Vote 1: regional business
Future Growth - promises or propaganda?

With the next State Election knocking on the door (well approaching the front gate at least) it seemed timely to check the pulse of regional business.

Canvassing the views of MPs and candidates for the electorates of Albury, Dubbo, Murray-Darling, Orange , Tamworth and Wagga Wagga resulted, not surprisingly, in a diverse range of opinions.

Is NSW the place to set up shop when your enterprise is west of the Blue Mountains ? Are we rolling in the takings or just getting taken? And will anybody care when we head to the polls in March 2007?

Those lining up for our votes turned their attention to issues of payroll tax, decentralisation, business growth, fuel prices and the dreaded red tape.

MURRAY BUSINESS REGION

The Murray business region is one of the major food processing capitals of Australia - a thriving industry that accounts for 21 per cent of the area's Gross Regional Product.

It covers 90,000 sq km, taking in the centres of Albury, Deniliquin, Moama and Corowa. An extensive irrigation network supports a diverse range of agricultural enterprises. Other major industries include forestry, tourism, textiles, manufacturing and transport.

Chris Ryan is the Labor Candidate for Albury. When it comes to regional development he's a visionary.

“I often take the time to dream and visualise what the future could hold for our beautiful and richly resourced region. I see great potential for families, happiness, industry, growth and prosperity and the more I dream, the more I want to become part of the mechanism of its implementation.

“I would be truly proud and humbled if the community saw fit to entrust me with a role in encouraging and creating sustainable industry, infrastructure and social outcomes that meet the needs of out region now and into the future,” he said.

Ryan is encouraged by Morris Iemma's announcement of ‘A New Direction for NSW – State Plan' with community forums and input that will make Ministers and the public sector more accountable.

“I would be very happy to serve with The NSW Labor Government, who waived the business transfer duty to assist the sale of ION Automotive Systems to Drivetrain Systems International, helping safeguard the jobs of 500 workers in the our local community,” he said.

RIVERINA BUSINESS REGION

The Riverina is the largest wine making region in Australia with about 50 per cent of the produce exported.

Covering 63, 521 sq km and including the centres of Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Tumut, Leeton, Hay and Narrandera, the region accounts for more than $1 billion a year in agricultural and horticultural production.

Other major industries include manufacturing, food processing, defence, forestry, textiles, transport and services.

Glen Elliott-Rudder is the Labor Candidate for Wagga Wagga.

“The NSW Government is investing in the future of regional families and business growth in Wagga Wagga providing practical support through a range of effective programs creating and supporting local jobs,” he said.

“The Iemma Government's regional business growth programs are helping to encourage businesses to relocate to country areas, to develop or find new markets, helping companies take new directions and encouraging exports.

“In Wagga Wagga the NSW Government facilitated the establishment of a gas packaging and distribution facility by BOC Limited. The project represents $10M in capital investment and has created 4 new jobs,” said Elliott-Rudder.

“And our ‘ NSW: we mean business campaign' means everyone knows our doors are open for business.”

The liberal member for Wagga Wagga is Daryl Maguire who said frustration over red tape is a big issue for business people and organisations in the area.

“Reducing red tape and regulation in the electorate of Wagga Wagga is just one of the many priorities needed to assist businesses. Our policy includes stopping the growth of red tape with a ‘one on one off' system.

“All agencies seeking to introduce new regulation must identify an existing piece of regulation to be removed. We will cut the burdens and cost of regulations by 5 per cent in our first term of government. Our policy of aligning CEO's remuneration will be tied to reducing red tape,” he said.

“Employers will be exempted from paying WorkCover premiums for apprentices (apprentices will remain covered). We will appoint a minister directly responsible for reducing red tape and regulation and eliminate payroll tax for more than 4,500 businesses.

“The implementation of this policy will help to change the NSW public sector's approach and will assist businesses to become more competitive in NSW,” said Maguire.

FAR WEST BUSINESS REGION

Broken Hill is the major centre in the Far West Business Region, and the mining giant is spreading its wings thanks, in part, to an emerging tourism industry and the presence of a large artistic community.

