Alarm bells sound in regional NSW as infrastructure skills crunch looms large

Alarm bells are ringing across regional NSW as an absence of large infrastructure project coordination is exacerbating the housing and skills crises in towns and cities across the state, according to a new report from Business NSW.

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW today launched its new report Down to the Wire: Managing the upcoming infrastructure workforce crunch in Riverina Murray, New South Wales which highlights the challenges of delivering more than $20 billion worth of projects in the region and finds that the risks are applicable across the state.

“There is a real risk that NSW will miss out on maximising the benefits from an unprecedented infrastructure pipeline across the state,” said Business NSW Regional Manager, Riverina Murray, Anthony McFarlane.

“The worst case scenario is that the local regional economies in NSW are stretched to breaking point in coming years, with skilled workers poached from local businesses as more projects come on-line and housing shortages become more acute.

“As a case study for regional NSW, there is a real risk that the six biggest infrastructure projects in the Riverina Murray region, collectively estimated to be worth well over $14 billion, are likely to face further cost increases over the coming years as inflationary pressures and workforce shortages compound.

“While it is positive that this region is becoming a centre of excellence for Renewable Energy, we are concerned about the lack of coordination between these projects, which if left unmanaged will cause significant challenges for local communities and lead to further cost escalation and delays.

“The Riverina Murray is already struggling to meet businesses’ need for skilled workers, and to provide sufficient housing.

“These pressures, whilst being acutely felt in this region, can be found in almost any region in NSW. The Riverina Murray is the canary in the coal mine for regional NSW and how we can manage the influx of demand for housing and skilled workers and the negative impact that can have on local communities.

“There is a real opportunity for the new Federal Government to address these challenges and, in its review of Infrastructure Australia, create a regional Infrastructure Coordinator General function genuinely empowered to manage the demands from different government departments and non-government infrastructure providers to maximise each project’s legacy for local communities.

“This role could also support engagement and co-design between industry and education in the region and address any inadequacies in relevant education and training offerings,” Mr McFarlane said.

About Business NSW 

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826.  

Media Contact – Anthony McFarlane 0439 389 486

NSW GROW Pilot Program Launches In Leeton

NSW Coordinator General for Settlement Professor Peter Shergold addresses the crowd and dignitaries including Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole at the launch of the NSW GROW Pilot Program at the Historic Hydro Motor Inn, Leeton.

NSW Government connects newcomers with new opportunities in regional communities

Migrants and refugees are being offered new opportunities to resettle in regional communities and thrive, thanks to the NSW Government’s Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) Pilot Program.

In the Riverina this program is being implemented by Regional Development Australia Riverina as the Backbone organisation.

Launch of the NSW GROW Pilot Program in Leeton

Officially launched this week, the NSW GROW pilot program is a $3 million investment by the NSW Government, empowering newcomers in Western Sydney to restart their lives in the Murray and Riverina regions.

As part of the program, a Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub coordinator will provide a gateway between participants and employers, and help migrants and refugees make informed decisions about relocating and help facilitate the move.

Backbone Coordinators

Backbone coordinators support the design and implementation of plans to attract and retain people arriving from western Sydney.

Monique Lerchner, Backbone Coordinator for the Riverina

In the Riverina, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina have employed Monique Lerchner in the Backbone Coordinator role.

Building on past work by Faye Anderson (Migrant Economic Participation Coordinator), Monique is working with Multicultural NSW and the Red Cross to resettle newcomers from Western Sydney into the region to meet the economic and social needs of the local LGAs and communities.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the program would build on current regional moving trends by focusing specifically on refugees and migrants.

"It'll also assist with some of our skill shortages, and bring some of those skills into regional NSW," he said.

Rachel Whiting, the CEO of RDA Riverina says the level of job vacancy advertisements in the Riverina has reached a 10-year high. “We have more jobs than people in the Riverina. NSW GROW is another strategy to contribute to RDA Riverina’s workforce development plan for the region.

Welcoming Communities

The pilot program focuses on two Riverina locations, chosen based on their history of providing welcoming communities for refugees and migrants and the availability of government services and support: Leeton and Temora. A recent report by Charles Sturt University, the University of South Australia, and the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga found that in 2016 Leeton had the highest proportion of Afghan people in regional NSW based on its overseas-born population.

The research covered in the report focussed on 80 Hazara Afghan refugees who had either settled or lived in Leeton, and found that overall, refugees had a very positive experience. Leeton council has also worked with businesses and residents to attract migrant workers through a structured, targeted program.

