commuting to both Sydney and Newcastle, as well as freight services. However, local public transport services were viewed as being in need of improvement. Other critical infrastructure for some businesses included mobile phone reception( especially for construction) and high voltage power( for manufacturing). The maintenance of highquality communications was discussed as critical for all industry sectors, and also of benefit to maintaining the area’ s workfrom-home population. It was understood that Lake Macquarie depends upon key infrastructure shared with Newcastle, such as the Port of Newcastle and the Airport at Williamtown. Newcastle harbour was seen as necessary for the deployment of key infrastructure and for its maintenance, such as the proposed offshore wind farm.
Cheaper industrial land was presented as a business attraction; however, the industrialisation of Lake Macquarie presented a somewhat contradictory positioning for many who enjoy the natural environment. Several interviewees operated businesses in adjacent Newcastle LGA and commuted home to enjoy the peace of Lake Macquarie. There was a consistent call that any local business development should complement the natural environment. The recreational infrastructure of Lake Macquarie was also regularly lauded with many calls for it to be extended or improved upon. The beaches, the lake and the foreshore paths were seen as valuable attractions.
When offered an unlimited budget, interviewees proposed a wish list of imagined projects. These included a bridge across the lake; a centre point tower located in the centre of the lake; a floating conference centre; improved sports stadia( both indoor and outdoor); upgrades to Pelican Airport; and an artificial wave pool at Morisset. There were regular calls for the conversion of Eraring and fears for it not being effectively utilised.
Cedar Mill concert venue taking shape at Morisset
THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS Doing business is about building relationships. Lake Macquarie is no exception to this rule. While the talent of local workers was often lauded, a range of suggestions were made to Dantia on how to promote business networking. Many interviewees commented on the value of face-to-face events. There was a lot of value placed on direct personal relationships. Offering concierge services to support existing, and welcome new investors and clients was also recounted as a useful way for Dantia to support business development. The maintenance of contact databases for businesses was also raised as a key task for Dantia as a business development company especially where local government or large corporations do not offer such a service and in the absence of traditional local‘ yellow pages’ or similar phone books.
Dashworks( Dantia’ s co-working space) and other supporting services for business start-ups were regularly praised by interviewees primarily for the opportunities they provided for networking. For example, it was mentioned that it was far more effective to have Dashworks close to Charlestown shopping centre with the opportunity for business lunches. In general, the value of business networking was regularly emphasised. Interviewees also cited sport and leisure as a common space for business networking with individual activities such as sailing, mountain biking, golf and surfing providing opportunities for developing business relationships. The local cafes and waterfront also featured as great places for networking.
MOVING FORWARD Our findings extended our original thoughts with evidence derived from the desktop review and bolstered by qualitative interviews with business leaders. After reviewing the data collected, four key inter-related themes emerged: identity; talent; infrastructure; and business networking. The collaboration between the Institute and Dantia has helped us to understand the current business conditions and how they can be made even more attractive. This work has also been applied by informing the development of the www. investlakemac. com. au website.
The area’ s strengths include not only an attractive natural environment and enviable lifestyle, but a strategic location and skilled workforce. These position Lake Macquarie as well equipped to take advantage of future economic opportunities. Key industries, particularly healthcare and construction, are already leading the new direction for Lake Macquarie. While the area’ s combined attractions are remarkable, establishing diverse and sustainable business opportunities for the future will require well considered strategies founded on sound evidence. The research collaboration between the Institute and Dantia is already contributing to those foundations.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
DR JAI COOPER Dr Jai Cooper is a Consultant with the Institute for Regional Futures and brings lived experience of industrial and regional transition. For this project, Jai managed the delivery of research outputs and personally conducted interviews with business leaders. Jai’ s current work focusses on social impact assessment and regional development.
MYLES EGAN Myles Egan is a Hunter Valley based human geographer with a research interest in the future of regions undergoing economic and social transitions. Now a PhD candidate at the
University of Newcastle, Myles worked on this project in his previous role as a Research Analyst at the Institute for Regional Futures.
TIM BROWNE Tim Browne is the Chief Executive Officer for Dantia( Lake Macquarie’ s Economic Development Company). Tim has worked in Environmental Consultancies, in lead roles and has extensive experience in strategic and operational environments for Lake Macquarie City Council.
WAYNE DIEMAR Wayne Diemar is the Senior Business Development Manager for Dantia. Wayne has held high-level management positions for over 25 years with major tier-one companies through to family-owned businesses.
He has worked in the manufacturing, energy, resources, construction, and engineering sectors, has managed project development throughout Australia and facilitated trade missions globally.
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