Brief Background Information

Bill Palmer has strong links to Coffs Harbour and to the tourism industry.  Whilst I have lived in Coffs Harbour for 10 years, I have had 37 years experience in local government (the bulk of that time at executive level) and I have developed good communication techniques over that period of time.  I strongly support the consultation process and see consultation as a means of resolving issues and identifying strengths/weaknesses /opportunities/threats.

 

 

Thank you for the opportunity to place in writing our comments regarding the meeting outcomes and what our thoughts are in relation to Coffs Tourism.

 

Meeting Outcomes

It appeared that not all speakers represented particular sections of the local tourism industry however it was clear that speakers were keen to highlight past experiences and offer suggestions on means to improve tourism on the Coffs Coast.

 

Future Options

One of the comments passed at the meeting suggested that the Coffs Coast needs to draw clients during the off season.  After speaking with several members of your association, it became apparent that we already have many activities and destinations that can be accessed by clients however some of our accommodation facilities are not measuring up to standards required by our visitors.  Quality of accommodation is not an issue that can be addressed by Council, however maybe that is something that Council could “tease out” by facilitating a “Brainstorming Forum”, incorporating the Chamber of Commerce, Coffs Tourism, Southern Cross University and Council.  Transport also seems to be a serious limitation.

 

Coffs Coast and the adjacent hinterlands already have many naturally beautiful destinations and Council could value-add to those destinations by “improved” access roads and better facilities – easy access to toilets, BBQ’s and the like.  Of course Council has limited funds to spread around all community needs and there would be a need to plan required works and spread those works over an appropriate period.  Coffs Tourism should be directly involved in that planning – sustainability being the key word.

 

Another area where Council is involved is the Development Approval process.  Planning legislation limits Council’s capacity to “control” development such as “limiting the number of motels in a precinct” however the brainstorming forum may offer Coffs Tourism the opportunity to become more directly involved in the strategic planning process.  If there is a particular type of activity that could add value to local tourism, Council may consider offering incentives to encourage such proposals.  I should preface this by saying that Council meetings are a democratic process and depend on majority decisions.

 

Is there a review process used to ensure that strategic plans and financial plans are altered as the need arises and audits are carried out to ensure that client needs are being met?

 

Conclusion

Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of our region.  It is vital that all stakeholders have input to planning and decisions that may impact on the tourism industry.  A united voice can only improve a situation that is currently problematic.

 

Born and bred in Coffs Harbour, Kerry has a natural enthusiasm for the Coffs Coast area and a first hand understanding of the people who live here.

 

Married with a blended family of six children, (aging from 12-19) Kerry’s major concern is the sustainable future of the area to ensure the quality lifestyle for our future generations. She believes this is achievable by continuing and improving the vibrancy of the local tourism industry, ensuring and encouraging local business, and tempering development with common sense and a view to the future.As co-director with her husband, Chris, in Unrealestate, (winner of best new business 2007) Kerry is well-versed in the challenges associated with small business and is a member of Business Network International, NSW Business Chamber and the Coffs Harbour Business Women’s Network. Kerry also holds both teaching and psychology degrees.

 

 

 

Her interests are varied from reading, movies and music, to acting on stage at the Sawtell Public School Melodrama (where she has performed for the past ten years), supporting local sport and entertainment as well as enjoying the many local first class restaurants with family and friends.

 

Kerry is looking forward to being part of a decision-making, progressive Council which will ensure both our and our children’s future, both economically and ecologically.

 

 

Tourism in the Coffs Coast region is undoubtedly the mainstay of the regions economy. The flow on effect for the region is measurable. Positive tourism strategies not only provide for return visits but also by way of people re-locating to an area and in turn; building the population and spreading the reputation of our area even wider. This in turn, helps sustain our existing business while allowing complimentary businesses to establish themselves and grow.

 

The national tourism industry as we know; is highly competitive with operators and local governments everywhere vying for the tourist dollar. Creating effective marketing and public relations (in particular media relations) strategies and tactics to promote a region is an on-going vital component in keeping a region ‘out there’ in the public realm.

