Western Sydney Business Access August 2019 by Access News Australia (ANA)

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

BUSIN ESS | COMMUNIT Y | L IFEST Y L E AUGUST 2019 • ISSUE 100 EDITION ANNIVERSARY

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NEW DISNEY STUDIO PAG E 20

OTHE R STO RI E S I N S I DE

FIDDLER NOW AN ALL ROUND EXPERIENCE PAGE 2 RUNDOWN AIRSTRIP TURNS TOURIST HUB PAGE 5

FUTURE FOODS ROUND TABLE PAGE 23

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Mercure transforms Fiddler precinct DI BARTOK

HE Fiddler has now become an all-round experience with the addition of a four and a half star Mercure Sydney, Rouse Hill Hotel, recently opened at the iconic Fiddler Hotel in Rouse Hill. This sets the premier bar, dining and entertainment venue up to cater for locals, corporate guests and tourists - a true one-stop destination. The Mercure Sydney, Rouse Hill redefines a business or leisure stay with 78 modern air-conditioned suites sprawled over four levels (built for digital nomads and featuring flat-screen TVs, WiFi and in-room desk facilities), as well as a heated pool, fully equipped gymnasium and two function rooms onsite at the Fiddler Hotel. The stylish new hotel offers guests a full range of services and facilities in relaxed yet refined surroundings. For ease of access, the hotel is just a seven-minute stroll to the new Metro train to Chatswood, where there are rail connections to the Sydney CBD.

The iconic Fiddler Hotel and right, inside a Mercure room at the complex.

It is also an easy seven-minute stroll to the bustling Rouse Hill town centre, where there is a host of entertainment and shopping facilities. But, with the great food, entertainment and other facilities at the popular Fiddler, guests may choose to stay put. Located on the site of The Fiddler’s former northern carpark, the new hotel is just steps

away from all The Fiddler has to offer, and that is quite substantial with the popular venue encompassing nine bars and eateries including Al’s Pizzeria and new Fid & Co café with locally roasted coffee and decadent house made tarts, as well as a purpose-built conference and wedding facility. The Fiddler has been completely redefined as a sophisticated social playground since its

multi-million-dollar renovation, now offering relaxed alfresco dining and an ever-evolving seasonal menu of flavoursome modern cuisine and signature cocktails. The Fiddler and Mercure Sydney, Rouse Hill are on the corner of Commercial Rd and Windsor Rd. Telephone the Mercure Sydney, Rouse Hill on 8806 3969. Visit: www.thefiddler.com.au

WSU explores African partnerships

ESTERN Sydney University ViceChancellor, Professor Barney Glover (pictured) will meet with leading African universities on his inaugural visit to the region.

The trip will strengthen existing research relationships, establish key Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) and further the work of the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN). The two-week visit will span Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Zimbabwe, Pretoria, Nelspruit, Kampala and Uganda, and incorporate meetings with universities and government to highlight Western’s world-leading work in public health, diabetes and food security, among other opportunities. “This visit will deepen the educational and

research partnerships between universities in Africa and Australia. I anticipate an intensification and broadening of interactions between Western Sydney University and key institutions in this region in the next few years,” Professor Glover said in Nairobi. As part of the trip, Professor Glover will also meet up with Godfrey Mudhune, who is a leading epidemiologist in Laikipia, an Australia Awards Winner and Western Sydney University alumnus; and will attend a formal reception with the High Commissioner, Austrade.

Cover depicts images created at the Industrial Light and Magic facility. More than 500 local jobs will be created when Disney-owned visual eﬀects company sets up the new studio in Sydney

WSU Vice Chancellor Barney Glover.

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Commercial dominance continues

FAMILY BUSINESS: page 41.

AUGUST 2019 Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) ACCESS NEWS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 39 600 436 799 Publisher/editor: Michael Walls M: 0407 783 413. E: michael@wsba.com.au Journalists: Red Dwyer, Iliana Stillitano, Terry Collins. Photographer: Sebastian Giunta Associate Editor: Dallas Sherringham Account Managers: Julie Jackson: 0447 291 780; Graham Maughan: 0431 557 791 Contributors: David Pring, Geoff Lee MP, Binh Rey. Printer: Spotpress Design: Design2Pro, PSD Brand Design. Website: www.wsba.com.au General enquiries: info@wsba.com.au Phone: 02 4572 2336 Fax: 02 4572 2340

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WILL SOCIETY BREAK DOWN

NEW SECTION STARTS

When women earn more than men

What's happening in Blacktown

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WSU launches latest solar car

THE retail precinct in Smart Street, in the heart of the Fairfield CBD has been sold for $83.5M to Atlas Advisers and Elanor Investors Group.

ESTERN Sydney University’s Solar Car Team with support from the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics has unveiled UNLIMITED 3.0 — the most technologically advanced car the student-led team has produced to-date.The car will compete in the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a race across 3,000km of rugged outback terrain from Darwin to Adelaide in October. In 2018, the team was the first non-American team to win the American Solar Challenge, a race of 2,837km from Nebraska to Oregon. Team Manager and engineering student, Max Mammone, said the team is incredibly proud of the car they have built almost entirely on campus — from its custom carbon fibre shell through to its bespoke battery pack. “Together, the team put in over 30,000 gruelling hours to design, build and perfect the new car in time for this year’s challenge. By bringing the production in-house we have been able to push the boundaries of sustainable design even further,” said Max.

NORTH WEST Endeavour sells site

A LOCAL investor/developer has bought a a721-square-metre rectangular parcel of vacant land, at 40 Bourke Street, Richmond, adjacent to the Richmond Golf Club, from Endeavour Energy, for $261,000

MYT leases office

MYT Shutters has leased a 1182-squaremetre office and warehouse facility, at 3/5 Stanton Road, Seven Hills, for $135 a square metre gross industrial warehouse, in Charter Hall’s proposed Woodpark Industrial Estate, at 386-400 Woodpark Road, Smithfield.

US firm leases facility

AMERICAN manufacturing property, Briggs & Stratton, has signed a five-year contract on a new 14,500-square-metre facility, at the Oakdale South Industrial Estate, Moorebank.

CENTRAL WEST Head 2 Toe precinct

HEAD 2 Toe Family Health has leased a 450-square-metre office on the ground floor, at 55 Kirby Street, Rydalmere, in a small industrial precinct, from FIFE Capital, for $222 a square metre for three years.

Frank Oliveri moves

Long term tenancy

FRANK Oliveri, formerly of CBRE, has joined Colliers International as directorin-charge for Western and South Western Sydney, based between the Parramatta and Liverpool offices.

ENVIRO Windows and Glass Pty Ltd has leased 490-square-metre office and warehouse, in Seven Hills, to secure a long-term tenancy for the business.

of-the-art shopping centre features a “concept model” Woolworths supermarket, 450 parking spaces on a 7500-square-metre site. Dart West retail also operates the Narellan Shopping Centre.

Pizza Fresh sells

LOGOS builds for Toll

LOGOS Property has acquired a 2-heactare site adjacent to its Prestons Industrial Estate, Prestons, on which it is developing a 14,800-square-metre facility for Toll Group.

MERRYLANDS RSL Club a proposes a staged $292M masterplan expansion of its premises, at 10-15 Military Road and 1 Newman Road, to include 400-plus apartments ovet three high-rise towers.

Sold for $95.3M

From Istanbul to Parra

PRIVATE investor, Pizza Fresh Pty Ltd, has sold a fully fitted 89 square metres of warehouse, at 128 Station Street, Seven Hills, to Lewis. The warehouse includes preparation food rooms and a freezer

SOUTH WEST $30M retail centre

DART West Retail’s $30M Gregory state-

LISTED fund manager, Elanor Investor group has acquired the 24,7500square-metre Neeta City shopping centre for $85.3M, from Arcadia Funds Management. The centre is located on a 2.2-hectare site in the Fairfield CBD.

Multi-million expansion

MANISH Gupta, formerly Consul General of India, in Istanbul, Turkey, has been appointed as Consul General, in Sydney; he recently visited Parramatta, the home of the largest population of people of Indian descent in Australia.

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Rebirth of Mountains aviation hub RED DWYER

NVESTMENT in a small rundown airfield – two dirt strips carved out in dense bushland – aims to create an aviation hub and leverage the tourism industry’s annual $400M contribution to the Blue Mountains economy. Thousands of objections to the proposal have been made. Katoomba Airfield, a 36-hectare facility, located on 89 hectares of Crown land on Grand Canyon Road, is 4 kilometres east of Medlow Bath and 5 kilometres north of Katoomba. The airfield, established to encourage tourism, commenced operations in October 5, 1968, under successive leases; the last ended in October 2017, when the lessee, flying instructor, Rod Hay, 80, died. Following his death, in a single engine plane crash in nearby terrain, the runways fell into “dangerous disrepair” which resulted in closing the airfield to fixed-wing aircraft except in emergencies. Helicopter operations including Defence Force aircraft have continued to land and

Some 50 per cent of the airfield would be dedicated to non-aviation use, such as, bushwalking, radio club, star gazers club, and RAAF cadets’ bivouacs. FlyBlue proposes to promote the Blue Mountains as being more take-off as usual and the airstrip has than just a day-visitor destination, been used regularly by giant Skycrane by encouraging visitors to stay overhelicopters for bushfire-fighting duties. The NSW Department of Industry night and experience a heli-charter called for expressions of interest to to wineries, gardens, lunches etc lease the airfield, and subsequently nearby and in the Central West, granted a three-year licence to Derek resulting in delivering stronger ecoFloyd and Derek Larsen and the old airfiweld. Photos courtesy David Hill, and Floyd Larsen, Poll Hereford cattle Deep Hill Media. nomic and employment benefits. breeders, from the Capertee Valley, An important factor in the near Lithgow, recreational aviation and emergency services, on-going operation of the airfield is that is the install a heliport and seal the east-west runway. only aircraft landing site available between Airfield revitalised The company expects the upgrades to help Greater Sydney and Bathurst, serving as an lure more tourism and overnight stays to the important safety asset and waypoint for the FlyBlue Management Pty Ltd is in the Blue Mountains including private plane ownthousands of light aircraft traversing the World process of revitalising the airfield in a bid to Heritage National Park and the Blue Mounsecure a 50-year commercial lease as a hub for ers who would stay locally. tains annually. The airfield is regarded as an asset of strategic value for training and real-life emergencies, mass casualty events and natural disasters, Vocal local opposition from conservation and community groups exists to the granting when exiting a retirement village for greater ing the way exit entitlements are paid of a commercial license with calls for it to be peace of mind and smoother transitions. and recurrent fees for general services are added to the Greater Blue Mountains World “Reforms to the retirement village sector charged.” Heritage Area and be used only for emergenaim to better protect residents and their The government aims to introduce a 42families by providing transparency and acday limit on the length of time villages can cies. charge for general services after the deparThe airfield was used for commercial tourcountability around fees and charges,” Mr Anderson said. ture of a resident. ism operation with joy flights from 1992 until The consultation period is open until community opposition in1995. “One of the key recommendations from Fly Blue has pledged to use a “fly neighthe independent 2017 Greiner inquiry into August 16. For information visit www. fairtrading.nsw.gov.au the retirement village sector was reformbourly” scheme which reduces the impacts of noise on populated and sensitive areas.

Making retirement a fairer process

HE NSW Government is taking the next steps to deliver an election commitment to reform exit fee rules and charges for retirement village residents, their families and operators, with the release of the discussion paper for public consultation. Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said it’s important that the public and sector have clarity around allowable charges

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Plans for Penrith lifestyle village

ROPERTY firm Desane Group Holdings Ltd has lodged a Planning Proposal for a ‘Lifestyle Village’ on its 1.2ha site at 91 Thornton Drive, Penrith, bringing integrated living, working and community lifestyle opportunities, within a 15-minute walk of the Penrith CBD. The plan includes a mix of medical, preventative health and home-based employment opportunities, as well as affordable and market housing dwellings and aligns with State and Local Government strategic plans. Importantly for the Region, the project also includes the provision of sought-after viable affordable housing, with Desane’s discussions with a number of leading Community Housing Providers (CHPs) highlighting that almost 11,000 additional social and affordable dwellings are required in the Penrith LGA over the next 15 years. “Government, including local Councils, have the opportunity to work with the private market to significantly increase the supply of affordable housing,” said Desane’s Head of Property, Rick Montrone.

Artist impression of the new development.

“The ‘tenure-blind’ (meaning no explicit external] indicators of tenure type in design and layout) is a key component of affordable housing as part of this Proposal aims to deliver that to the local community.

“Desane is pleased that the Proposal will contribute to a more sustainable outcome by delivering local jobs to ensure residents are able to live and work in their community, as well as delivering social and environmental

benefits for the residents of Thornton and the wider Penrith community.” Mr Montrone said the project will deliver: • 71 knowledge based local jobs in medical, preventative health and home-based employment areas providing complementary services to the Nepean Health Precinct; • 273 new dwellings including approximately 30 ‘tenure-blind’ affordable dwellings; • Activation of the adjacent wetland park and historic Combewood House as part of the design linking to a future ‘Green Network’ of cycle and walking pathways to the Nepean River; and • Environmental performance through the introduction of sustainability measures including water sensitive urban design, increased reflectivity and green rooftop gardens aimed at mitigating Penrith’s ‘heat island’ effect. The Proposal is currently being considered by Penrith Council.

Property Council appoints regional chief

HE Property Council of Australia (PCA) has announced the appointment of Ross Grove as its Regional Director for Western Sydney. “Western Sydney is undergoing rapid transformation and we are committed to achieving outcomes for this diverse and growing region,” said PCA NSW Executive Director, Jane Fitzgerald. “Ross Grove comes to this role with an extensive portfolio of experience advocating for Western Sydney’s future, most recently

serving as senior policy advisor with City of Parramatta Council and a Councillor withy Cumberland Council. “He has spent the last decade working with stakeholders across all levels of government and we are pleased to have him join our team. Western Sydney is home to 2.5million people and this figure is likely to grow to over 3.7 million over the next 20 years. The Property Council is committed to ensuring Western Sydney has the right mix of

infrastructure, housing and jobs to meet the lifestyle aspirations of this rapidly growing population. The Property Council industry generates more than $14.2B in economic activity across Western Sydney – it accounts for more than one in 10 every jobs generated locally. “The appointment of a Western Sydney Regional Director will expand our capacity to present the views of our members as the region prepares for an exciting future.”

Ross Grove.

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Nation’s top online shopping areas RED DWYER

IVEROPOOL, Campbelltown and Rouse Hill are among the top 12 online shopping suburbs by volume in Australia, with growth above the national average of 20.2 per cent Australia Post’s ecommerce document, “Inside Australian Online Shopping Industry Report”, includes these locations in its in-depth study into consumer online buying behaviour and trends. Liverpool, ranked fourth, recorded a growth of 22.4 per cent, Campbelltown, eighth, 20.5 per cent and Rouse Hill, eleventh, 28.5 per cent. The top twelve buying locations were dominated by suburbs that have seen an influx of young families, particularly through residential developments in new growth corridors, the report said. “Australia is embracing ecommerce at an accelerated rate, with online goods spend reaching 10 per cent of total retail at the end of

2018, two years ahead of our prediction,” said Australia Post’s Ben Franzi. GM, parcel and express services/intermediaries. As more retailers provide faster service, shopper expectations for time and day-specific delivery will become the norm. Being caught unawares and customers, particularly millennials, requiring faster delivery services Australia Post proposes to spend $900M over the next three years building infrastructure and automating its sorting centres to cope

Last mile

“With almost three quarters of all Australian households now shopping online we expect that around 12 per cent of all consumer spending will be conducted online by 2021,” said Australia Post’s CEO and MD, Christine Holgate. In a wider context, “last-mile” logistics – delivering goods to consumers as fast as possible – is placing increasing demands on supply chains shaping future design, development and locations of industrial

Christine Miller, head of supply chain, Pacific, CBRE.

Parramatta to airport in just 40 minutes

HE NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest for the Sydney Gateway project. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Sydney Gateway, the next piece of city-shaping infrastructure, would make access to Sydney Airport and Port Botany quicker and easier– together with WestConnex, saving up to 40 minutes from Parramatta to the airport. “The delivery of the toll-free Sydney Gateway will be a massive improvement to

the way motorists travel to Sydney Airport, and take around10,000 heavy vehicles off local streets in Mascot every day as they travel to Port Botany,” Ms Berejiklian said. Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said Sydney Gateway would provide a new alternative route to the domestic and international airport terminals from the Sydney motorway network at St Peters interchange. Mr Constance said the successful private sector bidder chosen through the expressions

of interest process would construct Sydney Gateway, but it would be toll-free. Sydney Gateway will save up to 40 minutes on a trip from Parramatta to the domestic terminal, 30 minutes from Haberfield, 22 minutes from Bankstown or Campbelltown, and 19 minutes from Rozelle. It will save up to 36 minutes on a trip from Eastern Creek to Port Botany,30 minutes from Silverwater, and 20 minutes from Moorebank or Wetherill Park.

and logistics facilities, according to Christine Miller, head of supply chain, Pacific, CBRE. Ms Miller said, with two million people living within a 30-mikute radius of Sydney’s central west (focussed on Parramatta), this region was positioned to become NSW’s lastmile logistics epicentre. The development of industrial estates in this region totalling 120,000 square metres over the next18 months include projects in Rydalmere, South Granville and Villawood, adding to more recent brownfield developments in Chullora and Enfield, Ms Miller said. Vertical warehouses may soon be on the horizon, with space limitations and rising land values in inner Sydney. Multi-storey warehouses are the talk of town in the industrial property sector, with Sydney land values continuing double-digit growth, according to Colliers International’s latest data, Commercial Real Estate reported.

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Westmead is Australia’s Silicon Valley DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ESTMEAD Hospital and the University of Sydney have taken a significant first step in the journey to establishing Western Sydney as Australia’s Silicon Valley of Medical Research and Development. The University recently joined partners Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a “topping out” ceremony to celebrate a construction milestone for the new Central Acute Services Building. University Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence joined NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard to celebrate the landmark building reaching its topmost level of construction. Mr Hazzard explained the significance of the project to the west’s rapidly escalating

Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the topping out ceremony and right, an artrit's impression of the concept.

reputation for tertiary education and medical training. “These days you just don’t build hospitals, you build entire health and education precincts,” Mr Hazzard said. Dr Spence told the gathering that the new Central Acute Services Building formed part of a much larger plan by the University of Sydney to cement Western Sydney’s reputation as a world-class education precinct, with co-

located health facilities and ground-breaking medical research.

Key milestone

“We’re thrilled that we’ve reached this milestone and that the first phase of our commitment to invest $500M in the future of Western Sydney is well and truly underway,” he said. “Late last year the NSW Government an-

Uber taps into public transport network

BER is integrating public transport information into its app in an exciting collaboration between the ride sharing company and Transport for NSW. Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constances aid the app’s new function will encourage more people out of their cars and on to the public transport network by connecting customers with the latest bus, train, Metro and ferry options all on the one integrated platform. “We welcome the decision by Uber to choose Sydney as the first city in the

Southern Hemisphereto benefit from up to date public transport information within its ridesharing app,”Mr Constance said. “When customers enter their destination in the Uber app they’ll see public transport as an option. Nearby transport hubs, timetable and pricing information will be displayed on the screen of their smart phone, making them even more aware of alternative options to using a car.” The app provides real time departure and arrival times and customers can also receive walking directions to and from the

public transport stop to their destination. Head of Cities for Uber Australia & New Zealand Kate Stannett said Sydney is the fourth city in the world to have Uber’s new in-app transport upgrade following Denver, Boston and London. “Uber is looking beyond ridesharing to becoming a true transport platform. We want to help people replace their private car with their phone. To do this people need an alternative that is faster, easier and cheaper than owning your own car,” she said.

nounced that we had been selected to develop a new campus in Sydney’s expanding west and our Parramatta-Westmead Campus proposal is currently being developed. “This once-in-a-century investment in Western Sydney confirms we are a university that is for all of Sydney. By 2050, we hope to host 25,000 students here, generating 20,000 jobs and adding $13B to the NSW economy. “We are committed to improving the lives of the people of Western Sydney and beyond with our investment in globally innovative infrastructure and facilities, research, education and training.” The University’s Parramatta-Westmead Campus proposal builds on its 80-year history in Western Sydney and complements its longstanding leadership in the Westmead Health and Education Precinct, which contains the largest concentration of health services in Australia. Around 160 staff, 1100 affiliates and 2200 students currently work or study at Westmead. Once complete, the 14-floor Central Acute Services Building will link Westmead’s adult and children hospitals with research and teaching and is designed to enhance the health outcomes of people with critical and complex conditions with a range of facilities including state-of-the-art operating suites and dedicated carer zones. The University will occupy 1.5 floors which will include unique spaces for formal and informal teaching and workplaces for staff and higher-degree research students across multiple disciplines. By 2050, four million people are expected to call Western Sydney home, with Parramatta now the third largest economy by GDP in Australia, behind only Sydney CBD and Melbourne.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

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Parramatta continues commercial dominance

ARRAMATTA continues to be one of Australia’s strongest emerging commercial office markets, according to the Property Council of Australia’s Office Market Report released today. The office vacancy rate in Parramatta stands at 2.7percent, down 0.3 percent from the last report published in January. Parramatta’s performance is ahead of the Sydney CBD at 3.7percent, followed by Macquarie Park, Chatswood, Crows Nest/St Leonards and North Sydney. By the end of 2020, it is anticipated more than 136,000sqm of newly constructed office space will come online, with a substantial component of this space already underlease. “Parramatta continues its upward trajectory and the market is forging ahead with construction of new office accommodation,” the Property Council of Australia’s Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said. “It is particularly pleasing to see the construction of office space with large

confidence to make large-scale investment decisions. “Staying the course on infrastructure and providing certainty around planning decisions is essential to cementing Parramatta’s status as one of the most attractive destinations for jobs and investment.”

