|
|
Onkaparinga lies just south of Adelaide, South Australia, encompassing 581 square kilometres and housing a population of over 151 thousand people (ABS Regional Statistics Unit, 2000). On July 1, 1999, Onkaparinga incorporated two former cities- Happy Valley and Noarlunga and part of the District Council of Willunga (City of Onkaparinga, 2002). This along with its growing population and labour force, natural beauty and resource potential has given Onkaparinga recognition as South Australia’s newest and largest local government entity capable of vast economic growth and economic influence in South Australia (City of Onkaparinga, 2001). Its attraction follows from its beautiful landscapes, natural resources and employment opportunities as well as industry and business opportunities. Probably the most easily admired and recognized aspects of Onkaparinga have been its award winning wineries and its 35 kilometres of distinct and unique coastline. Figure 1 exemplifies parts of Onkaparinga’s topography illustrating the Onkaparinga River moving through its central plains and into the coast at Port Noarlunga as well as the distinctive borders of the Mount Lofty Ranges that define part of its southern border and its northern border defined by the Sturt River and the Field River (Figure 1: Onkaparinga Map, Creating our Future, 2003). As many Australian cities, Onkaparinga has a vast potential for economic development and prosperity in many different areas. However, Onkaparinga’s economic direction for 2005 to 2010 will be confined to one particular sector in which Onkaparinga currently excels- the manufacturing industry with focus on the automobile manufacturing sector. We will explore the manufacturing industry and contrast other industry sectors such as tourism and hotel/motel accommodation. The focus on the manufacturing industry will illustrate the sector’s potential to provide employment opportunities, and export dollars, that make Onkaparinga both the natural country hillside destination and the economic frontier for its expanding population and community needs. Onkaparinga 2005 to 2010 will be based on its demographic and economic history and then combine with its present outlook and vision to provide an economic future towards a lively country community of quite living, natural beauty and economic prosperity. Figure 1: Onkaparinga Map (Creating Our Future, 2003). Onkaparinga Economic Activity The manufacturing industry is the largest employer in the Onkaparinga region employing over 7,500 residents (ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2000). It is followed closely behind by the retail and health and community sectors which both share a high volume of residential employment but are still outnumbered by the manufacturing industry (Figure 2: ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2000). Figure 2: Employed Persons by Industry- Onkaparinga (ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2000). *Note authors own formatting. Though the difference in numbers of persons in employed may seem small between the retail industry and manufacturing industry, it becomes more relevant when compared to the actual number of businesses in operation. The manufacturing industry employs the greatest number of persons but the actual number of businesses in the industry is far less than that of other major industries, only 10%. This is compared to that of Retail Trade with 19%, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining with 12% and Property & Business with 15% (Figure 3, ABS Business Register Counts, 1998). This allows for any growth of the manufacturing industry to affect the increase in employment rates by more substantial numbers than that of other industries. This is because its ratio of employment to the actual number of running businesses is much higher than any other industry sector.
|
