ANNUAL REPORT - Coffs Harbour City Council - NSW Government

Learning and Prospering (Continued)OUTCOME: LP1 We are recognised as a model of sustainable business and industry with a strong and diverse local economyOBJECTIVE: LP1.1 Our businesses and industries are future-driven, smart, innovative and green.OBJECTIVE MEASURE: Incorporating the results from Council's implementation of strategies during the period, assess the extent to whichCoffs Harbour's businesses and industries are future-driven, smart, innovative and green.The Economic Development Unit has lobbied and worked with the Federal Government on the early rollout of the National Broadband Network(NBN) in the Coffs Harbour region which will see 92% of the Local Government Area connected by 2014. The NBN is considered to be a keypiece of infrastructure in the way we do business in the future and Council has developed the 'Switched on Coffs' digital strategy, identifyingvarious actions for both Council and the wider business community to be leaders in the way technology is adapted to business.Council continued to provide support to local business by way of providing regular statistical information including the quarterly publication of theCoffs Economic Update and the bi-annual release of the Coffs Harbour Economic Profile, providing key economic and business indicatorsrelating to the local economy. Council also supported local business development initiatives such as the ETC Business Leaders Program andthe Coffs Coast Business Awards.The management of Council’s Holiday Parks businesses included the ongoing implementation of environmental plans at sites, with particularprogress towards achieving Eco Tourism accreditation for Sawtell Beach.Council Programs that contribute to achieving this Objective:517 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CPS CARAVAN PARKS & STATE PARKStakeholder comment: Southern Cross University(Strategy LP.1.1.3 - Identify future workforce needs of existing and emerging industries.)In 2011 a series of three Community Forums jointly organised and delivered by Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour City Council and theCoffs Coast Advocate was held to discuss community priorities and agree a series of short, medium and long-term objectives, including futureworkforce needs. The Community Forum Working Group – Growing Business and Creating Jobs has been established to identify and progressbusiness and workforce-related issues.Stakeholder comment: North Coast TAFE(Strategy LP1.1.2 - Establish and promote the Coffs Coast as a lifestyle location for global workers)• Provision of the Careers Connect free online job vacancy and career service for students and employers• Coffs Harbour Campus Website references: “A flourishing resort city, Coffs Harbour provides an ideal place to live and study”.Coffs Harbour City Council – 2011/2012 Annual Report – Section 1 - incorporating 2030 End of Term Report Page 13