APPENDIX 2
Case Study on Employment and Unemployment in the Northern Rivers Region
of New South Wales
Prepared By:
ANNE LEO
Australian National University
Internships Program
Attached to the Committee in 1998
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- This case study of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is
based upon both written and oral evidence received by the Committee
at its hearing in Lismore. The Committee believes this case study provides
a detailed look at the various issues discussed more broadly in the
report. It highlights the employment and unemployment history of the
Northern Rivers regions and provides insight into the factors contributing
to this experience.
- The Northern Rivers region is located in the far north-east corner
of New South Wales. It stretches approximately 250 kilometres southward
from the Queensland border to a point just north of Coffs Harbour. The
region extends from the coast to the Great Dividing Range. In all, the
Northern Rivers region incorporates an area approximately one-third
that of the state of Tasmania. Major centres in the region include Tweed
Heads, Lismore, Grafton, Byron Bay, Ballina and Casino.
- The climate of the area is considered to be sub-tropical. Summers
are hot and the winters are mild.
- The 1996 census records the population of the region as approximately
250 000 persons and growing. It is also noted that the population over
55 years is above the national average.
- Europeans first settled the Northern Rivers region in the 1840s. These
first settlers were cedar-getters who cut timber for the Sydney market.
The region soon moved into supporting grazing, cropping (maize, sugar
cane, bananas, potatoes and others were tried), dairying and beef cattle
production.
- Since the Second World War the size of the labour force employed in
primary industries has been declining while those employed in the services
sector has been continually increasing.
- Major industry sectors in the region today include (in descending
order of employment): retail trade, tourism and its support industries,
health and community services, manufacturing and agriculture/ forestry/
fishing (primary industry).
- Around 95 percent of businesses employ fewer than 10 people. However,
while this represents the general employment trend for the region, it
is important to note that there are differences in employment characteristics
within the region.
- The North Coast region (of which the Northern Rivers makes up half)
has the second highest level of unemployment for any region in Australia.
- Unemployment amongst young people in the Northern Rivers region is
high (around 25 to 30 percent) and the rate amongst the Aboriginal population
is extremely high.
- Areas of highest unemployment within the region are the coastal areas,
and major inland centres such as Lismore.
- Substantial underemployment and hidden unemployment problems are thought
to exist in the Northern Rivers region.
- Reasons for the employment and unemployment trends revealed in the
Northern Rivers region are complex. Rationalisation and closure of government
services, both Commonwealth and State, and the effects this has had
upon private investment are often blamed. The region has suffered the
loss of between 300 and 400 government jobs over the past 5 years. The
flow–on effects of such job losses have been felt by all sectors
of the community.
- Lack of government investment is a major concern. This includes both
the lack of funding for infrastructure and a lack of funds to `kick-
start' new projects.
- It is suspected that certain government policies have impeded job
creation and attempts to increase private investment in the region.
Competition policy was an issue of widespread concern. In particular,
local government feared that the requirement to call for tenders from
outside the region was damaging to local businesses.
- While governments are often blamed for the unemployment problems of
the region, the roots go much deeper. The regions' economy is in the
midst of restructuring. This is part of a global shift whereby the more
advanced economies of the world are changing emphasis (in employment
terms) away from primary industries and toward services.
- In the Northern Rivers region, economic restructuring is particularly
influenced by physical factors: the climate and coastal location attract
tourists and retirees to the region. In turn, these people depend on
retail and other service industries.
- Social factors contribute significantly to the unemployment problem.
It was repeatedly noted in submissions that while the Northern Rivers
region is experiencing economic growth, population growth is outstripping
the number of jobs created. Population growth is driven mainly by net
in-migration.
- While the level of unemployment in the Northern Rivers region is relatively
high, strategies to ameliorate the situation are quite well advanced.
- By far the most advanced proposal for creating jobs and investment
opportunities in the Northern Rivers is the `cellulose valley' proposal.
This project aims to create a whole alternative medicines industry in
the region. Everything from producing, processing, packaging and marketing
the products would be done within the region.
- Regional bodies such as the NRACC, NOREDO, NORADA, NOROC and others
have been fundamental in developing employment and investment strategies
for the region.
- The key elements for the region to move forward are seen to be:
- forging a strong regional identity (`branding' the region is important
from a marketing perspective), and
- having regional bodies and community groups work together with
an eye to forming a single coordinated approach to development in
the region.
ABBREVIATIONS
| ABS |
Australian Bureau of Statistics |
| ATSI |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander |
| ATSICCD |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for
Community Development |
| CES |
Commonwealth Employment Services |
| DEET |
Department of Employment, Education and Training |
| DEETYA |
Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth
Affairs |
| LGA |
Local Government Area |
| NORADA |
Northern Rivers Agricultural Development Association
|
| NOREDO |
Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Organisation
Inc. |
| NOROC |
Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils |
| NR |
Northern Rivers |
| NRACC |
Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee |
| NSW |
New South Wales |
| SCU |
Southern Cross University |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author wishes to thank the following people and organisations for
their assistance throughout the compilation of this report:
Mr John Carter, Secretary, Standing Committee on Employment, Education
and Training.
Dr van Diermen, Lecturer, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science,
School of Resource Management and Environmental Science, Australian National
University.
Dr Jenny Hutchinson, Director, Australian National Internships Program.
Mr Tony Kryger, Parliamentary Research Service, Statistics Research Group.
Mr Andrew Kopras, Parliamentary Research Service, Statistics Research
Group.
Mr John O'Keefe, Senior Research Officer, Standing Committee on Rural
and Regional Affairs and Transport.
Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee
Mr Geoff Foley, Secretary, Richmond River Historical Society, Lismore.
Southern Cross University (Lismore Campus) Library
SECTION I: LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
Location
The Northern Rivers region is located in the far north-east corner of
New South Wales, Australia. It extends from the Queensland state border
in the north, approximately 250 kilometres southward, finishing slightly
north of Coffs Harbour. [1] The region stretches
approximately one hundred kilometres inland to the Great Dividing Range.
[2] The Northern Rivers region covers 20 896
square kilometres. [3]
For perspective, this is approximately five times the area of the ACT
[4] and about one third of the size of Tasmania.
[5] Major centres in the region include Ballina,
Byron Bay, Casino, Evans Head, Grafton, Lismore, Maclean and Tweed Heads.
More specifically, the Northern Rivers region consists of 12 local government
areas (LGAs). These are: Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Lismore
City, Kyogle Shire, Casino Municipality, Richmond River Shire, Maclean
Shire, Ulmarra Shire, Copmanhurst Shire, Grafton City and Nymboida Shire.
[6] These 12 LGAs together (the Northern Rivers
region) make up the statistical division of Richmond- Tweed and parts
of the Clarence sub-division. [7] The Northern Rivers Region and Mid- North Coast
Region together make up the North Coast Region [8]
(which continues south from the Northern Rivers to Forster and farther
inland). [9]
The region is divided by three major rivers- the Tweed, Richmond and
Clarence. [10] These three river valleys have
been identified as sub-regional areas of interest as part of the Northern
Rivers Regional Strategy:
Whilst the Northern Rivers region is environmentally and culturally
diverse, there are communities of interest identifiable at the sub-region
or catchment level…. Each valley has different characteristics
and a range of issues unique to the catchment. [11]
Employment and unemployment issues go beyond being unique to the various
catchments. Differences are evident throughout the region, especially
between coastal and the more rural parts of the region. The diversity
of employment and unemployment trends and characteristics are explored
where the availability of data permitted.
