More than 220 people from Local Government Councils, State Governments and Regional Development Agencies across Australia applauded the finalists and the winners of the Economic Development Excellence Awards for 2007. Sixty-eight city and regional organisations from all parts of Australia entered the 2007 awards. Finalists included Gold Coast City Council’s ‘Seamless Borders’ project in the Promotions – Business Attraction category, and Baw Baw Shire’s Halal Development Project in the Innovation category.
Seamless Borders
The Gold Coast and Tweed regions are part of the popular and busy tourist trail, yet separated by that invisible line – the New South Wales/Queensland border. As well as difficulties associated with different time zones in summer, different State regulations may confuse residents and local businesses.
‘Seamless Borders’, primarily a web portal, was introduced to lessen the impact by removing duplication and reducing the burden, particularly the burden shouldered by business. The portal displays informative content on compliance, licensing and guidance tools, all packaged and available on the one handy site.
The Seamless Borders project is estimated to have saved small business $6 million in the first year. It also has other benefits. It has strengthened ties and communication between the Gold Coast and Tweed Councils, local industries associations and State Government agencies. It has also set the stage for more collaborative efforts in future, and underpins continued economic development.
Halal development project
One hundred kilometres southeast of Melbourne is the 40,000 strong rural community of Baw Baw Shire, which has become a big player in the international halal market. The activity kicked off following discussions over halal products with an overseas based airline and a local cheese company. The Shire secured funding from the Victorian Government for development of joint marketing materials. Research by Council revealed many local businesses were interested in further market investigation, which led to Baw Baw Shire exhibiting at last year’s Australia Halal Trade Show in Melbourne.
Under the name ‘Baw Baw Country Halal’, six local businesses showcased their products. Meetings with Austrade and various State and Federal Government departments have resulted in the Shire being recognised as a leader in halal market development.
Earlier this year another display was staged at the Malaysian International Halal show, featuring not just Baw Baw Shire but also other Victoria regions. Work is now in progress for businesses to attend Gulf Foods 2008 in Dubai and a Baw Baw Halal website is being created, along with a Victorian halal marketing network.