Temora Shire has successfully attracted newcomers through over ten successive years of participation in the Country Change program, attributing their success to a combined community approach.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the program is about enabling newcomers to make an informed choice by showcasing the opportunities available in these communities.

“This is especially the case for refugees who may be unfamiliar with what our great multicultural state offers ,” Mr Coure said.

“The NSW GROW pilot program provides avenues for people to find a home, work and connect with the communities in the Murray and Riverina.”

Workforce Development

Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development at RDA Riverina

RDA Riverina has developed several programs aimed at increasing the workforce from both within and beyond the region, however those programs are not enough to meet the level of demand identified by the Riverina Skills Study. 

Businesses in both Leeton and Temora are experiencing prolonged skills shortages in a range of industries. Although the economies of both shires are grounded in agriculture, there is sufficient diversity in business to provide a broad range of job opportunities for newcomers, including food production, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and hospitality.

While disruptions due to COVID-19 were still occurring Monique facilitated introductions between local businesses facing staff shortages with local migrants who were already in the region and open to new job opportunities.

The Welcoming Cities project conducted in early 2022 identified that there are many employers who are ready to participate in the pilot program to attract and retain newcomers for the long term in their workforce.

The Riverina presents a variety of career pathways and diversity of industry that may be more accessible than what is available to migrants in a more crowded Western Sydney jobs market. 

The backbone coordinator will identify which employers in Leeton and Temora align to the values of the program and enable them to attract and retain newcomers.

For more information about the NSW GROW program and to take part, visit http://www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/nsw-grow.

Western Riverina Careers Expo

Last week Grow Our Own attended and sponsored the Western Riverina Careers Expo at Leeton High School. The expo, which has been held annually since 2012, was an opportunity to showcase Grow Our Own, our industry partners and the diverse career opportunities available in the Riverina.

We were able to actively engage with over 200 students who, along with showing an interest in local careers, shared their career dreams with us! Aspirations covered a wide range of careers paths including (but not limited to): Nursing, Allied Health, Social Work & Child Protective Services; Aviation, Defence, IT & Programming; Marine Biology, Dentistry, Hospitality & Beauty; Teaching, Acting, Interior Design & Photography; Farming, Electrical, Engineering & Manufacturing.

The Grow Our Own Team had a wonderful time and wanted to thank Nadine Goring and Leeton High School for executing such a fantastic event. The expo provided an opportunity for over 1,000 students (aged 15 – 18) from 11 Western Riverina high schools to connect with tertiary institutions, training providers, employers, and government organisations. We look forward to next year!

Nominations now open for the 2022 CROW Awards

Th Golden Crow Awards recognise growth, entrepreneurship and celebrate business success in the business community of Wagga Wagga. The awards first established in 1984 now are in their 38th year, with plenty of examples of successful businesses and individuals taking out our local award categories and going on to represent Wagga Wagga at regional and state levels.

Entering business awards is a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity for businesses to reflect on their achievements, gain exposure and provides different opportunities for your business. It is FREE to enter the Golden Crow Awards.

You do not need to be a member of the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber to enter.

Applications close 24 June 2022.

State of the Industry 2021 Report Published

The State of the Industry 2021 report is now published. This annual report presents a snapshot of Australia’s visitor economy in 2021. 

Deeply affected by the pandemic, the visitor economy has shown resilience and persistence in 2021, with the rapid return of domestic tourism following lockdowns. The staged reopening of Australia’s border from the end of the year spurred rising optimism for 2022.

Department of Regional NSW | Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) Survey

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) is currently developing updates for the Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS). The REDS are important strategic documents that help to guide local economic development priorities in each community across regional NSW.

As part of this project, a business survey is being conducted to better understand key trends and sentiment impacting the businesses community across regional NSW. The survey also seeks input from the business community about key priorities for supporting job creation and economic growth.

The short 15-minute survey can be accessed here. The survey will remain open for responses until the end of June 2022.

DRNSW appreciates businesses taking the time to complete this survey, which will help inform future priorities for supporting regional economic development in NSW.

If you have any questions, please contact the DRNSW REDS team at REDSproject@regional.nsw.gov.au .

NSW Museum Strategy Survey

In October 2021, the NSW Government announced the development of a NSW Museum Strategy, to be delivered by Create NSW, which aims to help strengthen the NSW museums and heritage sector across the state while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.