History
The Northern Rivers region was sighted by Cook in 1770, examined from
the coastline by Flinders in 1799, and assessed and dismissed by Oxley,
who was searching for possible new settlement sites, in 1823. [12]
It was not until four escaped convicts reported plentiful rivers in the
region in 1825 that European interest in the Northern Rivers region was
aroused. [13] The task of legitimising the
claims of the escapees was assigned to Captain Rous, and in 1828 it was
reported that two rivers had been discovered- the Clarence (now the Tweed)
and the Richmond. [14] The (now) Tweed River
was reported to be navigable to loaded boats and have many desirable species
of tree (including cedar) growing along its banks. [15]
It was the discovery of the combination of the river and the cedar which
eventually led to the European settlement of the Northern Rivers region;
and thus the saga of employment and unemployment in the region begins.
In 1836 a party of cedar-getters sent from Sydney arrived in the Northern
Rivers region and settled in the area where the town of Maclean now stands.
Many more cedar-getters followed in the 1830s and 40s. The 1840s have
also been recorded as the time when squatters arrived with sheep and cattle.
Runs were established around the areas now known as Grafton, Lismore and
Casino. [16] [17] The establishment of the Northern Rivers region
for grazing was given a significant boost by the Robertson Land Act of
1861, which allowed settlers to purchase land. [18]
Reflecting on the development of the economy, Cousins noted in 1933:
The Northern Rivers were opened up by the cedar-getters and the squatter;
wealth was found by the gold miners; but the people who brought the
real and lasting prosperity were the men who cleared away the timber
and made use of the wonderfully fertile land. [19]
The first crop planted in this `wonderfully fertile land' by settlers
was maize in the 1850s. [20] Sugar cane followed,
having been introduced in the Ballina/ Casino region in the 1860s. [21]
Wheat, cotton, barley, potatoes and tobacco were other crops experimented
with. [22] Bananas rapidly gained popularity
in the early 1900s and the market was bolstered by `import difficulties'
during First World War. [23] [24]
The extensive clearing of native vegetation which occurred to facilitate
this early cropping created a niche for the dairying industry. Many of
the earlier small factories relied on exporting butter to Sydney: they
later combined to form what became the Norco Co-operative. [25]
The development of the Northern Rivers region was virtually halted by
the Great Depression of the 1930s. Prices received for wool and wheat
were cut to half or even less than those received in 1929. [26]
The hardship in the region continued with Australia's involvement in the
Second World War. It has been noted however, that horse breeders in the
region prospered through the sale and hire-out of horses for the recreation
of the `yanks'. [27]
It seems that agriculture never really recovered after the war and by
the late 1950s dairying in particular was in rapid decline. [28]
Norco closed smaller processing plants leaving only those in the major
centres. Rural hardship led to the decline of small towns in the region
with services such as grocery stores, schools and post offices now being
located in only more major centres. [29] Beef production (and the associated opening of
a major abattoir in Casino), and later exotic crops such as lychees and
avocados, offset some of the job losses caused by the severe decline of
dairying in the region. [30]
Forestry started to decline in the region in the 1960s as timber sources
became more remote; much was `locked up' in newly declared National Parks.
[31]
Population
In the 1996 census the population of the Northern Rivers was found to
be growing strongly: the total population for the region was approximately
250 000. [32] This was a rise of over 27 000
from the previous 1991 census and represented a growth rate of approximately
2.5 per cent per annum (more than doubling the Australian average) for
the years 1991 through 1996. [33] From 1986
to 1996 the population growth of the Region averaged between 5 500 and
6 000 persons per annum. [34]
The majority of the residents of the Northern Rivers live either on or
near the coast; inland areas are more sparsely populated. [35]
The patterns of growth experienced between 1991 and 1996 reinforce this
trend: the main population growth areas have
been Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Maclean Shire, Lismore
City and Richmond River Shire. Lismore City is the only main non-coastal
population growth area and such growth slowed significantly from 1991
– 1996, compared to the 1986 – 1991 period. Areas of minimal
population growth have been the Nymboida and Ulmarra Shires in the south
of the region. [36]
The demographics of the region indicate a disproportionately high number
of people over the age of 55, and also a higher than average percentage
of the population in the 0 – 14 age group. [37]
[38] Part of the reason for this is the number
of retirees moving into the region, coupled with young people of working
age moving out of the region to find work. There has also been an influx
of young families into the region. [39]
Climate
Climatically, the Northern Rivers region is considered to be sub-tropical:
summers are hot (but not as `stifling' as those further north) and winters
are mild. [40] [41] Rainfall is high
compared with other regions in New South Wales (refer to Table I.1 below).
TABLE I.1 [42]: A Comparison of
Rainfall and Temperature Data for selected locations within and out of
the Northern Rivers region.
| Location |
Part of NR*
Region |
Mean Average
Annual Rainfall (mm) |
Mean Max. Temp.
January (C) |
Mean Max. Temp.
July (C) |
| Cape Byron |
Yes |
1749.7 |
27.5 |
19.3 |
| Casino |
Yes |
1107.1 |
31.4 |
21.2 |
| Grafton |
Yes |
1075.4 |
30.0 |
20.3 |
| Canberra |
No |
631.6 |
27.7 |
11.1 |
| Orange |
No |
946.5 |
26.0 |
9.0 |
| Broken Hill |
No |
255.3 |
32.6 |
15.1 |
| Wagga Wagga |
No |
562.4 |
32.3 |
13.7 |
* NR = Northern Rivers
The climate of the Northern Rivers region is particularly relevant to
this study. The fertile soils and relatively high rainfall provided the
strengths of the region in the early days. And while agriculture tends
to be thought of as the industry most closely dependent upon climate,
as far back as 1904 there was a publication attempting to attract visitors
to the Northern Rivers on the strength of the its delightful scenery and
invigorating climate. [43] Today the climate
of the Northern Rivers continues to underpin the regional economy, attracting
visitors, retirees and others to the region.
SECTION II: A BRIEF HISTORY OF EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE
NORTHERN RIVERS REGION
Changes in statistical regions over time mean that precise data are not
available for this section of the case study. The majority of data that
has been found for the history of unemployment relates to the Richmond-Tweed.
This area is only part of the Northern Rivers Region. [44]
Generally it seems that traditional strengths of the regional economy
were in primary production and associated manufacturing, especially in
providing export earnings. [45] The dominance of primary industries is demonstrated
by the figures in Table II.1. (Note that Table II.1 is useful only as
a rough guide as there is a big gap in data between the 1960s and 1980s,
and the data accessed prior to 1980 does not relate the Northern Rivers
region specifically).
However, it can be seen that, starting around the time of the Depression,
primary industries declined in terms of the number of people employed
(Table II.1). Secondary industry has remained relatively static [it is
suspected that this sector remained relatively static in terms of the
number of people employed while the focus of production may have altered].
The services industry has been growing strongly since the 1950s.
TABLE II.1 [46]: History of Employment
in the Richmond-Tweed Region: Percentage of Workforce by Employment Sector.
| YEAR |
PRIMARY |
SECONDARY |
TERTIARY |
| 1933 |
46.7 |
7.5 |
40.3 |
| 1947 |
43.8 |
10.7 |
39.8 |
| 1954 |
38.9 |
12.3 |
48.7 |
| 1961 |
34.5 |
12.5 |
53.0 |
| 1986* |
12.8 |
9.6 |
74.4 |
| 1991* |
9.7 |
9.7 |
72.2 |
* Figures for years marked with an asterisk refer to the Northern Rivers
region. [47]
Unemployment data on the Northern Rivers region is equally difficult
to obtain. ABS data seems only to be available for the period after 1984.
Even then, data is given in the form of the number of unemployed persons
until 1990. The data which has been obtained for the Northern Rivers region
is set out in Table II.2 (overleaf).
