Fraser Coast Regional Council

Investment Attraction Incentives Scheme

GUIDELINES

Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Investment Attraction Incentives are designed to attract investment in key strategic industries and stimulate significant and sustainable economic growth, diversify our industry base and value add to our regional economy.

The Incentives Package is a discretionary scheme which seeks to attract and support projects that will deliver the greatest benefits to the Fraser Coast region.

The focus of the incentives package is on projects that will:

Create new jobs and investment.

Value-add through enhanced supply chains.

Generate growth within key strategic industries and locations.

Demonstrate innovation and environmental sustainability.

Diversify and sustain a robust local economy.

Welcome to the Fraser Coast

Key SectorS

The Investment Attraction Incentives Package is specifically targeted to businesses in the following industries:

Advanced Manufacturing and Industry

Aviation

Mining and Resource Sector

Health

Education

Tourism

Commercial and Industry uses within designated precincts

Supported by a robust and vibrant construction industry.

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Queensland’s Fraser Coast offers that dream balance of business and lifestyle success. Our perfect location, idyllic lifestyle and progressive approach to attracting and encouraging business creates exciting opportunities for investment,

innovation and industry.

DiScover the FraSer coaSt’S opportuniteS For eStabliShing or expanDing buSineSSeS:

Open for Business

Proximity to major markets

• Situated on the Bruce Highway only 250km from Brisbane and 90 mins in the air to Sydney

• Direct road, rail and air access to major domestic centres including resource sectors to the west and north

• Ideally positioned to act as a conduit for service providers to the gas and energy corridors.

Skilled, productive workers and a friendly labour environment

• A growing and diverse population

• High-quality, skilled labour force

• Long history of manufacturing based businesses

• Access to skilled industrial workforce providing opportunities to train and upskill for transition between industries.

Competitive operating cost structure

• Modest commercial and residential prices

• Achievable priceless lifestyle

• Cost of living among lowest in Australia.

Idyllic lifestyle

The Fraser Coast boasts:

• A sub-tropical lifestyle

• World famous attractions

• Beautiful beaches

• Laid-back lifestyle

• Excellent education, sporting, cultural and recreational services

• Rich sense of community.

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The Investment Attraction Incentives Package is aimed at attracting investment in key industries and locations which will encourage jobs, growth and investment in the Fraser Coast.

The Incentives Package is available to businesses wishing to relocate and/or expand operations within the region.

incentive DeScription

Dedicated Business Assistance Officer

A dedicated Business Assistance Officer will act as a single point of contact for prospective investors, providing continuity of advice and assistance in helping to meet your individual business requirements.

Direct Financial Assistance

Council provides negotiated infrastructure charges incentives and/or deferral of payment for eligible developments/projects.

For full details of incentives offered www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Fast Tracked Development Application

Guaranteed Planning Approval timeframes including provision of pre-lodgement meetings, dedicated assistance and guidance.

Guaranteed 10 day turn around on low complexity applications, house and shed applications and concurrence agency assessments, not requiring further referral or public notification.

Property Location Assistance

Assistance provided to prospective investors searching for ideal development sites or building premises within the Fraser Coast region.

Guided Famil Tours Provision of a guided familiarisation tour to highlight the region’s unique characteristics and business potential.

Business Case Assistance Assistance provided to prospective investors in obtaining the local economic and business data needed in preparation of project analysis and viability studies.

Business Welcome Information Package

Provision of a package of information pertinent to business operations in the Fraser Coast region to prospective investors or relocating employees.

Industry Networking Provision of information and contact details for Industry Bodies and Chamber of Commerce groups including an introductory meeting.

Business Support Access to the Boost Your Business regional business support network which provides support through disciplines including accounting, legal, marketing, financial planning, banking, business mentoring, real estate, construction and more.

Details of the Boost Your Business initiative and the full range of offers available can be viewed at www.frasercoastopportunities.com.au.

Fee Incentives • Free pre-lodgement planning meeting valued at $386;

• 10% discount on licence fees;

• Infrastructure Charges Incentives Scheme (see above);

• Access to free co-operative regional marketing campaigns (e.g. Staycations, My Fraser Pass);

• Free assessment of trade waste discharge requirements.