 

International and national tourists visit for many reasons - it may be one element (eg: the aesthetics of a region, a particular tourist business or icon) or a combination. Each of these elements can provide the impetus for an effective campaign either individually or collectively. The important thing is that tourism and tourist operator strategies continue to change and adapt to fit with changing cultural and social values in order to identify specific(and new) target markets.

 

While I am sure this research is already being done, I do not know what previous or current campaign strategies and tactics have been used in marketing and public relations activities (except what I read in the press) or how these have been monitored and evaluated in the past.

 

I do know that tourism promotion needs to work at three levels: the individual operator, the collective operators and together with council in achieving the overall goal of a vigorous and prosperous tourism industry in the Coffs region.

 

I have spent many years developing campaign strategies and tactics advocating for the right of animals not to be abused and exploited, the very same campaign style used by corporations, small to medium business, governments, community groups, activist groups or anyone vying for public attention. I hold a BA in public relations (specialising in media relations) and psychology studies.

 

Coffs Coast Tourism Association works very hard to keep the tourism flow visiting our region and has had many successful campaigns. It is important however, to remember that some fresh eyes and ideas viewing issues objectively can also go a long way to enhancing existing campaigns.

 

Judi Chesney-Coward

Independent Candidate

Community Independent Group

It was a pleasure and a priviledge to speak at your forum the other night, it was very professional and most informative for all concerned.

In regards to some information on how I will work with the tourism industry I am a very hands on person I will be working towards speaking with individuals within the industry finding out their concerns and sharing certain visions and ideas I have on the future of tourism in Coffs Harbour.

Change always requires decision making and I believe we need leaders who with proper consultation with industry representatives will map out the necessary, agreeable changes that will ensure more tourist taffic into the area, and more sustainable growth, throughout the whole area of Coffs Harbour.

We need to ensure that we address issues that are obviously already current within the tourism industry, such as marketing how do we encourage the business sector to share in over all marketing cost. How do we plan for future development that is susainable and that we can ensure proper infrastrucure.

Public transport is an area that I believe needs some attention along with more research into the airport and the possibility of lengthening the runway for international flights.

My aim is to provide the council with a forward thinking visionary who will work well within a team of people all going the same direction.

Unless we find ways to unify this community we will continue to allow loud minority groups and bullying politicians to forge our future I do not want to see this happen and I will fight vigorously to protect this community from such destructive influences.

Running with purpose that is what I am about 1Planning 2Unity 3Resources 4Proffessional 5Opportunity 6Sustainable 7Enterprise.

 

If you have any other queries please feel free to contact me on 0431603848 Regards Deborah Lions Coffs city Council Candidate.

John Hearne Brief – Coffs Harbour City Council Elections

 

My name is John Hearne and I am standing for Councillor in the upcoming Coffs Harbour City Elections and I would like to share a brief history of myself with Coffs Harbour residents.

My Family and I moved to Coffs Harbour in 1981. Buying into a family business – a banana plantation (Bennetts Road) and a tyre business (Nortred Tyres). My whole family reside in Coffs.

After working in our businesses, I completed an apprenticeship in carpentry. This was the start of a 20 year history in the building industry. I was fortunate enough to work on many of Coffs Harbour infrastructure projects both commercial and domestic.

My partner Brooke Dillon has lived in the Coffs Harbour region for 37 years. Between us we have four children aged between 7 and 23. Brooke’s family were a big part of the hairdressing scene, operating “Blondies”.

I enjoyed playing football for Sawtell in the 80’s (especially being part of the premiership winning reserve grade side of 1983).

I have worked as an estimator for AV Jennings, owned and operated two small businesses - a recycling business (sub-contracting to the Challenge Foundation) and a concreting business.

I enjoy working for Coramba Timbers as a sales representative, which takes me from Kempsey to Yamba, listening to the problems locals face from a council perspective.

I am a True Independent with no affiliation to any political party or group. Our city has a diverse society and as such we need council representatives who will pay attention to all our concerns.