TABLE II.2 [48]: Unemployment in
the Northern Rivers Region, 1984 – 1990. [49]
| |
NUMBER OF PERSONS
UNEMPLOYED |
PERCENTAGE
OF WORKFORCE |
| May, 1984 |
9 216 |
|
| May, 1985 |
10 292 |
|
| May, 1986 |
10 859 |
|
| June, 1987 |
12 751 |
|
| June, 1988 |
10 179 |
|
| June, 1989 |
9 435 |
|
| June, 1990 |
10 079 |
11.7 |
| June, 1991 |
13 605 |
14.3 |
| June, 1992 |
15 457 |
15.23 |
| June, 1993 |
14 259 |
15.0 |
| June, 1994 |
15 514 |
16.2 |
| June, 1995 |
10 496 |
10.0 |
In particular, take note of how the level of unemployment drops significantly
between 1994 and 1995. Reasons for this dramatic reduction are speculated
upon in Section IV of this case study.
SECTION III: A `SNAPSHOT' OF THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT
SITUATIONS IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS REGION
Employment
The employment situation in the Northern Rivers region may best be described
in terms of those industries which employ the largest percentage of the
workforce (Table III.1). While retail, tourism, and services now dominate
over the secondary and primary industries, the traditional sectors are
still important.
TABLE III.1 [50]: Industry Sectors
by Percent of Total Employed Persons in the Northern Rivers Region, 1996.
| Industry Sector |
% of Employed* |
| Retail Trade |
17.0% |
| Tourism** |
12.0% |
| Health and Community Services |
11.0% |
| Manufacturing |
10.0% |
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
9.0% |
| Education |
8.0% |
| Construction |
7.0% |
| Property and Business Services |
7.0% |
| Wholesale Trade |
4.0% |
| Government Administration &Defence |
4.0% |
| Transport and Storage |
3.0% |
| Non- classifiable economic units |
3.0% |
| Communication Services |
2.0% |
| Finance and Insurance |
2.0% |
| Electricity, Gas and Water |
1.0% |
(Source: ABS Census, 1996)
* Percentage Figures have been rounded due to the original graphic presentation
of the data.
** Tourism incorporates the industry sectors of: Accommodation, Cafes
and Restaurants, Cultural and Recreational Services, Personal and Other
Services.
The information gleaned from Table III.1 relates to the Northern Rivers
region as a whole. It could be considered somewhat misleading in its lack
of detail. If the region is examined as sub-regions it is revealed that
distinct employment patterns occur between the inland and the coast (Table
III.2). Tourism and its support industries dominate the coastal area,
while the inland areas are significantly reliant upon the primary and
secondary industries.
Table III.2 also includes a comparison between the sub-regions of the
Northern Rivers and Australia as a whole. Considered in conjunction with
Table III.1, Table III.2 reveals that, relative to the national average,
the Northern Rivers is still more reliant on agriculture for jobs, has
more emphasis on retail employment and health services, but is less reliant
on manufacturing.
TABLE III.2: Employment Comparison by top 7 Industry Sectors (based
on % of Workforce employed). [51]
| |
REGION
|
| Industry Sector |
Australia |
Tweed Heads |
Balance of N.R. |
| Retail |
13.0% |
18.0% |
15.0% |
| Manufacturing |
12.0% |
6.0% |
10.0% |
| Business Services |
8.0% |
6.0% |
5.0% |
| Health Services |
7.0% |
8.0% |
9.0% |
| Education |
7.0% |
6.0% |
9.0% |
| Construction |
6.0% |
9.0% |
6.0% |
| Communications, finance, insurance |
6.0% |
|
|
| Agriculture |
|
|
10.0% |
| Pubs and Clubs |
|
6.0% |
|
The employment situation may still be scrutinised in even more detail.
In terms of the actual locale of jobs it has been noted that the majority
of job opportunities are concentrated in the main centres. These include
Tweed Heads, Lismore, Ballina and Grafton Local Government Areas. [52]
Employment opportunities in these centres, in fact the region as a whole,
are distinguishable from other regions by the dominance of small business
enterprises. Around 95 per cent of all business locations in the Northern
Rivers region have less than 10 employees (around 80 per cent have less
than 5 employees); the only region in NSW with a higher concentration
of small business enterprises is the Mid-North Coast. [53]
Another employment characteristic relevant to this case study is the
restructuring experienced in the region recently. Over the period 1991-
1996 there has been a shift away from most of the employment sectors in
the Northern Rivers region, toward retail trade and also manufacturing
to a lesser extent. [54] Accompanying this
shift in sectoral employment, there has been a shift in the occupational
emphasis of the Region. There has been a shift away from clerical and
administrative related occupations as well as trades persons towards the
professional end of the white-collar market. These shifts are consistent
with the shifts in industry structure away from agriculture, public sector,
finance and community service sectors towards the retail trade sectors.
[55]
Unemployment
The Northern Rivers region was chosen as an appropriate case study because
of its `interesting' employment/unemployment characteristics. One of these
characteristics is the persistently high level of unemployment experienced
in the region. The following remarks made in a submission by the Northern
Rivers Regional Economic Development Organisation (NOREDO) succinctly
indicate the position of the region:
The Northern Rivers Region has one of the highest rates of unemployment
in the Nation [currently running at over 17 percent and between 6 percent
and 9 percent above levels for other regions [56]].
As well, it is one of the fastest growing regions in population terms,
has one of the fastest rates of net in-migration and has falling labour
force participation rate levels that are more than 10 percent below
the levels for New South Wales and the Nation as a whole. [57]
On top of this poor employment performance for the region as a whole,
certain groups within the community are harder hit than others. Between
25 and 30 per cent of job seekers aged 15 – 24 years are persistently
unemployed. [58]
The Aboriginal population within the region is also hard hit. Their situation
can not be overstated. In a Committee hearing at Lismore in July 1998,
Mr Laurie Mercy, Chairperson of the ATSI Corporation for Community Development
(ATSICCD), remarked that the only private enterprise in Lismore to employ
Aboriginal people was a hairdressing salon. [59] The hairdressing salon referred to was an initiative
by the Corporation chaired by Mr Mercy. It seems that being young and
being Aboriginal is a double disadvantage to the likelihood of gaining
employment. Such dismal prospects for the Aboriginal population are surely
contributing to the serious social issues being experienced.
We have 30 per cent of Koori kids in detention centres at the present
moment. The highest rate of detention is on the north coast. I think
this all stems back to school drop-out, unemployment. [60]
Meanwhile it has been the middle age groups who have had the lowest sustained
rate of unemployment. For the ten year period 1986-1996 the unemployment
rate for those persons aged 35 – 54 years was around 10 – 15
per cent of the labour force. [61]
On a sub-regional level, the areas with the highest unemployment rates
have been the coastal LGAs of Byron Shire, Tweed Shire, Maclean Shire,
Ballina Shire and Ulmarra Shire. [62] These shires also have higher unemployment levels
because they are focussed around major centres. Major centres are an attraction
for the unemployed because job opportunities are greater there. This theory
is supported by the fact that Lismore also has high unemployment, and
yet is not a coastal centre.
And while, in general, many unemployed persons gravitate to the major
centres, rural areas do not go unaffected: coastal rural areas have higher
unemployment levels than inland rural areas. For example, in 1996 Ulmarra
Shire had in the highest unemployment rate of all LGAs at over 20 per
cent. [63]
In summary of unemployment then, while the coastal strip is very much
the focus for economic growth within the Northern Rivers region, it is
also the area with the greatest unemployment problem, both in the urban
centres and in rural areas.
Underemployment and Hidden Unemployment?