Business Profile & Marketing & Connectivity

Access to business profile and marketing assistance through Council’s website, enewsletter, business networks including but not limited to Chambers of Commerce, UDIA and Tourism Fraser Coast.

Community Engagement Provision of general public relations/media advice and assistance and/or participation in marketing/awareness campaigns to assist with community engagement for relevant projects.

The Incentives

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Direct Financial incentiveS

Direct Financial Incentives are offered through Council’s Infrastructure Charges Incentives Administrative Policy and Investment Attraction Incentive Policy for eligible developments/projects.

These incentives are available for strategic priority projects within identified industries and locations which will diversify the economy, support jobs and investment growth and provide a net community benefit.

Financial incentives for eligible developments and/or projects may include:

• Reduction of infrastructure charges.

• Special one-off incentives targeted at specific industries and locations.

• Individually negotiated agreements for projects which demonstrate innovative or leading edge design as an example of ‘exemplar’ development; incorporate high levels of efficiency and/or sustainability; demonstrate significant environmental awareness; or provide special community benefit.

• Deferral of infrastructure charges.

level oF incentiveS

The level of incentive applicable to a development and/or project will be determined by the eligibility criteria contained within the policy and may be based on but not limited to:

• Specific target industry and identified location.

• Quantum of jobs growth and investment.

• Economic diversity, innovation and special community benefit.

All applications for Direct Financial Incentives will be assessed in accordance with the Infrastructure Charges Incentives Administrative Policy and Investment Attraction Incentive Policy.

The level of incentive applicable to a development and/or project will be determined by set eligibility criteria and may include (but not be limited to):

Project provides a significant net economic and community benefit to Fraser Coast.

Project is identified as a key strategic industry where incentives are applicable.

Project is within an identified location where incentives are applicable.

Project is viable in the absence of incentives.

Project must be sustainable and result in jobs growth.

Project may involve relocation to the Fraser Coast region.

Project is innovative and environmentally responsible.

Project diversifies the region’s economic base and value-adds to business.

ineligibile buSineSS anD projectS

The following projects, activities and organisations are not eligible for direct financial assistance:

• A project that does not fit within the Infrastructure Charges Incentives Administrative Policy and Investment Attraction Incentive Policy eligibility criteria for identified targeted industries and/or location.

• A project of a government department or agency, government-owned corporation or regional development organisation.

• A project which can be more appropriately funded by another government program.

Council’s Investment Attraction Incentives Package does not apply to cases where investment assistance is required by Council to support a business threatened by closure or down-sizing. Financial assistance cannot be provided retrospectively.

Eligibility Criteria

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Contact Us

Businesses interested in receiving support for investment projects in the Fraser Coast region should contact:

Manager Economic Development Projects Fraser Coast Regional Council Telephone 1300 79 49 29 Email opportunities@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

For further information about the Fraser Coast economy and economic development initiatives of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, visit www.frasercoastopportunities.com.au.

Applications for Direct Financial Assistance through the Investment Attraction Incentive are to be made formally through an application process.

Projects will undergo a rigorous assessment to ensure only eligible projects that will provide a net economic and community benefit to the Fraser Coast Region are assisted.

Criteria considered during the evaluation of applications may include:

• The nature of the proposed business.

• Expected economic impact of the project/business.

• Capital investment.

• Employment generation (including indigenous employment).

• Income generation for residents.

• Level to which the proponent/project contributes to economic diversity.

• Economic sustainability of the project.

• Growth potential of the business.

• Level of innovation or research and development capabilities.

• Ability to leverage additional economic growth in the future.

• Anticipated environmental impacts of the project.

• Timing of the project.

• Evidence of competing locations.

Proponents must provide a fully completed application form together with relevant supporting documentation as outlined in the application form.

Council Officers can provide detailed advice on eligibility and guidance with the application process and documentation.

Acceptance of a signed application does not guarantee financial incentive approval for either all or part of the incentive being sought.

Application Assessment Process

Opportunities