AT A GLANCE

Parramatta CBD with some emerging projects highlighted.

floorplates-this is the most attractive type of office accommodation for some of our largest corporate players and is evidence of Parramatta’s growing appeal. “Parramatta’s ongoing performance can be attributed to a shared vision for the city’s future. The broad and bipartisan consensus in Parramatta provides businesses with the

• Total vacancy in the Parramatta office market decreased over the six months to July 2019. • The decrease was due to positive demand. • Except for C Grade, all other grades recorded vacancy below 5 percent. • There is significant space in the pipeline.

VACANCY ANALYSIS

• Vacancy decreased from 3.0 percent to 2.7 percent. • This was due to 2,094sqm of net absorption.

BY GRADE

• A Grade–vacancy decreased from 0.8 to 0.6 percent due to 853sqm of net absorption. • B Grade–vacancy decreased from 4.1 percent to 3.2 percent due to 2,019sqm of net Absorption. • C Grade–vacancy increased from 6.8 percent to 7.9 percent due to1,067sqm of net absorption. • D Grade–vacancy decreased from 4.4 percent to 4.0 percent due to 289sqm of net absorption

FUTURE SUIPPLY

• 64,000sqm of space is due to be delivered over the remainder of 2019. • 72,400sqm of space is due to come online in 2020. • 98,922sqm is in the pipeline for 2021 onwards. • 121,000sqm of stock is mooted.

Coles plans automated centre RED DWYER

UPERMARKET giant Coles plans to open an automated ambient distribution centre at Kemps Creek within six years as part of its $950M supply chain modernisation project The new centre will replace distribution centres at Smeaton Grange and Eastern Creek. The centre will be a joint venture of Goodman and Brickworks Limited for a term of 20 years. The company has signed contracts

with Witron Australia , a subsidiary of a German-based company, a leader in building automated distribution facilities, to develop the Kemps Creek centre, and a similar one at Redbank, in south west Brisbane. “With the signing of these important contracts, Coles is one step closer to implementing a key element of its supply chain modernisation strategy,” Coles, CEO, Steven Cain said. “This will provide a safer working environment for our team members, lower supply chain costs, enhance our overall

business competitiveness and make life easier for our customers by having the right offer in the right location. ”As competition heats up in the $500B food and grocery market, Coles has entered into a partnership with British online supermarket Ocado to build an automated warehouse for its homedelivery business to start operating in 2023. In a cost-cutting move Coles has restructured its head office in Melbourne which will see 450 positions made redundant

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Deals done at Ingleburn logistics park RED DWYER

WESTERN Australian construction company and a German refrigeration and air conditioning manufacturer have struck deals with Stockland’s Ingleburn Logistics Park. BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd, is a Perth-based group of companies with interests including manufacturing building products, mining and civil contracting, heavy road haulage and property ownership and management. The family-owned group is relocating operations to a 10,400-square-metre warehouse facility in stage two of the logistics park. The facility will house the BGC Fibre Cement and Plasterboard business. The Australian arm of Bitzer, the German refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturer, has leased 5100 square metres at the same facility.

Stockland reaffirmed its commitment to south west Sydney with the $150M redevelopment of the 28-hectare Ingleburn Logistics

Park in February 2018. At the time Stockland managed a logistics and business parks business valued at $2.3

billion making up one quarter of its commercial property portfolio and 15 per cent of the company portfolio. The company recently boosted its logistics portfolio with the purchase of a 13-hectare site at Gregory Hills for $47.13M. Construction is expected to start in 2020, subject to obtaining the necessary development approvals. “The acquisition of this south-western Sydney site allows us to tap into this burgeoning local market and also benefit from the shortage of serviced land available to smaller and medium-sized businesses looking to grow,” said Tony D’Addona, Stockland GM for workplace and logistics Stockland, which has been divesting itself of retail and residential assets, has a focus on logistics opportunities to capitalise on the growing demand created by e-commerce and faster “last-mile” deliveries demanded by customers.

PMG wins coveted welding contract

RECISION Metal Group (PMG) is leading the Australian welding industry, recently winning a coveted contract with German technology group Rheinmetall Defence. In an Australian-first, PMG will undertake welding on components for armoured defence vehicles for the government of the Commonwealth of Australia. CEO Jason Elias said his company has successfully started the first parts for the Defence supply components to the Land 400 phase 2 project. “It has been a rigorous two-year journey to achieve the necessary accreditation

to apply for this project,” Mr Elias said. “However, the hard work has paid off, and now PMG is the only company in the country, and most probably in the southern hemisphere, to hold both international certification for ISO3834-2 and the Germany Military certification of DIN2303 Q2 BK1.” Together, these two certifications have placed PMG at the forefront of welding in Australia and can now support Rheinmetall with its Australian supply chain. “Gaining the certification was difficult, and without the whole team – and

other key players - working together on the common goal it could not have been achievable,” he said. “There wasn’t one superstar who carried the bulk of the work, but many passionate team players who stepped up to ensure our success.” As well as gaining the necessary certifications, Mr Elias said developing the plans and strategies to include the current and new workforce was the hardest challenge to overcome. “Our vision is to undertake long-term projects and through that increase our facilities and workforce,” he said.

PMG CEO Jason Elias.

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Parramatta Light Rail

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Top tips for Parramatta small business

OCAL tenants, landlords, commercial real estate agents, legal practitioners and business representatives gathered in Parramatta last month at two retail and commercial leasing workshops designed to help small businesses tackle common questions and challenges. The free workshops, an initiative of Transport for NSW in association with the NSW Small Business Commission and business support advisory group Realise Business, are designed to support local businesses ahead of construction of the Parramatta Light Rail, due to begin in 2020. Michael Miller of the NSW Small Business Commission presented on a range of issues including insights and practical tips for dealing with disputes, the most common and complex types of disputes, and the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. “It was great to be able to speak directly to, and hear concerns from, tenants, landlords and agents around light rail construction,” Mr Miller said. “Often there is a level of uncertainty. When you start to see the bigger picture, decision-making is better. I want to show attendees what’s possible.”

Negotiating peace of mind

Katherine Blizard, who owned the awardwinning Ampersand café and bookstore in Paddington for seven years before becoming an advisor with Realise Business, has some wise words for business owners and operators when it comes to negotiating leases. “Before signing a lease, do your due diligence in terms of projected foot traffic,” she says. “Negotiate a rent-free period and do not accept excessive rent increases within the contract. Work on your relationship with your landlord - invest in that relationship early.” If you’re unsure about whether there is flexibility in your current lease, Realise Business advisors can help you review the contract and analyse your numbers. Katherine recently worked with popular Malaysian restaurant Ya-Malaysia, on Parramatta’s busy ‘Eat Street’ to negotiate its rental agreement. The result was a smooth and professional leasing negotiation that worked for all parties. WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

DID YOU KNOW?

Transport for NSW has a number of initiatives in place to help support and manage local businesses before and during construction of the Parramatta Light Rail. Dedicated place managers work directly with business owners to provide information and updates on the project, answer questions and ensure issues are identified early and solutions developed. Realise Business has been appointed by Transport for NSW to deliver free support services to businesses affected by Parramatta Light Rail. Businesses are offered advice and expertise to help maximise their potential and navigate the challenges of a changing environment, including advice on how to: • grow their brand awareness • adapt a business to reach new customers • get a business online • develop an engaging social media presence • create compelling marketing campaigns • build marketing capability. The Parramatta Light Rail ‘Activate Parramatta’ campaign, produced by Transport for NSW to promote local businesses on Bankwest Stadium game days, has seen the website www.activateparramatta.com.au viewed more than 7000 times as people access special deals and discounts. Parramatta Light Rail will provide a boost to businesses, with around 28,000 people expected to get on and off light rail services everyday by 2026, with busy stops located in and around the Parramatta CBD on Eat Street and Parramatta Square. The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to open for services in 2023. For more information, visit www. parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/businesses

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Will society break down when women earn more than men? Relationships may be even happier when females pull in the big bucks

OR just about as long as women have been stepping into the main breadwinner role in households there have been concerns about the possible dire effects on relationships. Women wearing the pants while men take a back seat as earners has often been seen as risky: disrupting partnerships, increasing divorce rates and even fraying the social fabric. New research, however, reveals primary breadwinner norms are transforming as more roles reverse, and relationships can even be happier as a result, according to economist Gigi Foster, a professor at UNSW Business School. In the study, Does female breadwinning make partnerships less healthy or less stable?, Foster and Leslie Stratton, of Virginia Commonwealth University, examine the effect of women’s primary breadwinning on the health of a marriage or de facto relationship. Their point of departure was a famous paper published in the US in 2015 by Bertrand, Kamenica and Pan (BKP) which found a negative association between women earning more than their husbands and marital stability and satisfaction. “They found that when women earned more than their husbands in mixed-gender married partnerships in the US, marital satisfaction was lower and the risk of divorce was higher,” Foster says.

“But they were using data from a generation or two ago, only from the US, with no separate examination of cohabiting couples, and they also didn’t have any data on the mechanisms that might be behind this link. “There was just a conjecture that the higher risk of divorce and dissatisfaction was due to stress within the partnership caused by the violation of a male-breadwinner norm,” she adds. “Leslie and I were interested in two things. First, we didn’t believe this result would hold in more modern data, and we hoped it wouldn’t – both of us being women who out-earn our husbands. But secondly, we wanted to see if the mechanism that was being suggested here was likely to be the true mechanism.”

Market dynamics

As it turned out, the pattern found in BKP did not emerge in the new research. “Our headline finding is that, in general, this positive relationship between female breadwinning and marital dissolution no longer exists,” she says. Because the study also examines whether there is lower satisfaction or higher stress in the

partnership when women out-earn their men, it was important to have multi-dimensional measures of marital quality and satisfaction. Along with finding data that was up-todate, they also needed it to have a longitudinal element in order to track separations, and to examine both married and de facto couples in multiple countries. The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey is perfect for this kind of analysis and includes a suite of measures related to relationship quality and satisfaction. The authors paired the HILDA data with a recent longitudinal data

set from the NLSY97 project in the US, and applied the same analysis to the data from each country. Foster and Stratton found not only a lack of overall association between female breadwinning and measures of relationship quality and satisfaction, but even some scattered evidence that Australian men are happier with partners who out-earn them. There were some exceptions. For a particular cohort – in particular, younger and cohabiting partnerships – there is some Continued on page 15

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It’s not hopeless for men who don’t pull in a high wage, but it does mean they need to offer something else in order to remain competitive” - GIGI FOSTER

Continued from page 14

evidence of a higher risk of dissatisfaction (particularly on the woman’s side) and/or relationship dissolution when the woman earns more than the man. But this may be due to market dynamics rather than discomfort with female breadwinners. “What we put that down to is that in any society where there is an average gap in wages such that men out-earn women, people will naturally be looking to that gap as a benchmark (whether consciously or unconsciously),” Foster says. “If they are shopping around for partners and they haven’t yet invested heavily in a particular partnership, and they notice this guy is not earning as much as them, they may think at some level, ‘maybe I can do better’.”

Relationship investment

According to Foster, this is a marketbased mechanism that is not about disliking the situation of out-earning your male partner in an abstract sense, but more about a feeling that in the current market, they could shop around and improve their situation. It’s a market-matching phenomenon you would expect to see in any market – but you don’t see it with older partnerships or ones with kids, perhaps because there has been more investment in those relationships.

In Australia, the other group showing evidence of lower relationship satisfaction when women out-earn their partners was cohabiting partnerships in which the man had a low level of education. That may have something to do with social norms taking a longer time to shift in these partnerships, says Foster. It’s also important to note that there could be a range of reasons why some men are happier with a higher-earning partner that are not just about income. There are so many different ways in which partners compensate for one another’s weaknesses and strengths. “I think part of what is going on is that those partnerships in which she does out-earn him have other ways in which he gives back more – and they have a happier partnership because they have worked it out. “As in many economic studies, we are just looking at one measure of ‘equality’ and balance in a relationship, but there are many other important dimensions behind the scenes.”

Different roles

The shift in norms reflected in the research doesn’t spell future relationship disaster for low-earning men either. Younger women trading up is a market dynamic, but it doesn’t mean you can’t win as a lower-earning guy, Foster says.

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Power shift: women stepping into the bread winning role.

“They just have to offer other things. Again, we are looking at one measure here and there are crucial aspects of a partnership that we can’t see in our data, like the amount of social and emotional support you provide, and how good a lover you are, and all the other things that go into making a good partner. “So it’s not hopeless for men who don’t pull in a high wage, but it does mean they need to offer something else in order to remain competitive.” The fact that young women may see partnering in the modern era as a transactional thing may seem unromantic, but Foster believes it is fundamentally positive because it indicates that women are in control of their choices, have access to more partners, and are not just going to comply with others’ expectations. Women are essentially looking at relationships and partnering as economic decisions for themselves. “That’s what we want market participants to do because that’s what drives efficient

markets – in this case, better partner matches. Better matches are unlikely to lead to more divorces; quite the opposite. “Relationships appear to be adjusting to the idea that different roles can be played by different genders, and that those roles are more fluid.” That’s a healthy outcome, she adds, because more efficiency can be achieved when people who are better at earning money – no matter their gender – can sort into jobs that let them earn it without worrying they are violating a norm and in consequence could be stressed or stress their partner. As the paper concludes, the evidence suggests that norms around who plays the breadwinner role have shifted over time, with implications for both men and women. And despite concerns about the impact on relationship dynamics, the outcomes, in many ways, are win/win. This article was first published at www.businessthink.unsw. edu.au, the online resource for UNSW Business School.

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IT in your construction business

Importantly, they allow communication both inside and outside an organisation. External stakeholders such as material suppliers and clients can be added to a communication channel as needed. With a team communication tool, a message can be sent immediately to a team member that’s on site for instant response.

DARRYL MCALLISTER

OR a sector that relies on documentation, registration and communication, the construction industry has been surprisingly slow to adopt IT and digitisation. After all, taking a project to completion involves working with many stakeholders, including architects, construction managers, builders, government bureaucrats and subcontractors. Large amounts of building materials, permits and regulatory inspections need to be organised on an ongoing basis. Each of these needs to be noted and approved by the project manager. But there are changes underway that make life easier. The process began when mobile phones became commonplace in the late 1990s. Suddenly, it became important on site to be tech-savvy – at least to the extent that you could receive and send a text! When tablets took over from phones, the level of expertise stepped up a notch. It was a natural fit: project managers are either scouting a site, onsite during the construction phase or going between meetings with clients and subcontractors. With the move to digital, there was no longer a need to cart reams of agreements and approvals back and forth. Smartphones and tablets made communicating plans and taking measurements much more efficient. Fast forward to today and efficiency in IT is front of mind for project managers. The forecast for Australia is that software will help the construction industry save $25B over the next decade. The savings in better resource management will redirect to other parts of the industry, adding value to the sector overall. IT solutions now include strategy roadmaps, budget planning, infrastructure audits, plus day-to-day services and support. Once a system is established, the digital exchange of information proceeds smoothly, leaving project managers to concentrate on making the important decisions that affect the build. Here are some of the ways in which construction companies can use IT to improve communication and operations - in turn boosting the bottom line.

Visual project management applications

Building information modelling software (BIM)

Building information modelling (BIM) is the digitisation of the built environment. Software from industry leaders like Autodesk shows 3D models of a proposed structure for a virtual walk-through. From this model, plans can be made and the effect of changes to materials, spec and design observed. These plans or modifications can be onsite and in the hands of construction managers and crew as soon as they are introduced into the model. Everyone from architect to client, concrete layer to site manager is looking at the same blueprint. According to the 2017 Digital Foundations report, just 45% of Australian construction professionals had an advanced or expert understanding of BIM. Yet research into BIM use in construction found: 84% of BIM users say it eliminates unnecessary rework. 69% of BIM users say it reduces costs and materials waste. 60% of BIM users say it brings in the material supply chain earlier and mitigates risk. 82% of companies using BIM say they’ve achieved a positive ROI.

Team communication and collaboration tools

There are limitations to phone calls on a busy site. The solution is team messaging, which has been growing over the last several years. Tools like Microsoft Teams allow instant communication and are designed to work across all devices.

There are multiple moving parts in the construction field and people managing those parts have to know what their responsibility is, deadlines for their areas of a project, and where dependent tasks are in relation to theirs. Seventy-seven per cent of high-performing projects use project management software. Companies investing in good project management practices reduce wasted money by 28 times.

Digital estimating software

If you’re still using spreadsheets to calculate coverage areas or materials costs, software that is designed for estimating construction projects can streamline the process, reducing errors and saving you time and money. Today’s estimating software is specific to the type of project being handled and includes templates for different processes like estimating and bidding for a motorway project or bidding on a building renovation. This detail allows more accurate estimations that ensure you’re not bidding higher or lower than needed.

Cloud document management

Have you ever had to try to reduce a file size to get it to email to a client? Had issues with different file versions? Cloud document services like Microsoft SharePoint make it easy to maintain a central file storage that’s secure and easily searchable. You can create quick sharing links that can be emailed or messaged, without the headache of trying to transmit a large file. Darryl MCALLISTER is managing director at Netcare. NetCare creates construction industry focused IT development plans. If you would like to discuss your current IT strategy and its future, contact us on (02) 9114 9920 or visit www.netcare.net.au

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We are training for tomorrow’s jobs

“

GEOFF LEE

HIS is my first column as a Minister in the NSW Government. It’s an honour and a privilege to have been appointed Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education by our Premier Gladys Berejiklian. I haven’t always been a politician; I did have a life before politics firstly in business and then in education as a TAFE NSW teacher and a university academic. I now sit in the government’s education cluster and my portfolio oversees the vocational education and training sector (including TAFE NSW) and universities. As we know, the world is changing and so is the nature of work and education. Attending high school in Sydney in the 1980s, most of my friends didn’t go to university, most of them became apprentices. Some 20 years ago, approximately 70 percent of students in Australia left school before Year 12; last year, this figure was only around 15 percent. Today, there are four times as many people attending university.

Developed nations

Australia faces similar issues to those in other developed nations. The notion of a job for life is gone. Critical skills shortages can be seen in most industries. I have heard first-hand from some employers that they rely on skilled migrant visas to get qualified mechanics. Low-skilled jobs have experienced slower growth at 8 percent compared to higher skilled jobs at 11 percent. We have also heard that 14 percent of jobs are at high risk of automation and 32 percent are at risk of significant change. The rise of the gig economy creates challenges in the way people engage with work as a new generation of on-demand, independent contractors.

Australia faces similar issues to those in other developed nations. The notion of a job for life is gone.” – Geoff Lee.

Geoff Lee addresses business people at UNSW.

Clearly not everyone should feel pressured to go to university, and there are other pathways towards a good job and a meaningful, rewarding career. As a nation, we need to have a world-class skilled workforce, and VET is an integral part of developing that work force. There lies the challenge for government, educators and industry. We need to change the way that students make informed decisions about the choice they make while still at school. We need to design a system that allows students to choose VET as an equal and alternate pathway to a great job and rewarding career. There is no one silver bullet to solve these

challenges, we must do many things simultaneously. We know the current bias of expectations that school leavers will go to university. We must change this bias. We must allow students to make informed decisions. We must make it easier for students to choose a VET option for a pathway towards a rewarding and meaningful career. We must remove the various barriers–whether they be social, financial or a lack of proper information–that potentially hinder students from entering vocational education. The whole VET sector, including TAFE NSW, has a role to play in this process. We must reimagine the role and responsibilities of industry in skills training and as Minister, I

will do my best to meet the challenges of developing our world-class trained work force. Our current system is less than perfect for the 50 percent of students that don’t go to university. Our preoccupation with achieving the highest ATAR is driving perverse outcomes for students; students are studying for a test. I believe there are other proxy measures we could use to determine the aptitude of school leavers to enter university so as not to limit student subject choice. I am aware of the pedagogical challenge of testing and comparing theoretical knowledge versus skills competencies, but we can do better. We need to allow school students to find out what inspires them rather than simply learning for a test. Geoff Lee MP is State Member for Parramatta and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education.

