Industry

Braddon Investability Program – A Roadmap For a Great Sustainable Region

Some of North West Tasmania's business and community leaders gathered in Devonport on March 13th 2007 for the launch of Mark Baker's "Braddon Investability Program".

The Investability Program is about making the local economic and social conditions in Braddon more attractive, so the entire region can secure increased inbound and inward investment, leading to growth in economic development, social and community infrastructure for the area.

"Being born and raised in the North West, I have often been frustrated to see our youth move away from the area to further their education or start their working careers," said Mark Baker, Federal Member for Braddon. 

"My vision has always been to make this area an even better place to live where families can plan secure futures for their children in all areas of life.”

"I believe that for us to achieve this vision, we need to build on our strengths and address some of the challenges so we can ensure this region can take advantage of all the opportunities," Mr Baker added.

The Investability Model is about making the entire region more competitive, which brings with it complementary gains in social, community and economic areas. 

The Road Map, which was unveiled in 2007 focuses on building key clusters to take advantage of the strengths of the North West. It is not about picking a winner or project, but about building on the strengths of the entire region to make this area more sustainable. Research has demonstrated that key clusters are particularly effective for enhancing the competitive advantage of a region.  The clusters enhance economic performance, through increases in productivity of regional organisations, driving the pace and direction of innovation, stimulation of the formation of new businesses and accompanies new knowledge and learning. 

"In the North West, we have a strong knowledge base, great agricultural products, natural climactic conditions which can support renewable energy and a great manufacturing base to supply the world with products.  Now we need to build on these to drive growth for our area," Mark Baker said.

• Key initiatives were announced at the Investability Launch include; Mark Baker’s Tasmanian North West Produce of Heaven Program for Agribusiness Development – the development of an industrial complex which will act as a business launching pad for small to medium enterprises with the support of key facilitating bodies such as the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cradle Coast Authority as well as other associations within farming, logistics and supply.  This centre will provide hands on support to connect local businesses to government and international resources.
• The Produce of Heaven Program is based on 12 months research and 6 months relationship activity. Produce Of Heaven aims to build a strong identifiable regional brand and showcase the brand as well as the food and beverage industry of the North West to mainland Australia and Asia. Please see more under “Produce of Heaven” on this website
• Renewable energy - Mark Baker represented the region as Chairman of the Back Bench Committee on Renewable Energy for both Government representatives and industry.  Braddon is moving towards a tradition of market leadership of service and maintenance within the South Pacific region. I welcome the Federal Labor Government’s support for renewable energy and their signing of the Kyoto Protocol; however I am very critical of their half baked approach by not setting targets with the signing. Such inability to do so is irresponsible to our community and industry.
• Forestry - Braddon's forestry industry drives to and has achieved best practice in forestry management and value added production. The next challenge is to continue to invest in value added forestry products such as the new $32 million veneer plant in Smithton.
• Value Added Manufacturing - the objectives of this hub will include research on the regions capabilities, profiling the area, providing individual business support and manage and support inbound market opportunities.

The Braddon Investability Program has been researched for over 12 months and Stage One of the program commenced in 2007 – with the launch of the Produce of Heaven program in Taiwan and Hong Kong and the establishment of the Manufacturing North West Campaign.

“The involvement of the people of the North West is the key to this program and our aim is to work together with the community, so that together we can reap the rewards”.

2008 will be equally exciting with on going visits by overseas companies and the establishment of the Manufacturing North West Campaign with Taiwan in March 2008.