Information about this announcement and the strategy can be found here: https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/news-and-publications/news/nsw-museum-strategy/

As part of the development of this strategy, Create NSW is surveying the museum and heritage sector to obtain your unique perspectives and insights in relation to the challenges facing the sector.

This survey is now live and will close on Friday 24 June 2022.

So that the NSW Museum Strategy can best address the needs of the sector, we strongly encourage input from your organisations.

Please visit this link to complete the online survey: https://createresearch.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mzYFLMA2rhQddY?Source=CNSW

NSW GROW Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub Launch

Representatives from the Murray and Riverina regions recently attended the launch of the GROW Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub and participated in a discussion forum on resettlement opportunities for new migrants in the NSW Murray and Riverina regions.

NSW Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) pilot aims to successfully connect migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in western Sydney who are interested in relocation for employment and a tree change lifestyle , with employers and a community welcome in the Murray Riverina Region.

At the launch, NSW Coordinator-General for Refugee Settlement, Professor Peter Shergold AC, and representatives from the Murray and Riverina regions provided details about the NSW GROW Pilot and the collaboration between the regions and Western Sydney.

Craig Sinclair (Economic Development Manager at Temora Shire Council) presented as Chair of NSW GROW Riverina, and Neil Barber (Regional Manager Migration Support Programs in Wiradjuri places / South West NSW at Australian Red Cross) presented on behalf of the Murray Taskforce. Monique Lerchner (RDA Riverina) also attended in her role as Backbone Coordinator for the Riverina region.

Pictured L-R: Nibras Rahbe, Natalia Ballotin-Hall, Carmen Lazar, Esiteli Nyikarukundo, Monique Lerchner, Professor Peter Shergold

Pictured L-R: Nibras Rahbe, Esiteli Nyirarukundo, Natalia Ballotin-Hall, Monique Lerchner

Riverina Economic Development Officers Forum, Griffith

RDA Riverina hosts quarterly Economic Development Forums, giving Riverina Economic Development Officers the opportunity to network and receive updates on economic development activities and trends across the Riverina.

In May 2022 we hosted a forum in partnership with AusIndustry and Griffith City Council at the Country University Centre, Western Riverina.

The forum featured highlights including a town tour presented by Brett Stonestreet, General Manager of Griffith City Council, and presentations on topics such as Inland Rail, EnergyConnect, TAFE Skills Training, Designated Area Migration Agreements, Business access to entitlement based programs, the Business Connect Program and finding philanthropic funds for the Arts and Culture sector.

RDA Riverina would like to thank our partners for their hospitality and support, and our speakers for taking the time to share their knowledge and expertise with attendees.

If you are interested in attending a forum or presenting, please contact our Senior Project Officer, Marg Couch here.

Inquiry into improving crisis communications to CALD communities

The NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly Committee on Community Services is running an inquiry on improving crisis communications to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The Committee welcomes public Submissions.

This is an opportunity to provide feedback on issues and improve crisis communications to better inform your community.

This inquiry has provided a Terms of Reference (translated into ten languages), with three core focuses, including:

1. Use of multicultural and CALD community groups and networks to distribute in-language information

2. Ways to improve channels of communication with CALD communities

3. Addressing racism and discrimination related to crisis communications.

Please share this with any interested networks. 

Submissions to the inquiry close on 17 June 2022 and can be e-mailed to communityservices@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Regional Australia Institute Survey | The Road to Regionalisation

Australia has no single national framework which draws together the various different themes which are all part of unlocking regional Australia’s potential. The RAI wish to address this gap by creating a National Regionalisation Framework which will provide a set of critical targets and actions to strengthen regional Australia.

To inform this National Regionalisation Framework, the Regional Australia Institute is asking you to let it know what aspects of regional Australia must be strengthened, promoted or preserved. How can we continue to grow sustainably, optimising future opportunities, whilst ensuring the quality of life in our regions is not undermined? What are the best levers to achieve this? They will also host a webinar on Thursday 12 May to discuss regionalisation. Please register here.

To take the survey, click the link below.

Riverina Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions. - Department of Home Affairs

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina are working on a DAMA for the Riverina region.

A DAMA will allow us to create some concessions or specific variations to the eligibility requirements for employer sponsored skilled migration, after negotiation with the Australian Government. These arrangements allow some flexibility to recruit staff members who may not quite meet the standard visa criteria but are still able to safely perform the functions of the intended role.

Not all concessions will be available for all roles, and for some roles there may be no available concessions. The DAMA Occupations List will summarise the ANZSCO occupations included in the Riverina DAMA and the concessions that are available for employers to request in their endorsement application.

