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Contents
1.
Foreword...........................................................................................................................6
2.
Background.......................................................................................................................8
2.1
Structure of the report................................................................................................................................. 9
2.2
Purpose and intent......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3
Methodology.................................................................................................................................................10
2.4
Study area.......................................................................................................................................................12
3.
Context........................................................................................................................... 14
4.
Challenges...................................................................................................................... 16
5.
Opportunities................................................................................................................ 16
6.
Business friendly Council............................................................................................. 18
6.1
Partnerships...................................................................................................................................................21
6.2
Role and responsibility................................................................................................................................21
7.
Policy and strategy context......................................................................................... 24
7.1
Regional and local policy.............................................................................................................................26
8.
People and skills............................................................................................................ 28
8.1
Population characteristics...........................................................................................................................28
8.2
Skills and the workforce.............................................................................................................................35
9.
The economy................................................................................................................. 40
9.1
Economic indicators....................................................................................................................................40
9.2
Economic transition.....................................................................................................................................43
9.3
Housing...........................................................................................................................................................44
9.4
Housing development projects..................................................................................................................45
9.5
International trade and investment..........................................................................................................46
10.
Industry sector activity................................................................................................. 50
10.1
Agribusiness (food and horticulture).......................................................................................................50
10.2
Manufacturing and industry........................................................................................................................53
10.3
Maritime defence services..........................................................................................................................55
10.4
Tourism, arts, culture and hospitality.......................................................................................................56
10.5
Health and medical.......................................................................................................................................60
10.6
Education and training.................................................................................................................................62
10.7
Integrated transport and logistics.............................................................................................................64
10.8
Consumer goods retail...............................................................................................................................66
10.9
Construction.................................................................................................................................................68
10.10
Professional services....................................................................................................................................70
10.11
Business confidence.....................................................................................................................................72