Council received 53 responses to the 2017 Golden Plains Business Survey. The survey gathered information to gauge the state of the Shire’s economy, businesses and industry, as well as guide Council’s future economic development activities and strategies. The survey results will also assist Council in lobbying and seeking funding for improved infrastructure, telecommunications and services.
Overview of the survey results:
- The majority of responses (74%) were from small businesses who employed between 0 - 4 employees.
- Responses came from across the Shire, mainly from Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Smythesdale, Dereel, Bamganie, Meredith and Maude.
- The main industry sectors represented were the agriculture sector, followed by construction, retail and professional, scientific and technical services.
- 60% of survey respondents reported that their staffing levels had remained the same over the past 12 months with 27% reporting an increase, and 5% reporting a decrease in staff.
- 66% had no issues finding suitable staff, with 27% stating that they did have trouble finding suitable staff mainly due to unsuitable applicants. Respondents listed a broad range of positions that they were having difficulty filling.
- Training opportunities that respondents would like offered in Golden Plains Shire include business management and accounting, marketing and social media, heavy vehicle licensing and more apprenticeships and traineeships.
- Answers regarding telecommunications were divided with approximately half of respondents reporting that mobile phone and internet services were good or very good and the other half reporting they were fair or poor.
- 16% were exporting, with the majority exporting agricultural products to a broad range of markets.
- Around half of businesses who responded had experienced growth in the last 12 months.
- 49% of respondents were home based businesses.
Key issues identified included:
- More support needed for local business (including more locals buying local and more opportunities to promote businesses)
- Lack of infrastructure and services (including telecommunications)
- Finding and retaining reliable and experienced staff
- Challenges working with and getting support from Council generally
- Lack of transport services and isolation
Main opportunities:
- Eco- tourism
- Intensive and non-intensive agriculture
- Growing population
- Affordable land and housing
Key initiatives that businesses want to see implemented included:
- Improved services and infrastructure (high school, supermarket, retail space, roads, public transport, water, and telecommunications)
- Further support for outlying towns
- ‘Buy local’ campaign initiated by Council for the Shire (promote local businesses & links on council’s website)
- Business support (help accessing funding & grants, networking opportunities, bookkeeping basics & mentoring)
- Youth training and support
- Agri tourism growth (develop and market our producers to bring more people to the area)
The results of the 2017 Golden Plains Business Survey will feed into the development of Council’s 2017-2021 Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. The survey will form one of a number of different consultation methods that will be used during the development of the new strategy.
For more information contact Council’s Economic Development Team on 03 5220 7111 or email [email protected]