A DAMA will not bring skilled migrants to our region without employer sponsorship. The employer still needs to be assessed as suitable for employer sponsor skilled migration and pay the necessary fees.

If you are an employer who may be interested in this program please take the survey below to provide your feedback.

2020-2021 Land Monitor Report

The Land Monitor report was first created by the HIA in 2013, now in its 8th year of production, it is a significant document for strategic planning in the city of Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina have been engaged to complete this work since 2020 in partnership with the HIA and Committee for Wagga.

The land monitor report’s purpose is to provide information to Wagga Wagga City Council about the current land releases in the LGA including available and projected land for housing development.

HIA and RDA Riverina presented the current data to council on Monday 14th March.

Telstra and TPG Telecom sign landmark network sharing agreement for regional Australia

Telstra and TPG Telecom have announced a ground-breaking ten-year regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) commercial deal which will provide significant value to Telstra’s wholesale mobile revenues, while providing TPG’s subscribers with 4G and 5G services within a defined coverage zone across regional and urban fringe areas.

Under the deal, TPG will gain access to around 3700 of Telstra’s mobile network assets, increasing TPG’s current 4G coverage from around 96% to 98.8% of the population.

Telstra will also gain access to TPG’s spectrum across 4G and 5G, which will allow it to grow its network, increase capacity and continue to provide the country’s largest and fastest network.

Under the MOCN arrangement, Telstra will share its Radio Access Network (RAN) for 4G and subsequently 5G services in the defined coverage zone, however both carriers will continue to operate their own core network where key differentiating functionality resides.

For Telstra customers, the additional spectrum will ensure regional and rural customers will now experience faster speeds and less congestion in more locations on their mobiles. And Telstra will continue to maintain our one million kilometres of coverage advantage which we know is critical for our customers living and working in those areas.

The agreement is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Emergency Relief for Newcomers Service (ERNS)

Are you an asylum seeker or Temporary Visa Holder* living in NSW and need financial support?

Settlement Services International (SSI) is funded by Multicultural NSW to provide emergency relief and caseworker support to vulnerable Temporary Visa Holders*, who are not eligible for Commonwealth Government income support, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*international students are not eligible for this funding.

New South Wales based craft maltsters ‘Voyager Craft Malt’ awarded world’s best Pale Ale Malt

Stu Whytcross and Brad Woolner of Voyager Craft Malt

Riverina based Voyager Craft Malt - who grow, source, and process the essential ingredient in beer and whisky-malt - have been announced as Malt Cup winners in the Pale Ale category for 2022 in Bozeman Montana, USA February 18th thanks to the Craft Maltsters Guild.

This is the first time that the Gold Award has been awarded to a maltster outside of the USA and represents a significant achievement for the small Whitton-based maltsters.

The competition saw 58 entries from malthouses around the world compete through a rigorous analysis process over several months, where their malts were judged through a combination of lab and sensory panel evaluations.

“We’re absolutely stoked to have taken out this award with our Organic Veloria Pale Ale malt. We know the high quality of malts we were up against, particularly from the USA, so to have made it through to the final rounds is an honor in itself; so to win it gives us tremendous satisfaction.” -Voyager Co-Founder Stu Whytcross said.

“We get a great sense of pride and enjoyment when beers or spirits that contain our malts win awards, but the Malt Cup is awarded on the quality of the malt alone, so it gives us, and our growers a great sense of achievement to take out the Gold.”

“I’d like to think that it also serves as great recognition for the many brewers and distillers around Australia that have chosen to use this malt to produce quality beers and spirits.”

Co-founder Stu Whytcross says the quality of the barley used is a major factor in malt quality, and to celebrate this achievement alongside their growers has been something quite special.

“Making great malt, starts with amazing barley. The Riverina has such a great climate for producing quality barley year in year out.”

Another factor that makes this win fulfilling for Voyager is that the particular parcel of Schooner barley that took the title, was grown on the regenerative farm of Chris and Samantha Greenwood in the small Riverina town of Coleambally.

“It makes the award that little bit more satisfying and reinforces our commitment to move towards sourcing all our grain from regenerative agricultural practices.” Whytcross said.

Visitors to the Whitton Malt House – award winning tourism facility and restaurant situated along side Voyager’s processing facility - can try a vast selection of craft beers and whiskies that have been made with this gold medal winning malt.