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Example of the work created by Industrial Light and Magic.

Star Wars creator George Lucas.

West’s role in Disney studio DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ESTERN Sydney will play a key role in Sydney’s rise to world-wide prominence as a major producer of Disney backed movies following the announcement of a major new film studio for Moore Park. Thousands of university trained students from the west will apply for jobs at new Industrial Light and Magic facility at the Fox Studios complex at the Old Sydney Showground, also owned by Disney. More than 500 local jobs will be created when Disney-owned visual effects company sets up the new studio in Sydney, establishing NSW as a global destination for Post, Digital and Visual effects (PDV). Added to this is the indication that ILM will eventually build a brand new studio complex somewhere in Greater Sydney area and the west, with the Aerotropolis and Airport coming on line and plenty of land available, is an obvious location they will consider. The west’s attraction includes they key fact that there is a vast pool of trained special effects producers, actors, production crew, sound and lighting engineers and movie makers in the region, creating a perfect talent pool for ILM. The ILM portfolio includes TV shows and traditional on location films. Western Sydney University has been training students from the west for degrees in screen arts and production, creative arts and communications, all providing excellent opportunities for graduates.

Acclaimed films

The University has a partnership with Tropfest, the internationally acclaimed Western Sydney based film festival and has provided an excellent opportunity for students to present their short films. Many more students make the daily trek to the Sydney University of Technology in Ultimo which has produced many acclaimed film producers including Glenn Stewart of Lidcombe who works with Rotor Films. Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Executive Creative Director and Head of ILM Rob

Bredow and ILM Executive Luke Hetherington at Fox Studios to announce the project. Ms Berejiklian said ILM’s decision to choose NSW as its Australian base was a big win for the State. “ILM is responsible for the visual effects of more than 350 feature films, including ‘Star Wars’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘The Avengers’,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Having the world’s leading visual effects company now agreeing to set up here permanently and commit to teaching invaluable skills to hundreds of people in NSW is a big coup for our State. This is only the third studio ILM has opened outside of North America.” Job applications are already open for Sydney staff to complete post, digital and visual effects for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”.

“

The digital skills taught by the best in the world will also benefit many other industries in NSW, including software development, robotics, engineering and defence.” - Premier Gladys Berejiklian. The online job application site offers a “Position at Industrial Light & Magic” and says: “As we grow ILM Sydney, we are seeking a variety of talent to join the team and be a part of this exciting opportunity. If you are a CG Artist or VFX Professional who would be interested in joining ILM Sydney in the future, please submit Cover Letters, CVs, and reels for consideration.”

Mr Bredow said Sydney was an ideal location for ILM’s fifth studio. “There is abundant artistic and technical talent in the region which are both keys to ILM’s culture of innovation. It’s particularly exciting that the first film our new studio will contribute to will be Star Wars,” Mr Bredow said.

New incentive

The announcement follows the NSW Government’s recent move to offer a 10% tax incentive for PDV firms investing more than $500,000 in NSW. This is on top of Federal incentives, making NSW an even more attractive location for film production. The new incentive brings NSW in line with global locations such as the US, UK and Canada, in addition to competing States. The NSW Government will also provide a $6M contribution which will be matched by ILM to establish training programs to build specialised PDV skills for local workers. Minister for Jobs and Investment Stuart Ayres said PDV was a $15B global industry and one that offers highly skilled jobs for NSW. “We have a shortage of skilled PDV workers in NSW and today’s announcement will help us attract crew who have relocated, as well as drive new teams that will go through ILM’s exciting JEDI Academy program amongst other learning opportunities,” Mr Ayres said. ILM’s setup in Sydney will deliver an estimated $333M in post-production business in the first five years and an expected $100M each year after. The tax subsidy was introduced by the Berejiklian government as a last minute push to cement ILM’s move and can be accessed by filmmakers who commit to spending $500,000 or more on PDV in NSW. It matches incentives offered in South Australia and Queensland.

Star Wars

ILM was founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas in 1975 and has gone on to become the world’s most celebrated visual effects company. As well as the “Star Wars”, “”Star Trek” and “Marvel” series, ILM has worked

Rogery Guyett on the set of The Force Awakens.

on dozens of big budget movies including “Raiders of the Lost Ark”,”ET”,” Back to the Future”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, “Total Recall”, “Ghost”, “Terminator 2”, “Schindler’s List”, “Jumanji”, “Titanic” and “Jurassic World”. “Already nearly 60% of the country’s screen practitioners and more than half of the country’s production and post-production businesses call NSW home. We’re committed to keeping up our competitive edge to secure major investment that will continue to drive the creation of these highly-technical jobs across our local creative industries,” Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said. ILM was acquired by Disney in 2012 as part of the purchase of Lucasfilm The NSW PDV rebate, initiated by Mr Ayres, was the clincher for ILM’s choice of the Fox Studios. Aussie Luke Hetherington, the executive in charge of ILM’s Singapore studio, will be responsible for the Sydney facility, which is expected to have 50-100 employees by year’s end, and continue to expand in 2020. Mr Hetherington, who will split his time between Sydney and Singapore, spent 17 years at Sydney studio Animal Logic, where he served as head of film VFX, executive producer, head of production and head of CG. ILM has won 15 Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and received 31 Academy Awards for Scientific and Technical Achievement.

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AUGUST 2019 SPONSORED BY LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL

Wendy Waller Liverpool Mayor

Mark Roberts UOW

Don McNeill WSU

Session Chair, Dr Jim Taggart.

Christina Kelman Family Business

David Eyre Future Food Systems

Kiersten Fishburn Liverpool City Council

James Fisher NSW Government

Tony Perich Perich Group

Georgie Aley KPMG

Ian Gibson UNSW

Bruce Macnee Liverpool City Council

FUTURE FOODS

All images by Sebastian Giunta Transcription services by Ausflare

8-page lift out section

New Era in Food Systems

The Access News Australia Regional Roundtable is an invitation-only forum of influential people that have an interest in developing business excellence, exchanging ideas and networking. The ANARR meets in a private board room setting. Following is an edited transcript of the recent Round Table session which was held at the The William Inglis Hotel at Warwick Farm. WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

LIVERPOOL FUTURE FOODS

Transforming food production

im Taggart: Ladies and gentlemen, a very warm welcome to every one of you. On behalf of our Mayor and Liverpool City Council, a most warm welcome. I’m very excited about today and I think it is really timely that you brought together a group of very talented people to share with you, Council and your vision in an area that will grow and become more demanding over the next few years, no question about that. Before we start, I would ask our Mayor, please, for the acknowledgement of country, please. Mayor Wendy Waller: Thank you. I’d like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to Elders past and present. Thank you. Jim Taggart: Thank you Madam Mayor. My name is Jim Taggart and I’m delighted to act as the chairperson in terms of this wonderful event today. We’ll start with introductions please. Christina, please? Christina Kelman: Hi. My name is Christina Kelman. My family and I have been farming locally all my life. we farm in Kemps Creek and out at Wallacia on the Nepean River. We’re focussed in organic horticulture, protected cropping and so on. Jim Taggart: Thank you, Christina. James? James Fisher: I’m James Fisher. I work for the NSW Government. I’m the Director of the Agribusiness Precinct. And more recently, we’ve been looking at what a world leading precinct might look like in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. My background is trade logistics. So, thank you. Bruce Macnee: I’m Bruce Macnee, Manager, Aerotropolis and City Planning at Liverpool Council. I’ve been in that position for a couple of years. Before that I was the Strategic Planning Manager at Liverpool. I’ve got a very strong focus on the Aerotropolis and was lucky enough to do a trip around the world looking at some good examples. Jim Taggart: Thank you, Bruce. Mark? Mark Roberts: Mark Roberts. I’m Senior Manager, Strategic Projects, University of Wollongong. A couple of my key roles in recent times have been involved in the establishment of the South Western Sydney Campus in Liverpool. But I’m also the University’s representative in a consortium of four Universities. three of us are here: Previously – 20 years ago when I was in the State Government. I was the Riverina Regional Development Board Executive Officer. Jim Taggart: Thank you Mark. Kiersten? Kiersten Fishburn: Hi, I’m Kiersten Fishburn. I’m Chief Executive of Liverpool Council. If three years ago someone had told me that I could talk confidently about Aerotropolises and Agribusiness, I would not have believed them. But now I’m in that space and I’m passionate about what is happening in Liverpool, and particularly, the opportunity for new industry and food production in an area of climate change that we might be able to bring into the Liverpool Council area.

Kiersten Fishburn.

Jim Taggart: Thank you Kiersten. Ian Gibson: Ian Gibson. I’m the Associate Dean (Industry and Innovation) in the Faculty of Engineering, University of NSW. I’m the Research Director for the Future Food Systems CRC. So, Dave and I work closely together on that. The University of NSW is in the

The Round Table in action.

Eastern Suburbs. It’s a long way from here. We don’t have a lot of students coming to us yet. We have a high degree of interest in Western Sydney, broadly. We have several activities out here, including a Joint Engineering School at Western Sydney – at Parramatta – the Food CRC, and also the Aerotropolis, Liverpool Hospital and so on. Jim Taggart: Thank you, Ian. Georgie? Georgie Aley: Georgie Aley. I’m a Director in the Food and Agribusiness Team at KPMG. We’ve been very involved in the thought leadership and initial discussions with typical NSW farmers around the fresh food hub and worked very closely with James and his team on the intensive integrated production hubs at the Agribusiness Precinct as part of the new airport. So, very interested in the development of these precincts more broadly. Jim Taggart: Thank you, Georgie. Don McNeill: I’m Don McNeill, Professor of Urban Geography at Western Sydney Uni. I’m involved in the CRC. I also have a research interest in this space as an airport development. Jim Taggart: Tony? Tony Perich: Tony Perich. Probably the eldest here. I was born in Liverpool. Went through Liverpool Boys High School. One of the first students at Liverpool Boys High School. Only went there because I couldn’t afford to go anywhere else. I’m known as the poor simple farmer in the area – and everyone laughs at it, because it’s changed. We’ve been farming in the area for many years. Right now, we’ve got 12,000 head of cattle. We brought the A2 milk into Australia. And probably one of the most unfortunate part is that we own most of the land around the Aerotropolis. We own 5000 acres out there. And so, 2000 acres of that is in the Aerotropolis and 3000 acres is Oran Park Town and other farms. We do own shopping centres. We own a lot of property and businesses from Queensland to Victoria. But most of the businesses are looking after the chicken industry. I just said today, I’ve been doing Ingham’s work with the chicken industry, putting bedding under the chickens for 60 years without a contract. So that’s pretty good to say it was on a handshake with Bob and Jack Ingham. So, we’ve been really a part of Liverpool. I got married in a Church at Liverpool which is now Westfield. And so, I’ve seen Liverpool grow to enormous. Liverpool Council’s been very good to me. They’ve awarded me every award they could do; I think. And – you know – so I’m very proud of what I’ve done for Liverpool and what I’m doing for the Western Sydney area. Jim Taggart: Thank you, Tony. David? David Eyre: I’m David Eyre. I’m the CEO of Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre. That research centre is all about co-operation – technology – but most importantly, co-operation between the people in building a culture. What Tony just said about doing things on a handshake – ultimately, that’s what makes the wheels go around. I must thank Liverpool Council for their strong support for the Cooperative Research Centre, which is an Australian venture. But Liverpool was the first of our participants to sign under Kiersten and the Mayor. And their teams are really getting

behind the CRC. The CRC’s vision is Liverpool’s vision; Liverpool’s vision is the CRC’s vision. So, the people around this table – they’re going to be very important to the food cluster that the CRC is supporting, along with NSW TPI for Western Sydney. Thank you. Jim Taggart: Thank you, David. We’re going to go to a little video in a moment. In a minute, James, I’m going to ask you take that for the next 5 -10 minutes and really stimulate our thinking in the context of that. As I said, I try to really think about setting the scene about today. I thought of people like Christopher Columbus, people like Isaac Newton, Yi Xing who was a Chinese Monk and Mathematician who invented the clock. Whoever thought those things were possible during their time? So today, really, is about creating a future. And I’m excited about that. And again, further reading. We may be here looking at Agribusiness. But I look at all the subsidiary parts that make that Agribusiness. And it was interesting, looking at advisory markets, research, industry groups, legislation, Work Health and Safety, IP, grants, Universities. And I noted in a paper 60 PhD students. I’m excited about that. Dave and I were speaking, about emergency markets. So, we’re even going to talk today about things that have not even been created. James, take it away. James Fisher: Do you want to do the video first? Jim Taggart: Yes please. This is a fourminute video; take us on a journey. James Fisher: OK. (Video plays) The world population is growing – and it’s growing fast. In 2050, earth will be home to 2 and a half billion more people than it has today. Sydney’s population alone is forecast to soar 60%. It’s predicted 80% of the global population will live in enormous cities with more and more people able to afford a health life. It’s estimated that feeding all these people will require 70% more fresh, nutritious and tasty food. So, what might a world leading Agribusiness Precinct look like in Western Sydney, that can boost the supply of sustainably produced fresh food to Sydney and the world? Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, just 50 kilometres from Sydney’s Central Business District. At the hub of this thriving region will be the new Western Sydney Airport. Currently under construction, Australia’s first 21st Century International Airport brings ... a unique opportunity for existing and new industries, including Agribusinesses. With twice the capacity of Sydney Airport, and 24-hour operations, business opportunities in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas will be more accessible than ever. Surrounding the new airport is the Western Sydney Aerotropolis – a truly greenfield opportunity to building a 21st Century City from the ground-up. Underpinned by the $20 billion City Deal, it’s the largest planning investment partnership in Australia’s history – and a priority for all levels of government. This 20-year agreement looked at significant infrastructure, lifestyle, amenity investments and employment opportunities for the

broader western parkland city in which the Aerotropolis is located. With a connected, international, curfew-free airport at its core, the Aerotropolis will offer a diversity of jobs .... all the sectors. The Western Sydney Airport Agribusiness Precinct Feasibility Study considered the concept of a world leading Agribusiness Precinct within the Aerotropolis, adjoining the new Western Sydney Airport. The Agribusiness Precinct will enable delivery from farmgate to the international consumer plate within 24 hours. Broad-reaching engagement across industry, community and the 3 levels of government is ongoing. Partnerships with 2 earlier adopter ...... tenants are now in place. With more ........., our early adopter partners have a unique opportunity to help plan infrastructure and facilities to drive the development of industry-specific precincts. The Feasibility Study valued existing agricultural production in the region at approximately $169 million. The Agribusiness Precinct could boost these existing industries, with new opportunities to grow and cultivate new industries, taking advantage of shared infrastructure and utilities. In terms of new industries, Protected Cropping is the most attractive proposition, due to its high financial yields with its ability to produce more with less and its kind of resilience. Other investment opportunities include dairy production and land-based aquaculture. The study further analysed the viability of a world class integrated intensive production hub at the Agribusiness Precinct. Underpinned by increasing demand for fresh food in the domestic and overseas markets, the study found that the Agribusiness Precinct has the potential to transform fresh food production in Australia. And, with the circular economy opportunities the precinct presents, including innovative water, waste and energy solutions, it really could be the game changer, as the emerging western parkland city grows and changes. James Fisher: I don’t really need to say much more. It’s all done. Jim Taggart: It is all done. James Fisher: That video was launched back in February 18, 2019. when The NSW Government had completed the Feasibility Study with the key outcomes being are what you see in that video – a transformative approach to food production in Western Sydney – and not just Western Sydney – in Australia. The opportunity to integrate food production with energy, water and waste solutions is something that is really exciting for the new western parkland city. When you connect healthy and sustainable fresh food production to an international curfew free 24/7 airport, there is a huge amount of opportunity with regards to the market access and opportunities that are available. Within the Asia Region you can reach your customers within a 9-hour flight for example. So, with the technology being embedded in the new airport, digitalisation of the supply chain, it’s a very real possibility to enable international Business to Customer transactions around value added pre-prepared meals in the future. In early March, the NSW Premier announced her support of the Agribusiness Precinct. So that firmly cemented it as a priority planning precinct, with The Western City & Aerotropolis Authority (WCAA) taking the lead on its implementation and the activation. That’s a good segway into the WCAA role and objectives. So, 1 is around on-going investment attraction noting the NSW Government has MOU’s in place with 10 organisations thus far. 2 is that it’s around Master Planning including infrastructure and utilities coordination. Obviously, there’s a big role to play with regards to infrastructure and utilities. around connecting the airport to surrounding road and rail infrastructure – but also energy, water, gas. Continued on page 25

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

LIVERPOOL FUTURE FOODS Continued from page 24

And then, finally, it’s around the precinct activation of the various priority planning precincts. So, that’s the Northern Gateway, the Core and now the Agribusiness Precinct. So, what does implementation look like for the Agribusiness Precinct between now and – we’ll call it – the end of the year? Some of the key projects of work that we’ve got on our plate are around activation of the precinct. So, we’re looking at the integrated intensive production hub (IIPH), like you’ve seen on the video. We’re looking at what an advanced food manufacturing and logistics hub might look like. An enabling function for not only the production of the produce coming out of the IIPH – but more broadly speaking, the fresh product that’s coming out of the NSW regional areas like Orange or Young – for cherries, or up in Coffs Harbour for blueberries. The third piece of work for us is around continuing to explore what a new home for an expanded and diversified offering of the Sydney Markets, a foundation tenant, might look like in the Aerotropolis. There’s no doubt that having a diversified, fresh, central marketplace within the western parkland city, within the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis is an exciting opportunity. There is an important project of work around market access and biosecurity protocol development. So, we are fully aware that the market dynamics of fruit and vegetable now is roughly balanced. So, if we’re going to bring significant additional capacity to the market in terms of fresh produce – in this instance we estimated an IIPH at 500 hectares would deliver about 100,000 tonnes a year – we need to ensure that we have export homes for it. So, we need to ensure that we have market access

The Round Table in action.

in place for that production – for the products that are being produced in the IIPH. We need to ensure that the product that is being produced in the IIPH can compete on an international stage. So, cost of production and brand and all those sorts of important considerations come to the fore. And then, in addition to that, we need to ensure that we have the regulation and biosecurity protocols and all those sorts of export enabling infrastructure, processes and regulation in place to ensure that the product can move through the supply chain efficiently and seamlessly to destination. And, I guess, the fifth pillar of work that we’re working on as we speak is around embedding a research and development, education pathway ecosystem that extends from the North in the Hawkesbury all the way through to the South in Picton and Macarthur – and at

the core of that is Liverpool and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. So, what are we talking about here? We’re talking about ensuring that primary school children have the ability to engage with fresh food production to build social licence, and I guess, to inspire and engage with the children of tomorrow to ensure that they’ve got a pathway through to a job in the industry of the future – because it is a very exciting industry to work in. Were also talking about creating an industry led initiative that brings together students, entrepreneurs, academia, industry and government together under the same roof to work towards ensuring Australia is at the cutting edge of Food Innovation. And finally – like we’ve done over the last year, ongoing stakeholder engagement and efforts around investment attraction – whether that’s with international or national business –

we recognise that it’s not just about activating land and ensuring the services and the utilities and the infrastructure is there. We’ve got to have the right tenants whether it be freight and logistics organisations, whether it be the Sydney Markets or Sydney University or any of our other Foundations Partners, or whether it be the IIPH and fresh food operations. So really, that’s what our focus of work is going to be for the next 12 months – and potentially even longer, as we move forward to activation and implementation of the WSA Agribusiness Precinct. Jim Taggart: So, for me, the takeout, just before I go to you, David, is to look at – you hold a lot of keys. How do the various stakeholders get that information? The information is asymmetric, which means it’s broken, and we get it at different periods of time. How can these stakeholders and other stakeholders work with regards to that? I thought your presentation was very exciting. It’s clear that you know what you’re doing. My question is, really: does everyone else? James Fisher: It’s a very good question. So, we’ve got a couple of different platforms that are... Jim Taggart: Sorry. Is that a question for everyone? James Fisher: So, there are a couple of different platforms. The City Deal was only announced in March of last year. So, I guess it’s important to put it in the context that it’s only a year old. So, information does take time to feed into the communities, and into the industry as well. What we do have is a couple of different mediums – stakeholder engagement, community engagement teams – that are all working Continued on page 26

Liverpool City Council supporting agriculture in Liverpool through the Future Food Systems CRC Liverpool City Council is proud to be one of more than 60 partners working together to forge a better future for our agricultural and food manufacturing sectors.

