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Document Sample
Business in Bass Coast
Produced by Bass Coast Shire Council Economic Development Unit Spring 2006
Editor: Margaret Murray
Future Direction for Agribusiness
Currently, Agribusiness is a major sector within the Shire and its future direction will have a
Bass Coast Shire
76 McBride Avenue significant influence on the growth of the region.
(PO Box 118)
WONTHAGGI VIC 3995 The 2001 Census showed the top five agricultural products in Bass Coast Shire to be:
Phone: (03) 5671 2211 Emerging products were identified as grapes for wine, olives, horses and seedlings.
(03) 5951 3311
Fax: (03) 5671 2222
Web: The 2001 Census showed the top five agricultural products in Bass Coast Shire to be:
www.basscoast.vic.gov.au Sector Quantity Value
Email:
business@basscoast..vic.gov.au Dairy 120.25 million litres $39.5M
Meat cattle 43,368 animals $22.5M
Economic Development
Unit Manager Pasture (cut for hay) 46,841 ha $5.5M
Stephanie Symes Sheep
Special Event Coordinator · for meat 31,860 animals $1.2M
Frank Angarane
· for wool 177,845 animals $774,902
Visitor Information Total $2M
Services Manager Snow Peas 213 tonnes $1.2M
Peter Francis
Small Business It will be very interesting to compare these findings with the results of the 2006 Census
Development Officer
(details available in 2007). The comparison will give a good picture of how agriculture is
Margaret Murray
developing in the Shire.
Economic Development
Project Officer Agribusiness operators will recall the survey conducted by the Economic Development Unit
Roslyn Jenzen late last year. The Survey was conducted in an attempt to understand the major issues and
opportunities facing Bass Coast agribusinesses. Following this, the 2006 “Issues and
Opportunities for Bass Coast Agribusiness Report” was produced, with funding obtained from
the State Government. Below is a summary of the results of the report.
Issues identified Opportunities identified
· Lack of innovation · A food production precinct
· Very little value adding · Suitable intensive agriculture
· Most farmers cannot set the price for · Local produce outlets
their product (others set it for them eg · Organic and other niche products
supermarkets) · Branding
· Decreasing income · Export
· Ageing of farmers and lack of family · Information exchange forums
members to take over farm · Relevant training programs
· Lack of business management systems · Skills audit
· Difficulty obtaining workforce · Participation in the Gippsland
· Poor linkages with Tourism Agribusiness Forum statewide ‘Labour in
· ‘Lifestyle’ v Right to Farm Agriculture’ project
Alpaca farming is part of the · Identify what tourists want and inform
fabric of agriculture in
farmers
Australia today
· Food and wine trails
· Information for new rural residents
We hope to commence work on some of the projects identified in this report in the near
future. For any enquires please contact Stephanie Symes on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.
Stephanie Symes
Bass Coast Shire Council Economic Development Unit assisting business in Bass Coast
What We Do In Economic Development
Visitor Services
As Visitor Services Coordinator for Phillip sector. I have gained an insight into the
Island I oversee the Visitor Information different needs and requirements of the
Centres at Newhaven and Cowes. Over various sectors of the travelling public as
150,000 people a year come through the well as for tourism operators. I have tertiary
doors of the centres looking for qualifications in Tourism as well as in
accommodation, maps, tickets, Training, Management and Quality
merchandise and a range of information from Assurance.
“what’s on this weekend” to “where can I
walk my dog”. The information service is The Tourism sector is undergoing a period
provided by both centres seven days a week of change. The internet, political changes
between 9am and 5pm. Newhaven extends worldwide and changing levels of personal
Stephen Pykett these hours until 6pm through summer and discretionary income are all playing a part
Visitor Services Coordinator in altering the expectations of the travelling
is open everyday of the year. The Cowes
centre is only closed on Christmas day. The public. To keep up with these requirements
centres are run by a team of staff and the Visitor Information Centre services
BusiGrants – produced volunteers who take pride in the professional must also change.
