Skip To Content Skip To Navigation

Derwent Valley Statistical Profile 2008

2008 Local Government Survey Results

This information is from a survey of municipal councils.  The results express the opinions of the respondents in early 2008 and are presented un-edited.

Derwent Valley

  1. The industry that is expected to be the most important one in two to five years:
    • For the medium to long term the most important industry from a broad community benefit aspect will be education and training. The flow on benefits for individuals and the community are difficult to quantify, however on the basis of current education retention rates and the likely population growth and demand for labour the education and training sector will be pivotal to the well being of this community.
    • In conjunction with education and training sector, health and care, community services, paper production, hospitality, retail, agriculture, horticulture and construction will be important for employment and export production.

  2. Industries with extended growth potential (industries which employ small numbers, but are expected to expand in 2-5 years):
    • The Derwent valley is facing a period of growth in the next 5-10 years in a range of industry areas; domestic dwelling construction, aquaculture on the upper Derwent River, education and training, care, hospitality, horticulture and community services.

  3. Industries with limited growth potential (industries which employ large numbers, but are expected to diminish in 2-5 years):
    • There is unlikely to be a reduction in any local industry in the next 2-5 years. There may be some stabilisation in Forestry and related activity and some rationalisation in Local Government.

  4. Current major employers in your local area:
    • Norske Skog
    • Woolworths
    • Corumbene Nursing Home
    • Public School sector
    • Derwent Valley Council
    • Inland Fisheries

  5. Events which may affect the future shape of the local area economy:
    • The housing developments will push population growth and increase the population in and around New Norfolk by up to 50% within 5-7 years. Consequential effect will be
    • increased demand for goods and services and related employment.
    • The reimplementation of rail for log transport will open opportunities for the rail to be used for tourism.
    • Forestry Tasmania investment in tourism at Maydena will increase visitation and demand for hospitality services.
    • The growth of aquaculture will drive demand for seasonal labour.
    • The demand for seasonal labour will in turn drive demand for low cost accommodation.
    • The ageing and growing population will see an increase in community services.

  6. Opportunities which exist in the local area which could encourage the establishment of new businesses:
    • We are already seeing the growth of the antique/history industry with eight businesses currently and another large enterprise about to relocate to New Norfolk.
    • Housing development has raised interest in retail and other service industries.
    • The availability of local labour, fresh water and rail transport will attract new businesses with those strategic requirements eg, downstream processing of raw produce.

  7. Shortages of skills/occupations in your area.
    • Skill shortages occur across a broad range. In the local Government domain, there are shortages in the planning and environmental health areas. There is demand in all trades
    • which will increase even further when the housing development takes off. People with appropriate skills for retail and hospitality will be in demand. The demand for seasonal labour will be very high if good seasonal conditions are experienced.
    • Local survey work with industry showed an emerging need for people with science training in Forestry, fish production, paper production, land management, horticulture and agriculture.
    • There is a supply of people for labouring and seasonal work however the demand for unskilled labour will continue to decline while seasonal work by definition varies from year to year.
    • Demographic data indicates there is a significant pool of people “disconnected” from the mainstream community through lack of transport, education and skills. Appropriate infrastructure and training strategies would improve employment and social outcomes for these people as well as contribute to the needs of local industry.

  8. Contact:
    Name: Ian Brown
    Position: Project Manager
    Phone: 6261 8777
    Fax: 6261 5014
    Email: vvision@bigpond.net.au

>>TOP

Maps


 

 

>>TOP