members.

2. The Yass Valley Destination Action Plan be presented as part of the overall Economic Development Strategic when presented to the Committee.

3. Opportunities at future meetings for a full presentation from Destination Southern NSW and Yass Valley Council be reviewed.

5. General Business

5.1 VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE vs INFORMATION CENTRE

Noted the use of terms for Visitor Information Centre vs Information Centre (not limited to Visitors) as previously decided by the Committee.

ACTION:

Ensure this is consistent in all communication, internal and external, moving forward.

5.2 COMMITTEE CHARTER

ACTION:

Copy of Charter/Terms of Reference be provided to all new Committee Members.

5.3 MATTERS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

1. Overview of DA Process

1.1 Overview to be outlined and submitted at future meeting.

1.2 Note as process currently going through transition to online a new overview to be outlined once process has gone through introductory and transition stage.

2. Report on quantifying the value of hosting events: to be included in the Event Strategy Overview

6. Next Meeting

To be confirmed.

The meeting closed at 7.20pm.

Economic Development Committee 17 May 2021

5.1 Economic Development and Tourism Operations

SUMMARY

To provide the Committee with an update on the operational activities undertaken by the Economic Development and Tourism Business Unit.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Economic Development and Tourism Operational Report be noted.

Financial IMPLICATIONS

Operational activities are included within the Economic Development and Tourism budget.

POlicy & Legislation

Nil.

REPORT

1. Background

The Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) Business Unit delivers a variety of services to the Yass Valley business community and specifically the tourism industry with the ultimate goal of positioning Yass Valley as a place to visit, live, work and do business. This report serves as an update on a number of projects recently undertaken, in development or due for completion in the next three to six months; it is not intended to be a complete report on all the operational activities of the EDT Business Unit. Reporting has been consolidated to align to the six strategic pillars of the business unit.

2. Industry Development and Engagement

2.1 eNewsletter

The first eNewsletter has been sent out to local community groups, businesses and industry associations. The aim is to develop and send out eNewsletter each month and provide recipients with updates and information on such topics as:

· Industry News

· Small Business News

· Grants and Funding

· Yass Valley Information Centre

· Upcoming Events

The eNewsletters are in addition to emails which are sent out notifying of grant/funding opportunities or changes that may affect specific industries or community groups. Feedback is sought on improvements and what people would like to see included for further editions.

2.2 Yass Valley Business Chambers

The Acting Tourism & Business Liaison Manager has been regularly attending the Yass Valley Business Chamber network breakfasts and Business Connect sessions. The Acting Manager and former Director Corporate & Community were invited to present at the March 2021 Business Connect which provided an opportunity to update those in attendance of current and upcoming projects for the Tourism and Economic Development Team as well as Council as a whole.

3. Strategic Partnerships

Yass Valley continues to meet regularly (via zoom and in person) with a number of identified Strategic Partners including (but not limited to):

· Destination NSW and Destination Southern NSW

· Visit Canberra

· Southern Tablelands Steering Committee

· CRJO Economic Development Working Group

· Canberra District Wine Industry Association

· Regional NSW

· Service NSW

· Australian Visitor Information Centres (AVIC)

4. Destination Marketing

4.1 2021 Yass Valley Destination Guide

In late April 2021, the Yass Valley Tourism Team published the 2021 Yass Valley Destination Guide. This had 64 local industry partners paying for advertisement in the guide. The new guide has inclusions of each village/locality with individual maps, a small town directory fulfilling the needs of the visitors frequently asked questions to the Information Centre, an Acknowledgement to country and expanding map of the Canberra Wine Region, to demonstrate the number of Wineries in the Canberra District Wine Region. This guide has had 50,000 copies printed and boxes of 60 guides distributed to more than 100 Accredited Visitor Information Centres within NSW/ACT – Over 300 local Yass Valley Businesses and an unaddressed mail out of over 9,000 to local Yass Valley Residence (in late May due to AusPost delays). The feedback we have received from industry and locals is all very positive with many of the small businesses owners from extending villages (Bookham, Burrinjuck, Wee Jasper, Wallaroo, Sutton etc.) congratulating us and thanking us for the way we have promoted their region. Yass Valley Tourism Team has made a decision that the Destination Guide will be up-dated every 12-18 months pending stock levels.