by Our Community and comprehensive service they provide to
visitors and locals who use the facilities. We are implementing an online reservation
Each year Federal, State system throughout the Bass Coast Shire
and Local Governments Before joining the Visitor Information Centre Visitor Information Network giving
give away hundreds of team I worked on Phillip Island in the businesses the opportunity to be found,
millions of dollars to tourism sector for 5 years. I have also researched, and booked from anywhere in
support thousands of travelled throughout Australia, firstly as a the world at any time. The centres
businesses across backpacker, many years ago, and more infrastructure is also being updated to
Australia. recently with my family. Before moving to better cater for the requirements of the
Australia I worked in the construction public with clear, modern displays of
Is your business one of industry in different countries around the information and easier access for all
them? world. Having travelled for business and visitors.
NOW you can stay up to
pleasure as well as working in the tourism
date with all business Stephen Pykett
funding opportunities by Visitor Services Coordinator
subscribing to
BusiGrants, Australia’s
first monthly newsletter
providing details on all the “A vacation should be just long enough that you’re boss misses you, and not long
available business grants enough for him to discover how well he can get along without you.”
(money to build your
business), scholarships “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind” by Seneca
and professional industry
awards. You will no longer
have to wade through
numerous bureaucracies
or newspapers to find a Thank you
grant to suit your project. In the winter edition of ‘Business in Bass Coast’ we asked for your assistance to
If there’s a grants program fill out a survey for the newsletter.
directing money towards
new or existing The indication is that you would like us to continue and some of you offered some
e businesses, you’ll know ideas to develop for the future.
about it.
www.busigrants.com.au We also learned that many of you would like to have the newsletter emailed to you
so if you are one of those people, please send an email to
m.murray@basscoast.vic.gov.au and put subscribe into the subject line and we
will send you a copy via email.
Thank you very much to all of those who took the time to fill out the survey and
mail it in to us.
Education and Training
Does Small Business Need to ‘Market Research’?
Have you ever completed a business plan for your business? grooming at the back of the salon. After the excitement of
If the answer is yes, then you should have worked out the setting up the dog business wears off, you realise you are
importance of doing market research. Market research gives slowly losing customers from your hairdressing salon. Why
you clear directions to help you make decisions about your do you think that might be?
business. It is unwise to start a new business without doing
it. Why wouldn’t you want to know what your potential Let’s carry out some market research.
market is? To take your business in an un-researched
direction could mean a loss of money and success. The questions could be: Would you use a dog grooming
salon if it was combined with a ladies’ hairdressing salon.
Sometimes, business throws money at advertising and then
wonders why it doesn’t work. It may not be the fault of the Yes No
newspaper, radio, television or whatever media used, it could
be quite possible you have sent your message to the wrong Would you use the services of a hairdresser salon in front of
market because you haven’t done the research. a dog grooming salon?
Yes No
It is extremely important to understand your target market.
What you think is right may not necessarily be the case. By You find that the dogs don’t mind the premises being shared
systematically gathering, recording, and analysing data with the ‘haute coiffure’ set, but the human clients do mind
relevant to selling the the dogs being out the back of
goods and services the salon.
you produce, you will BUSINESS HUMOUR - “In Italy for thirty years under the
have a good Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed but they If you had carried out this
understanding of produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the market research before you put
what your customers Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love; they had this wonderful idea into action,
want and how to five hundred years of democracy and peace and what did they you would have found out that it
reach them. The produce? The cuckoo clock.” Orson Welles. was not going to work.
wrong product and
advertising can cost This does not mean that a dog
you dearly. grooming salon idea is not good, it just shows that it won’t
work combined with hairdressing.
It makes very clear and practical sense to invest some time
and money into market research for your business. This is a very simple demonstration of the benefits of market
research.
Imagine, you have a successful ladies’ hairdressing salon.
You decide to expand your business and include dog
Free Occupational Health and Safety Seminar
Why should I register? When and where?
Maintaining a safe work environment is an essential part of
· Seminar dates:
running any business.