While the level of unemployment in the Northern Rivers is high, it is
feared that a substantial hidden unemployment problem also exists. This
was alluded to earlier in the remarks made by the NOREDO. Others too have
voiced their concern over the low labour force participation rate:
What seems to be masking the true extent of unemployment is the number
of people claiming they are not in the labour force. There has been
a 14.5% increase in the “not in the labour force” category
when comparing the two census periods [1991 and 1996]. Participation
in the North Coast [of which the Northern Rivers region makes up half]
labour – around 50%- is very low compared to the national level
of around 63%. It is a strong indication that many who want work have
simply given up hope. [64]
However, it is not advisable that the conclusion of `discouraged job
seekers having given up hope' be accepted too hastily as the entire reason
for the low labour force participation rate. Early retirees could easily
provide part of the explanation.
Underemployment is another concern in the Northern Rivers region. It
was also raised by the NOREDO. Concern seems valid because the proportion
of jobs that are part-time in the region, compared to the national average,
is large. [65] As the NOREDO submission noted, voluntary part-time
work and demographics can explain some of the difference, but it is questionable
as to whether all part-time workers are content with their level of employment.
[66] The move toward retail and tourism, industries
which traditionally employ a relatively high percentage of part-time workers,
adds to the concern that underemployment will be a problem in the region.
SECTION IV: AN EXAMINATION OF THE FACTORS LEADING TO THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
AND UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATIONS IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS REGION.
A.) Macro-economic Factors
i.) Centralisation/Rationalisation Policies by Governments (Federal
and state)
At the Lismore hearing (in July 1998) the Committee heard evidence from
the Mayor of Lismore, Ms Irwin, that the city had lost about 450 government
jobs (mainly Commonwealth) over the preceding five-year period. [67]
However, it was the flow-on effect of losing relatively well paying and
once secure jobs – flow-on effects such as reduced services, declining
income per capita, the closure of local business, and consequent further
job losses [68] - that was perhaps the greater cause of devastation.
The Lismore Business Enterprise Centre has estimated that the job losses
have resulted in a loss in income to the local economy in excess of $22
million dollars. [69]
The is a strong sentiment among residents of the Northern Rivers region
that rationalisation policies by government, which lead to the reduction
of (quality) services for the regions, are either the root cause of economic
hardship in the Northern Rivers region (and regions generally) or, at
the very least, the `straw breaking the camels back'. The following comments,
taken from the submission made by the Northern Rivers Social Development
Council, are typical of the sentiments expressed in other submissions
from the region, and indeed, all over Australia:
Over the past decade governments of both persuasions have had a commitment
to reduce government expenditure to major public utilities. Funding
of public infrastructure has been based on economic rationalist principles
which dictate small government and the reliance of market forces to
deliver services. The result of …this policy in action has been
catastrophic for rural communities. [70]
Another example of the tangible effect of the rationalist policies adopted
by government in recent years is provided by the employment situation
at the Southern Cross University (SCU), an important employer in the Northern
Rivers region. Many employees of SCU are now on contract. [71] This affects areas such as the housing market
as people do not buy houses and make other big investments when their
employment in any one particular place is ensured for only the next 9
or 10 months.
It seems as though every resident of the Northern Rivers region has a
tale to tell of the effect rationalist policies are having on the region.
While all the stories highlight the way in which unemployment (which is
primarily blamed on rationalisation) is adversely affecting every sector
of the community within the region, they are too numerous to relay in
this case study.
ii.) Corporatisation / Privatisation (Job Network)
As part of its terms of reference, the Committee was asked to examine
the adequacy of employment services arrangements. In the course of this
investigation, those people giving evidence before the Committee in Lismore
were asked to share their observations of the `local' (Northern Rivers
region) experience with Job Network. These comments relate to the very
early stages of the implementation of Job Network and therefore do not
reflect subsequent amendments to its operations. Nevertheless, these comments
serve as an illustration of how national policies designed from the top
down can impact on regional localities. On this topic the Executive Officer
of the Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee, whose role includes
facilitating meetings for Job Network members, said that:
The major issues are with the system and the processes in place, that
they are not capturing their market referrals. We also find that a lot
of these Job Network members have been providers under the old system
of labour market programs. They have not yet got their heads around
the fact that they are in a commercial world where they are having to
compete and earn their money. [72]
However, the slow adaptation to the new system was not the only concern
raised. The view was put to the Committee that certain centres benefited
greatly from the changes while others were in a much worse position than
prior to the new arrangements being implemented. Mayor Irwin, voiced the
following concerns before the hearing:
Lismore has been particularly disadvantaged in the commercialisation
of employment services. Employment National is the only FLEX 3 provider
compared with three providers in Ballina and Tweed Heads, and two in
Murwillumbah, despite the fact that, with the exception of Tweed Heads,
we have the largest population and the largest number of unemployed.
[73]
Another concern with the initial implementation of Job Network was that
certain groups within the community appeared to have been overlooked.
In particular, the ATSICCD, situated in Lismore, expressed concern that,
with the introduction of the new employment agency arrangements, the needs
of Aboriginal people in the region would not be met. [74] Concern is warranted as it is estimated that
up to 80 percent of the Aboriginal people in the region aged 20 –
55 years have never had a job. [75] Quality Plus Employment Services, a venture of
the Corporation targeted at unemployed Aboriginal persons, the long-term
unemployed and otherwise dis-advantaged persons, closed in March 1998
as a result of the corporatisation of employment services. [76] The Corporation is distressed by the failure
to successfully secure a contract given that the Tendering Conditions
and Contract for Employment Services, which was issued by the Department
of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA), stated
that:
For FLEX 2 and FLEX 3 and NEIS, it is expected that a number of smaller
providers with expertise in helping specific client groups, particularly
in major rural centres and other capital cities, would be contracted.
[77]
Lismore is a major rural centre (the population of the Lismore LGA is
approximately 43 000 people [78] and yet it has only one FLEX 3 provider and no
specialist provider to cater for the needs of the Aboriginal community.
[79]
Finally, concerns were also expressed that the new employment services
arrangements did not replace the number of jobs lost with the demise of
the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES). [80]
iii.) Inefficient Allocation of Public Money
This criticism is based on information provided to the Committee in the
submission by the NRACC. It is alleged that in the mid 1990s in the order
of 26 million dollars was spent on various short-term employment programs
for the region. Despite a sharp decline in the number of unemployed
persons from 1994 to 1995, [81] the region
is again experiencing high levels of unemployment. It seems that, despite
the substantial government outlays, the programs were no more than a `band–aid'
solution, having failed to secure long-term relief from unemployment.
[82]
iv.) Government Policies as Impediments
Government policies acting as impediments to job creation were mentioned
in several different contexts. These were: policies seen by small employers
(around 95 percent of businesses in the region employ less than 10 staff
[83]) as barriers to taking on more staff; [84]
policies seen by local government as preventing them from acting in the
best interests of the local community; and policies seen as barriers to
increasing viability of primary producers in the region.
Dealing first with the issue policies seen as barriers by small employers,
in giving evidence before the Lismore hearing Ms Cambage, Executive Officer
of the Mid-North Coast Regional Development Organisation, was of the opinion
that businesses find it daunting to consider taking on new staff given
the unfair dismissal laws. [85] While unfair
dismissal laws serve a legitimate purpose, they should not be allowed
to discourage employment growth. The Committee was also informed, however,
that many small business proprietors often lack knowledge about the extent
of their legal obligations. Workers compensation rules are regarded similarly.