For more information please contact Voyager Craft Malt Co-Founder, Stu Whytcross 0427683272 sales@voyagercraftmalt.com.au or Whitton Malt House Manager, Diana Williams 0438 777 078

2021 Regional Telecommunications Review released

The 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review: A step change in demand is now available.

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee has completed its Regional Telecommunications Review into the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia and the report was tabled in the Australian Parliament on 14 February 2022.

The Committee held 24 virtual public consultations, targeting regions across Australia, and received over 650 written submissions from members of the public, community organisations, businesses, and local, state and territory governments.

The report, 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review: A step change in demand is available here.

Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) - Round 6

Image Source: https://www.qtac.edu.au/rres-program/

The Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) program is now open, helping Australians in regional and remote areas to access higher education

It supports people studying from Certificate IV through to PhD level with grants up to $18,000 each.

The Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program was announced in 2016 and has provided scholarship funding to more than 4,000 students.

 Applications for Round 6 of the RRES Program are now open for students:

• commencing a new course of study in 2022

• studying on campus, online or via distance education

• studying from six months full-time up to eight years part-time.

Eligible students may receive up to $18,000 each (e.g. for a full-time, four-year qualification). Shorter, part-time qualifications are paid on a pro-rata basis. An extra $500 is also available to support an internship.

CWA Sconversations | Join Us For A Sconversation On Rural Mental Health

CWA Uranquinty Evening is hosting a Sconversation on Rural Mental Health on Friday 18 February 2022 at the CSU Riverina Playhouse in Wagga Wagga. 

A Q&A-style forum with an expert panel, Sconversation, aims to generate conversation and build a community of support and action around mental health – one of the most important issues affecting our regional and rural communities. Excitingly, it will also be delivered on an interactive livestream platform to allow the conversation to reach into rural and remote communities throughout Australia.

The event is being supported by Charles Sturt University, Riverina Bluebell, Wagga Wagga City Council, Regional Development Australia - Riverina and Women in Business Wagga Wagga All proceeds will be donated to Rural Outreach Counselling and Wagga Wagga Women's Health Centre. 

The Sconversation panel includes:

• The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC
  Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health

• Danica Leys
  CEO, CWA of NSW

• Derek Schoen
  Director, Beyond Blue

• Leanne Sanders
  CEO, Visual Dreaming

• Jenivy Sewak
  Community Health Promotion Officer, ACON

Transgrid - Energy Connect Project Update

EnergyConnect is an energy infrastructure project that will lower power bills for homes and businesses and create 1500 jobs, primarily across regional NSW.

The project is a key element of the Australian Energy Market Operator's Integrated System Plan. As a result, the NSW Government has declared it Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI).

EnergyConnect includes a new 900km electricity transmission line, known as an interconnector, that will connect power grids across three Australian states, driving competition in the wholesale electricity market.

The interconnector is being built between Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Robertstown in South Australia, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.

Transgrid is partnering with ElectraNet to deliver EnergyConnect, with Transgrid building the NSW section.

Project benefits

• Lower bills: NSW households will save $180 million a year on power bills.

• New jobs and opportunities: EnergyConnect will create 1500 new jobs and opportunities for a wide range of businesses.

• Economic growth: The project will generate $4 billion in economic benefit - much of it in regional NSW.

• A cleaner future: EnergyConnect will help connect more solar and wind generation to help reduce carbon emissions.

Why is the project needed?

The Australian energy landscape is transitioning to a greater mix of low-emission renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

Several factors are driving this transition, including:

• access to new generation sources as coal-fired plants close

• government commitments to reduce carbon emissions

• the potential for renewable generation to lower energy prices

• demand for a more reliable energy supply.

At the same time, consumers are demanding lower power bills and more secure and reliable service.

EnergyConnect will deliver the infrastructure required to support this evolution by connecting the energy grids of NSW, SA and Victoria. These connections will expand the wholesale electricity market across the three states, meaning increased reliability and security of electricity supply and lower power bills.

Operating at total capacity, EnergyConnect will be capable of supplying 8.5 per cent of the total average maximum daily demand in NSW.

Latest update 

NSW Eastern-Section

Transgrid have lodged an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NSW-Eastern Section of EnergyConnect with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

DPE has placed the EIS on public exhibition until 15 February 2022.  

To support the exhibition, Transgrid will be hosting community information sessions along the Eastern Section, from 31 January to 11 February 2022.

In addition, they have developed an interactive EIS map and a community guide to support community engagement.

We encourage you to have your say by making a submission to DPE.