We have an opportunity here in Liverpool to create a food precinct model that’s better than anything else in the world. DAVID EYRE FUTURE FOOD SYSTEMS CRC CEO

The strong backing for this CRC across all sectors is a sign that Australian agrifood is ready to make a leap forward in export readiness and capability.

Primary producers in Liverpool have a chance to be at the forefront of food production. This really is a fantastic boost for agriculture in Liverpool and the surrounding region.

KAREN ANDREWS MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

WENDY WALLER LIVERPOOL MAYOR

liverpool.nsw.gov.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

futurefoodsystems.com.au 25

LIVERPOOL FUTURE FOODS Continued from page 25

together concurrently towards ensuring that information is readily available. There are several different access points via websites and those sorts of things. This particular subject around the Agribusiness Precinct Feasibility Study is accessible through the Western City And Aerotropolis Authority site. The efforts that we’ve made, the efforts that the NSW Government have made over the last 12 months, right from the beginning, right from the outset of the feasibility study taking shape – we identified earlier, then, that stakeholder engagement, industry engagement, was going to be absolutely critical to the successful outcome of the project. So, it was always an industry-led approach, an industry-driven approach. So, as we’ve said, we’ve engaged with over 400 stakeholders. That number continues to grow. I think we’re probably closer to 600 now. But we can only do much more. Obviously, we have an open-door policy. And if anyone wants to engage with us, we’re more than happy to do so. Jim Taggart: Well James, an invitation to you if I can, on behalf of everyone here. I think it’s going to be a reasonable request. If there any committee or subcommittees that you feel are pertinent or relevant, I’m virtually saying I’d like the people here – because they can then make the decision whether to be involved or not. And I think that’s important because then you are a part of that – and I think that’s a very important part, Madam Mayor, of either the solution or the problem. Don McNeill: I’ve got a question about the right tenants. And I suppose, when you’re trying to get a precinct of any kind, especially with the one going, the ones that are maybe the most innovative and deliver best in terms of the long term are the ones that can afford it in the first place. So, I was wondering if you have any strategies for a commercial kind of mix, including varying lease types and rental types and so on? James Fisher: So, great question, Don. It’s an ongoing piece of work and a question that I can’t exactly answer in a real amount of detail right now. But I take your point because I do think it’s really important. We do need to ensure that we bring the right organisations/individuals on board and through the journey. And this journey’s going to be a long one. It could be 10, 20, 30 years, 40 years. So, having the right people ..... at the beginning is what we’ve been looking at doing through the early adopt key James Fisher. anchor tenant project of work. So, as part of the NSW Government’s initiative to onboard key anchor tenants, there’s been a targeted approach to get early adopters in partnership agreements with the NSW Government early. So, as at today, I believe there’s 10. So, we’re talking about the likes of Sydney Markets. We’re talking about the likes of Hitachi. We’re talking about the likes of Sumitomo, MHI – and the list goes on. So, there’s 10 of those. Sydney University. Western Sydney University etc. And so, the list goes on. And that’s an ongoing effort. And the Western City Aerotropolis Authority is continuing that project of work. That is one of its key initiatives, which is investment attraction. And as I said, it could be national, but it could also be International. But having the right people around the table from the beginning is really going to be critical to the success of the precinct activation. Georgie Aley: And I think, just to add to that, I mean we did a lot clearly with James in this around the commercial strategy space. And we’ve worked on precincts for them and the incentives for the tenants is always the clincher. Not every incentive will be the same. I think the stakeholder mix, rather than it just being about agricultural production or food production, there are ancillary and other tenants that need to be part of that combination. So, I think the incentives – the drivers – how you provide that platform for those that need

Mark Roberts and Kiersten Fishburn.

the longer term versus those that can provide the investment upfront. I think that’s the complexity that comes into play around how you package to get you the runs on the road from the starting point. James Fisher: Absolutely. And I think different precincts will have different requirements. So, if you’re talking about Aerospace and Defence, that’s going to have a very different set of commercial operations that might be applicable versus an Agribusiness Precinct. And within the Agribusiness Precinct, if you’re talking about Freight and Logistics or Advanced Manufacturing versus the IIPH, again, they’re going to have very different needs and the activation strategies and commercial operations might vary, depending on those as well. But yeah, agreed – point in case. Jim Taggart: A very good question. Thanks to everyone – great response. Kiersten, your thoughts at the moment, just listening to James? Kiersten Fishburn: From a Council perspective, we’re very excited about the opportunities and I agree with Donald and the follow-up conversation that it’s critical to get that mix right, because the land – there’s a lot of land out there, as Tony would certainly know, but it’s not the magic pudding. And there has been a tendency to treat it as such, as though the land is infinite, and you can just keep layering things upon it. As we all know, in the green field space if you get the planning wrong, you can sterilise out your land forever. And from Council’s perspective, one of the reasons we are particularly interested in the Agribusiness is it provides an opportunity to bring in industry that protects the land and protects the operations of the airport which is going to be the primary employer for people living here. There are multiple benefits to it. That idea of securing the airport is also critical in the thinking. And it certainly bears some conversation there. I’m really interested in the temporal aspects, though, because I think again there is a perception that this can all happen immediately, and we all know it can’t happen immediately. Managing that messaging out to the community and to stakeholders is a critical piece of the puzzle. Jim Taggart: Madam Mayor. Mayor Wendy Waller: Managing people’s expectations regarding the timeframe for land use planning around the airport is a key challenge we need to overcome. Kiersten Fishburn: Yes. In planning. Jim Taggart: And I don’t want to dominate this. But that was why I started with that question because you’re here at one end and you’re looking at the literature and they’re looking at a 50-year horizon – and you’re saying: Oh, it’s 2019. What does it look like when I’m getting ready for retirement in 2025? Sorry Mark. Please.

Mark Roberts: Next year is the 50th anniversary of Tullamarine Airport opening on the outskirts of Melbourne back in 1970. Out there, protected for the future or whatever. And already, Tullamarine, half a century on, are dealing with issues of urban encroachment and the impacts of now that they want to expand the airport. Kiersten Fishburn: Exactly. And they will have residential development too close. Mark Roberts: That’s right. Kiersten Fishburn: And they still don’t have a train line. Mark Roberts: That’s right. So, there are examples in this country – that was the last major new airport built in the country – where it’s gone off the rails. Jim Taggart: And Mark, the other point – if I can just say – it’s symptomatic to what I was trying to say: in that 50 year horizon – and I’ll shoot to David – is to say: if James and the Department can put together their vision, even if people change jobs here, the vision can continue. That’s really what I was trying to say. James Fisher: To reflect it in the strategic plans and they will be carried forward. Jim Taggart: Correct. David, your thoughts now, please? I think people need to know a little bit about you, if I could, a bit more. David Eyre: Well, the Future Food Systems CRC. I’ll start with an introduction about what Co-Operative Research Centres are. They’re funded under the Commonwealth Co-Operative Research Centre Programme, a program that’s been running for 20 years. And the aim of it is to drive difficult challenges that are of national economic significance. And we formed a Future Food Systems CRC consortium that came out of NSW Farmers, because we realised that the Australian food industry needed to become more STEM based – science/technology/engineering based – and there are these massive opportunities, not just in Western Sydney, but in food hubs around Australia, to really up the ante around Australia’s food production and to put us in the right market. Frankly, right now we’re in a commodity market. We’ve got this global reputation for producing trustworthy grade food. High regulatory standards around our food industry genuinely are trusted. But we sell our goods as commodities. And the only way we can reposition Australian food is to get better at Advanced Manufacturing and valuating. And valuating is more than just what happens around the food factory. It’s things like traceability. So, you can value add fresh food by adding digital data to it and making sure that it ticks all the transparency boxes – because transparency is the name of the game in high value food markets. So the Super CRC was formed to bring together leading Australian Universities, Government Stakeholders and Industry Stakeholders in a genuinely collaborative way to tackle these really tricky challenges in a long term model – our CRC’s will run for 10 years – which creates enough breathing space to tackle the really tricky things. Government led programs tend to be a bit panicky because they’re bound by the electoral cycle. What we aim to do is to support James’

team and other similar teams around Australia, around – do business research which need a longer term horizon, but also which can support – bringing the culture along – because what we’re talking about here – what James is talking about: whilst creating an eco-system, it’s not just about a bank of clients; it’s about creating a culture around a new way of dealing in industry and we don’t know what that energy is going to look like yet. It must grow organically out of the people who really care and are motivated. People like Tony have done it already. But there aren’t too many people with that level of vision right now who are succeeding in Western Sydney around Future Food. We want to bring all those people along and flush out specific opportunities. So, there’s that challenge for industry. And we have more than 60 participants. There are some very creative food firms which want to get into new high value markets, by precision nutrition, having a nexus between food and medicine. There’s the industry side. But most importantly perhaps for this group is the government side. Kiersten’s team is at the coalface of planning. And they will inherit a botched Master Plan if it’s botched. I mean it won’t be botched. But well, we’ve got three tiers in government in play here. And the City Deal is a wonderful opportunity to get those tiers working together around good, long term Master Planning which has enough depth in it to deliver a good, integrated result. And you can look to Holland, you can look to Israel, United States, to Norway. There are many nations which are far better at integrated Master Planning than we are. I mean to be really glum, we’re not very good at it in Australia – and we’re certainly not good at Master Planning in the interests of a high value-added food industry. So, rushing to a Master Plan to my mind would be a bad thing. We need tools to support Master Planning – which the CRC aims to help build – people like Don, logistics people, and so on. We’ll be working with Kiersten’s team and other local governments around Australia to develop planning methodologies – things like model LEPs – ways of sharing information with the community, which meet probity requirements. It’s really challenging. You’ve got a problem because you can’t necessarily tell people what you’re going to do with a Master Plan until it’s done, because otherwise you get people fighting around the economic uplift around a parcel of land. This is a real-world practical problem. Now, one of our early research projects is coming up with a methodology which allows you to share the right kinds of information with sufficient granularity to bring along the community, but without creating a probity problem, so the Department of Planning and the Department of Transport can feel confident that their criteria are being met with regard to privacy, while at the same time actually building local ownership of where you want to put it and how you want to connect it, in terms of physical transport infrastructure. Collaborative planning as an established methodology is harder to do – in other words, where you bring everybody around the thing; we want to help develop such tools. Look, the CRC has a lot of moving parts. And I don’t want to talk too much about that right now. Jim Taggart: We’re going to talk about that in the second half a little bit more. But if we know the problem…. if we know that problem – and I saw a lot of you shaking your heads and saying: Yes, that’s a problem – how are you going to solve it? Georgie Aley: I’m just interested, David, then following on – because you talked about international lessons and insights. David Eyre: Yes. Georgie Aley: You know, we’ve done a lot of that in the work around the Agribusiness Precincts and where are these learnings from The Netherlands and how do you deep dive into these case studies. So where and how is the CRC leveraging those international learnings and insights to bring those to the table? David Eyre: Well, through – in the first instance, we’re bringing together all that desktop work – a massive amount of it is being done. The concepts around food clusters Continued on page 27

LIVERPOOL FUTURE FOODS Continued from page 26

are very well established – and have been for a long time. And it isn’t too hard to bring together examples of case studies. The hard part is the execution, figuring out how to do it in the Australian environment, given we have specific blockages to doing what, let’s say, The Netherlands have been able to do. Some of those blockages are cultural. Some of them are simply a matter of getting all the right people around the table. So, one of our first studies will be agreeing on a methodology for food industry planning, not statutory planning, but actually setting milestones for food industry stakeholders and getting them to agree on those milestones and also creating an information base – a knowledge platform – in what is the current baseline for production. Where are people mapping it? You’re looking at getting everybody up to the same level of understanding, which is the fundamental thing done in every food cluster around the world – is having that information base and organising meetings to bring people together. Simple things like that aren’t necessarily expensive. They just need to be executed. And James’ team is already doing that. You know, we want to support that. We will support that. And we’ll be doing it simultaneously around 6 clusters in Australia – a kick-off exemplar hubs. And Kiersten we hope is going to be a real champion across other hubs as well. Kiersten Fishburn: Yes. David Eyre: Because local government is really at the coalface, as I’ve said before. And that’s what The Netherlands has done very well, is getting all those tiers of government working together with the Universities, with Industry, sharing milestones, agreeing on the milestones. Georgie Aley: I’ll send you more as well. International partners. David Eyre: And we had a few of those in Singapore, in China. And we don’t have any in Europe right now. And there’s all sorts of people reaching out to us. Georgie Aley: Great. Jim Taggart: And David, we’ll come back to that in the second part. One little gem you said amongst many was: there were 60 stakeholders. And I think you need to understand the quantity of people that are looking at that. Don’t ignore that. There’s 60 shareholders or stakeholders who are interested in doing something. What that is, I’m not sure. That’s for another conversation. Tony, I’m going to go to you, because you’re a very experienced person and have been instrumental in lots of change in this area. And I’d be interested in your thoughts. Tony Perich: Well, what I’m going to talk about is going to be the facts. It’s the truth. And sometimes you mightn’t like it. Jim Taggart: So, saddle in and let’s go. Tony Perich: One thing I’m very fortunate, I have a meeting with the government all the time. Regular meetings. And mainly about infrastructure. And unless we get the infrastructure right out there, you can forget about everything else. And that means road, sewer, water, electricity. So, there’s a fair bit to it. You can have all this Agribusiness – without water, there is nothing. You know what I mean? And we can turn sewer into water. The biggest thing is: you’ve got to get rid of salts out of the water. That’s very expensive. But that they must do it, if they want to make Agribusiness work. And we talk about how I know what to do. The UDIA has a regularly yearly venture. I’m off to – on the 19th, I go to Dubai, Netherlands and Germany, looking at how the airports operate and how we get the flowers out of The Netherlands and all that. I’ve done Dallas, Fort Worth. And I’ve done Hong Jao in China. Brilliant airports work better than anything else. Netherlands, how they get the flowers out is incredible. So that’s something we’re going to look at. I don’t know much about it, so I can’t talk about it. The third one of them is the markets. So that’s about the thing. We have to get the markets out there. The markets are the catalyst of the area. Jim Taggart: Sorry, Tony. you’re saying things which are really important. But another set of markets or the markets – because...? Tony Perich: The markets. Jim Taggart: So, you’re saying moving from Flemington or the...

David Eyre, Wendy Waller and Jim Taggart,

Tony Perich: Moving from Flemington. Jim Taggart: Well, sorry. I’m just making sure we’re all understanding what’s said. Tony Perich: Yes. I’m big on that. I don’t say that some part of the markets can’t stay there. But they can’t afford to move, unless they sell that land. And the biggest ones that are coming to it shortly – I think I’ve got that on my list – and it’s still down the track a bit but the markets are important that they move. And I’m talking about, they’re talking about they need 100 acres. OK. So, that’s fine. We can accommodate that out there. And then we’re looking at the Customs. One of the things that has a problem – we’ve got A2 milk – we export A2 milk to China. Can’t come out of Sydney. It’s impossible. We send our milk from Leppington to Lismore, because bulk milk goes out of Brisbane because you can’t do it out here. That milk as fresh milk is sold in China for $9 a litre. OK? And they pay it no trouble at all. So – but we’ve got to export it out there. The costs are so great, that’s what it must be. You know. But if we could export it out of Badgerys Creek, we produce the milk at Leppington, it goes to Smeaton Grange. We own the factory there. It’s only down the road. And then we can’t ship it there to Lismore. So, it’s better to take the bulk milk to Lismore. And that’s what we do. You know. And it’s done at Norco. Tony Perich: So what the idea is: when we’re talking about Customs we’ve got flowers, we’ve got vegetables, we’ve got everything, we can’t take the stuff to the airport. It has to be an area in the Agribusiness that has happened there and the Customs is all approved, all done, before it goes to the airport. When it goes from there, it goes straight across the road, under the tunnel, under The Northern Road, straight to the airport. No-one touches it anymore. It’s all been approved. Because, if you’ve got to go through all this drama of Customs – and that is really bad. They tell me Holland has done very well. We’ll find out what it is. I can probably talk about that later. So, that’s a very important part – about speed and getting – don’t frustrate the farmer out there. Because if you’re going to frustrate the farmer, he’s not going to be interested. Really, he’s not going to bring his oranges from Orange and then sits down there – by the time it goes through Customs it’s already been a week. You know. He wants to try and get those oranges overseas, as fast as he can, while they’re still nice and fresh, instead of getting old. So that’s what’s important – that we have the great produce. So, we’re going down and come back now to land prices. And I say that the farmers around there and the people around there look to me on the land prices. And I don’t know – that’s some enormous price. It’s not there. I try to tell them, but they just won’t listen. They want $1 million an acre. Tony Perich: And that’s crazy stuff. I don’t get that at Oran Park. And I’ve got a way with them. I don’t get paid till after the land’s sold, and I don’t get that – because, you know, if people can’t afford to buy it you’ll never sell that. That’s why Oran Park’s always the most reasonable price – because we keep the land price down. And that’s why we try to educate that. But it’s very difficult. And the only way we

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

can educate the people is the next – my next part is – and we talked about it: about how we should be telling people. We don’t promote Liverpool, Campbelltown or Camden, or Aerotropolis one bit. They’re only interested in Parramatta, Blacktown and a little bit of Penrith. You know. I mean I’ve always been a bit critical – and I shouldn’t say that because, you know, as I said, it might hurt some people. The science, but, is a joke. It’s an absolute joke. So, we need – in our area, we need a spokesman. Jim Taggart: Do you know anyone? Tony Perich: Anyone? Yes, I do. And it’s halfway there. It’s halfway there. We haven’t talked to Liverpool Council yet. But they’re not far away. I’ve been talking to them. I hope they’re going to come aboard with it. And I don’t know if Camden will, but we’ll force them to. And Campbelltown will. So – and the idea is that you’re looking at: where’s the railway line? We’ve got to have the Aerotropolis. We’ve got to bring people to that Aerotropolis and to the Agribusiness, to work. Well, they’re going to come out from the South West – because that’s where all the people are going. But there’s no rail line. So, you know, they’ve got to to work. Well, it’s no good. You’ve got to have a rail link from Campbelltown to there, and then from Liverpool out there. We’ve got it kind of from Liverpool – but it’s a long way around, because we’ve got to go via Leppington. But with that thing, it should go to the airport – you know – to the area. And that’s what we’ve got to push. No-one’s pushing it. And so, we need to do that. We need to have a spokesman. Therefore, it comes to my part where we have forums. So, we have a forum. We need you to speak. We need everyone around here to come and speak to that and sell this vision to the people out there. Not to me. I know it. Tony Perich. There’s a lot of people out there who are starting to really hate the whole Aerotropolis idea, because they’re feeling they’re left out – their land’s worth nothing now because of the Agribusiness. Well, it’s not – it is worth something – but I mean not the $1M every idiot’s talking around there because it’s not sustainable for a developer to make a return. It’s just not. And they’re all nuts. But anyway, yeah, that’s one of the things. I’ve got to keep going. Jim Taggart: When are you going to get to the honesty part? Come on Tony. We’ve known each other long enough. Tony Perich: Freedom Food is one of the things. I’m a 55% shareholder in Freedom Food. We export an enormous amount to overseas. We’re having trouble getting our new Ingleburn plant accredited by China. We’ve spent $200M at Ingleburn. We tried to build that around our area because they want to be near the future airport. But because we couldn’t wait, because there’s no infrastructure, there was no gas, we had to build at Ingleburn.

