Overview of the Project
The Main Street/Small Towns program (MS/STP) aims to revitalise communities throughout NSW, by providing them with assistance and guidance. The program assists and motivates people to take control of their future, by developing a vision and implementing a practical, achievable and realistic community plan. The process begins with a community consultation, in the form of two intial Strategic Planning workshops with a range of community stakeholders. These workshops will be facilitated by a consultant who will provide a a written report on outcomes of the workshops, as well as a community strategic plan.
The workshops will include the following:
- Provision of Main Street/Small Town Program information to the community
- Development of a list of community values
- Development of a name for the program
- SWOT Analysis (strengths and weaknesses)
- Issues Analysis
- Identification and prioritisation of main issues
- Nominations for short, medium and long-term projects
- Action planning by the stakeholders on initial projects
- Establishment of an organisational structure (of participants) to implement the projects, and identifying methods to run the program
A 'Summary of Outcomes' of the workshop, and a draft Strategic Plan will be produced. The Summary of Outcomes documents all the information gathered at the workshop, and is used as a working document to update and refer to as new actions are sought. The Strategic Plan is a simpler, easy to understand document presented in the following format:
- Where are we now? (Situation Analysis)
- Where do we want to go? (Vision Statement)
- How are we going to get there? (Key Result Areas, Objectives, Issues and Actions, Organisational Structure and Methods of the program)
Community Economic Development Plan
The Main Street Small Towns Program (MS/STP) provides a framework to pull a diverse range of community stakeholders together, under one strategic umbrella. The program establishes communication channels, trust, relationships and networks within a community. Benefits include cohesive strategic planning on issues affecting the community, wider networking opportunities, greater impact and value to businesses and community groups, as well as added value to Council.
In rural and coastal communities, economic development is closely related to social development, so it is necessary for the planning process to take a holistic approach to all the issues affecting the community. Since resolution of these issues can generate long term economic benefits,social issues are therefore included within the plan
Business Retention and Expansion Survey
A Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRE) will 'audit' the businesses located within the Albion Park area, and help to identify and assess the issues they face. An Economic Assessment will provide a regional overview of economic performance, and determine where Albion Park currently sits, and what the opportunities are to re-position and/or grow the township.
The Department of State & Regional Development (DSRD) has developed a Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP) Resource Kit for small communities. The Kit contains a detailed survey that is designed to collect information on:
- The structure and activities of the business.
- Employment and employee issues.
- External factors impacting on the business.
- International Trade.
- The impact of the local environment ? help or hindrance?
- Expansion and relocation plans.
- Information and training needs.
- Additional questions specific to the local area and local issues.
The key issue with any survey is PARTICIPATION. . Response rates in other areas that have implemented the survey have ranged from around 10% to higher than 60%. Obviously, the higher the number of businesses that complete the survey form, the better the quality of the data will be .
Survey Distribution
The survey distribution method will depend on the number of businesses being surveyed. Face-to-Face interviews generally result in a higher response rate and more detailed information being provided on the survey form. The distribution phase is likely to include:
- Publicity for the Survey ? local media release/s.
- Introductory phone call to businesses.
- Training briefing for any volunteers who are assisting with the survey.
- Delivery of Surveys to businesses ? mail out or hand-delivered.
- Monitoring responses.
- Follow-up ? telephone calls and face-to-face appointments.
Presentation to the Chamber / Project Team
Ideally, the results of the Survey should be presented to the Chamber and other key players such as Council (relevant Officers and Ward Councillors) and the DSRD local representative.
Economic Assessment
The Economic Assessment needs to define and assess the current positioning and performance of Albion Park, identify and assess the issues impacting on performance, and identify opportunities to move forward.
Regional Profile
This stage involves developing an economic profile of the region. Information would be collected on a broad range of issues including population (profile and projections), landuse (existing and proposed), land release programs, urban and rural planning strategies, transport plans, industrial activity and development, retailing and tourism. The role and function of Albion Park within the region will be explored.
Town Assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to identify and assess the the economic development potential of the area in light of economic activities already undertaken in and around the township . Factors to be considered will include:
- The structure and function of the town.