[86]
Another law dampening the enthusiasm of employers to take on more staff
is the increasing `on-costs'. Lismore City Council give the example of
superannuation contributions: employers with a payroll of over one million
dollars are required to contribute seven percent towards superannuation,
whereas those under one million dollars are not required to contribute
at all. [87]
Lismore City Council also provided the information for the basis of the
second criticism of government policy in regard to job creation. Ms Irwin,
Lismore City Mayor, was critical of the fact that requirements under National
Competition Policy prevented the Council from utilising its buying power
for the good of the local community. [88] Mr
Gainger, General Manager of Lismore City Council, expanded upon these
views:
…under the guise of national competition policy and the trade
practices legislation … we are obliged to call for quotations from
as far away as Brisbane, from much larger firms, with whom the local
businesses find it very hard to compete. [89]
The third government policy seen to be acting as an impediment to job
creation in the Northern Rivers region is free trade. Sentiments on this
subject are adequately summed up in the following quote:
Government sugar tariff policy is threatening our New South Wales sugar
industry, again it's the willingness of Australian Politicians to lie
down and let the rest of the world screw OUR COUNTRY that is steering
us down the gurgler. Whilst theory of free trade and open markets sounds
good, many Australians feel we are the only competitors on the “Level
Playing Field”. [90]
B.) Other Factors contributing to the Existing Employment/ Unemployment
Situation of the Northern Rivers Region
i.) Regional Policies and Conditions
It has been noted previously in this section that in the mid-1990s the
level of unemployment in the Northern Rivers region declined quite dramatically
for a short period. This can in part be attributed to the substantial
money allocated by the Government to short term job creation projects.
Dr Gallagher, Chair of NOREDO, stressed that the dramatic reduction in
unemployment in the region was achieved as a result of careful and structured
planning from within the region. [91]
As for regional conditions affecting job creation, a study conducted
by Anne Graham (of SCU) found that the majority of the unemployed on the
North Coast (of which the Northern Rivers region makes up half) believe
that it was not “what you know” but “who you knew”
that counts. [92] This belief is no doubt widely
held in many regions in Australia. However, it is a legitimate concern
as it highlights the importance of unemployed people maintaining links
with employers who tend to favour employing those people whom they already
know and trust.
Industry Restructuring [93]
The emergence of a global economy and consequent restructuring has now
been under way for some decades. [94] As part of this process employment opportunities
in the service sectors in many industrialised nations has expanded rapidly.
The focus on services has come at the cost of primary industries where
there has been substantial contraction in terms of the percentage of the
workforce employed. [95]
In 1994, Fagan and Webber wrote of the Australian experience with restructuring:
In the forty years since the 1950's, the size of the Australian workforce
has doubled and the pattern of employment has changed dramatically.
Some industries have retained their share of the workforce: both public
administration and the exchange industries now employ about the same
proportion of the workforce as they did in 1950. Other industries have
gained an increasing share of the workforce. These are primarily service
industries such as finance, property, business, community and recreational
services. Their share of employment has more than doubled. The industries
producing tangible goods are of declining significance as employers.
Rural industries now employ only 5 per cent of the Australian workforce
and manufacturing only 15 per cent. [96]
In the Northern Rivers region, industry restructuring has generally followed
the national trend. Primary industries have declined and the service industries
(especially retail and tourism) now dominate employment. This has led
to an increased number of part-time positions [97] which contributes to underemployment. In addition,
restructuring within industry has led to an increased demand for elementary
white-collar workers (such as salespersons) and also for those with skills
at the more professional end of the white-collar market. [98] This change in emphasis has been at the cost
of those in the middle level white-collar market (clerical workers for
example). [99]
Lack of Investor Confidence in Embryonic Industry
This criticism stems from comments made in the NRACC submission. In was
stated that:
There is a concern that the lack of venture capital or seeding grants
for new industry investments is preventing the growth of business which
would lead to the generation of new jobs and economic viability in the
Region. [100]
The NRACC has many proposals at various stages of development. [101]
These are discussed in Section V. With the necessary funding (which has
been calculated for the more advanced proposals) there is no doubt that
long-term employment opportunities could be created. Developing new industry
is particularly important for the Northern Rivers region as there is an
increasing reliance on retail and tourism related businesses for employment
(especially in coastal areas). These businesses are known for creating
casual, part-time and seasonal jobs. Thus, without new industry, underemployment
could become a more major issue.
The lack of funding for `embryonic industry' was part of the more general
complaint to the Lismore hearing that funding to the Northern Rivers region
is inadequate and that the region feels as though governments forget that
the country is there. [102] It is felt that
the lack of commitment on the part of governments discourages private
investment. [103]
Lack of Recent Work Experience
There is some disagreement as to whether the problem in the Northern
Rivers region is adequate training but no jobs, or jobs being available
but no appropriately trained workers to fill positions. For example, Mr
Rathbone, Secretary of the Northern Rivers Social Development Council,
is of the opinion that there is an absence of recent work experience and
relevant skills. [104] An underemployed resident
of the region gave an opposing opinion, stating directly in the submission
made that the problem is not a lack of training, but rather declining
household income and consequent lack of jobs. [105] The middle ground in this argument seems to
be that, with sufficient incentive, employers would be prepared to take
on apprentices. [106]
ii.) Social Factors
Population Dynamics [107]
Net in-migration is a major cause for the high levels of unemployment
experienced in the Northern Rivers region. The Northern Rivers Social
Development Council noted in their submission to the Committee that, for
the past 10 years, the gap between the supply and demand for labour has
been widening by an average of 272 jobs/people per year. [108] This has occurred despite the fact that the
labour force participation rate in the region has fallen in recent years.
[109]
However, in-migration has affected different groups in the region to
varying degrees. For example, for males net in-migration is only a contributing
factor at middle and older ages, but not for younger males for who demand
factors play a greater role in determining the rate of unemployment. [110] For middle and older aged women in the region,
net in-migration and an increasing participation rate play a significant
role in contributing to labour supply driven by unemployment outcomes.
[111] As with young males, unemployment among young
females is also more likely to be driven by demand factors rather than
supply factors. [112]
Aboriginal Unemployment (Issues of Education and Employer Attitudes)
As was noted earlier in this section, up to 80 per cent of the Aboriginal
population aged between 20 and 55 years of age in the region have never
had a job. There are seemingly two main reasons for this.
First, the level of education reached by the majority of Aboriginal people
is quite low. In giving evidence before the Committee in Lismore, Mrs
Stockbridge, Case Manager for the ATSICCD, stated that there was a two
percent retention level (of Aboriginal students) to year 12. The vast
majority have left by year nine. [113]
The second major barrier to finding a job for the majority of Aboriginal
people who are unemployed is employer attitude. [114]
Regardless of cause, the very high level of unemployment among Aboriginal
people, coupled with what are presently quite dismal employment prospects,
are of particular concern because of the major detrimental affect unemployment
has upon the social fabric of the Aboriginal community:
We have 30 per cent of Koori kids in detention centres at the present
moment. The highest rate of detention is on the north coast. I think
this all stems back to school drop-out, unemployment. [115]
Other social patterns among the Aboriginal community of the Northern
Rivers region, which may be linked to unemployment, include a high rate
of teenage pregnancies, a lot of drug and alcohol problems, and the decreasing
age of those attempting suicide. [116] Of
those attempting suicide, Mrs Welch, an Aboriginal Welfare Officer working
with mental health (as well as being Secretary of the ATSICCD), told the
Committee at the Lismore hearing that:
The youngest I have had in the unit was 13. [117]
The ATSICCD is concerned that if something is not done about the very
high level of unemployment in the Aboriginal community, the social problems
seen in places like Walgett and Moree will develop in the Northern Rivers
region. [118]
iii.) Lack of Information Transfer
This problem was touched upon earlier in this section. Small Business
Enterprises are not getting information on the rules and regulations relevant
to their situation. As a result, job opportunities may be lost as employers
are uncertain as to their legal rights and obligations. This is an example
of the lack of communication between both the Commonwealth and state governments
and those requiring information.