You know. So we found out that was the best place we could find. But we’re exporting to China and Asia – and that’s happening now – you know – in a big way with me. So, but most of it’s going out of Melbourne because of the same thing. We take out a lot out of Sydney, but it goes on a boat. And it’s not bad because we can get it from – one’s ... – about 10 days to China, and to Asia. So, it’s not bad. But it’s usually UHT milk, and China – where I’m off to China next week. I have four partners over there. And I go over there to have a meeting and have dinner with them. And they think very good, I’m a good man. And you know, that’s the type – the people, the Chinese Government. You have to relate to them and you have to talk with them and be part of their forum. Are you with me? And that’s what I’m talking about. We need that here. We are lacking in the South West. No-one knows what’s happening. So, Asia’s a very big market to us. And China’s a very big market to us. We do export to everywhere – even the US buy now. And you wonder why we do that. In the Shepparton plant – we have five plants now in Australia – and I said we look after the chicken industry. But my main thing is farming, and it always will be farming. So, we can look at how we can export that – because we cannot survive selling milk into Australia at $1. Can’t swallow it. If we didn’t change all our herd to A2 milk, we’d be out of business a long time ago. So, the idea is we’ve got to get better markets. We need an airport that we can really export out of. Brisbane’s pretty good actually. It is pretty good, you know. If we can get it as good as Brisbane, we’d be happy. Melbourne’s a bit iffy. Sydney’s a disaster. It’s not possible to export. You can’t even get to the place. You know what I mean? That’s half the battle. You know what I mean? But when you get there, the red tape is just crazy. The idea is: get it released before it goes in the airport site. It can be done. I’m sure the government can do that. I’ve got to tell you that the government’s doing a brilliant job in delivering infrastructure and delivering people, like James here, to work on it. And I think this will work. But it won’t work unless you tell the people out there what we’re planning, how it’s going to be a bit excited. And we haven’t got a spokesman. We’re working on that. We’ve got one person that’s going to be very good. And he’s nearly there. So, I’ve been working at that for a while, only because we’ve been asked by the government, more or less: What are you doing out here? Why haven’t you got someone? So, we’re trying to implement it. That’s my goal. Jim Taggart: No. Tony, thank you for that. You brought in a totally different dimension. Tony Perich: Yes. Jim Taggart: And I appreciate that very much. Like, what I’m saying to you: you’re very passionate. And I don’t want to go down a line. But what I’m trying to say to you is: why can’t you get an army together and do it? Tony Perich: I am doing that. But Liverpool Council, Campbelltown Council and Camden Council have got to be behind it. Without them it won’t work. They’ve got to be up there. There is a bit of a competition between Campbelltown and Liverpool. But they all reckon that they’re the newer city. I reckon the Aerotropolis, which is in Liverpool Council, is the new city. It’s still in Liverpool Council. But not this here – but as I say, she’s not quite in agreement with me. But you know, that’s politics, I imagine. But I mean, you know, she’s doing a brilliant job in Liverpool here – really is. No. I mean do I agree with these 30, 40 stories? Probably not. But I think that’s what’s got to happen. So, we’ll just get on with life and – happen, you know. Jim Taggart: Yeah, sure. Tony Perich: I can’t be. Jim Taggart: I can understand that. Continued on page 28

LIVERPOOL FUTURE FOODS Continued from page 27

Tony Perich: I mean I can put things together. And I’m putting it together with the Chamber of Commerce. You know. The Chamber of Commerce is a little bit weak out there. But if the 3 Chambers of Commerce got together and did it, and got a spokesman, I think it would be fantastic. And that’s how it’s got to come. But Liverpool Council’s got to be behind it. And do you know why the Council’s got to be behind it? Because they can put a bit of money in. They’ve done it in the North West, with Chris Brown and Borger. I’ve put a lot of money in. And I didn’t feel I’ve been rewarded for that money. That’s my opinion. Jim Taggart: And I’ll accept that. And – in a sense – and I thank you for your honesty in bringing that, because they’re structural issues you’re talking about. We can talk about all the great things about planning and all those things. But, if you haven’t got the players for the team, then you’re not going to win the game. Tony Perich: You’ve got to have these forums. You know. And at some of these, you’ve got to pay to go to them. That’s fine. That’s a different one. There’s a forum where just the 5-acre people come to – and you tell them about it. Then you’ve got other people like your people who are involved in the Aerotropolis – they come to it and so they’re part of building a project, well they’ve got to pay to come because you can’t do everything for nothing. But other ones – I’m sure you’d love to speak to the residents out there, wouldn’t you? James Fisher: Absolutely. And we do – as much as we possibly can. Tony Perich: No. You can’t because you speak to a few. You know. And it’s not done properly or not organised properly. James Fisher: Yeah. Tony Perich: But if we got someone who would make sure it’s organised properly and told properly; you’ll find you’ll have a lot more people and I think they’ll understand and come along. They’ll come along the journey. There’s no difference where our people around Oran Park have come along the journey for what we’re doing. Jim Taggart: I’m going to just stop it there, because here’s the invitation to our Mayor and Kiersten, to you James, and Tony in particular. I think there’s a meeting that should be held there and a conversation. It doesn’t mean it gets solved. But I think there’s a meeting that needs to held and other stakeholders you will deem appropriate to have that there. ... Tony Perich: That’s my feeling. I told you so. Jim Taggart: I know. And I think that’s very pertinent today, because if you’re not going to do it, investors will take their money elsewhere. It’s not real hard. And you want global investors? And we’re not talking about in thousands now, or hundreds of thousands, even millions. You’re talking nearly billions of dollars. They’ll go for return. Look at global economics and you’ll see it’s about yield. So, let’s go and have a little bit of a sandwich or whatever it is there. And we’ll be very quick. We’ll be back by quarter to. How’s that? Thank you. (LITTLE LUNCH) Jim Taggart: I’m very excited about the interaction. It’s interesting to watch body language. I’m a great observer of human behaviour, if you like. There’s been some intimacy in the sense of people leaning across the table and really trying to exchange. And I’m just saying what I see. And that I’m happy. And cards being exchanged. I want to make one point and you can challenge me at a later date –like, in the sense that it’s not trying to be confrontationist but we need to remind ourselves that the Aerotropolis is in Liverpool. Mayor Wendy Waller: Yes. Jim Taggart: Right. I just want to say that from the point of view it is, if I can say, that’s the toys in the sandpit. And you can change boundaries. You can do all that. But there’s a conversation around the sovereignty, if you like, of that within that context. And next, there’s a whole range of things. But I just wanted to make that point. Ian, can I just go to you,

Don McNeill, Tony Perich and David Eyre.

please. Just your thoughts, please – because you bring a different perspective. And I think the conversation went different ways. Ian Gibson: So, I’m no farmer and I don’t know anything about food. I do have a vegie patch and I’ve got chickens in the backyard. But I’ve retired the vegie patch. When I’ve seen how good it is that people grow vegetables in a protected crop environment – I go: I’m wasting my time. James Fisher: But like Tony, you’re in the chicken industry. Ian Gibson: That’s right. I’m big into chickens. I’ve got four. The CRC programme – the headline reason why the government invests in the CRC programme is to increase Australia’s international competitiveness. And that was the argument we needed to make. And there’s a whole bunch of elements to that; getting your logistics right, the infrastructure right; all that sort of thing that’s really critical. It’s foundational. But you look around the world at jurisdictions that have competitive advantage. They have a technological competitive advantage as well, in some respect. And that’s where our interests lie in this whole game. As I mentioned, UNSW – we don’t have an Agricultural School, we don’t teach people how to grow food; anything like that. But we are a pretty good Engineering School. We’re ranked about 20 or so in the world. We contribute a lot of technology – globally competitive technology. 60 per cent of the world’s solar cells use technology from us. The polymer membranes for reverse osmosis water filtration came from us in the 1970s. What we know is technology. And what we want to do is use this opportunity to grow a native technology industry in Western Sydney. I’m not sure what it is yet. It might be around Aerospace. It might be around AgriTech. But just the market dynamics in Australia mean that you can’t build these industries by one factor alone. It needs a co-operation between government, private sector and University to actually get that globally competitive technology in place. Jim Taggart: Can you make that happen? Ian Gibson: I think we can. So, my background: I’ve spent most of my career in multinational technology R&D labs. I’ve shipped product all over the planet. I know what it takes. Jim Taggart: Because you’ll want the people to hear. Ian Gibson: So what we do is – what we want to bring to the table is: tell us what your technology issues are. We don’t know what you need to do to be competitive, to grow your things, to export. I don’t know the stuff. But I can probably make a cheaper energy source for you. I can make water filtration cheaper for you. I can do the robotics and the AI, and all that sort of stuff. We can do that in a globally competitive way. And if we get together, we can build those native industries together with the actual export industries of the produce itself. So, The Netherlands I believe exports around about $10 Billion a year in Agriculture Technology. And you look around the world at these precincts. You have to have the local technology superiority in order to cement in your global competitivity from a production perspective as well. Jim Taggart: What government bodies are you on?

Ian Gibson: So we’re building a Joint Engineering School with Western Sydney University. There are all sorts of good reasons on both sides. So, we back ourselves as a global institution. But we don’t think we can do it by ourselves. Absolutely no way. A University can’t develop an industry. What we can do is bring world class technology into an industry. Jim Taggart: Does James know that? Ian Gibson: I think he does. Jim Taggart: Because there’s missing pieces in the picture puzzle. And I’m saying – it would seem to me – I love technology and I’m not very good at it, but I love knowledge. Knowledge is critical to any equation. So, where are you with James in that? Ian Gibson: So, the CRC was really the vehicle we put together with the farmers to bring people together over a 10-year timeframe, to set the technological culture in order to enable those industries to prosper. And this is one of the things that I see coming out of a precinct model for production in that you need that intensity to have those industries to bubble out at the other end. So, it’s hard to manufacture an industry, in some sense it is organic. But it needs all those parties to play together in a co-operative sense well enough in Ian Gibson. order to get it to occur. The NSW Government is part of that journey, of course. Four Universities are part of that journey around the Aerotropolis. And, if you look around the world, it does – in every single case, it requires a sustained investment from all frontiers – from government, from the industry partners and from the Universities. David Eyre: Could I just chip in? Jim Taggart: Please David. Yeah, of course. David Eyre: First, I want to make it clear: NSW DPI is a participant in the CRC – a significant one. And NSW DPI will be leading the trade activity stream, which is about building new markets – international markets – which is very important to James’ team – because we need somewhere to receive the extra volume of production, particularly value-added production. So, it ticks that box. But the NSW DPI involvement now is in a trade space and in a protected cropping space. We’ve been having ongoing conversations with James about joining the Aerotropolis work and the Agri Precinct work explicitly and directly to the CRC. And that hasn’t quite happened yet – but I’m hoping that it will – because the two go hand in hand. As you probably know, NSW Farmers drove the knowledge work into the pressure to precinct. We’ve been pushing for a sustainable Agri Precinct in Western Sydney for 7 years now – well before the airport was announced. So, we’ve been working with various participants to say we want something to happen in Western Sydney. But right now, your question is apposite because we want to figure out exactly where our sets intersect, because there’s little bits of research which the CRC can help James’ team deliver. That’s the answer. Jim Taggart: And can I take that a step back because I want to use a Tony-ism. We

need to get Geoff Lee out here, who has now become the new Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education I think because to me, understanding that in the context of what you’re doing a leader to complement those things is critical because the beneficiaries of that – humbly – we can talk about export dollars and so forth – I would have thought from Liverpool in particular, would have been creating jobs and technology into all of those stuff. David Eyre: Absolutely. Jim Taggart: So, to me – I’m saying – Tony’s asked us today to go to a deeper level, in some ways. I want to go to Christina. She’s been patient. She said: Jim, can I speak in a minute? And I said: Yes, alright. Just... Ian Gibson: And just one last thing. So, I’m a STEM guy. I’m an Engineer. Jim Taggart: That’s where I was coming from as well. Ian Gibson: I’m passionate about that. And we can use this opportunity to get more people here in Western Sydney in those sorts of high skill, high value, high salary jobs. Rather than picking tomatoes, we have more robot mechanics that are tuning up and programming the robots to pick. And I think you need to talk to the Mark Roberts in this world and see where that fits. Mark Roberts: The capability across the universities is enormous. You put them together just en masse, between us we’d be rated sixth in the world – in Engineering, University of Newcastle, UoW are top 100. As a consortium, we’d top 12 in the world. And we can bring to bear across our multiple institutions – not just on the research and translational research for industry, but on the whole list. Talk about how we can look at STEM pathways and training that are in high school, that are in vocational educational training – not just traditional Universities. All those discussions are already starting to come underway – which I think is exciting. Jim Taggart: And Mark, just to take it out – the Tony Perich of this world will grab 4 or 5 of his mates, put a million dollars in there to do things because they see benefit in that. Ian Gibson: Well, all this is about to develop a capability industry. Because industry is actually generating the wealth and jobs and other things. Our role is to support them in their R&D, in their training. Tony Perich: Can I just say one thing? Jim Taggart: Please do. Tony Perich: Don’t have any confidence in the people of Australia doing things. We go overseas to do everything. Everything what we do is brought in from overseas. You know. All our equipment is brought in from – most of it’s from the US, but a lot from Holland and Germany and all that. We don’t have it here, because no-one makes anything here ‘beause we can’t afford to make anything here. But all our ideas… Oran Park is built around the US. Our dairy farms are all built out of the US. We’ve built all – bring all the equipment from the US from Australia. We can make it here, but it’s cheaper to bring it over from the US. And what we do. And the technology – we just put a big Digester in the thing to make electricity. We’re turning now the first one in Australia and it is booming. You know what I mean? We were producing too much; we had to shut it down a bit because the wires can’t take it. So I mean that’s what we’re doing. But it’s all US. We don’t know. No-one brings us ideas from here. No-one. And we don’t have a lot of faith – sorry – in Universities. Just don’t. And I don’t know why. Ian Gibson: Just briefly – and then we can move on. Jim Taggart: Yeah, please. Ian Gibson: So, the Universities do the research. But we have a structural problem in Australia about getting the research out of the University for industry. Tony Perich: That’s what I’m saying. Ian Gibson: This is what we’re trying to Continued on page 29

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achieve. We’re trying to resolve this issue with the CRC. Jim Taggart: And let me just say: so probably, all of you know much more than I do. But Ian, my understanding is that UNSW – for example – they will give you IP if you develop it. Don is shaking his head – where people can say: Here is the IP. You go and invest some money. And if it works, we’ll do a split. What I’m saying is there’s opportunity. So, there’s a really good thing. Thank you for sharing that with – I see when people are interested, they also sit up straight. So, it’s interesting. Christina, you’ve sat there very quietly. Tell us about you a little bit and what you’ve done because I think everyone would be very interested. Family farm and obviously going to be another generation. So, tell us about that. Christina Kelman: So, my family – actually, we’re not a family farm. We just invested into it quite recently. We started farming in the area around 15 years ago. Jim Taggart: Specifically, where? Christina Kelman: So, right in the centre of what we’re all talking about. Mamre Road, Elizabeth Drive and then, because of all the development that’s happened recently, we’ve had to move out a bit further into Wallacia, on the Nepean River. Jim Taggart: The size of the farms? Christina Kelman: So, we’ve got two 5 acre blocks and one 55 acre block. We’ve been chatting a lot about different things. But something that really occurs to me is what’s really going to happen to the community around our area. Growing up in the area, a lot of my friends have left their farms and gone and worked in the city and now live in the city. And now, their parents are sitting there with – you know – seven, eight greenhouses out the back. And they’re ready to bring it all down and sell the property. Something that I think should be talked about is: with all this development that’s coming in, where’s the community going to go? Because I mean I was talking to my Dad yesterday. And he told me that 3 of our neighbours have just sold their blocks and they’re moving out to Orange. And they’re done with everything. Jim Taggart: They’re moving out to Orange? Christina Kelman: Yeah. Jim Taggart: And they’re probably buying land out there as well. Christina Kelman: So, I think that with the new airport, there is a lot of potential to connect people more with food. And I think that this is an area that could potentially be that. But it’s going to require not just big businesses. I think it’s going to require a lot of family farms that stay in the area and build a community. So, that would be cool to see. I really agree with what you said about being value add. I just came back from a Nuffield Scholarship which is an Agricultural Scholarship which was really eye opening. And one of the places I went to was Nelson, in New Zealand, which is pretty much all value-add agriculture. And the New Zealand Government has just come out and said that they want to focus on value add. They don’t want to be in the commodities market. They understand their relevance in the global export market. I think for us the world doesn’t necessarily need more food. I don’t think Australia needs more food. We waste like a third of it. But I think it’s really important for us to say: you know, what exactly do we need to be growing and who’s going to buy it, like in The Netherlands I was looking at tomatoes growing in greenhouses – high tech greenhouses. And they’re saying that they’re throwing a lot of it away because The Netherlands tomatoes are shit. Like, they taste like shit; they have no nutrition. So, I think that there must be a story related to the produce grown in Western Sydney and what does that mean across the world, to have you know – tomatoes grown organically in Western Sydney. Jim Taggart: Sorry. I just want to ask. Did you go away from – this is important for succession planning – because I think that’s one of the issues, Tony, you touched on with regards to Perich being in a similar situation. Are you going to take over the farm? Is that any intention? Christina Kelman: Yes.

Jim Taggart: There’s a whole thing about brothers and sisters. But I’m just saying: is your intention to continue with the farm – not take it over – continue with the farm? Christina Kelman: Yeah. So untraditionally, I have six brothers and none of them want to do with the farm. So, it’s just me. Jim Taggart: That’s them. What about you? Christina Kelman: I want to take over the farm. Jim Taggart: OK. Well that’s got a whole set of issues then, I’m sure, with the age of your Mum and Dad and all that. But you’re the Minister for Farming in Western Sydney. What are you going to do? You’re Monet. You’re going to paint the picture. What would you do as a young person, because the picture – it’s a bit of a cliché – is in your hands. But where’s your world going? Christina Kelman: I think the first thing is infrastructure. So, just like you said: water – like probably eight of our family friends ran out of water this year. Their dams went dry. They stopped producing. Herbs went through the roof. You couldn’t get anything. Like, we had trucks and they had two pallets on it versus sending full trucks to the market. So, it’s about water, it’s about roads, it’s about making sure there’s infrastructure in the area. Jim Taggart: Well, I’m trying to get my head around it. You’ve got Sydney moving that way and it’s eating up everything. You’ve got different thinking and so on – 6 brothers. I’m trying to think. You’ve got a quasi-excuse: We’re running out of water. But you’re running out of water. Let’s sell. It’s a pretty easy jump for people to make. Georgie Aley: But to add to that, Jim, I’d be interested: where are you currently selling your produce? What’s your key market? So, having the Aerotropolis next door to you, with the new export opportunity versus are you going into Sydney Markets now, have you got direct supply relationships because I think the business dynamic and the economic dynamic – and I think that leads on from Tony’s point around Lismore/Brisbane. Where do the economics stack up for you around where you’re currently supplying produce and where that can go? David Eyre: Can I just chip in? A food planning process will be executed under the CRC with Liverpool. We’ll be really focussing on the eco system of SMEs plus big producers like Perfection and Fresh but also planning, if you like, a mosaic landscape: a really rich beautiful neighbourhood which includes outdoor production with intensive indoor, which does

culture and planning the physical environment so it works for our rich diversity of industry. Bruce Macnee: Can I just make a comment on that? Jim Taggart: Please. Thanks Bruce. Bruce Macnee: I don’t think that message is out there. From my perspective, I think the message right now – and I’ll go back to your faux pas originally of “Agro-Business” – aggro business – aggressive business. The perception out there is Agribusiness means acres and acres of glasshouses. David Eyre: Yes. Bruce Macnee: And I’ve heard that stated in public forums several times. So, when you talk about a beautiful mosaic, that’s music to my ears – absolutely. But I’d have to say I don’t think that’s the impression that’s out there now. The impression is that this will be smart, new age; it will be protected agriculture; it will be a sea of glasshouses; the environment, the climate won’t be a participant of this and nor, to a large extent, will be the community. So, that’s a comment I’d make. David Eyre: Can I just open a little bit further? See, the growing stuff has to Georgie Aley. go hand-in-hand with the factories that value add the stuff. And to have a food factory, it has to be a nice habitat – because people earning good money who want to live somewhere nice are going to be working there. They’re not going to work in a desert of glasshouses underneath the flight path, for example. Bruce Macnee: Exactly. David Eyre: It must be properly Master Planned. And other jurisdictions are good at doing it. And there’s so much more we can learn from. David Eyre: It needs to be personalised – made specific to Australia, and our climate and our neighbourhoods. But, you know, to make it specific to our neighbourhood, we need to know what Liverpool’s vision is – what your citizen’s vision is to how they want a food eco system to look and be to live in. Bruce Macnee: So, I’d just like to add to that too. So, I’ll go to your comment, Christina, about organics. In fact, I am a farmer from way back. I grew organic tomatoes when you didn’t say they were “organic” because they wouldn’t sell. And

David Eyre.

look a bit like a science park which is a great place for young people to live and own and feel part of. We don’t have that right now. We’ve kind of only got a neglected area where people are selling up and there’s no real provision for water and energy and making a good habitat – if you like – for businesses of all sizes. So, I think it would be important to involve you personally in the food planning processes as a champion. I know your Mother, by the way. Christina Kelman: Oh OK. David Eyre: Rita’s been a tremendous leader in the community. And that’s exactly – it’s Tony’s point, really. You need people to champion this future food system vision. It’s not just about high technology. It’s about a sophisticated approach to building the

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

that’s literally true. So, I’ve been into organic agriculture for a long time. When I did a trip around the world, I did it as part of a visit to the 10th Annual Airports Going Green Conference which was held in Dallas/Fort Worth. The 12th one is just coming up. And what I was surprised to learn was just how invested the international airport industry is in sustainability, in circularity, in green airports. And that’s what the conference was – a green airports conference. What we have here is not a clean slate, which is another term I hear all the time. What we have here is an opportunity for a green airport. In fact, an opportunity to rival an airport like Schiphol which I think is a great example of a green airport.

