Business development answers sought

BELOW is a copy of a letter sent to economic development officers and general managers of councils surrounding the Clarence Valley.

BELOW is a copy of a letter sent to economic development officers and general managers of councils surrounding the Clarence Valley on the North Coast and mid North Coast.

It was sent at about 12.45pm today and we look forward to the council's responses.

"I am a journalist with The Daily Examiner and am piecing together a feature outlining how Clarence Valley Council stacks up against its neighbouring councils in relation to encouraging business to the area.

"I have sent the same email to Nambucca, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Richmond, Lismore, Glen Innes and Clarence Valley councils.

"I understand that some of the questions (7, 8, 9) may be outside the scope of the economic development manager but I would appreciate those questions being answered by the GM if that is more appropriate.

"Considering the vast amount of information on this topic, I am hoping to break it down to the following questions and ask for as concise answers as possible please.

"I am looking at putting this presentation into Saturday's edition along with the stories of a number of local developers and surveyors who have raised issue with some of CVC's processes:

1. What promotional activities does your council do to attract industry to your area?
2. What sort of concessions, if any, do you offer industries looking to develop in your area? When were these concessions introduced and for what size developments?
3. Do you have a Development Management Unit (DMU), or equivalent? Do you charge developers for DMU meetings (involving engineers, planners, health and building etc)? How much?
4. Does the economic development manager attend the DMU meetings?
5. What other things do you do to accommodate development in your area?
6. Do you have strategies to support existing businesses in your area? Outline please.

"These questions may be appropriate for the GM or planning department.

7. Name two large scale developments that have made it through the DA process in less than 60 days and the value of those developments?
8. What is the longest time period a DA took to receive approval in your council in recent years and what were the main issues?
9. Are there any development applications that have remained outstanding longer than 12 months? Two years? Three years?

"I ask that you address each question rather than provide a general statement in reply and I will endeavour to run your response in full."

Deadline is 2pm tomorrow.

Originally published as Business development answers sought