 In our view, the benefits and outcomes of the demand aggregation project cannot be over-stated.
In order to understand the benefits and outcomes of the project, it is important to understand the current environment within the proposed project area.
Significant numbers of the population live beyond existing broadband services and/or in geographically difficult areas. The 12-month project will develop a sustainable business case (and business plan) that identifies the commercial viability of establishing broadband telecommunications infrastructure and associated services in the Central Ranges Region.
The project covers the peri-urban shires of Macedon, Mitchell [fastest growing Municipality in the state] and Murrindindi in Victoria, referred to as the ‘Central Ranges’ region. Over 30 towns in the region [yet without a regional centre] support a population of approximately 80,000 people and 3000+ micro, small to medium businesses.
The major benefits of the demand aggregation project include increased competition for broadband provision, synchronization of planning between regional businesses [Tourism, Hospitality, M.I.C.E. Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions, Aquaculture, Equine, Viticulture industries] and government agencies [Local Government, Education, Community and Health Services], improved information access and increased access to online business, education and health services. The project area covers approximately 6,000 square Kilometres.
The three LGA’s represent approximately 6,000 square Kilmotres, a population of some 80,000 people, some 3000+ businesses and a rapidly growing region of the state. Mitchell Shire is in fact one of the two fastest and largest growing Municipalities in the state
The Macedon Shire's most important industry is tourism. Nationally, tourism is a $73Billion dollar industry, critically, 48 per cent of each dollar spent is in a regional area. This region is popular with both domestic and international visitors, due to its natural attractions, wineries, and its proximity and accessibility to the Melbourne metropolitan area. Other main industries include meat and meat product manufacturing, Motor vehicle and part manufacturing.
The residents of Mitchell Shire derive their employment from both Melbourne metropolitan and local sources. The local economy is rural in nature, although the presence of Puckapunyal Military Base makes for large defence-sector employment.
The main industries include Other food manufacturing, Paper and paper products manufacturing, Machinery and equipment wholesaling, Agriculture.
The Shire of Murrindindi has a primarily rural economy revolving around agriculture and timber. Agricultural production in the shire is valued at about $28 million a year. Tourism is also prominent in Murrindindi, particularly around Lake Eildon.
Of special note is the fact that ten [10] farms representing around 80 per cent of total state production are located on tributaries of the upper Goulburn River system in the Shire.
The main industries include Agriculture, Log saw milling and timber dressing, Electricity supply.
Substantial population growth is predicted in two of three Shires over the next 30 years, with rapid growth and static, ageing populations, combined with VERY high youth migration rates and lack of existing infrastructure producing unique barriers and opportunities for the health and sustainability of these communities.
- The Estimated Resident Population [ERP] for Macedon Shire is projected to grow from a 2001 figure of 37,672 to a 2031 figure of 59,273. [Approx. 60%
- The Estimated Resident Population [ERP] for Mitchell Shire is projected to grow from a 2001 figure of 28,406 to a 2031 figure of 48,835 [Approx 58%
- The Estimated Resident Population [ERP] for Murrindindi Shire is projected to grow from a 2001 figure of 13,640 to a 2031 figure of 16,653. [Approx 21%]
The 3 LGA’s covered in this submission suffer poorer outcomes on many economic or social indicators than one might first expect, given the relative proximity to the Melbourne metropolitan area to the south and larger regional centres to the north, such as Bendigo, Shepparton and Benalla/Wangaratta.
Conversely, opportunities for business growth, skilled workforce acquisition and improved investment in the region is high, if key infrastructure improvements in telecommunications and service delivery can be made.
- The demand aggregation project will provide a series of much needed shorter-term and tactically important efficiencies for businesses, communities, and government agencies.
- Most importantly though, the demand aggregation project will provide strategic economic, technological and regulatory business cases for the review, design and implementation of genuine, large scale broadband infrastructure for the region, establishing the missing piece of infrastructure planning critical to the mid-to-longer-term viability of local economies and communities in the region.
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