A second example of poor communication is drawn from the Committee hearing
in Lismore in July 1998. When questioned over the IIT fund – the
small business investment fund which was set up by the current Federal
Government, aimed at providing venture capital for small businesses, and
targeting businesses that were in the start-up stages – neither the
Chair nor the Executive Officer of the NRACC had heard of the fund. [119]
Lismore City Council also commented on the difficult task of ensuring
communication between government and the relevant bodies in the more rural
regions of Australia. [120]
iv.) Factors Related to Location
One of the factors determining restructuring trends in the region is
the climate. Being sub-tropical, the Northern Rivers regions' beaches
are a major attraction, especially for short-stay tourists from Brisbane.
[121] It is also the climate and the beaches that
attract many retirees to the region. Tourists and retirees in turn support
other service industries (especially personal and health services). And
with the rapid influx of both tourists and new residents, the benefits
flow on to the construction industry.
Climate also plays a major role in determining the emphasis of inland
industries in the Northern Rivers, especially agriculture. For example,
when dairying declined for economic reasons in the late 1950s, growing
tropical fruits became quite popular in the region. [122] As well, development proposals such as that
of an alternative medicines industry in the region, are heavily reliant
on climatic factors.
The location of the Northern Rivers region directly south of the Queensland
border, and so close to Brisbane, seems also to have an impact. Young
people move to Brisbane in order to find work, Government Departments,
as part of the rationalisation process, are being concentrated in major
cities such as Brisbane. And finally, the Queensland Government:
Funds all sorts of ways to get people from New South Wales into Queensland.
[123]
SECTION V: POTENTIAL JOB AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTHERN
RIVERS REGION
We recognise that, in a region such as ours, needed development
will not eventuate by wishing: we are, therefore, committed to an imperative
of effective co-operation… [124]
Proposed Enterprises
1.) `Cellulose Valley'
This proposal is mentioned in several submissions, including those from
the NRACC [125], Lismore City Council [126],
and the Northern Rivers Social Development Council. [127]
The name `Cellulose Valley' was coined by a postgraduate student at SCU
in response to the comment that the north-east region of NSW would become
the `Silicon Valley of Natural Plant Products'. [128]
The NRACC, who are well advanced with studies into the project, included
the following information in their submission to the Committee:
Very briefly the growth of this new industry will involve:
- Research and Development,
- Technology Park/s,
- Manufacturing and Processing,
- Storage and Distribution,
- Primary Production.
The range of new businesses and employment opportunities that will emerge
from this initiative will generate potentially a 2, 000 permanent jobs.
The Cellulose Valley proposal is exiting for a number of reasons.
Most directly related to this study is the expectation of jobs growth
and increased investment in the region. It is anticipated that jobs would
be created for both low and highly skilled labour. The production of the
required herbs has the potential to revive the viability of agriculture
in the region. Further, there are potentially very large domestic and
export markets for the products of the Cellulose Valley. The following
passage is an extract from the Cellulose Valley Technology Park Strategic
Plan:
Global retail sales of (alternative medicine products) were estimated
at US$14 billion in 1997 (Carroll, 1997). Significantly, global retail
sales are growing at around 15 percent per annum. Additionally, more
than 60 percent of the world's population uses herbal products as the
main medicinal and more money is spent on these products than on western
medicines (World Health Organisation, quoted by Myers, 1997). Growth
in the use of these products in Australia is presently estimated to
exceed 30 percent per annum… [129]
The Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), Australia's largest
alternative medicines industry body, confirmed the rapid growth in the
number of alternative medicines practitioners, saying that ATMS membership
had doubled in the past four years. [130]
Presently more than 90 percent of the herbs used in the manufacture of
herbal medicines in Australia are imported. [131] These imports, with a value exceeding $42 million
in 1997 – 98, are grown predominantly in less developed countries,
many in heavily polluted areas with unregulated pesticide use. [132] It is therefore anticipated that, by creating
an international benchmark for quality, an alternative medicines industry
in Australia would have good prospects both domestically and in the global
market. [133]
Taking these facts into consideration, the jobs created as part of the
Cellulose Valley proposal should be sustained. There is also potential
for jobs to increase over time as markets expand.
In addition to the goal of economically sustainability, the alternative
medicines project aims to be ecologically sustainable. Initiatives included
in the proposal which support the ethics of ecologically sustainable development
(ESD) include everything from the design of buildings in the technology
park, recycling of materials in the park (such as water and food waste),
encouraging users of the park to utilise more sustainable transport systems,
and encouraging producers of herbs to convert to organic systems of production.
By taking the principles of ESD into account, the Cellulose Valley proposal
meets the criteria set out in the Northern Rivers Regional Strategy. [134]
The inclusion a `bush tucker' facility as part of the Cellulose Valley
proposal creates another potentially huge investment opportunity in the
region. Export opportunities and the potential to create jobs for the
Aboriginal community in the region are important aspects of this proposal.
Finally, the Cellulose Valley Technology Park, once completed, could
be a significant tourist attraction.
As part of the Regional Employment Strategy, prepared in consultancy
with key players, stakeholders, business and the community in the Northern
Rivers region [135], 38 projects were evaluated. Of these, the
top ten are outlined in the Strategy. The ten (excluding `Cellulose Valley'
which ranked first) are:
- Appointment of an export development officer, (this
position was created and later abolished due to a lack of funds [136]).
- Storage and Processing Plant [137]
– for the export of Herbs, Fruit and Vegetables. This would incorporate
quality assurance to export standards. [138]
- Tea Tree Oil - associated with the Cellulose Valley
Technology Park proposal – but refers more to the cultivation of
Tea Tree off of the Park rather than research to be undertaken at the
Park. Needs further study. [139]
- Self Help Maintenance – this project is expected
to create about 12 jobs. The aim would be to employ Aboriginal persons
and youth at risk to maintain houses on the Goonellabah Housing Estate.
- Caldera Eco-tourism Walking Trail – a Work for
the Dole Project. The Caldera Trail will link the up with the Eastern
Centenary Walking Trail [140],
a project being carried out by the NOREDO.
- Practice Firms Network.
- Bush Tucker Foods (feasibility study of) – this
is not directly connected to the proposed `bush tucker' aspect of the
Cellulose Valley Technology Park. The Nungar Aboriginal people wish
to launch this as a business pilot. In the Northern Rivers Regional
Employment Strategy, it is stated that this will transfer to the other
11 Aboriginal communities in the region. [141]
- Multi-purpose Cultural Centre – Cape Byron (feasibility
study of).
- Strengthen and Grow Existing Businesses and Market research.
In their submission to the Committee, Lismore City Council noted their
support for the Regional Employment Strategy. [142] The initiatives researched by the NRACC could
be pursued if funding were made available. [143]
Norlink [144]
The aim of this proposal is to develop an information technology industry
in the region. Research into the proposal is well advanced: both a feasibility
study and a business plan have been completed. $150 000 has also been
secured through the Regional Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund to
investigate the aggregation of services.
Broadwater Bridge [145]
The Broadwater Bridge is to be built over the Richmond River beside the
Broadwater Sugar Mill. The cost of the development is 2.4 million dollars:
funding for the project comes from Commonwealth and local government,
as well as industry.
Industries of Focus
Plantation Timber
The Northern Rivers region was founded for it's timber resources [146]
and they continue to be important to the regional economy. (Notaras maintains
a sizeable operation in Grafton). [147] However,
the focus has shifted from native hardwoods to plantation timbers in the
past decades, partly due to the fact that since the 1960s much of the
remaining native timber has been `locked away' in National Parks. [148] These National Parks are now a tourist asset
for the region and so the support for a move to plantation timber is present.