1 - 17th October - Meeting Room 2
2 - 24th October - Meeting Room 1
The Small Business OHS Advisers Programme will help you
implement work safety procedures in your workplace.
· Time: 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
· Venue: Bass Coast Shire Council, Cowes Cultural
What’s involved? Centre, Thompson Avenue, Cowes.
Stage 1 – Employers will be trained on OHS principles and Refreshments provided.
legislative compliance issues
Stage 2 – An OHS Assessment will be conducted at Registrations for the Programme and Seminars can be made
your workplace at: www.smallbusinessohs.com.au
Stage 3 – A Safety Plan will be developed with your
company to meet the needs of your workplace
Stage 4 – You will be provided with support and assistance You will find a lot of useful business information at the Bass
in implementing this Safety Plan Coast Shire Council website at: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au
What Can Government Do For You
PUBLICATIONS
AVAILABLE AT
Provincial Leaders Development Program BASS COAST SHIRE
COUNCIL
The Victorian Government has The PLDP has three streams which
announced a new Provincial Leaders include Regional Leaders’ initiatives,
Development Program (PLDP) as part Local Leaders’ initiatives and
of its commitment to developing Fellowships for young leaders; · STARTING A
leadership skills and capacities for BUSINESS
business and community. It is a grant · The Regional leadership – Showcasing Small
program funded from the Provincial stream will apply to eligible Business
Victoria Growth Fund, which highlights projects which operate and draw
the Government’s recognition that leadership participants from a
effective leadership skills are essential
· A BIG HAND FOR
broad cross section of the
for economic growth in Provincial SMALL BUSINESS
community and which operate
Victoria. across at least two eligible local – Programs and
government areas. Applicants Services Guide
The PLDP provides funding to support will need to demonstrate why the
local initiatives that recognise and project is needed and how the · PLAN TO SUCCEED
assist business and community leaders project intends to address those – Showcasing Small
who will drive the strategies needed for needs. Projects must provide Business
economic sustainability and community strong evidence of business,
development. The particular focus of community and government · ACCELERATE YOUR
the program will be on encouraging partnerships. BUSINESS
younger leaders.
– Low cost assistance
· The Local Leaders Initiatives
The PLDP will support specific to improve your
stream will apply to projects that
community based leadership projects deliver leadership training to business
that aim to facilitate economic identified communities of
development, build on regional interest. · SELECTING A RETAIL
specialisation, encourage cross- LOCATION FOR
regional collaboration and identify · The Fellowship for young leaders SMALL BUSINESS
emerging regional industries. It will will be available to assist young – The Essentials
assist communities which are people from regional areas to
experiencing rapid economic change build their capacity to undertake l · SIGNING A RETAIL
and/or decline. It may include a leadership roles within their LEASE
combination of formal training, informal communities.
learning opportunities, mentoring, – The Essentials
network creation, and resource and Phillip Milbourne from the Gippsland
knowledge sharing. Other activities Regional Development Victoria team would · GROW YOUR
such as leadership expos and be happy to discuss any proposal and BUSINESS
workshops may be considered for provide more information on grants – Business Assistance
funding. available and eligibility. Phillip can be Program helping your
contacted on 5174 9233. business achieve
SE Victoria Mentoring Project · E-BUSINESS GUIDE
be confined) to business owners under 35 – An Australian guide to
Bass Coast Shire Council, together with the
City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council, years of age. doing business online
recently submitted a funding application to
the Commonwealth Government under the The training and mentoring will be provided · SELLING A SMALL
Small Business Entrepreneurship Program. by the Small Business Counselling BUSINESS
Service. This is a not for profit organisation – The Process
This program is fully funded by the Australian consisting of retired successful business
Government and has been established in people, with expertise in a range of areas.
recognition of the important economic and · BUYING A
social role played by small business. FRANCHISE
To provide ‘on going’ business support after
– The Essentials
We have just been informed that our the program has ended, a website,
application was successful. consisting of a ‘chat room’, noticeboard
and forum for discussion of business To receive one or more of
The program will take 20 small businesses related issues, will be developed. these publications please
from each of the three Municipalities and call Margaret Murray on
provide them with a free Training Workshop The project will commence in September (03) 5671 2211
covering Business Planning, Financial 2006. If you are interested in participating or (03) 5951 3311
Management and Marketing. They will also or would like more information about this or email
be provided with 4 free one-on-one mentoring project, please contact Margaret Murray on m.murray@basscoast.vic.gov..au
sessions per business. It will target (but not 5951 3384 with your mailing details.
