ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
FINALIST
The people of Parkes were
elated when the NSW
Government announced
Parkes National
RDA AUSTRALIA – BAROSSA, GAWLER,
LIGHT, ADELAIDE PLAINS
Agri – Food Business Accelerator
The Agri-Food Accelerator program is a structured
scope of activities and initiatives to grow the
regional food and culinary tourism economies
through expanding the Barossa food offer, the
variety of products, new entrepreneurial business
models and exploring new opportunities and agri-
tourism. Logistics Hub as the
state’s first “Special
Community
Activation Precinct”. The
Strategic Plan
announcement was the
culmination of years of
strategic planning and a
visionary concept for the future of Parkes.
Tailored for established food businesses and Agri
start-ups, the Agri-Food Accelerator included an
assessment of the business, expert advice and
support, and on-going case management. Parkes Shire Council had long been exploring
opportunities to expand the 600ha Parkes National
Logistics Hub to capitalise on its location at the axis
of the east-west rail line and the $10 billion north-
south Inland Rail, due for completion in 2025.
Through an “Expert in Residence” series,
businesses were provided with an opportunity to
engage with international hospitality experts about
progressive and global perspective of culinary
tourism, innovative value-adding and upskilling
staff for the delivery of customer experience
excellence.
Parkes Shire 2030+
www.barossa.org.au/
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVES – UNDER 15,000
RESIDENTS
This award recognises programs or projects that
have stimulated economic development activity
in smaller regions. Once again, entrants needed
to show how their contributed to economic
development in the region.
WINNER
PARKES SHIRE COUNCIL
Parkes National Logistics Hub Expansion and the
Parkes Special Activation Project
The expansion of the Parkes National Logistics Hub
will attract major employers, diversify and invigorate
local economies, create jobs and ensure a long-
term sustainable future for the region.
www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/
FINALIST
RDA TASMANIA
The Bell Bay Initiative
The Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone
(BBAMZ) sits within the municipality of George
Town. BBAMZ is Tasmania’s largest industrial area
responsible for 59% of the State’s manufactured
exports. The capital value of the precinct grew by
$14.3 million dollars from 2017 to 2019.
Inland Rail Bilateral Agreement Signing in Parkes - May 2018
BBAMZ is an industry led economic development
group working in collaboration with government
and community to support growth, investment and
business diversification in the George Town region.
VOL.12 NO.3 2019 | 16