[149]
Tourism
Tourism is now the second largest employer in the Northern Rivers region,
accounting for 12 percent of the workforce: retail, an industry reliant
on tourism, is the largest, employing 17 percent of the regions workforce.
[150]
A study conducted in 1996, `Upper North Coast of NSW Short Break Holiday
Market: Brisbane Market', investigated the reasons for the popularity
of the Northern Rivers region as a tourist destination. The report concluded
that the:
Primary reason for appeal and appreciation that is peculiar to Brisbane
residents; the perceived lack of `real' or `decent' beaches on the Queensland
coast adjacent to Brisbane. `Development' has literally driven them
down south and over the border. [151]
One participant in the study made the comment:
Down over the border I say a little prayer for the unspoilt beauty.
I just hope it is still there for my grandchildren to enjoy. [152]
The reasons of the lack of over-development and commercialisation in
the region, accompanied with a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere [compared
to the Gold Coast], was a commonly stated reason for the appeal of the
Northern Rivers as a tourist destination. [153]
However, it was also concluded in the aforementioned study that the region
needed a stronger sense of identity. [154] No doubt, if carefully done, this would also
assist in the marketing of produce from the proposed `Cellulose Valley'.
Music/Art
Whilst in Lismore the Committee also heard evidence to the effect that:
A somewhat overlooked but quite valid and economically extremely lucrative
business,
in the Northern Rivers region is the music/cultural industry. [155]
This incorporates dance, the visual arts and performing arts. [156]
Footnotes
[1] Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee
(NRACC), Feb. 1998, Regional Employment Strategy, a report prepared
by Abnett Consulting, Capalaba, pg 4.
[2] Ibid, pg 4.
[3] From Northern Rivers Regional Strategy website
http://www.nor.com.au/org/nrrs/2_The Region/index.html, pg 1. (date accessed
30.09.1998)
[4] From Canberra Tourism website
, pg 2. (date accessed 30.09.1998)
[5] From the Lonely Planet website
planet.com.au/dest/aust/tas.htm, pg 1. (date accessed 30.09.1998)
[6] NRACC, Regional Employment Strategies
1997- 98, pg 50.
[7] ABS, 1996, Statistical Geography: Volume
1, (1216.0), pg 59 – 60.
[8] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 264, (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council) see footnote.
[9] See map in Learmont N & A, 1971, Regional
Landscapes of Australia: Form, Function and Change, Angus and Robertson
Pty Ltd, Sydney, pg 7.
[10] NRACC, Regional Employment Strategies
1997- 98, pg 50.
[11] From Northern Rivers Regional Strategy
website , pg 1. (date accessed 30.09.1998)
[12] Cousins, A., 1933, Australian Local and
Regional Histories: the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, The Shakespeare
Head Press Limited, Sydney, pg's 9- 12.
[13] Ibid, pg 12
[14] Ibid, pg's 12- 13
[15] Ibid, pg 13.
[16] Ibid, pg's 28- 37.
[17] Richmond-Tweed Regional Development Committee,
1966, Development Report on the Richmond- Tweed Region, V.C.N Blight,
Government Printer, Sydney, pg 9.
[18] Ibid, pg's 9-10.
[19] Cousins, A., 1933, Australian Local and
Regional Histories: the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, The Shakespeare
Head Press Limited, Sydney, pg 47.
[20] Ibid, pg's 47- 48
[21] Richmond-Tweed Regional Development Committee,
1966, Development Report on the Richmond-Tweed Region, V.C.N. Blight,
Government Printer, Sydney, pg 10.
[22] Cousins, A, 1933, Australian Local and
Regional Histories: the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, The
Shakespeare Head Press Limited, Sydney, pg 49.
[23] Ibid, pg's 53- 54
[24] Richmond-Tweed Regional Development Committee,
1966, Development Report of the Richmond-Tweed Region, V.C.N. Blight,
Government Printer, Sydney, pg 10.
[25] Richmond-Tweed Regional Development, 1966,
Development Report of the Richmond-Tweed Region, V.C.N. Blight,
Government Printer, Sydney, pg 10.
[26] AU, 1979, Lismore – One Hundred 1879
– 1979 (A Century of Local Government), Lismore City Council, Lismore,
pg 135.
[27] Ibid, pg 153.
[28] Mr Geoff Foley, Secretary, Richmond River
Historical Society, (pers comm. 26.10.1998)
[29] Ibid
[30] Ibid
[31] Ibid
[32] NRACC, Feb. 1998, Regional Employment
Strategy, a report prepared by Abnett Consulting, Capalaba, pg 4.
[33] Ibid, pg 4.
[34] Ibid, pg 4.
[35] http://www.nor.com.au/org/nrrs/2_The Region/index.html,
pg 1.
[36] NRACC, Feb. 1998, Regional Employment
Strategy, prepared by Abnett Consulting, pg 11.
[37] Submission no. 132, Volume 6, pg 29, (Lismore
City Council).
[38] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 265, (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council).
[39] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg 65, (NRACC).
[40] Ibid, pg 17.
[41] Buultjens, J., Davis, D., and Luckie,
K., Jan. 1996, A Discussion Paper Prepared for the Management Committee
on The Economic Viability of the Northern Rivers Region.
[42] Compiled from Bureau of Meterology Data
as accessed through website (date accessed: 30.09.98).
[43] Coe, T.B. (compiled by), 1904(?), The
Northern Rivers of New South Wales: Descriptive and Illustrative, Marchant
and Co., Sydney.
[44] ABS, 1996, Statistical Geography: Volume
1, (1216.0), pg's 59 – 60. The Northern Rivers region incorporates
the Richmond-Tweed statistical division as well as part of the Clarence
sub-division.
[45] Centre for Agricultural and Regional Economics,
August 1997, The Northern Rivers Regional Economy and Development Potential,
a report to the Northern Rivers Regional Strategy, Armidale, pg i.
[46] Richmond- Tweed Regional Development Committee,
1966, Report on the Richmond- Tweed Region, V.C.N. Blight, Sydney,
pg's 46, 105.
[47] Figures for 1986 and 1991 have been taken
from: ABS, (year given), Census of Population and Housing: Expanded Community
profile: Industry by Sex. Data was given on an LGA by LGA basis. Also
the sectors were broken down and hence the figures appearing above have
been calculated by the author.
[48] - For figures May 1984 – June 1989
(inclusive) see:
Economic Analysis Branch, Economic and Policy Analysis Division, DEET,
Small Area Labour Markets – Australia, March Quarter1992,
pg 11.
- For figures June 1990 – June 1995 (inclusive) see:
Economic Analysis Branch, Economic and Policy Analysis Division, DEET,
Small Area Labour Markets – Australia, December Quarter 1995,
pg 20.
[49] All figures are estimates only. All figures
were given in the source on an LGA by LGA basis. The appropriate 12 figures
have been added together by the author to give the figure shown in the
Table II.2.
[50] Table III.1 adapted from Submission no.
199, Volume 9, pg 62, (NRACC).
[51] Adapted from Submission no. 142, Volume
6, pg 159 (NOREDO).
[52] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg 61, (NRACC).
[53] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 138,
(NOREDO). Taken from Cosboa, 1997, Jobs in our Regions.
[54] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 151 (NOREDO).
[55] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 155 (NOREDO).
[56] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 123 (NOREDO).
[57] Ibid, pg 122.
[58] Ibid, pg 139.
[59] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 898, (Mr Mercy, Chairperson, ATSICCD).
[60] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 905, (Ms Marlowe, Secretary, ATSICCD).
[61] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 139 (NOREDO).
[62] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 265 (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council).
[63] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg 61, (NRACC).
[64] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 265 (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council).