4.2 2021 Yass Valley Destination Guide Launch - RiotACT & Region Media

In previous years Yass Valley Tourism has hosted a Destination Guide Launch Party for industry in aid of promoting the guide. This year, Yass Valley Tourism has collaborated with industries such as RiotACT to promote the Yass Valley Region to over 687,000 monthly visitors with a Launch Campaign targeting our current leading visitors the ACT and Surrounds. Within this campaign we have:

· 3 Feature Articles (each article interviews and features 5 of Yass Valley Small Businesses/Industry Members and paying advertisers to the 2021 Destination Guide)

· 1 x Video Pack (featuring an interview with 5 Yass Valley Small Business/Industry Members and embedding this content onto all 5 platforms/articles)

· All Access to RiotACT Calendar of Events with event promotion

· 2 Homepage advertisement buyouts for 48 hours

· Additional SEO listings for Yass and Murrumbateman as ‘Best day trips from Canberra’

This campaign is currently live and is receiving positive feedback and over 200 downloads of our electronic Destination Guide.

4.3 Destination Promotion Z-Cards

To promote to more day-trippers and entice stop-overs, Yass Valley Tourism is collaborating with Z-Cards Australia to publish a small (around passport size or smaller) Z-Card to advertise the region and promote longer stays/more exploration for stop-over visitors. This will also be distributed to our local Rangers for them to distribute to Joe O’Connor Park, Local Caravan Parks, Petrol Stations etc. where possible. The Z-Cards will hold ‘highlights’ of the region, ‘must-sees’, ‘self-guided’ and dining/accommodation options as well as region and town map. Due to launch mid-July.

5. Campaigns

5.1 Caravan, RV & Grey Nomads Campaign – Winter Campaign

Winter campaign is due to commence 1 June 2021 with a focus on encouraging visitors from the Caravan, Camping, RV & Grey Nomad demographics to plan for their travel in Spring, Summer . This campaign has a utilised publications such as the Wanderer Magazine, Caravanning Australia and Free online platforms which these demographics often use. With this particular demographic it is important to encourage them in the cooler months when they are further north in the warm, ready for our beautiful and eventful months in Spring, Summer.

5.2 Events in Yass Valley – Spring Campaign

Work has started on the 2021 Spring Campaign with a focus on events, and building new content such as video and imagery to utilise with this promotion. This campaign will have both online & magazine publications as well as events calendar and promoting on external marketing platforms calendars (RiotACT, What’s on in CBR etc.). In the July/August e-Newsletters, Industry will be asked to confirm their events for the Launch of the Campaign on the 1 September 2021.

5.3 Collector’s Edition – Regional Lifestyle Magazine

Yass Valley will be published in Regional Lifestyle Magazine (a sister of Central West Magazine) in a 11 page editorial/feature for the collector’s edition. Within this Yass Valley with have 1 full page advertisement, and 10 pages of local tourism/business promotions editorials. Release date is October 2021.

5.4 Country Style Magazine – May Edition

Yass Valley has had a 4 page promotional feature in Country Style Magazine featuring local businesses and promotions. Yass Valley Tourism is looking to do another feature in August in time for Spring events.

5.5 Online Marketing Platforms @VisitYassValley

Online Marketing Platforms are surging with the increased traffic to our Yass Valley Regional Website due to the added exposure and press from the new destination guide. Social media platforms are reaching over 3,000 unique users with each post.

6. Destination Information Services

In February 2021 Yass Valley Tourism underwent their annual accreditation to be an Accredited Visitor Information Centre. Yass Valley passed with a letter of commendation for their high-level of knowledge, passion and standards in promoting the region and representing the AVIC title.

7. Event Management and Support

The Visit Yass Valley team have been working with local charities, community groups and businesses to assist in promoting events and activities. Using the ‘what’s on’ section of the website, Visit Yass Valley social media platforms, blogs and the new noticeboard in the Information Centre, events and fundraising activities are able to be promoted to not only visitors to the region but also residents.

