Proven Performance
Don't just take our word for it
It's fairly obvious that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council would speak in glowing terms about the Greater Port Macquarie Region as a place to do business, so we have also included some of the comments of Greater Port Macquarie Region business people.
About the Workforce
When it came to the subject of the local workforce, here's what Jim Pearson, Managing Director of Pearson Transport, had to say.
"Over the twenty years that we have been operating from this area, we have found our staff have a totally different attitude (from the metropolitan areas) to getting the job done".
Companies unanimously highlighted the ready availability of skilled labour and emphasised the strong work ethic, dedication, enthusiasm and loyalty that exists. As a result of these attributes, and an eagerness to take on new training and development opportunities, Greater Port Macquarie Region companies have benefited from lower staff turnover rates, greater productivity and increased service standards.
Workforce productivity is enhanced by the quality lifestyle opportunities available in the Greater Port Macquarie Region such as excellent housing, a great climate and plenty of sporting activities.
About Transport
Transport is a key issue to businesses generally, wherever they are. Here's what said about transport facilities in the Hastings:
"... the company's transport costs are minimal on raw materials and completed goods. The local transport companies are quick, reliable and flexible so that special transport arrangements can be made".
The upgraded Pacific Highway is the heart of transport links in the region and when coupled with up-to-the minute freight facilities and expanding air links, make Greater Port Macquarie Region an ideal location from which to access both national and international markets. Many companies commented very favourably on the cost efficiency of their local transport suppliers and pointed out that these local transport companies can shift freight from the Sydney docks to the Greater Port Macquarie Region for around the same cost as a metropolitan delivery.
About Establishment Costs
Setting up costs, like transport, are a vital consideration in establishing a business anywhere. Geoff Campbell, the Manager of JLG Industries (Aust), the major supplier of self-propelled access equipment in Australia said:
"... the standard of factory accommodation that can be economically operated here is much higher than in Sydney."
All companies agreed that industrial land and building construction costs were lower than their metropolitan area equivalents. The firms which had availed themselves of the Regional Business Development Scheme found it both efficient and effective in terms of minimising initial cost and other impediments to relocating to the Greater Port Macquarie Region.
About Services
Virtually all subcontractor services are available, diligent and dedicated. On the rare occasions when an unavailable highly specialised service is required, it can usually be readily sourced from Newcastle. The Managing Director of Pumpability, Mr Alan Gray, a manufacturer of pumping systems and associated equipment said:
"Our experience is that subcontractor costs are generally lower than in metropolitan areas and the quality of service is of a very high standard".
About Communication and Lifestyle
Expressway Spares is a national and international distributor of mining and earth moving machinery parts and its Managing Director Patrick Cassegrain said:
"The costs of communication are more than offset by the very significant advantages of doing business from the Hastings area".
Companies interviewed unanimously agreed that in an era of global markets, instant communication and rapid transport systems, there was no need to be located in cluttered and expensive metropolitan areas. Greater Port Macquarie Region offers them a clean and attractive working and living environment and a quality of life which was very much under-rated as a component of business success.