We have many important industries in our community, including tourism, building, farming, timber, fishermen and a variety of small businesses that require strong representation. So too do our pensioners, indigenous people, our children and you. We all need to be heard and I am prepared to put my hand up and am ready to listen to you…

I currently own and operate the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, and have been actively involved in local tourism for the last 8 years. 

 

I have joined with three other members of our community to give you a team that is experienced, balanced and committed to the community.

 

The team consists of Jenny Bonfield, Ian Ovens, George Cecato and myself.

We offer

Experience in

·         Serving on local government

·         Representing this city at state and federal levels,

·         Financial management,

·         Representing the tourism industry at local and regional levels

·         Owning and operating small businesses

 

Balance in

·         Our representation of gender and ages

·         Views of working to sustainable grow our city

 

Committed to

·         Having open minds and ears 

·         Engaging the community

·         Creating a competitive regional centre 

·         Protecting the uniqueness of this fantastic city.   

 

Some of the challenges that face local council relate to managing a balanced budget,  understanding global economic and climate changes and how they impact upon our city, the provision of basic services and infrastructure while protecting the environment and open spaces as the population expands. 

 

A commitment of the team is the development of the jetty foreshore area. 

While the State government is undertaking this development, our team will ensure that the natural beauty of the foreshores is not compromised in building an economically sustainable development to further add to the appeal of Coffs Harbour as a destination.

 

I look forward to developing an approach to tourism that will assist the expansion of this industry that is so important to the city.

 

Team Bonfield brings experience, balance and commitment that will represent our industry and the community to build Coffs Harbour as a fantastic home and destination.

 

If you are interested in supporting Team Bonfield in the upcoming elections please contact Fiona Barden on 6653 4766

COFFS COAST TOURISM ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

 

Thank you for the opportunity to address you on Tuesday 26th August. Since I was first elected to Council in 1991 I still get great pleasure to reflect on decisions that I have supported that now makes Coffs Harbour the great place that it is. My support for the upgrade of the Coffs Harbour Regional Airport in 1993 now allows us to boast what I call one of, if not the best regional airport in Australia. But we need to continue it’s growth to secure more visitors numbers and to this end I continue my involvement with the airline operators for additional flights to new destinations and more direct flights to Melbourne to support our conference market. Council will soon commence a 1.5 million dollar upgrade to full baggage screening which will further enhance our airport. Our airport is something we should all be proud of.

 

My support to push for the construction of the Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium in 1992 has been kicking goals ever since it opened in June 1994. It always gives me great pride when in the off season I see the town full of mini buses transporting the sports men and women to and from their accommodation to the facility. You all know the benefits that flow from these events to the local tourism industry. In coming months we have the Police and Emergency Services Games for the first time in Coffs and that will attract some 3000 competitors. Bring them on. Sports tourism now contributes some 40 million dollars to the local economy each year. Of all the wonderful things that I have been involved in, this facility holds a special place in my heart.

 

But we must continue to work together, Council and the Association, to deliver further benefits to your industry. I offer experience and proven leadership skills as Mayor to lead a committed team of Councillors to continue to build this wonderful city. My team members standing with me offer enhanced skills. Kerry Hines has a wealth of knowledge in small business and Denise Knight has a great passion for the theatre through her involvement as a producer and director. Who can forget “Calamity Jane” which Denise produced and directed earlier this year at the Jetty Memorial Theatre. The Arts also contribute to a thriving tourism economy.

 

We seek your support on Saturday 13^th September. We simply ask that you consider supporting Group D in the election and supporting Keith Rhoades to be re-elected as our cities Mayor. All four current Councillors seeking re-election deserve your support as I believe they have delivered to you over the past four and a half years.

Local Government Elections 2008
Local Government elections are held every fourth year. The next Local Government elections will be held on 13 September 2008.

The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) is responsible for the conduct of all Local Government elections to ensure that the elections are conducted independently and impartially. An independent returning officer is appointed by the NSWEC to each Council area to conduct the election on behalf of and under the direction of the Electoral Commissioner. The Electoral Commissioner appoints the polling places for Council elections and the returning officer appoints the election officials.