Recently we were received information from Cr Reid about a proposed large scale two day concert to be held at the Recreation Ground in Murrumbateman, It is estimated that a scale of 6,000 – 15,000 attendees will attend of the weekend in February 2022. Whilst this is event is still in its early stages of development, the event will be an enormous boost for tourism and the local economy through the jobs, food vendors, accommodation etc. The Visit Yass Valley team have agreed to assist with promoting the event as with all events but have also offered to put organisers in contact with any local industries to assist with set up and other aspects of the event as needed.

8. Grants and Funding

8.1 High Street Grant (refer separate report)

8.2 Wayfinding Grant

Regional NSW has submitted an application for funding on behalf of Council for Wayfinding Signs project. The outcome of this submission has not yet been released.

9. Visitor Information Centre

9.1 Visitor Statistics

Visitor statistics are showing a 10% increase in visitation from ACT with an overall increase in April by 15%. During winter, we anticipate a reduction in visitors during weekdays with an increase on day-trippers on weekends.

9.2 Visitor Sales

With the new expansion of the Canberra Region Cellar Door (featuring spirits, ales, ciders & wines) the Yass Valley Information Centre has accomplished both its monthly sales goal (& stretch sales goals) for each month this FY. Locals are supporting small wineries and choosing to purchase their beverages locally rather than from BWS/Dan Murphy etc. This is positive as we have seen some locals utilise the Yass Valley Gift Cards for these purchased.

Re-branded souvenirs have shown an increased interest with travellers and locals.

9.3 Heritage Tours

Yass Valley Tourism has re-opened bookings for Yass Valley Heritage tours with a group of 40 booking for mid-September (pending COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions).

10. Projects 2021/22:

10.1 Economic Development Strategy

A review, develop and implement of an Economic Development Strategy for Yass Valley is in development. An overview presented to Councillor Workshop for input was held in November 2020. The target completion December 2021.

10.2 Industry Development and Engagement

Development of Industry Action Plans as part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy:

· Agribusiness

· Tourism

· Small Business

· Wine

Action plans will be developed at the completion of the Economic Development Strategy. A Tourism Action Plan was completed as part of Tablelands Destination Development Project.

10.3 Murrumbateman Winery Trail Update

Staff have held an inception meeting with Complete Civil who intend to start work prior to the end of May 2021. They plan to commence with Hercules Street and the section behind the Recreation Grounds concurrently. This will be confirmed over the next week or two once resources are allocated.

ATTACHMENTS: Nil

Economic Development Committee 17 May 2021

5.2 Planning & Environment Update

SUMMARY

To provide the Committee with an update on the operational activities undertaken by the Planning and Development Unit.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Planning and Environment Services Update Report be noted.

Financial IMPLICATIONS

Operational activities are included within the Planning and Environment budget.

POlicy & Legislation

Nil.

REPORT

1. Fast Track DA Assessment Team

The objective is to create a team which has one of our experienced planner working with a ‘graduate’. The experienced planner rotates out of the team after about three months and another planner comes into the team. The graduate stays in the team. It was set up for the Public Space Legacy Program and has been effective in reducing our median processing time.

The current median DA processing time is 27 days. It is expected that this arrangement will continue beyond the end of the Public Space Legacy Program (30 June 2021). A contract building surveyor has also been engaged for three months to do inspections to allow existing building surveyors to focus on assessments and continuous improvements which was very effective.

2. 2021/22 New Positions

There will be an increase in EFT positions in Planning & Environment if the budget is approved in its current format and some other changes to existing positions. Changes are:

· One additional development planner position to be graded at a graduate level

· One additional building surveyor position to be graded at the assistant level

· One existing building surveyor position and one development planner will become senior position. This will free up the Manager Development Control to focus on running the team, continuous improvement etc

· Two compliance positions – focussing on works illegal works, environmental compliance and pro-active campaigns to encourage compliance

· Co-ordinator Environmental Services to be regraded to a Manager position

3. Public Space Legacy Program

Council believes that it is on track to meet the DA processing targets set. We are estimating that we will be about 20 days below the median target (look like we will come in around 37 days). This will deliver $2 million in grant funding for public spaces for our community.