Sparsely populated, the region stretches over 147,142 sq km, or 18.4 per cent of NSW, but with only 0.4 per cent of the population. Major industries include mining, agriculture, horticulture, tourism and retail/services.

Peter Black is the Labor member for the Murray-Darling whose focus is on regional families and business growth.

“ Since July last year, NSW Government support for the Broken Hill and the Far West community includes working with Bemax Resources new mineral separation plant. This venture alone represents an investment of $128 million into the region, creating 129 jobs.

“In our arid environment we've encouraged 150 local companies to make energy and water savings through the Outback Oasis Program. Local company, Oasis Hydroponics, has been helped to develop a marketing plan,” he said.

“Young operators run only 10 per cent of our State's 440,000 small businesses, which is why supporting programs like Broken Hill's YCREATE business pilot scheme is an investment in the future.

“And we've helped encourage business growth across the region with the recent completion of the region's first Women in Business program for the Far West . In just three months, participants have reported dramatic increases in business creating 23 new local jobs,” he said.

The Nationals candidate for the Murray-Darling is John Williams, a local businessman who is passionate about ensuring regional businesses have the best conditions to operate and grow, without the burden of red tape and endless paperwork.

“I have more than 30 years experience running my own business and appreciate the many challenges business owners face. The Nationals understand these challenges and will cut red tape and regulation for business to stimulate economic growth and generate jobs across NSW.

“The NSW Nationals' policy includes eliminating payroll tax for 4500 businesses across the state and exempting employers from paying WorkCover premiums for apprentices.

“We will also stop the growth of red tape by introducing a “one on, one off” system that will force government agencies to remove an existing regulation when introducing new regulations,” said Williams.

“I will fight for a commonsense approach to Occupational Health and Safety that includes a system of shared responsibility between employers and employees.

The Nationals are serious about working with, and addressing the needs of, regional businesses and improving business confidence in the Murray Darling Electorate,” he said.

NEW ENGLAND – NORTH WEST BUSINESS REGION

At 98,606 sq km this business region covers the population centres of Tamworth , Armidale, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri, including some spectacular heritage-listed gorge and river country.

A world leader in livestock genetics and associated industries, with strong education and professional services, the region produces agricultural products worth $1.9 billion and is expanding its manufacturing, aerospace, viticulture and tourism sectors.

“ In Tamworth, the NSW Government has helped flour processor Penford Australia to retain 80 jobs under the Business Drought Assistance Program, and the company is now looking at potential expansion of its operations,” said Denise McHugh

Labor Candidate for Tamworth .

“The NSW Government is investing in the future of regional families and business growth in Tamworth providing practical support through a range of effective programs creating and supporting local jobs.”

McHugh said the Iemma Government's regional business growth programs are helping to encourage businesses to relocate to country areas, to develop or find new markets, helping companies take new directions and encouraging exports.

“The record spend on infrastructure in the 2006 Budget is estimated to directly and indirectly support approximately 76,000 jobs this year in rural and regional NSW,” said McHugh.

And our “ NSW: we mean business campaign ” me ans everyone knows our doors are open for business and that the Government is now aggressively chasing growth, jobs and investment for NSW.

Kevin Anderson, Nationals Candidate for Tamworth said Tamworth has been enjoying steady natural growth for an extended period if the building industry is any indication, but much more needs to be done to ensure the region's sustained economic development and the growth of local jobs.

“Both skilled workers and professionals are in short supply and are critical to assist the industrial and corporate sectors to grow. Regional development relies heavily on basic infrastructure including health, education and transport.

“Much work needs to be done on our rail network to provide an economic and viable freight option. Tamworth is ideally situated for the expansion of our aviation industry, with natural geography and the expertise to facilitate growth,” said Anderson .

“A practical and flexible approach to local environment plans in relation to zoning is also needed to accommodate the growing equine industry and urban development.

“In business generally, whether retail or industrial, a collaborative approach from local and state governments is a must if we want strong regional development and economic prosperity,” he said.

Independent member for Tamworth , Peter Draper describes business operators in the area as having a strong sense of optimism, with many exciting developments and opportunities arising through the mining, retail, tourism and farming sectors.