Important dates for the 2008 Local Government elections:

Close of Rolls: Monday, 4 August 2008
Close of Nominations: Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Election day: Saturday, 13 September 2008
For further enquiries, call 1300 135 756

We would like to hear your thoughts on Road Signage in the Coffs Coast area, please post your comments here.

Here is a summary of the John O’Neill Report. Please view the website and post your comments: www.midnorthcoastnsw.com.au

SUMMARY

Together with operators and industry representatives on the Coffs Coast , I would like to forward a summary of how we see the O’Neill report in to tourism in NSW being effected and affecting our area both singly and as part of the mid north coast of NSW.

We feel that this report can serve well as a benchmark for industry to be involved in the development of tourism business. It enables areas an opportunity to open the door to unite, develop and take ownership of circumstances and opportunities particular to their own precincts. It appears that the report contains a wealth of usable information that can support local initiatives and form the frame work for a comprehensive ‘business plan’, drawn by local stakeholders, to drive the industry at the local level all the while feeding information back to the state bodies for the decision making processes that would remain with various levels of government. Once again the report shows relevance to a new structure that supports an increase in the dissemination of information through improved channels that serve well the ideal of improved governance and justification for increases in funding at the local level.

The report sets out the need for us as an area to develop programs of engagement on all fronts to maximize the challenge and opportunity that lies before us. We must take ownership of our tourism environment and not rely so much on those traditional ‘support’ mechanisms that have not performed to our expectations. The report clearly supports that government budgets at all levels should be expanding, and not in a state of decline if we are to move forward.

There is a real duty of industry to take responsibility for their actions, test and measure their initiatives, report the results and work hand in hand, to a deeper level, with those government and non-government agencies that to date have not been fully explored. The ‘performance based’ RTO and/or SMR may well bring an element of administrative overhead, reporting and time constraints to the fore, however the long term importance of potential results and increased funding cannot be overstated. It would be worth noting that the opportunity to become a SMR is a positive step forward for parts or the whole of our region enabling industry to have input and ownership into the strategic direction of the region. The opportunities outlined in the report enabling the LGA’s to work together to attract visitors encourages a collaborative approach that will surely benefit all in the region – operators, business and government.

The report supports a fuller and more comprehensive engagement of our natural resources and those that currently administer those resources. The North Coast is blessed with an abundance of beautiful natural icons and with due care and understanding we should seek to open up these assets for the enjoyment of all people. It is recognized that with proper initiatives, not only can these assets be better utilized, but also significant funds or revenue streams could be fed back to those groups or agencies that would otherwise lock out or limit use for core tourism providers.

We must embrace the idea that this region is not only a national visitor destination but also an international destination and that program’s and initiatives undertaken should reflect this potential. With the growth of affordable air travel and cross region collaboration on all levels, this market segment needs to be fully explored and utilized to grow visitation to the North Coast Region.

Local industry partnerships should be explored to offer market relevant training courses, seminars, group think tanks and workshops. These partnerships with clearly defined goals would be aimed at improving the skills, presentation and effectiveness of tourism operators. Programs like these, under effective management, could serve as mechanisms for building local databases that are up to date with a high degree of accuracy in determining trends and gaps in the development of tourism product, packaging and service. This is particularly important in identifying the demographic changes or shifts that are suggested in the report.

To sum up, we welcome the changes and solutions that Mr O’Neill has investigated to allow for development of strategies and campaigns to promote and further grow the business of tourism in NSW and in the north coast region. The idea that industry will take the leadership role in decision making processes and enforcing accountability will undoubtedly have a direct impact on the success of the tourism industry in the future. It is important to recognize that there is definitely a need for change to the present structures to allow the tourism industry to grow, develop and flourish in a state that holds a great deal of the wealth of tourism product. Change is necessary across the board, although it is welcome to see that this process will involve change at all levels including government, representatives and industry.