4. Projects for 2021/22

If the budget is approved, we will be working on the following projects:

· Yass Mainstreet Masterplan ($80,000) – this will also have a community based project committee to oversee its preparation

· Open Space Strategy ($65,000) – review provision and future needs of open space in the Council area

· Probity Plan ($30,000) – probity plan for dealing with the Hawthorn and stakeholders at Murrumbateman as we move towards strategic biocertification, masterplan and rezoning

· Civic Centre DA Assessment ($10,000) – oversight for assessment of DA for civic centre

· Gasworks Monitoring ($30,000) – groundwater monitoring of Yass Gasworks

· Roadside Reserve Priority Weed Control ($100,000) – weed spraying and program to be developed in consultation with the Weeds Advisory Committee

· Desexing Program ($10,000) – subsidised desexing program for companion animals

· Designs for new Companion Animal Facility ($10,000)

· North Murrumbateman Masterplan ($50,000) – covering Hawthorn and adjoining land. This will inform the planning proposal.

· Engineering Design Standards ($50,000) – new manual for engineering design standards for development

· Village Masterplans ($12,000) – two village masterplans proposed – Bookham and Wee Jasper

· Planning Certificates ($10,000) – looking automate the Planning Certificate process – it is expected that this will have a significant improvement in processing times

5. Planning Portal

We are now pretty well 100% on the Planning Portal which compares favourably with other regional Councils. There are some teething problems but we are working our way through them.

ATTACHMENTS: Nil

Economic Development Committee 17 May 2021

5.3 Your High Street Program Grant Application

SUMMARY

To present an update report on the Your High Street Grant Application.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report on the ‘Your High Street’ Grant Application be noted.

Financial IMPLICATIONS

Nil

POlicy & Legislation

· Main Street Strategy

REPORT

In December 2020 the Committee considered a report on the Your High Street Grant Program. The Committee determined that the opportunity presented by the program was one worth pursuing, concentrating on basics (3Ps – Power/Poles/Pavements) in the absence of an updated Main Street Strategy. The actions emanating from this decision was that:

· A grant submission be completed with a focus on basic infrastructure

· The development of a Main Street Master Plan, including reference to the previous work undertaken by the Business Chamber, form part of a review and formulation of a new Yass Main Street Strategy.

A funding application for $135,000 was made under the High Street Grant initiative for electrical infrastructure along the main CBD of Comur Street.

The basis of the project and application was that a number of Council, business and community events and activities have been constrained over time by the lack of electricity infrastructure in the main street of Yass (i.e. Comur Street between Lead and Rossi Streets). A reliable, safe source of electricity is required for permanent requirements such as the lighting of trees and historic buildings, and temporary requirements such as events, markets and proposed illumination projects.

Initially there were plans to submit fully costed and ‘shovel ready’ grant submission addressing Yass Main Street basic infrastructure, to setup the Main Street for any activations/actions that are identified in a future full review of the Yass Main Street Strategy.

Suggested projects included:

· Installation of power lines down both sides of street (this will setup for greater usage at night where required)

· Installation of Smart poles and accompanying infrastructure and technology to implement free Wi-Fi for tourists and locals

· Replacement of pavement in the Main Street to ensure aesthetic appeal and greater safety, this may/may not include addressing guttering challenges in certain parts of street] and secure inventory to conduct ongoing repairs (in keeping with heritage and aesthetic look and feel).

As previously advised the current Main Street Strategy was finalised in 2014 and the timing required to do due diligence in completing and ensure full community consultation on updating the strategy and completing a ‘shovel ready’ grant submission by 29 January 2021 was not possible. The submission was therefore based on the installation of electricity power along the Main Street which would complement any future improvement works.

Council has been recently notified that the application was not successful. However, it has highlighted the importance of resourcing the preparation of a new Main Street Master which has been included in the draft 2021/22 Operational Plan currently on public exhibition. Once completed this will provide a better basis for any future grant opportunities.