And the danger is: a lot of people don’t see that. What they see is this is an opportunity to create a sea of houses, a sea of glasshouses, etc. What I’m saying is, what I believe is that this a much greater opportunity than that and that we should seek to create a competitive advantage. All of this fits together. We can have a happy community, both current landowners – a lot of whom just want to sell out and leave, I understand – but future residents. If we have a green airport, a green aerotropolis, we create an environment – a beautiful mosaic – a beautiful place to live. But we create more than anything a competitive advantage which I believe is central to21st century economics. So, I think there’s a really important point to make sure that we don’t make assumptions. One assumption I’m very unhappy about is the assumption that all the agriculture to the east of the airport will transition west. The current document – the LUIIP – the Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plan – says exactly that. That quote is in there. David Eyre: Yeah, I agree. Bruce Macnee: What I note is the number of jobs that we’re looking to put into the Agribusiness is not dissimilar to the number of jobs we currently have in agriculture in Liverpool today. We can’t afford to lose those jobs in the process of creating new ones. We’ve got to maintain those jobs, give them new opportunities through the airport at the same time as developing the Agribusiness Precinct. Kiersten Fishburn: And that’s managing the transitional space that we’re currently in rather than immediately leaping to the future. Bruce Macnee: Exactly. Georgie Aley: And I think that links back to the point around not everything having to be in the airport. David Eyre: No. Georgie Aley: And what is the surrounding, and how does it get there. And we were talking about – you know, the transport stuff you were talking about before around people checking in before they get to the airport. And so I think it is around – and probably that mosaic piece that you’re referring to, David, is what’s around it and how does that look, as much as what actually physically has to go through the airport or through the Agribusiness Precinct – because it’s a component of the bigger fabric of the development. And that’s within the border part of all the Councils in the region, more broadly. .. Kiersten Fishburn: I think at the heart of the Western Sydney City Deal is the desire to get good quality jobs into Western Sydney. But you don’t benefit by nicking a job out of Hawkesbury and putting it in Liverpool. That’s a ridiculous solution. And that’s where a lot of the thinking of it has been. The reason I think strategically the Agribusiness Hub works is that it takes the great things that occur in Wollondilly and Hawkesbury which are the predominant, you know, agricultural areas, and then brings in what Liverpool can deliver which is our history of manufacturing, our proximity to the airport site, our proximity to Moorebank Intermodal – all of that transport and logistics. We don’t have to grow everything in Liverpool. We don’t, by any means. But we might be the place where everything gets processed down to probiotic, for instance. I love that this grows western Sydney as a whole, rather than simply clustering all the new energy in one area – because people live across the whole of the west, not just in Liverpool. Kiersten Fishburn: The community are highly conscious of that and are asking: Will there be compulsory acquisition to make this occur? – because they are aware that, yeah, they’re on five-hectare, seven hectare blocks, who don’t have the capacity to lobby collectively. There will need to be some triggers through planning mechanism or compulsory acquisition because at a certain point even the Continued on page 30

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Commonwealth parcel of land will be built out, Council’s land holdings will be built out, and then you’re starting to get into private ownership alone. Jim Taggart: Thank you for that. Christina, you’re going to go home today. And you’re going to see your Mum and Dad. And they’re going to say: How was it? What’s your take-out as you drive out? Just for a moment. I thought it was a relevant question in the sense that they’re going to say to you: Hello darl. Hello love. How was it? Christina Kelman: I think I’ll have to tell them about this anyway, because I don’t think they know. There is a lot of – I mean, there is the general talk of an Aerotropolis and the Airport. But, to be honest, our circle of friends – I don’t think anyone would have heard of the CRC, or would know the details of what that is, or would know that they’re planning all these glasshouses and things like that. Jim Taggart: So, is that of interest to you? Christina Kelman: Definitely. Jim Taggart: OK. Tony Perich: Can I ask just one question? Jim Taggart: Please Tony. And then I’ll go to you. Tony Perich: There’s five brothers – is it five brothers you said? Christina Kelman: Six brothers. Tony Perich: Six brothers. I know why they don’t want to work on the farm. And why do you want to work at a farm? It’s seven days a week and seven nights a week – and for a little return. You were lucky to get – on your best ..., if you get 4% return, it will be a miracle. At times you will get – I’m talking about an average. You know. And we’re talking about – you’ve got farmers now who have stopped producing and make no income. So, he’s going to get a job at something. An average – what a farmer earns over a 10year period – is 4 per cent. And you’re doing very good to do that. So, you’ve got to be very big to get some income. And with our farm, we work around the clock, 24/7, including Christmas Day, Easter, Good Friday – every day, we work 24 hours a day. We milk our cows three times a day every day – and it’s hard – to get a 4per cent return. And we often wonder – bang our head – what do we do it for – because we turn over millions of litres of milk, the profit is still good at the end. But why would you want to do it? Tell me. Christina Kelman: Well. Tony Perich: It’s not a good life. Your Father and Mother are doing it, you know why? Because they can’t get a job anywhere else. So that’s just something they can do. Is that true? Christina Kelman: Well, I respectfully disagree. I think my Mum and Dad did the farm for us. They saw that there was a life there, that they wanted to build something for life. Tony Perich: There is. It’s a good life. It’s a good life. Christina Kelman: And it is a good life. And I think there is little money in it. But it’s something that you grow up with and you love it. And you want to do it. And there’s nothing like waking up and looking at your farm and saying: Yesterday it looked like this. And today it looks like this. And next year it’s going to look like this... Tony Perich: That’s what I thought you would say. That’s my feeling too. Not my grandsons. They’re not ones that work on a farm. Jim Taggart: Yeah. Thank you for your input. And it’s been most enlightening. Don McNeill: I think because it’s more interesting about the tomatoes from The Netherlands, and you mentioned your potato cropping. So, I’m wondering like your interest in your produce, and your nutritional and taste qualities offer. Can you say a little bit about that? Christina Kelman: I think it’s important. Overseas, there’s a lot of talk about linking health and food. We can’t make health claims about our food, which is ridiculous. I can’t go out and say: this broccoli will give you this – because I don’t have a scientific basis to make that fact. So, I think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done there. People are waking up to the fact that food links to your health. People are waking up to the idea that it’s not just about buying medi-

Chair Jim Taggart greets guests for the Liverpool Future Food Round Table.

cine that’s going to give me vitamin C, but I ening. It’s nearly 25 past 11. We’re supposed to need to eat this, and this will make me healthy. finish in 5 minutes. James, you opened it. And And they are like the whole Vegan, everything I want you to close it, because you really are – and everything that’s going along that path. the custodian in many ways – if I can – that’s People understand that their diet makes my view in the sense of driving things. And I’d them healthy. And, because of that, they’re go- just like you to have a thought there. And I’m going to either Kiersten or to our ing to picking their food based on what it gives them. So, they want to buy meat that gives you Mayor to summarise. And you’ve just pointed to our Mayor. So, Madam Mayor. more nutrition; they want to buy tomatoes But I’ve got one question for everyone that make your skin glow, or whatever. People that I think is relevant. And Tony, I think this are going to want to see that differentiation in is relevant for you. If I’ve got this right, David, product. the CRC is going to fund – if I’ve got this right And now that people are saying: I want – 60 PhD students. organic, or conventional, that’s just the start, I David Eyre: Yes. So the educational paththink – the start of saying that: I want a product that has no chemicals. And with all this Bayer way James talked about – we can very much stuff going on, people are going to come out help with that. and say: I want products without glyphosate. So, Jim Taggart: And even for other Univerit’s important for us to explore that. sities – I just think there’s a really important Don McNeill: So, you have a relatively conversation there about – at that level of small greenhouse. Is that the idea? knowledge – of doing something really well, Christina Kelman: We’re about 5 acres whether you’re in private business, whether under greenhouse. you’re a government or whatever the case may Don McNeill: So, part of the mosaic be – to have 60 people looking at a problem landscape is it’s not a sea of greenhouses. It’s and trying to solve it is, I just think, fantastic. a mosaic of green, I mean I’m not being trite. And I applaud you for that. James, what have You know. It’s like there is you taken out from this value in protected cropping, today? Because you are a but on a small organic scale. custodian? Tony Perich: 5 acres is a James Fisher: Bucket lot of green housing. loads. Absolute bucket David Eyre: But there’s loads. It’s been a fantastic money to be made in niche and inspiring forum. markets as well as in high Jim Taggart: For volume scale markets. And example? you’re on trend. James Fisher: Oh, I Christina Kelman: Yes. could give you thousands of David Eyre: You’re examples. But I think what absolutely on trend with I’m going to say is what the younger generation the video finished on was and those in the world who around one of the key findreally care about what they ings from the KPMG report, eat. which was around: this is One of our partners is an opportunity like no other the George Health Institute. to embed a transformative And you might have listened Mayor Wendy Waller. approach to food production to Bruce Neill speaking on in Western Sydney. That’s a the radio this morning about the importance pretty significant statement. of improving our messaging to the public Jim Taggart: In Western Sydney or South about the nutritional value of foods. This is a Western Sydney? very big part of the CRC. We have a high-end James Fisher: Well, the study was science team looking exactly at what you’re focussed on the Agribusiness Precinct, as talking about – nutritional verification, sciendefined by the Stage 1 LUIIP. So, it is literally contextualised to that precinct – about 2400 tific basis. We’re going to be leading the world hectares worth of land. But I do think it does in this space. That’s our ambition. We have extend across the Western Parklands City. I do GS1 which is the Standards group working think it does extend into regional NSW. And I with us as well. So, we want to attach scientific do think it extends into interstate. verification of nutrition to an International What inspires me is – a new, younger genStandard set around it. So, the big part of our value add internationally is being able to say: eration operators like yourself, Christina, and our Australian food is not just clean and green. longstanding members of the community and It is nutritious in X, Y, Z ways – so we can start successful enterprises such as yourself, Tony, personalising our products to diets, that’s a coming together to demonstrate how, with the huge part of it. likes of David, future food systems – how we Jim Taggart: That’s a very relevant. can execute that transformative approach to Mayor Wendy Waller: It fits the Internafood production in the Aerotropolis and more broadly, in Australia. tional Standards too. What I think the Stage 1 LUIIP did was David Eyre: Yes. And GS1 is an internaliterally ba a catalyst for conversation. What tional group. So, they can establish Standards it has done is it’s put an exclamation mark internationally. behind Agriculture, Agribusiness within the Jim Taggart: And thank you for that beWestern Sydney Parkland, and suggested that cause that really – that tattoos the points that it’s going to stay in some shape of form. And – Christina, and thanks again for sharing your thoughts. And really, you’ve been most enlight- the question is, how we bring new and existing

production systems together to create value for a domestic and an international export market. Jim Taggart: And that is a good challenge. And the invitation I ask on behalf of everyone else – that you consider us very seriously in the sense of committees and subcommittees and those things in which we can use our expertise through the Council and other stakeholders here to help develop what we spoke about today. And I’m asking that from the point of view as a very serious request. James Fisher: Absolutely, Jim. Jim Taggart: Madam Mayor, your thoughts. You’ve been very quiet, in the sense of I know you’ve writing notes and I’ve watched it out of the corner of my eye – but your reflections over the last two hours. Mayor Wendy Waller: First thank you all for coming today. I think having been in this forum I think brings a lot of the players together. I’ll tell you a funny story. I won’t say “stakeholders”, because my husband was on the ISO Standards for Australia – and the biggest issue was they had to take “stakeholders” out of the language because internationally that means “man with a spear”. So, I’m just sharing that with you. But the reality is that we are all in this. And I think the challenge – I mean the CRC I think is fantastic because it will give us an opportunity to look at different ways of bringing food to the table, but also utilising new technology which isn’t even here yet. I don’t think it’s a threat to farmers. I think it’s going to be something that could be used within the framework of farmers who exist now and who will exist. I believe that the willingness is there. I think our challenge will be the momentum because, while we understand what’s going on, Christina quite rightly said: Mum and Dad don’t know. We have regular forums with folk in the rural area. We share everything with them. There is a lot of passion out there and there is a lot of angst about the future. This is an opportunity that we can’t miss. If we get it wrong, we are going to stuff it up big time, because this is generational. This is about what’s going to happen now and into the future. And if we don’t get it right now, we are dooming generations. And we’re dooming the environment as well – not just individual farms. It’ll be just a devastating effect on the environment, because we all know the controversies around airports. So, the reality is making sure we have the momentum that continues – that the information gets out there – that everything we can do, we do – not at great speed and make mistakes, but we do continue to move forward. If we stop, then I think we fall over. Today is a good opportunity to see at least we’re taking some steps to continue the dialogue and to move forward, and to make sure we’re all on the same page. Tony brought up an interesting issue about exporting from Brisbane, rather than Kingsford Smith Airport. Western Sydney International Airport is going to be a fantastic opportunity to rectify that situation. Jim Taggart: Thank you Madam Mayor. To to all our guests, to Access News Australia and Liverpool Council thank you. It’s been a terrific session.

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Every smile is unique at NDC

EWINGTON Dental Centre’s (NDC) mission is: To change the patient’s perception of dentistry into a positive experience. That they may be proud to call our practice their own and want to refer their family and friends. By increasing our patient’s dental awareness, we are committed to ensuring they achieve long term optimal health. United as a team we will strive to work hard showing professionalism, integrity and empathy towards our patients. With values like these it’s no surprise that the Sydney Olympic Park based practice is once again a finalist in the Parramatta Local Business Awards. At NDC patient safety is a priority. Staff are trained to provide high level of cross infection control to strict specification. All instruments are run through a thermal disinfector, a hospital grade instrument washer. This is then loaded into an autoclave (a high-pressure steam steriliser) prior to their use. The water that flows through Newington Dental Centre. our dental chairs and the practice is filtered by high grade microbial filters. NDC staff are trained to provide you with a wide variety of services and they will Staff are also trained in advanced life customise every treatment plan to suit your support and attend yearly workshops on the needs. management of medical emergencies and By providing you with options, you can be CPR. We are fully equipped with AEDs, assured that there is a treatment that fits your emergency medications, and airway support current circumstance. adjuncts. Newington Dental Care serves all areas At NDC every smile is different, and there including Newington, Olympic Park, Wentare many ways a smile can be improved.

Endorsed by the Dental Board of Australia for conscious sedation.

Dr. Keith Hengpoonthana has completed the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry for Conscious Sedation and Pain Control with the University of Sydney. This is the only training course in Australia that allows a dentist to be endorsed by the Dental Board of Australia to perform conscious sedation. Conscious sedation involves a drug-induced depression of consciousness delivered intravenously (IV sedation) or ingested in a tablet/ liquid form (oral sedation), but to the level at which you are still able to respond to verbal communication. Typically, his can make patients drift into a state of drowsiness and time seems to pass quickly. This is ideal for patients very anxious about dental treatment, those with a severe gag reflex, and complex surgical procedures e.g. impacted wisdom teeth removal. We also have available nitrous oxide sedation (“Happy gas”), due to its safe track record and the ability for it to wear off quickly after the procedure, it is an ideal adjunct to help manage anxiety and fear associated with various dental procedures. Talk to the NDC dentists about the various options to help make your dental visit as comfortable as possible. To make an appointment or enquiry visit: www.newingtondental.com.au

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Nationally accredited dental practice by National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS).

WINNER OF THE 2016 AUBURN CITY LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS FOR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AND WINNERS OF 2016, 2014 AND 2013 FOR OUTSTANDING HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES.

worth Point, Parramatta, Auburn, Ryde, Lidcombe, Concord, Granville, and Rydalmere. Some of the key services offered include: • Conscious sedation. • Dental implants. • Orthodontics. • Teeth whitening. • Children’s dentistry. • Crowns and bridges.

Conscious sedation

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Fall in love with your home

S The team at Gerard Malouff and Parrtners.

No win, no fee

ERARD Malouf & Partners (GMP) is a leading Sydney & NSW no win no fee compensation law firm with Accredited Personal Injury Specialists with experience in insurance, accident and negligence compensation claims. GMP helps people achieve the maximum result in the minimum time and where the welfare of the client is of paramount concern to all staff members. The firm has run over 16,000 successful insurance and negligence claims for satisfied clients applying a “triple C” attitude - ‘Compassion, Commitment and Competence’. Gerard Malouf & Partners is recognised as a leading legal expert with offices throughout the east coast of Australia specialising in Sydney, country New South Wales and south east Queensland.

The firm has Costs Agreements that are friendly and simple to understand plus unlike any other law firm, they provide in writing, a commitment to reduce their professional fees in the event that a client is not satisfied. Gerard Malouf and Partners Lawyers are Law Society Accredited Personal Injury Specialists Lawyers. Accredited Specialists are solicitors with proven expertise. Only solicitors who pass the Law Society’s exacting tests can use the Specialist Accreditation logo. Your first consultation is provided free. At the first consultation GMP discusses with you in a professional friendly manner the details of your situation and advise you if and how you should proceed. For an appointment or enquiries visit www.gerardmaloufpartners.com.au

YDNEY Heaters & Pizza Ovens (SHPO) a family run business with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. SHPO is owned and operated by husband and wife team Kelly and Peter Petersen who deliver good old-fashioned customer service with today’s cutting-edge technology. SHPO source the best and most efficient heaters in the market for your home. They want you to be able to stand back and look at your heater all year round and have it bring a smile to your face. SHPO is where heating is made easy: gas or wood-fired, inbuilt or freestanding, modern or traditional, SHPO has your needs covered. Call in and see the friendly staff who can help you make the right decision for your home SHPO has over 25 years’ experience in the industry.

SHPO also offers a range of pizza ovens, which can be used to cook everything from pizzas to roasts to bread and desserts. Pizza ovens are easy to clean with no mess and no fuss SHPO is at 151 Briens Rd, Northmead. Visit www.sydneyheaters.com.au

Congratulations

Access News Australia is proud to be the official media partner for the Parramatta Local Business Awards. Congratulations to all finalists and winners.

n Legal One Services is a team of dedicated professionals providing tailored legal solutions to fit every budget. n Our aim is to build strong, ongoing relationships with clients, to fully understand your objectives and goals, and tailor our advice to help you get there. n We are qualified and ready to assist, we take pride in the impeccable service we provide.

What’s important to you is important to us. Legal One Services Pty Ltd

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2019 PARRAMATTA LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Motivated to add value to clients

T The Legal One team.

Committed to providing excellence

behaviour are upheld in performing their duties to the courts, their clients and fellow practitioners. The goal for Legal One is to build strong relationships with their clients and ensure client satisfaction while utilising their skill and experience to optimise results for their clients. Principal Alison Michael Eid has over 20 years’ experience in legal services and is passionate about holistic client care, and attention to detail in all things. Alison has negotiated deals worth in excess of $72m. She also practices regularly in defect litigation, appearing in many matters in the Supreme Court and NCAT Visit: www.legalone.com.au/

Tahera Jehanbeen

Tax planning and investment solutions. Single touch payroll management. l Individual and business tax returns. l Partnership tax returns. l Company tax returns. l Trusts, self-managed super fund tax returns. T & R Accountants is at suite 5, 374 Church St, Parramatta. Phone 8810 1031. l l

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INCE its establishment in 2010, the enthusiastic team at Legal One, led by Principal Solicitor Alison Michael Eid, work hard to make their practice a place of excellence. They specialise in providing legal services in vast areas of law, including building and construction law, family law, criminal law, property and conveyancing, purchase and sale of business, commercial/retail leases, wills and probate, traffic matters, and all court work generally. All solicitors under the employ of Legal One have been admitted into the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. All are committed to their responsibility to ensure high standards of conduct and

& R Accountants is highly motivated, qualified, experienced, committed and reliable accounting firm based in Parramatta. The firm was established on May 2011 and has always been based at Parramatta. T & R Accountants offers range of services that can give individuals and businesses the tools they need to effectively manage their accounts. “We put priority on every client’s needs and provide innovative and valuable services to in an effective and ethical manner.” said principal accountant, Tahera Jehanbeen. “Client positive feedback and demand for our services was a driver to our expansion from Sydney across Australia since 2015. “As partners of the firm, our major priorities are the success and welfare of our clients and their teams. “Our approach is to remove our client’s frustration and problems and deal with issues quickly and efficiently.” Years of experience working with the highest level of businesses made T & R Accountants strong and efficient. We take a tailored approach to our client’s specific needs and our vision is to be valued by clients for our hard-work, leadership and excellence in services. “We aim to minimize tax and create wealth for clients to reach their goal. l T & R Accountants provide the following services: l Tax consultants and business advisors. l Corporate structure solutions.