“ Tamworth is moving ahead as a city of major regional significance. Connecting natural gas to the city, construction of the National Equine and Livestock Centre, and major developments in the CBD builds on Tamworth 's already strong retail sector.

“I was pleased to secure the State Government's $3.35million commitment to the Equine Centre, a project that promises to bring many business opportunities to the region.

“Gunnedah is also experiencing a major boom, with the Tarrawonga mine at Boggabri starting, and a possible mine at Caroona creating the potential for thousands of jobs,” he said.

“While business activity is strong, high petrol prices, drought and a lack of State Government support for the business sector are making things difficult for small business in particular. I will continue to lobby government to ensure local business receives the support necessary to grow and continue creating employment in the area.”

CENTRAL WEST BUSINESS REGION

Orange , Bathurst , Parkes and Forbes make up this business region, which boasts an expanding and diverse industry mix.

Major sectors include agriculture, mining, food processing, manufacturing, tourism and retail.

Manufacturing in the region has an annual worth of about $1,421 million. Covering 63,262 sq km, the region enjoys a bounty of natural resources including rivers, forests and rich mineral deposits.

Nationals member for Orange , Russell Turner said the NSW Government needs to place a major focus on encouraging businesses and industry to establish or expand their operations into country areas and that regional towns like Orange provide an environment that facilitates growth much easier than in Sydney .

“In Government the NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition will implement a plan to improve the competitive position of the state and its businesses community. Payroll tax will be eliminated for more than 4,500 businesses and employers will be exempt from paying the cost of WorkCover premiums for apprenticeships.

“This policy will address the rural skills shortage, while tax cuts will greatly benefit large companies in Orange such as Electrolux and Cadia Valley Operations as well as smaller owner/operator businesses.

“I want to see local business expand, provide more jobs and boost our economy. It is important for the NSW Government to get behind our business operators rather than hinder them through high taxes and over regulation,” he said.

ORANA BUSINESS REGION

The largest region in NSW, Orana entices more than 1.25 million tourists annually thanks to crowd-pleasers such as the Western Plains Zoo, Warrumbungle National Park and Mudgee wineries.

Based around the centres of Dubbo, Cobar and Mudgee the region covers 199,078 sq km and has strong transport links to the three eastern seaboard states. Major industries include mining, viticulture, agriculture and tourism.

Dubbo has an independent member, Dawn Fardell who is committed to ensuring the region remains a strong force within the NSW economy.

“Tackling the hindrances to the day-to-day operation of businesses, however, is almost a full time job. Increasing interest rates, fuel and food prices, along with the lingering effects of the drought, make it tough for this hardworking sector. All too often I hear of business owners who would employ more people if it were not for the savage payroll tax.

“Increasing regulatory burdens are the last thing we need; yet red tape continues to tie-up many of the State's 440,000 small businesses. Companies looking to expand invest considerable amounts of time and money here and must be given the opportunity to prosper,” she said.

“Further development of the proposed inland rail corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane will present centres like Parkes and Dubbo with numerous opportunities to grow. Many country areas are working equally hard to lure business and investment, which is why I will continue to put our case strenuously to both the government and private sectors,” she said.

The Nationals candidate for Dubbo is Greg Matthews.

“ As a regional business owner I understand that businesses in Dubbo and all other regional electorates are suffering from an ever-increasing maze of red tape and overregulation.

“Running a business in NSW where we have the highest unemployment rate, the lowest growth rate and the highest tax burden of any state in Australia - combined with the ongoing drought - is draining the energy from many local businesses,” he said.

“The current and future State governments must do all they can to reduce the regulatory burden that has been placed on businesses by supporting a ‘one on, one off' policy for government regulation, ensuring a stop to regulatory creep.

“Reduction in the tax burden placed on NSW residents and businesses is a must to bring us in line with other states and ensure our state's competitiveness. For too long NSW businesses have flourished despite the restrictions placed on them by the Iemma Labor Government; it is time the politicians and bureaucrats got out of the way,” said Matthews.

Information on the business regions sourced from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development www.business.nsw.gov.au The borders of the regions do not correspond with the NSW electoral boundaries.