Economy and Work
Collaborating with industry, innovators and government to explore how work is changing and how future work and supply chain opportunities can be supported and elevated.
Newman is a regional hub supporting growth in rural and remote communities.
Martu Translation: Newmanpa townpa wirrilyi regional hubpa karnyininpa kamu jumarryiku nga wana rural kamu communities wirrilyi wana
Things to Address
- Impact of new technology introduction on staff productivity/staff training
- Enhanced data and access to information
- Streamline business processes
- Improvements in equipment and machinery
- Increased communication with customers
Opportunities
- Cost of integrating new technology and equipment
- Human resource/capacity to integrate innovation
- Need for support as to how or where innovation/ technology may occur and how small business can benefit
- Attraction and retention of staff
- Opportunities for small businesses to be part of solving the problem for industry
- Accessibility to equipment and technology support for upgrades or maintenance
"
The Holcim company has been in the region since the early 1960s. Newman is a part of our future. We see the benefit and are committed to having roots into the community and having our workforce living and working in Newman”
Jason Smith
Objective
There is a clear roadmap to grow local and remote economies.
Strategies
Support the assessment, development and implementation of an economic roadmap for Newman and surrounding remote communities.
Actions
- Commission an economic development plan for Newman and surrounds
- Work with Landgate and other partners to improve availability of commercial land (developed or otherwise)
- Appoint an economic development manager at the Shire of East Pilbara
- Investment and coordination between employers to collectively advertise jobs in Newman
Objective
Develop Newman as an East Pilbara service hub.
Strategies
Engage and implement Newman economic
roadmap.
Actions
- Establish an economy and work working party to develop Newman as an East Pilbara service hub
Objective
The local economy is Industry 4.0 ready.
Strategies
Build knowledge, promote opportunities and excitement around Industry 4.0
Actions
- Convene forums with mid-sized and large companies to collectively tackle Industry 4.0 challenges and opportunities (placed on hold due to Covid-19)
- Encourage BHP and other large tier contractors to have a presence at Resources Technology Showcase, November 2019
Strategies
Local businesses are able to access support, expertise and investment
Actions
- Convene a quarterly Newman Speaker Series to educate local businesses, contractors and organisations on technology opportunities (placed on hold due to Covid-19)
- Prepare NCCI action plan to support local businesses
- Implement a course for start-ups - 23 October 2019
- Activate The Edge
- Develop and include an innovation category in the NCCI business excellence awards
- Offer technology, literacy and education opportunities for small businesses, initially through engagement with Firetech and ongoing delivery by NCCI & Core Hub
- Initiate a 2020 Launchpad Partnership with Meshpoints to train regional SMEs to pitch innovation ideas
- Convene meet the buyer sessions twice a year to improve supply chain opportunities and provide supply innovation updates (placed on hold due to Covid-19)
- Explore Entrepreneurs Business Adviser and other Federal and State support for local entrepreneurs in 2019
Strategies
Support the emerging Nyiyaparli/Martu
economy and employment.
Actions
- Prepare a Nyiyaparli/Martu business growth plan (i.e. institutional support, partnership development, networking)
- Engage successful indigenous businesses to mentor industries on better engagement with Martu and Nyiyaparli people
- Explore ways to link and leverage Martu innovation through new technology
- Launch an Indigenous business incubator