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where heating’s made easy Gas or Wood Fires, inbuilt or freestanding, modern or traditional, we have all your needs covered Come in and see our friendly staff who can help you make the right decision for your home With over 25yrs experience we know our heaters, visit our showroom today and see for yourself! ESCAPE THE KITCHEN AND ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS, let us show you how with our range of Pizza Ovens. Cook everything from pizzas to roasts to bread and desserts, and it’s easy to clean with no mess and no fuss

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An assortment of dining options at Lao Der.

Award winning Thai family cuisine

FTER successfully running Thai Garden House Restaurant at North Parramatta for 13 years the award-winning team now brings Laos and Northeast Thailand’s Isaan cuisine to Eat Street Parramatta with the popular Lao Der restaurant. Thai Garden House Restaurant won Savour Australia’s Best Thai Restaurant in Sydney Metro 2013. Now the team is looking to replicate their success at Eat Street.

Chef Salong said Lao and Isaan cuisine utilises regional spices to create simple and bold dishes. “Regional spices such as galangal, coriander, lemon basil, kaffir lime and lemongrass are used to enhance the fresh, vibrant flavours without the use of coconut cream,” he said. Along with sticky rice, the staple accompaniment to our dishes, Lao Der also offer

various styles of the ever-popular zesty green papaya salads, the famous Larb (minced meat salad), Sai Auo (Lao pork sausage) and BBQ Ox Tongue, to name a few. Chefs Salong, Jod and Chithsada along with front of house manager Supachai warmly welcome you to Lao Der to experience their family Lao and Isaan Cuisine. Lao Der family recipes have been passed on from generations maintaining the tradi-

T & R Accountants Our aim is to minimize tax and create wealth for clients & R to T reach their goal

tional influence. The chefs have combined well-known Lao and Isaan cuisine with their contemporary cooking techniques, using only fresh ingredients for customers to enjoy. Lao Der is at 277b Church St Parramatta. Visit: www.laoder.com.au Contact and reservations: (02) 8840 9543, reservations@laoder.com.au

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We are highly motivated, qualified, experienced, committed and reliable accounting firm based in Parramatta since 2011.

Mobile: 0432 186 002 Office: 02- 881 010 31 Fax No: 02- 652 621 49 Email: tahera@tnraccountants.com.au Website: www.tnraccountants.com.au ABN: 67 603 058 895

uals and businesses the tools they need to effectively manage their accounts.

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

www.wsba.com.au

Prizes for full rates payment

Glenn Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) and Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP in an Anglo Formula Ford 2 seater

SYDNEY Motorsport Park Turbo pass and a holiday package from Breakaway Travel Blacktown are just some of the prizes on offer for Blacktown City Council residents who pay their rates in full by August 31. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the 2019 Ratepayer Reward Program was an incentive that very few other councils offered. “Residents who pay their rates in full before the end of August automatically go into the draw to win 1 of 12 major prizes and this year the first prize winner will be heading to the Sydney Motorsport Park with a Turbo pass valued at over $3,600,” Mayor Bali said. “Rates make a real difference to the quality of life in Blacktown City. “They help fund the services in our community and the essential infrastructure such as

roads, footpaths, parks, gardens, and libraries. “For 2019/20 Blacktown City Council adopted a record $736 million balanced budget to deliver vital services to residents and businesses alike.” The Ratepayer Rewards Program has been distributed with the July rates notices via email or mail. The brochure includes information about the 2019/20 budget, with infographics on Council spending, major projects and ratepayer information. It also features the list of prizes to be won and vouchers that can used at a number of local restaurants, pools, leisure centres and attractions. For more information on how to pay your rates visit: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ About-Council/Your-rates/Make-a-payment A Sydney Motorsport Park with a Turbo pass valued at over $3,600 is the first prize.

Wanderers Woman of the Year

ESTERN Sydney Wanderers WLeague Assistant Coach and Ambassador Catherine Cannuli was awarded the South West Sydney Woman of the Year Award at the 2018 Western Sydney Women Awards recently The Outstanding South West Woman Award recognises women from South-West Sydney region who have excelled in their career, business or community. These women are exceptional achievers who have made a significant contribution to the South-West Sydney region whose accomplishments make them a strong role model for other women. Catherine Cannuli took out the honours on the night for her involvement in football at both a Westfield W-League and grassroots level.

Cannuli was also recognised as a role model for both professional sportswomen and entrepreneurs, after starting her own business at the end of her professional playing career. Wanderers Westfield W-League goalkeeper Jada Whyman was also nominated for the Outstanding Young Woman of the Year Award for excelling in her career and making a significant contribution to the Western Sydney community. As well as Wanderers Marketing & Brand Manager Natalie Gatt who was nominated for the Outstanding Western Sydney Executive Woman of the Year Award, recognising her involvement in forming the inaugural W-League Mentoring Program.

The Western Sydney Women Awards event.

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Seeking quotes for delivery of business skills training Blacktown City Council, in partnership with CGU Insurance, is currently requesting quotes from suitably qualified service providers for the delivery and evaluation of business skills training programs in the 2020 calendar year. The ‘Request for Quotation’ period ends 5:00 pm on the 6th September 2019.

Relevant documentation for interested parties can be obtained from Council’s Head of Economic Development, Mike Thomas on 9839 6807 or email Michael.thomas@blacktown.nsw.gov.au 38

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Community forum goes to Rooty Hill

R Artist impressions of the redeveloped CBD.

Public art plan for CBD

LACKTOWN City Council is inviting artists to get involved in the design and early construction phase of the redevelopment of the Warrick Lane precinct in the Blacktown CBD. The Warrick Lane redevelopment will provide a 470-space underground carpark, a public plaza and park and two associated low-rise buildings. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali said; “We’re inviting artists to become involved in the exciting Warrick Lane redevelopment that will transform our city centre.” Blacktown City Council has developed the Warrick Lane Public Art Plan and is calling for expressions of interest from artists to undertake public art projects within the Warrick Lane precinct. “We want to hear from professional

artists with experience in delivering large scale public artworks, but we are also open to local and emerging artists who believe they have the capacity and resources to deliver this important project,” Mayor Bali said. “The plan is to create art works in the precinct that reflect the complexity, vibrancy, history and cultural diversity of our city. We’re bringing the artists into the early design and construction stage of the project and not treating the public artworks as an afterthought,” Mayor Bali said. “We’re not just planning to have the artworks in the open spaces but will also be looking to have art in the carpark and buildings.” The selection process will be in two stages. The first stage calls for artists to sub-

mit an expression of interest outlining their credentials and ability to undertake the work but at this stage they will not be required to submit a design concept. An expert panel will review the submissions and shortlist up to 5 artists who will be engaged and paid to develop and present their concept design for the site. The final stage will see the selected artist or artists engaged to design, document, fabricate and install the works in collaboration with the project builder. Blacktown City Council is seeking artists to design and install public artworks in the Warrick Lane precinct. Expressions of interest close on August 7 at 5pm. Further information is available at: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ warricklanepublicart

OOTY Hill is the next stop for Blacktown City Council’s mobile community forum where residents get the opportunity to engage face-to-face with Council. Mayor Stephen Bali MP and Councillors will address residents from across Ward 4 and give them a chance to raise any issues affecting their neighbourhood at the forum on August 13 at Rooty Hill High School, North Parade, Rooty Hill. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “This is an important part of our community engagement and gives residents a chance to meet their Councillors and Council staff.” “I hope to see as many people from Rooty Hill and surrounding suburbs at the forum, telling us what really matters to their community.” Presentations will also be made by Council staff on local roads, traffic and infrastructure and on the many programs offered by Council’s libraries. Mayor Bali said: “The forums have proved to be a very effective way for residents to engage face-to-face with Councillors and Council staff.” Council hosts Ward forums and pop-up sessions across the City throughout the year giving residents a chance to deal directly with Council. “We are pleased to see more and more residents attending our forums and pop-up sessions and I look forward to meeting Ward 4 residents next week,” Mayor Bali said.

Ward 4 Forum details

When: Tuesday 13 August 2019 Time: 7 pm to 9 pm Location: Rooty Hill High School, North Parade, Rooty Hill.

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Family Business Welcome

With David Pring

Welcome to KPMG Family Business feature articles. If you would like to discuss these articles or how KPMG can help with your business please feel free to contact me on 9455 9996 or davidpring@kpmg.com.au

Talking about FAMILY BUSINESS:

Planning for a successful succession P ART of what makes family-owned enterprises so special is the shared legacy. The sense that people are working for a common cause and building something for themselves, their children, and maybe even their children’s children. But just because successors have grown up in and around a business doesn’t mean they know all there is to know about running that business. In fact, a recent survey by the KPMG Enterprise and Family Business Australia (FBA) reveals almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of future heads of family businesses don’t feel ready to take on the responsibilities of leadership and ownership.

Bridging the gap

Different generational perspectives are a double-edged sword for family businesses: they can be a source of conflict, or a strategic advantage. “Younger generations tend to be curious, excited, innovative, while perhaps the incumbent has more of a ‘been there and done that’ mindset,” says KPMG Enterprise Partner Agnes Vacca, who is running a family business masterclass on how to harness the optimism of future leaders and embrace the wisdom of current leaders. “But if you can get the two of them communicating openly and working together, you can strategically drive the business forward because you’re open to new technology and introducing new products and services, and complementing that with the wisdom of the older generations.” Steve Heather, Managing Director and Principal Executive Search of Mining People International in Perth, acknowledges future leaders may be short on experience – and may “know a lot less than they think” – but believes this is more than made up for in other ways. Since his son Scott joined the business five years ago, Heather says the former has been a “conduit to a whole raft of other younger people via a direct communication and an understanding of what those people want and what they can deliver.”

Focus on training

Heather is currently in the pre-planning stages of a potential future transference of leadership to his son or some other person. It may be early days but, if anything, he wishes they’d started investigating transition strategies even sooner. “There’s a fair bit to do and none of it happens overnight,” Heather says. “We need to understand if we do take a particular route what

that’s going to mean – what structures and processes need to be put into place, do we need to bring in somebody else in a temporary capacity, or get funding mechanisms in place to enable other (non family) shareholders to be bought out, when they are ready and if that’s what they want of course? And people need more training, more coaching, more educating.” Indeed, current leaders have an important role in sharing critical skills their successors need to take over and lead with confidence, including stakeholder management, stewardship, innovation, sales and marketing, strategic planning, financial management and people management. Unfortunately, despite the fact that leadership transference wasn’t far off for some

survey respondents – more than half (54 per cent) were considering it within the next two to four years, and 18 per cent within the next 12 months – 43 per cent had no succession training in place. A number of successors also felt ‘in the dark’ regarding the future direction of the business. The ‘socioemotional wealth’ (SEW) of a business, which measures its non-financial ‘emotional value’, is vital to long-term sustainability and success. Unfortunately, without effective communication and succession planning, four key areas of SEW – family control, identification with and emotional attachment to the business, and the renewal of bonds through dynastic succession – can be eroded during transition, increasing the likelihood

the business will be sold or passed on to nonfamily members. “It really comes down to having very open communication,” says Vacca, “and understanding the needs of all parties, what they’re trying to achieve, and how it’s going to improve the business.” Sign up to the KPMG Enterprise Business of Family Master Class series to build the skills to balance the needs of your family and your business. Module 3: Empowering each generation is being held in Sydney on August 27th 2019. Find out more at KPMG.com/ au/businessoffamily. Article first published by Smart Company.

Business of Family Master Classes How can you grow your family business, while balancing the needs of the business and the family?

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SWITCH ON

Startups: we’ve come a long way but there’s more to go

AMANDA PRICE

ENTURE Capital investment in Australian startups continues to trend upwards, but we need to go further, faster if we want to become a global leader. Investment in startups is an important indicator of a country’s future economic strength. A technology business can rapidly establish market presence and dominance in a new country – a risk but also an opportunity for many global economies. Take the home food delivery sector for example. Three major players have come to dominate the $2.6 billion Australian market: Deliveroo, Menulog and Uber-eats. Of those, only Menulog was founded in Australia – its AU$855 million sale to UK-based Just Eats in 2015 still ranks as one of our most successful startup exits. And successful startup exits result in a virtuous cycle that sees an injection of capital and strong entrepreneurial talent injected into the startup eco-system. Just imagine

for a second if two or even all three of our home delivery businesses were Australian founded. That is why we should be pleased to see the amount of capital invested in startups in Australia over the 2018/19 financial year hit a new record of AU$1.7 billion, according to the latest edition of the KPMG Venture Pulse. This level would have been inconceivable just a few years ago. In FYR 2014/15, just AU$593 million in startup investment was recorded. The latest numbers were spurred by investment in some of Australia’s most successful and promising new global businesses. Airwallex, the Melbourne-founded fintech focussed on enabling cross-border commerce, workplace management platform Deputy, and cloud-based design software company Canva all closed rounds in excess of AU$100mil over the past 12 months. Compared to ourselves, we are doing great. But unfortunately, in today’s world – business building is not a national sport, it’s an international one.

Traditionally, there have been two behemoths when it comes to startup investment: the US and China. In the last quarter alone, US VC-backed companies raised AU$45 billion, and nineteen companies attained “unicorn” status (a valuations of over $1 billion), while China saw a slowdown, it still saw over AU$10 billion work of startup investment. In the same period, Australia recorded AU$170 million. Some would argue it’s unfair to compare Australia with the US and China. So, let’s look at a more comparable economy: Canada. Between 1 July 2018 and 31 June 2019, VC investment in Canadian startups exceeded AU$4.4 billion – more than double that in Australia. Yes, Canada will always benefit from its proximity to the world’s largest technology and startup market, the US. But the fact that similar sized economy to ours is seeing twice as much investment in innovative new businesses puts our VC numbers into context. Supporting startups is a strategic imperative for any economy. Jobs and growth may not have been a successful political slogan,

but it is a serious reality in a digitally enabled world where billion-dollar businesses are being created in record time. Thanks to the dedicated work of early founders and investors, Australia’s startup sector has started to emerge. Our most successful startup, US-listed Atlassian, now has a market capitalisation that would rank it in the top 10 Australian companies on the ASX. We now have multiple examples of high-growth, global leading technology ventures that prove it can be done. Now it’s time for more capital to be deployed, and for more resources and support to be applied to building Australian startups. Yes, AU$1.7 billion is a good start, but we are only scratching the surface of what is possible to create the Australian economy of the future. To receive the latest Venture Pulse report, please contact David Pring on 9455 9996 or davidpring@kpmg.com.au. Article first published by Amanda Price, Head of High Growth Ventures, KPMG Enterprise on KPMG Newsroom.

How big data can help transform retail DAVID EVANS

n an increasingly competitive retail world, in which customers have vast expectations of personalised service, making deeply informed decisions is more important than ever to success. To achieve this, having advanced data and analytics capabilities is the key. This includes a robust and methodical way of collecting, managing and interpreting data, then linking that insight to the overarching business strategy.

Big data maturity in retail

The ability to gather and engage with big data is not related to the size of a retailer, or how many transactions a retailer processes. Some relatively small retailers have very rich data sets, and are able to generate deep insights to guide decision-making. Meanwhile, some very large household retail names don’t have the ability to gather relevant data on basic things – such as where their customers prefer to shop, or what products they are buying at what times. They are missing out on a huge competitive advantage. KPMG sees that Australian retailers are

becoming aware of the benefits that good data and analytics capabilities can offer, and are looking for ways to seize its potential.

Getting the most out of data

Data alone doesn’t hold the answers, so the key is to frame up the key questions that are ‘keeping you up at night’ about your retail business. These questions should be related to your overall business strategy. You can then use data analytics to help you arrive at clear insights that you can act on. Data is often used in retail for crossselling, up-selling, lead generation and

revenue making. However, there are immense opportunities to use data to reassess and improve business fundamentals – such as cost minimalisation, supply chain strategy, store footprint planning, floor space use, and more. These areas can be strong drivers of transformation towards success. Please contact David Pring davidpring@kpmg. com.au for a copy of the brochure, to find out what big data can do for you and KPMG’s holistic approach to helping retailers make the most of big data. First published by David Evans, Director, Data Science, KPMG Australia on KPMG Newsroom.

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Business of Family Master Classes Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to hone your family business skills to prepare you for an exciting future of growth! Join our new series of tailored master classes, all led by an expert KPMG Enterprise family business adviser. To find out more and register your interest visit KPMG.com/au/businessoffamily

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Cumberland Business SWITCH ON Big thanks to Precision Metal Group

Big thanks to Precision Metal Group for hosting the last Cumberland Business Chamber July After 5. It was a huge success and we enjoyed learning from Jason Elias about their steps to success through certification.

COMMITTED TO INNOVATION AND GROWTH Cumberland Business Chamber (CBC), member owned and operated organisation is committed to the development of innovation and business growth. Strong advocates for the Australian manufacturing industry, we are a solutions-focused group who support new ideas and business relationships. With connections across Greater Western Sydney, the Cumberland Business Chamber believes that innovation and real leadership can transform the Australian business landscape.

Members and guests at the Precision Metal Group business after five recently.

We welcome new members! Discover how CBC can workwith your business, go to: www.cbchamber.com.au

OUR NEXT EVENThosted at TAFE Wetherill Park

Presenter Peter Groeneveld, from Computer Network Integration (CNI), is an expert in the field of Cyber Security and computer network design, ensuring businesses operate securely online. Peter has over 22 years’ experience in the Information Technology (IT) industry, providing computer support for hardware, software, and managed network services. Cyber Security has become so important that he now educates business owners on the risks they face daily from unknown hackers, looking to break into businesses computer systems, directly or indirectly, via third party access to their system. To find out how to secure your computer network or to ask Peter if your current network is vulnerable to an attack, then book and attend the August Cumberland Business Chamber After 5 event. Date: Tuesday, 27 August 2019 Time: 5:30am – 8:00 pm Venue: Tafe Wetherill Park, The Horsley Dr, Wetherill Park For more information and to book for this event, click below: https://tinyurl.com/y39268zb Special note: Wetherill Park TAFE will host the event in their S BLOCK building. TAFE is currently running the F1 in School program. The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge, which is the world’s foremost student competition for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Attendees will be able to see the program in action (and even participate) at the After 5 event at the conclusion of the Cyber Security presentation. www.cbchamber.com.au

Cyber security: How safe is your business?

While IT departments don’t always succeed in preventing an attack, they may reduce the number of successful attacks YBER security is becoming an that would otherwise damage everyday issue for businesses their internal system or result in of all sizes. In fact, according the theft of sensitive data. to research by the National All businesses need a plan to Cyber Security Alliance, up to 70% tackle cyber security threats, inof cyber attacks are targeted at small business, while 60% of those cluding a method of countering attacked go out of business within any threat to prevent business Binh Rey six months. disruption. As a basic precaution, all data should be backed up and safely stored While larger corporations have dedicated IT departments to deal with threats, companies separately to the main network. Be alert and create a plan that details how such as Facebook, large national banks and Instagram are proof that cyber-attacks and security you will respond in the face of a cyber attack that includes unknown threats. Join us for our breaches can affect everyone, with widespread August After 5 event to learn about Cyber and expensive consequences. Security for your business. Hackers don’t discriminate between victims, and their priority is the acquisition of data, or potentially ransom if they succeed in Binh Rey, is VP of Marketing and Board Member of the Cumlocking you out of your own system. berland Business Chamber. Visit www.cbchamber.com.au

BINH REY

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Ways to market summer items LOUIE RAMOS

HE right sales strategy will enable you to sell bikinis to the penguins. Your digital marketing strategy could be just the thing you need to help you weather the seasons. All it takes is foresight, planning, and brainstorming. Selling summer items during the summer can leave you feeling like you’ve got it made in the shade, but many seasonal businesses struggle during the off-season. Breaking out of stubborn sales cycles can increase annual earnings, but only a few brands are successful. Not to worry, however, even the most season-driven companies can make sales year-round.

Timing:

It is important to track your sales closely and offer discounts to match. When sales start to decrease towards the end of summer, consider increasing the discounts to keep profits going for as long as possible. Most customers are familiar with end-of-season clearance prices. For example, the best time to buy a barbeque grill is at the end of summer, when the prices drop. If you’ve been in business for over a year, review last year’s sales to determine when sales are at their absolute lowest. This is the time to launch a mid-winter sale, and you will need to get creative. If you sell pool supplies, for example, target resorts with indoor pools, fitness clubs with whirlpools, or athletes who swim year-round for training. Tailor your web site content, including keywords, to target this special market.

Locate your Target Market:

Consider selling to countries that have opposite seasons, like Europe or the United States, that enjoy summer from May to August.

You can use summertime prices for these customers and save the off-season discounts for locals. You may need to create landing pages for international customers, so they see the correct seasonal marketing when they visit your site.

