ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
understand, yet robust, statistical analysis
modules. Some of these are already emerging from
collaboration with our early adopters. Case studies
are being documented and shared on Spendmapp’s
site (spendmapp.com.au). This collaboration with
partners, particularly the Cities of Warrnambool
and Holdfast Bay, illustrates how Spendmapp has
helped economic development practitioners become
experts in data analytics.
FINALIST
VENDORPANEL
Leveraging Council Procurement to Drive Local
Economic Development
It is generally agreed that local sourcing by
Councils and other organisations brings social and
economic gain to an area. Yet, when it comes to
local procurement, adherence to policy targets and
measurement of results are difficult.
The challenge has been to bring local procurement
into mainstream Council procurement activity – to
make it easy for buyers to source locally.
BuyRegional is a nationwide initiative that helps
government and other organisations engage with
local suppliers, leveraging procurement as a driver
of regional economic development. Over 30 councils
have taken part in BuyRegional since its launch,
supporting economic growth, while improving
governance and reducing risk in their activities.
Platform statistics show that Councils sourcing via
BuyRegional have awarded 84.4% of RFxs locally.
Other data (independently validated) has shown that
they achieved an average Cost Avoidance rate of
9.74%, challenging the widely-held view that procuring
to drive local economic development comes at a
financial cost. In fact, the opposite is true.
FINALIST
CITY OF BALLARAT
Ballarat GiG (Get into Games) Expo
Ballarat GiG (Get into Games) is a successful initiative
of the City of Ballarat’s Economic Development Unit,
having celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event
in May 2017, with the tagline 10 Years ‘Ahead of the
Game’.
This Expo highlights to secondary school students
the future career pathways available in the lucrative
games development industry. It has two objectives:
•
Workforce development: to attract and retain
digital skills and knowledge in the region by
promoting gaming and other courses available to
students through Federation University; and
•
Investment development and attraction:
promoting Ballarat as a high tech and knowledge-
based economy interested in attracting games
development studios.
GiG is held in collaboration with the Game Developers
Association of Australia (GDAA), Federation University
Australia and Highlands LLEN (Local Learning
& Employment Network), and in 2017, attracted
sponsorship from Telstra, IBM and GUF Games.
GIG 2017 was attended by 230 students from 15
schools from across the Victorian Central Highlands,
who interacted with presenters from national and
international games development studios (and
during their breaks played some fantastic games!).
Whilst registration was at capacity for the venue,
the reported interest from schools exceeded 600
students. The event also included an industry lunch,
which provided the opportunity for games industry
leaders to network with local teachers, policy
makers and University representatives.
Federation University Australia have reported an
increase in enrolments in their gaming courses in
recent years; furthermore the ongoing relationship
between City of Ballarat and the GDAA has given
Ballarat a reputation as a regional city with an
interest in digital innovation.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVES - SINGLE EVENT OR
ACTIVITY
WINNER
SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Why Youi Chose the Sunshine Coast - Business
with Benefits
Sunshine Coast Council takes a collaborative
approach to raise the profile of the region as a
business destination and gain quality business
investment leads.
During 2017-18, activity was designed and delivered
under Sunshine Coast Council’s Investment Attraction
Plan to achieve the objectives of promotion and
awareness, business attraction and retention, support,
reputation and confidence, communication and capacity.
The Investment Attraction team took a collaborative
approach by working with partners to promote the
region to target markets under two initiatives:
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