We will post it out to you.
Local Business Sucess Story
Grantville Newsagent
up a position with Rio Tinto as a How has business been?
Cropping Manager.
LOCAL in Horsham the
BUSINESS
During their time BUSINESS first twelve months and it has grown
“Our business grew very quickly in the
STORY potential still hasn’t Lester. “The
SUCCESStheyTheyORY steadily since”, saidbeen reached and
Harris’s decided that
STORto
go into private business.
would like
searched the state for a business that as the area grows there will always be
had a good cash flow with potential for room to grow the business. We would
growth and within their capacity to like to develop our business sufficiently
fund. They finally settled on the so that we can afford the time to work
newsagency and Post Office at on our business rather than always
Grantville. working in it”.
Why I moved to Bass Coast Setting up in Bass Coast
Lester Harris - Grantville Newsagent In the process of looking for a Involve yourself in your local,
business, Lester discovered that the community and take advantage of the
Lester Harris was born and raised in growth area seemed to be far greater services offered by local State and
the Swan Hill Toolybuc area of Victoria. on the eastern side of Melbourne. And Federal government agencies. There is
He worked on the family farm where so it made sense that they position a lot of good information available for
they ran sheep and cattle and grew themselves in this area. This would small business. Be prepared to ask for
citrus fruit and wheat. They also had a mean greater potential for long term assistance and don’t underestimate the
citrus processing facility on the sustainability and success. The value of services offered by Small
property. Harris’s are optimistic about the long Business Counselling Services.
term potential of Grantville and
Lester’s wife Sylvia was transferred to surrounds. Grantville Newsagency
Horsham for work and so Lester took & Post Office
Bass Highway
Grantville 3984
Phone (03) 5678 8808
Franchise start-up Millions have connected
checklist to broadband
The ACCC has issued a new publica- The lates ACCC snapshot of broadband USEFUL
tion to help prospective franchisees deployment shows there are now more BUSINESS WEB
make informed decsions about buying a than 3 million broadband services Bright
ADDRESS
franchise. It is very important that connected in Australia.
Eye - dea
prospective franchisees fully understand
their legal rights and obligations before The 3,161,300 broadband services Thinking about buying or
entering into a franchising agreement. found to be connected in Australia at joining a business?
the end of March 2006 represents an Starting your own business can
The ACCC’s main message is for increase of over one million customers bring significant benefits and
people to be diligent and make informed (78%) on the preceeding 12 month generate a sense of
decsions before signing any contracts period. achievement. However, it can
when joining a franchise business. A Source: ACCC Briefing August 2006
also involve a degree of risk.
Franchisee start-up checklist to help
For many, buying a business is
people in their decision making can be
just as big an investment as
seen at www.accc.gov.au/content/
buying a home, which means
index.phtml/itemId/750832
Source: ACCC Briefing August 2006 there may be just as much to
lose if anything goes wrong. To
minimise risk, it is essential
that you check out the real facts
Thumbs Up before making a final decision.
Your feedback on good customer service in Bass Coast For more information go to
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/
Thumbs up to Chris at Cafe DiLectables being used by someone else. I always index.phtml/itemId/750707
in Cowes who always gives service with leave having enjoyed the meal and the
good cheer and great conversation and company. Well Done!
will let you read his paper if it is not
What Is Happening In Bass Coast?
News from the Southern Gippsland Wine Inc.