Customer Engagement:

When summer approaches, praise your customers for being savvy shoppers when they jump on pre-season discounts. This is a great time for a well-targeted email campaign. Keep in mind that you are not just selling your product. You are selling the idea of summer time. Customers that are weary of the long, cold

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winter will welcome marketing with photos that remind them of summer fun.

Customer Rewards:

Encourage your customers to share the link to your website with their friends by offering incentives. When their friend makes a purchase, you can offer both your customer and their friend a discount on off-season items. While word-of-mouth sales are nothing new, internetbased referral networks are becoming increasingly popular. Referral network services track your referral links and discounts earned to make the process easy. You can even seek out social

media influencers to drive the off-season market your way. When it comes to selling summer items in the middle of winter, you can do it. Use these steps as a guide and make them part of your digital marketing strategy. The better the strategy, the more sales you are going to land. Leverage your digital marketing, social media, and web site content to grab those year-round sales. Louie Ramos is a digital marketing expert and Director of Digital Strategy at Digital Presence. Visit: www.digitalpresence.com.au

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Challenge yourself with a 3 Sisters Adventure Trek JENNIFER DOHERTY

OOKING for a challenge in retirement, then start training for a trekking adventure in Nepal and join one of the many treks offered by the 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking Company. At the same time you will be helping to empower the girls and women of Nepal to a better life. 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking was set up in 1998 by the Chhetri Sisters – Lucky, Dicky & Nicky who are now seeing the benefits of training and empowering a new generation of strong, confident women of Nepal who can contribute to the future of their country. Soon after setting up the trekking company they set up the NGO, Empowering the Women of Nepal (EWN) to work in partnership to train and encourage more Nepalese women to become self-supportive, independent, decision-makers. Once trekking operations in Nepal were only led by men, but the very capable, welltrained and experienced guides of 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking truly can make your trek a very special experience. With our guide Sita Rai, we took on the challenge of the 10 day Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek and soon learned many things from her, how to climb up steps and not be breathless (and in Nepal there are endless stone steps leading up and down the mountains), how to stay motivated when times get tough and how to succeed in your challenge to make it to base camp and feel that great sense of achievement when you do.

Sunrise Annapurna

Jenny on the right.

For first time trekkers like us who are reasonably fit and walk a lot we suddenly realized that trekking in the Himalayas is much different stamina wise to a bush-walk in the Blue Mountains. It’s the challenge of walking day on day for ten days that requires more than just physical strength. The ten day Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek takes you through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you could imagine. We trekked in the month of April which is Springtime in Nepal and the spectacular rhododendron forests were in full bloom and the mountains were swathed in pink & red foliage.

Walking every day is different and exciting, sometimes through farmland, bamboo groves, lush rainforest and then alpine scenery once you reach Macchapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and finally Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) about two hours further up.

Base Camp

Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful trees and foliage, and pretty wildflowers that bloom right up to Annapurna Base Camp. And you can see beautiful birds you’ve never seen before in your life and hear beautiful birdsong every moment of your trek along

Annapurna Base Camp.

the Modi Khola river gorge which leads up to Annapurna Sanctuary & Base Camp. Continued on page 47

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3 Sisters Guides.

The Sanctuary.

Continued from page 46

daypack with water, protein bars and chocolates for some high energy snacks along the way. Along the route there are amazing views of the Himalayas right from the third day at Ghorepani where you can trek up Poon Hill to see the sunrise. The balcony of our lodges at Tadapani and Chomrong provided sensational views of the Himalayas

We were delighted to see a brilliant turquoise and black Grandala on the track to Annapurna Base Camp as well as the little fork tail, spotted fork tail, barbets, bush chats as well as a woodpecker and a cuckoo in the birch forest. As we called back to the cuckoo it moved from tree to tree following us for more than twenty minutes. We were told by our guide Sita who is an avid birdwatcher that there are 883 species of birds in Nepal. We were also very lucky to see the silver grey black faced langur monkeys who live in the rainforest jumping from tree to tree above our heads. Trekkers have encountered them sometimes on the track in the forest in a surprise encounter. The villages along the way where you stay each night are basically a number of lodges and restaurants that cater well to the trekkers passing through. Most of these have a main dining room where you eat your meals and meet trekkers from all over the world. The diet is mostly good trekker’s food with lots of carbs like pasta, pizza, rice and curry as well as the Nepalese staple dal bhat which consists of curry, vegetables, lentil soup and rice. 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking provide the backpacks and limit them to 10kg for their staff to carry, and then you just need to carry your

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Fewa Lake. Pokhara.

Amazing Views

But of course the best views are stupendous when you reach the end of the river gorge and enter the Annapurna Sanctuary and Base Camp where you have 360c views of the Himalayas including Annapurna South (7,219m), the world’s tenth highest peak Annapurna 1 (8,091m), Annapurna 3 (7,555m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m) which is well known as Fish Tail mountain, and the Mardi Himal (5,553m). The massive Annapurna South Glacier carves its way to the edge of base camp which we were told might have to be moved sometime in the future. Most treks usually include one night only at Annapurna Base Camp because of limited accommodation, there are four lodges and restaurants based there, but if nothing is available at ABC trekkers stay at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and do the 4.30am trek up to Annapurna Base Camp for the sunrise. Now, to say the Annapurna Base Camp is as easy as ABC would be stretching it, it takes

Base Camp.

Trek guide Sita Rai.

a lot of effort, sometimes up to eight hours a day walking up and down those stone steps but the reward when you reach the Annapurna Sanctuary with the incredible views of the Himalayas are truly spectacular and worth the effort. For recovery you can spend a few days in the relaxing surrounds of lakeside Pokhara where you can enjoy boating on the beautiful Phewa Lake, have a massage to ease the muscle pains at the wonderful Middle Path

Spa and refuel at top restaurants like Rosemary’s Kitchen and OR2K. For detailed information on all the treks being offered by 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking visit the website: www.3sistersadventure.com You can even donate or volunteer your time or skills with the NGO, Empowering Women of Nepal – Website: https://empoweringwomenofnepal.wordpress.com/ Words and images: Jennifer Doherty Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au

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IT’S A MARVELOUS NIGHT FOR A MOONDANCE AT RIVERSIDE THEATRES

Van Morrison Masterpieces by Vince Jones and The Astral Orchestra

ne of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists and trumpeters, Vince Jones, will present his smash-hit show, Van Morrison Masterpieces, for one spellbinding evening at Riverside Theatres. Following sold–out performances at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Melbourne Recital Centre and Sydney’s City Recital Hall, Jones will perform at Riverside alongside some of Australia’s top jazz/rock musicians in The Astral Orchestra. Jones and his large band, The Astral Orchestra, pay homage to two of Van Morrison’s most iconic and seminal albums, Astral Weeks – a poetic, mercurial blend of jazz, folk and blues – and his most commercially successful, the soul/jazz influenced Moondance. This sublime showcase of Van Morrison’s most beloved music including Madame George, The Way Young Lovers Do and the eponymous Moondance, reimagined by one of the world’s most renowned interpreters of song, is a performance not to be missed. Since his emergence in jazz clubs in the late 70s and early 80s, Jones has set the benchmark for Australian jazz, with his live performances hailed as “an intoxicating tour de force” (The Australian). Starting out as a bebop trumpeter through to his 20-album international career, Jones has never hesitated in his musical evolution to become Australia’s leading jazz vocalist.

Vine Jones.

What: Van Morrison’s Masterpieces: Astral Weeks & Moondance When: 7.30pm on 31st August 2019 Tickets: Adult $60, Concession $55. Available https://riversideparramatta. com.au/show/van-morrisons-masterpieces/ from the Box Office (02) 8839 3399. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres’ Members. Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60.

“

…with a voice as cool as a long G&T and a repertoire that balances jazz, rock and soul.”

Where: Riverside Theatres - corner of Church and Market Sts, Parramatta

- Beat Magazine

SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY AT RIVERSIDE Yamato Drummers Of Japan

JHONETSU PASSION Presented by Riverside Theatres and Yamato

VAN MORRISON’S TAKE TWO: A COMEDY OF ERRORS Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta

MASTERPIECES ASTRAL WEEKS & MOONDANCE

A take on Shakespeare by Hilary Bell

Performed by Vince Jones & The Astral Orchestra

A tale of two cities, two sets of twins, love, death, mistaken identity and identity theft. And just to complicate matters, 5 actors play 13 parts.

A thrilling, high-energy and explosive interpretation of the centuries old Taiko tradition live on stage at Riverside.

It’s a marvellous night for a moondance. A homage to one of the greatest cross-over jazz artists of our time. Featuring your chart topping favourite hits including Sweet Thing, Madame George, Brand New Day and Crazy Love.

Shakespeare’s story of sundered families is especially timely now, and this playful modern language adaptation gives young audiences easy access to its plot, characters, language and themes.

SAT 24 AUG AT 4PM & 8PM

SAT 31 AUG AT 7:30PM

13 & 14 SEP

Suitable for ages 7+ and their families

PLUS KITTY FLANAGAN, CHRISTINE ANU, SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIRS, SYDNEY SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL, AND NAOMI PRICE IN LADY BEATLE.

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Stop worrying about screen time

It’s your child’s screen experience that matters BRITTANY HUBER

OST (80%) Australian parents worry children spend too much time with screens. But what children are doing on and off screen matters more than how much time they’re exposed to screen media.

Too much time?

There was a time when society was concerned about children reading. If kids are reading, how will they complete their chores or homework? The fear that time spent with media replaces other “acceptable” activities of childhood is often referred to as the displacement hypothesis. One such concern is that screen time occupies time spent on physical activity. Because screen time is often sedentary, researchers have investigated whether it displaces the time children spend being physically active. But the relationship between screen time and physical activity is not straightforward. Low levels of screen time do not always equate to higher levels of physical activity. And when there is a relationship between more screen time and less physical activity, it’s often a result of excessive daily screen time. The Australian guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour advise children under two avoid screen time entirely. But a nationally representative poll conducted Continued on page 51

Educational content is better than entertainment.

from shutterstock.com

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Grow Your Career! If you love Children and are interested in their Educational and Social Development, we can give you the skills and knowledge to provide care, giving you the skills to plan engaging and educational activities, enabling you to maximise their development. Learn how to create individual proﬁles and work with Families to provide appropriate Education and Care. From Family Day Care Provider to Pre-school Assistant or an "Educator" for Before and After School Care - it's the perfect course for your future needs! All this can be done so simply during your School Holidays.

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Spending time using a screen doesn’t automatically mean less time on physical activity.

Continued from page 50

by the Royal Children’s Hospital found 63% of children aged two and under had screen exposure. For children aged two to five, the Australian guidelines encourage parents to limit the time children spend with screens to no more than one hour a day. The child health poll found around 72% of children in this age group exceeded this recommendation. So, most Australian families are exceeding the guidelines, which are essentially built on a premise that isn’t clear-cut. Not all screen time is “bad”.

Is screen time bad?

A 2004 study from the United States explored the average time children spent watching television per day when they were aged one and three, and whether this affected their attention span in later years. They found watching TV in the early years was associated with a higher risk of attention problems when these children were seven. But the research didn’t test the types of programs the children were watching. In 2007, the same researchers looked at the effects of the content children watched. They found an association between watching violent or entertaining television such as Scooby Doo and Rugrats before the age of three and an increased risk of attention problems five years later. But there was no such association when it came to educational content such as Sesame Street. So, content plays a role, but the child’s age also matters. In this same study, the type of content viewed by four- and five-year-olds did not affect their attention five years later. The above studies describe changes over time. But other studies looked at the immediate effects of different screen content on children’s executive functioning – the thinking required to problem solve and stay on task. These studies found exposure to educational content didn’t hinder children’s subsequent executive functioning. But these abilities were depleted in four- and six-yearolds who had just watched fast and fantastical shows that played with the bounds of physics and reality.

What if you use screens with your children?

Decades of television research has shown children under three years old learn better from live interactions than from two-dimensional sources. So, these young children have little to gain from screens in the absence of a parent or peer. Television meant for adult audiences, as well as television on in the background, disrupts the quality of children’s play and

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from shutterstock.com

parent-child interactions that are critical for early language and social development. The adverse effects of this type of screen exposure are due to limiting both the frequency and quality of interactions between child and caregiver. In the presence of background television, parents are less attentive and responsive to their child. Parents’ own device use can be detrimental to the interactions they have with their children. Smartphone use can cause parents to be less attentive and responsive to their children. All this is important to be mindful of, especially during the early years when these interactions directly contribute to language learning and social skills. But what about if a parent uses a screen together with their child? A 2014 study found preschoolers’ storybook comprehension and parent-child interactions did not significantly differ between a traditional book and an electronic book. However, the quality of play and parentchild interactions are reduced with electronic toys as compared to traditional toys.

So, what screen time is OK?

To have healthy, positive, quality screen media experiences, parents could ask the following questions: Is the screen content • optimally challenging (meaning not too difficult or too easy)? • engaging (does it have age-appropriate features that maintain attention and invite participation)? • meaningful (can children relate the content to their lives)? • interactive, in the physical or social sense. Young children can actually form relationships with screen characters, which improves their learning. Older children can engage virtually in worlds such as Minecraft, then talk about it in school. Sharing the screen experience with an adult has benefits too. These include helping children understand the content and having an adult direct learning and ask questions. The best way to engage in screen time with your children is to talk about it, ask questions and create opportunities to take the screen into the 3D world. And, importantly, model the media use behaviour you want your children to adopt. By occasionally employing the “digital babysitter”, you are not dooming your children’s success. What children are doing matters just as much, if not more, than how long they’re doing it for. Brittany Huber is Postdoctoral researcher, Swinburne University of Technology. This article was first published at www.theconversation.com.au

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No reason to under pay staff GARY KENDRICK

RE you on track to being the next George Calombaris, Michael Hill, Flight Centre etc. or do you think: “Well it is just the big companies.” Let me just add three fruit veg and flower outlets in Melbourne were fined $243,000. The mobile provider in Parramatta fined $25,000 for basically not paying staff correctly and keeping appropriate records. Really, we cannot even get the basics right. We are this year celebrating 50 years since we landed a man on the moon, but we cannot figure out what Award and penalty rate we should use to pay staff correctly. On the upside, I do firmly believe that the predominance of these indiscretions are not purposeful or malicious if they were then great, throw the book at them and the appropriate fines. Most are genuine errors, just not understanding or being able to correctly interpret the rules, which is perhaps not surprising as there are in excess of 100 awards in Australia and nearly all of them having several levels, like the retail award having an additional eight levels. Also, they do change each year on July 1st with minimum wage rates adjusted and maybe changes to penalty rates etc. You really do have to be on your game to ensure compliance and this is not your core business it is administration. So, is it any wonder that SME and franchise businesses struggle to get this right first time, every time, in fact all the time? Paying staff correctly and on time is a fundamental responsibility of the employer to the employee?

Let’s just look at the fines for a moment. These are usually paid on top of the back pay, so you have processed your BAS for the last two years every quarter and now, in the new financial year, having maybe spent or used the profits from the last two years you are under investigation from Fairwork. Like the fruit and veg company above, you have to back pay in their case $132,000, along with a fine of some $243,000 because they also found record keeping to be inaccurate.

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So WHY does this keep occurring nearly every day throughout Australia, well the answer to this is easy. 1. Businesses are inadvertently doing the wrong thing because the legislation and compliance arena is extremely difficult to navigate. 2. The Fairwork Ombudsman (FWO) is far more active especially now with joined up’ agencies and data collaboration.

I here you: “What can we do as a business that is financially affordable and effective from a compliance perspective to ensure you are not the next George Calombaris or fruit and veg business under the watchful eye of the FWO. The answer is being vigilant and do your research into what documents and services are available to you to ensure you don’t under pay staff. There are more available than you think. Gary Kendrick is co-founder of www.AusDocsOnline.com

ARE STAFF ISSUES DRIVING YOU NUTS? • • • • •

Do you find it difficult to recruit and retain quality staff? Are staff issues constantly distracting you from growing your business? Are compliance and staff performance worries keeping you awake at night? Does your team seem to lack direction, motivation and drive? Is running your business just not as enjoyable as it used to be?

HR Success provides professional, practical HR support for local start-ups, SMEs and larger organisations, without retainers or lock-in contracts!

Our services include: • Recruitment Support • Fair Work compliance • Outsourced HR

• Staff training • Leadership coaching • Team and workplace culture development

Need to sort out the “people stuff” in your business? Check out our website or give us a call.

www.hrsuccess.com.au

ph. 1300 783 211

support@hrsuccess.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

W H AT THEY SA ID...

WWW.WSBA.COM.AU SWITCH ON and training sector (including TAFE NSW) and universities. “ – Member for Parramatta and now NSW Government MInsiter, Geoff Lee. “With the signing of these important contracts, Coles is one step closer to implementing a key element of its supply chain modernisation strategy,” – Coles, CEO, Steven Cain on the firm’s plans to open an automated ambient distribution centre. “Parramatta continues its upward trajectory and the market is forging ahead with construction of new office accommodation,” – the Property Council of Australia’s Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove. “There wasn’t one superstar who carried the bulk of the work, but many passionate team players who stepped up to ensure our success.” – Precision Metal Group CEO Jason Elias on the firm’s success in securing a major defence contract.

“There is abundant artistic and technical talent in the region which are both keys to ILM’s culture of innovation. It’s particularly exciting that the first film our new studio will contribute to will be Star Wars." - Rob Bredow, Head of Industrial Light and Magic on the firm’s plans to open a new studio at Moore Park. “We are in the process of booking flights and getting all our quarantine commissions ready.” – Jake Burgess, MD, Sydney Zoo, for the arrival of animals and the expected opening of the venue, in Doonside, later this year. “There is huge potential to bring in more tourists to the raceway, which will inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local community.” – Hugh Mc Dermott, Blacktown MP, on $33.4 million in government funding to upgrade the Eastern Creek dragway and motor sport park complex.

“If we don’t get it the traffic won’t work all around Sydney, not just Parramatta.” – Andrew Wilson, Lord Mayor of Parramatta, on the need for the Major West underground rail line to 320 business people at the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City Address.

“I have determined the extent of demolition proposed by the concept proposal would have an unacceptable impact on the heritage significance of the Roxy Theatre.” – Susan O’Neill, commissioner, Land and Environment Court, rejecting plans for a $96M, 33-storey tower on the site.

“I am incredibly proud to have my achievements at Liverpool City Council recognised with this award.” – Wendy Waller, Liverpool Mayor, on winning the Elected Official category at the NSW Women in Local Government Awards.

“I haven’t always been a politician; I did have a life before politics firstly in business and then in education as a TAFE NSW teacher and a university academic. I now sit in the government’s education cluster and my portfolio oversees the vocational education

“We welcome the decision by Uber to choose Sydney as the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to benefit from up to date public transport information within its ridesharing app.” – Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance. “Government, including local Councils, have the opportunity to work with the private market to significantly increase the supply of affordable housing.” – Desane’s Head of Property, Rick Montrone on the firm’s Penrith plans. “This visit will deepen the educational and research partnerships between universities in Africa and Australia. I anticipate an intensification and broadening of interactions between Western Sydney University and key institutions in this region in the next few years.” – WSU Vice Chancellor Professor Glover on his trip to Africa.

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2019

Honoured to have been a WSABE WINNER in the 'Excellence in Innovation & Excellence in a Traditional Trade' categories! Precision Metal Group Australia was founded by Managing Director Jason Elias & is a family owned and run Mechanical & Structural engineering services company with industry experience in excess of 50 years under our belt. The company came about after a jump in work across our home country Australia and ventures in overseas markets. We have been committed for years to provide the best possible service for the best price to our clients. Due to difficult economic conditions we are all working with, this has put Precision Metal Group in the view of many companies to engage our services and help them reduce costs and remain viable. We have had many new companies approach us to be certified with our facilities that offer 24/7 support all under one roof in a cost effective solution.

MANUFACTURING WELD INSPECTION & NDT Machinery to assist your Our recent addition of welding production needs, inspection and supervision will including onsite machining, deliver high quality standards profile cutting, and and support client needs. specialised welding.

OUR FIELDS OF

EXPERTISE Extensive mechanical and structural engineering experience Drafting and design of machine parts and mechanical systems Shutdowns of any size; repairs; day-to-day maintenance Preventive and general maintenance coverage Onsite or workshop welding and machining

ENGINEERING Award-winning engineering and experience in mechanical, electrical, structural and welding.

REBUILDS & REPAIRS From day-to-day maintenance to any size shutdown or any machinery repairs, we can provide coverage for your organisation.

Unit 1, 472 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 Ph: 02 9756 4088 Email: info@precisionmetalgroup.com www.precisionmetalgroup.com

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