ATTACHMENTS: Nil

Economic Development Committee 17 May 2021

5.4 Draft 2021/22 Operational Plan

SUMMARY

To present an overview of the draft 2021/22 Operational Plan.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report on the draft 2021/22 Operational Plan be noted.

Financial IMPLICATIONS

The Operational Plan establishes Council’s annual operational and budget priorities and the financial impacts are contained within this document.

POlicy & Legislation

· Local Government Act 1993

· Local Government General Regulations 2005

· Local Government Amendment (Governance & Planning) Act 2016

· Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework

REPORT

Background

In April 2021 Council endorsed the draft 2021/22 Operational Plan for public exhibition. The plan is currently on public exhibition and submissions will be receive up until 28 May 2021.

The draft 2021/22 Operational Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Integrated Planning 7 Reporting Framework. The frameworks is summarised in the following diagram

The frameworks provides for:

· The Community Strategic Plan which outlines the community aspirations for the next 10-20 years. This is a whole of community document and is reviewed following each Local Government election.

· The Delivery Program details Council’s key activities to undertake over its four year term of office

· Supporting the Delivery Program is the Resourcing Strategy comprising of the Long Term Financial Plan, Workforce Management Plana and Asset Management Planning.

· An annual Operational Plan detailing Councils work activities forward achieving the Delivery Program.

· A six monthly Performance Report and the Annual Report detail Council’s progress in its achievements under the IP&R Framework

The interrelationship between the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan is outlined in the following diagram:

While the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan are interrelated they are presented as individual documents. For a complete picture it is important that the suite of documents are read as a package and not in isolation.

Assumptions

The assumptions underpinning the draft plan area:

· 2.0% wage increase

· 2.0% rate pegging increase

· Interest rates at 7.0%

· Federal Assistance Grants of $3.2M

Revenue and Expenditure

The following diagrams indicate the sources of revenue and areas of expenditure

Priority Projects and Infrastructure

Under the plan Council will continue with preparing plans for key infrastructure priorities to ensure they are ‘shovel ready’ for any grant opportunities that may arise i.e.

· Civic Precinct

· Yass War Memorial Swimming Pool

· Murrumbateman Community Hall

· Yass Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

In addition, new projects to prepare plans for the Yass Main Street, Water Source Strategy, North Murrumbateman Master Plan, Open Space Strategy, Village Master Plans for Bookham and Wee Jasper have been included in the draft Operational Plan.

A key priority for 2021/22 is completing a number of projects commenced in 2020/21 and carried forward into 2021/22. The projects include:

· Bango Bridge

· Illalong Road

· Yass River Road

· Moreton Avenue

· Walls Junction Road

· Cusack Place

· Faulder Avenue

· Good Hope Road

· Fixing Local Roads Grant – resealing program

· Resheeting program:

- Back Creek Road

- Bango Lane

- Casey Close

- Connells Lane

- Coolalie Road

- Dicks Creek Road

- Dog Trap Road

- Gums Lane

- Longraill Gully Road

- Lucernvale Road

- Old Gap Road

- Springrange Road

- Tallagandra Lane

- Yass River Road

· Murrumbateman Sand Arena stabilisation, Recreation Grounds Dog Park, Recreation Grounds Amenities, Equestrian Ground/Oval Upgrade and Recreation Grounds Club House

· Walker Park Sporting Complex Improvements

Financial Ratios

All financial ratios are within benchmarks, except for the Operating Performance Ratio. This has dropped to -1.35% in 2021/22 due to increased expenditure to undertake the projects identified in the draft Operational Plan.

Ratio	Benchmark	2021/21 Draft Budget	2020/21 Original Budget	2019/20 Actual
Operating Performance	> 0%	-1.35%	0.43%	12.08%
Own source Revenue	> 60%	65.58%	61.15%	60.23%
Debt Service Ratio	> 2.00x	2.97x	2.18x	3.20x
Cash Expense Cover ratio	3.0 months	8.14 months	8.16 months	9.37 months

ATTACHMENTS: Nil