The Southern Gippsland Wine Association After receiving approvals from VicRoads
(SGWI) comprises approximately 20 there were three tourism signs placed at SMALL BUSINESS
vineyards and wineries in the Bass Coast three different places Strzlecki Highway, COMMISSIONER offers
and South Gippsland Shires. Below is an Mirboo North side of Leongatha, Foster end assistance on retail
overview of two of the projects they have of the South Gippsland Highway and at the tenancy matters, or if a
been working on recently. junction of the Bass and South Gippsland dispute arises, the SBC
Highways. There was also approval given to can seek to resolve it
‘Summer Starters’ Weekend place approximately fifty wine trail route before it develops into a
SGWI is conducting their second ‘Summer markers to guide the visitor. costly legal action.
Starters’ weekend on Saturday 4 and Sunday
Telephone 13 22 15 Toll
5 November 2006 at 14 participating cellar The Southern Gippsland Wine Trail starts in Free 1800 136 034
doors throughout the region. the west at the junction of South Gippsland www.sbc.vic.gov.au
Shire and Bass Highways. It follows the
The weekend provides an opportunity to meet South Gippsland Highway to the east to
the winemakers and sample their fabulous Foster and then to Fish Creek and along the THE VICTORIAN
cool climate wines, while enjoying locally road to Wilson’s Promontory. It then returns BUSINESS LINE provides
produced food over a relaxing long weekend. via Inverloch with wineries on roads that access to the Victorian
Many Southern Gippsland wineries have connect the two highways from Koonwarra to Government’s small
recently received medals and Tarwin Lower and from Inverloch to business services.
commendations for their wines and as tourist Korumburra. The trail continues from Available from 8am - 8pm
attractions (Caledonia Australia, Purple Hen, Inverloch through Wonthaggi to Phillip Island Monday to Friday and
Lyre Bird Hill, Ramsay’s Vin Rose, Waratah returning to The Gurdies and Nyora Loch 9am - 2pm Saturdays, the
Hills Vineyard, to name but a few) and this Road. 13 22 15 number offers
weekend provides the perfect opportunity to
small businesses in Bass
visit the wineries in the region. Both these initiatives have resulted from Coast quick response to
cooperation between SGWI, Bass Coast virtually any small
To make the event easy and accessible, a Shire and South Gippsland Shire Councils business question.
wine bus is being provided. Two routes have and numerous sponsors.
been designated to incorporate six wineries
DO YOU NEED HELP
in each trip. Further details on the Summer Starter and WITH YOUR SMALL
the wine trail, contact the Secretary, Liz BUSINESS?
The Wine Trail Rushen on 5683 2441 or email Do you want to start a
For the past five years the SGWI group have liz@waratahhills.com.au. small business?
worked hard to develop a ‘wine trail’ concept.
An officer from the
Victorian Government’s
Free Grant Writing Seminar Department of Innovation
(DIIRD) is available for free
one-on-one consultations.
You are invited to a FREE two hour basic eligible to apply for funding grants. If you
grant writing workshop which will assist you can’t come, then pass this invitation on to
WHEN: 1st Thursday of
to gain expertise in writing funding someone else that will benefit.
each month
submissions.
When is it?
Sessions are for one hour
The hands-on workshop will cover: · Wonthaggi - Tuesday 10 October -
and are by appointment
· The three critical elements of a 1pm till 3pm at the Bass Coast
only. All meetings are
successful submission Shire Civic Centre, McBride Avenue.
strictly confidential.
· The information required to support · Cowes - Tuesday 17 October -
your submission 1pm till 3pm at the Cowes Cultural
To make an appointment
· The best way to structure your Centre.
or to obtain more
submission
information, please
· Basic budget requirements How to book?
contact the Economic
· Ways to identify funding sources of Please RSVP to acc@sed.org.au or ring
Development Small
partnership support. 9793 6466. It is advisable to book early as
Business Development
places are limited to 25.
Officer on (03) 5671 2211
Who should come?
or
The workshop will benefit local groups, Refreshments and Manual will be provided.
(03) 5951 3311 email
community agencies and local
business@basscoast.vic.gov.au
government….any organisation or business