[65] Submission no 142, Volume 6, pg 165 (NOREDO).
[66] Ibid, pg 165
[67] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 822, (Ms Irwin, Mayor, Lismore City Council).
[68] See discussion in Submission no. 199,
Volume 9, pg 63, (NRACC).
[69] Submission no. 132, Volume 6, pg 30, (Lismore
City Council).
[70] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 271, (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council).
[71] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 826, (Ms Irwin, Mayor, Lismore City Council).
[72] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 852, (Ms Carkery, Executive Officer, NRACC).
[73] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 822, (Ms Irwin, Mayor, Lismore City Council).
[74] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
(representatives of ATSICCD), and Submission no. 20, Volume 1, (ATSICCD).
[75] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg's 899- 900, (Mrs Hughs, Business Adviser, ATSICCD).
[76] Submission no. 20, Volume 1, pg 110, (ATSICCD)
[77] Ibid, pg 111
[78] Lismore City Council (pers. comm., 27.10.98).
[79] Submission no. 20, Volume 1, pg 111.
[80] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg 63, (NRACC).
[81] Refer to Table II.2
[82] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg 64, (NRACC).
[83] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 138 (NOREDO).
Figures taken from Cosboa, 1997, Jobs in Our Regions.
[84] More information on this issue is contained
in the report Impediments to Employment in the Northern Rivers. The report
was commissioned by the NRACC and completed by Abnett Consulting in 1998.
[85] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 888, (Ms Cambage, Executive Officer, Mid- North Coast Regional Development
Organisation).
[86] Submission no. 132, Volume no. 6, pg 34,
(Lismore City Council).
[87] Submission no. 132, Volume no. 6, pg 34,
(Lismore City Council).
[88] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 823, (Ms Irwin, Mayor, Lismore City Council).
[89] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 837, (Mr Gainger, General Manager, Lismore City Council).
[90] Submission no. 12, Volume 1, pg 72, (Mr
Don Noble).
[91] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 875, (Dr Gallagher, Chair, NOREDO).
[92] Submission no 70, Volume 3, pg 270, (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council).
[93] For more extensive information on the
actual details of industry restructuring in the Northern Rivers region
refer to the previous section of the case study.
[94] Fagan, R.H. and Webber, M., 1994, Global
Restructuring: The Australian Experience, Oxford University Press, Melbourne,
pg 6.
[95] See discussion in Ibid, pg's 1 –
46.
[96] Fagan, R.H. and Webber, M., 1994, Global
Restructuring: The Australian Experience, Oxford University Press, Melbourne,
pg 75.
[97] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 267, (Northern
Rivers Social Development Council).
[98] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 155,
(NOREDO).
[99] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 155,
(NOREDO).
[100] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg 64,
(NRACC).
[101] Refer to: Abnett Consulting, February
1998, Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee – Regional Employment
Strategy.
[102] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998.
(In particular, pg 843.)
[103] Ibid.
[104] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 855, (Mr Rathborne, Secretary, Northern Rivers Social Development Council).
[105] Submission no. 8, Volume 1, pg 43.
[106] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
(Mr Rathborne, Secretary, Northern Rivers Social Development Council).
[107] For more details on the population dynamics
of the Northern Rivers region refer to Section I of this case study.
[108] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 268,
(Northern Rivers Social Development Council).
[109] See Section III for discussion of recent
trends in the labour force.
[110] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 123,
(NOREDO).
[111] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 123,
(NOREDO).
[112] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 123,
(NOREDO).
[113] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 899, (Mrs Stockbridge, Case Manager, ATSICCD).
[114] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 899, (Mrs Hughs, Business Adviser, ATSICCD).
[115] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 905, (Ms Marlowe, Secretary, ATSICCD).
[116] Ibid, pg 907.
[117] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 907, (Mrs Welch, Secretary, ATSICCD).
[118] Submission no. 20, Volume 1, pg 111,
(ATSICCD).
[119] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 848.
[120] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 823, (Mr Newton, Manager – Economic Development, Lismore City
Council).
[121] Consensus Research Pty Ltd, Nov 1996,
Upper North Coast of NSW Short Breaks Holiday Market: Brisbane Market,
report prepared for NOREDO on behalf of Navigator Tourism Communications.
[122] Geoff Foley, Secretary, Richmond River
Historical Society, (Pers. comm. 26.10.1998)
[123] Hansard, Lismore 21st July 1998,
pg 842, (Mr Fox, Chair, NRACC).
[124] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 128,
(NOREDO).
[125] Submission no. 199, Volume 9, pg's 64-65,
(NRACC).
[126] Submission no. 132, Volume 6, pg 34,
(Lismore City Council).
[127] Submission no. 70, Volume 3, pg 267,
(Northern Rivers Social Development Council).
[128] Davis, D., August 1998, Cellulose Valley
Technology Park: A Flagship for Regional Development (Strategic Plan),
a report prepared for the NRACC, Lismore City Council and the NSW Department
of State and Regional Affairs, pg 13.
[129] Ibid, pg 16.
[130] Mr Scott Cairns, ATMS (Pers. Comm.,
22.10.1998).
[131] Davis, D., August 1998, Cellulose Valley
Technology Park: A Flagship for Regional Development (Strategic Plan),
a report prepared for the NRACC, Lismore City Council and the NSW Department
of State and Regional Affairs, pg 3.
[132] Ibid, pg 17.
[133] Ibid, pg 3.
[134] Guiding Principles for a Sustainable
Future, Part 1: Final Report for Phase One of the Northern Rivers Regional
Strategy, a joint initiative by NOREDO, NOROC and the Department of
Urban Affairs and Planning, March 1998.
[135] Abnett Consulting, February 1998, Northern
Rivers Area Consultative Committee – Regional Employment Strategy,
a report prepared for the NRACC, pg 8.
[136] Ms Ann Carkery, Executive Officer, NRACC,
(Pers. Comm., 28.10.1998).
[137] For further details refer to: Baker,
J., June 1998, Pack House Infrastructure Study, a report commissioned
by Northern Rivers Agricultural Development Association (NORADA).
[138] Submission no. 132, Volume 6, pg 34,
(Lismore City Council).
[139] Ms Ann Carkery, Executive Officer, NRACC,
(Pers. Comm., 28.10.1998).
[140] For further information see the pamphlet
The Great Eastern Centenary Walking Track (a project to celebrate the
Centenary of the Nation's Federation. The pamphlet is available from
NOREDO (e-mail: noredo@nor.com.au).
[141] Abnett Consulting, February 1998, Northern
Rivers Area Consultative Committee – Regional Employment Strategy,
a report prepared for the NRACC, pg 48.
[142] Submission no. 132, Volume 6, pg 34,
(Lismore City Council).
[143] Ibid.
[144] Information on this proposal contained
in: Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 127, (NOREDO).
[145] Submission no. 142, Volume 6, pg 127,
(NOREDO).
[146] Refer to Section I of the case study.
[147] Geoff Foley, Secretary, Richmond River
Historical Society, (Pers. Comm., 26.10.1998).
[148] Ibid.
[149] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 828, (Ms Irwin, Mayor, Lismore City Council).
[150] See Section III, Table 1. Source: ABS
Census Data, 1996.
[151] Consensus Research Pty Ltd, November
1996, Upper North Coast of NSW Short Break Holiday Market: Brisbane Market,
a report prepared for NOREDO on behalf of Navigator Tourism Communications,
Consensus Research, North Sydney, pg 6.
[152] Ibid, pg 61.
[153] Ibid.
[154] Ibid, pg 9.
[155] Hansard, Lismore, 21st July 1998,
pg 865, (Mr Evans, representing the North Coast Entertainment Industry
Association).
[156] Ibid.