Investment Opportunities
HEALTH CARE and EDUCATION
A stable population presents growing demand for health, childcare and education support services, which in turn creates development opportunities for business.
MANUFACTURING
A growing skilled labour force and a strong existing manufacturing sector support future growth in food, aviation and agricultural bio-waste processing.
AVIATION
With 280 aircraft on export order to China, Brumby Aviation is expanding at Cowra Airport. A planned expansion with 21 new commercial lots at Cowra Airport in 2016 will provide opportunities for aviation support services, the development of recreational flying activities, and on-site pilot training facilities.
AGRICULTURE
Any new investment in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector means would provide alternative options for local workers who currently travel to neighbouring shires including Forbes and Cabonne for employment.
EMERGING SECTORS
The Cowra industry base is dominated by agriculture and manufacturing. Main businesses include Cowra Meat Processors, Geronimo Farm Equipment, JGW Harvesting, Fred Fahey Aerial Services, Beecher Wool Services, Cowra Concrete Products and K-Line. There is an emerging aviation sector with Brumbie Aviation likely to expand on its aircraft manufacturing plant and plans for an international pilot training academy being located in Cowra.
GAPS IN FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Professional services in specialist areas include occupational health, aged care, dental and medical.
Regular flights to and from Sydney are used by medical professionals working at Cowra Hospital which relies heavily on the rotation of doctors to run services.
Incentives and Land Availability
Local investment incentives —
Cowra Shire provides an industry incentive to establish strategic businesses in the Shire or to assist existing businesses expand. The incentive is based on the number of full-time positions generated (10 positions or more) by the new business or proposed expansion. Funds are made available subject to annual budget allocations, and specified conditions & assessment by Council of the project.
Council supports activities that are aimed at providing new and existing business with a variety of tools that build capacity and innovation with the aim to encourage growth and international competitiveness.
In doing so, Council facilitates periodic training in business management, marketing and promotion, industrial relations, E-Commerce and digital media.
Cowra Council supports and assists the Cowra Business Chamber and sub-committees, as well as the Cowra Building Construction Group with their development efforts. Council facilitates solutions to identified challenges when and where possible.
Cowra Council provides online access to shire specific demographic/economic data which can be used freely, making Cowra information accessible to the broadest possible audience, thus promoting evidence-based decision making for planning, development and growth at both business and community level.
Land availability and business locations —
Residential development
The Chardonnay Hills Estate residential subdivision has 66 approved allotments with two dwelling-houses constructed, four other dwellings under construction and four houses approved ready for construction. The estate is located on the north/west side of the Cowra Township with a southerly aspect. Adjoining the Chardonnay Hills Estate subdivision is a 110-allotment residential subdivision approved for construction. The subdivision is adjacent to Cowra High School.
Council is currently considering a 39-lot subdivision centrally located in West Cowra. There is a Seniors Housing Development approved on Vaux Street one street away from the CBD comprising 19 Seniors Housing Units. The Yarrabilly residential development by Southern Rural Holdings is ready to proceed when the developers action it. This will present a number of opportunities during the construction phase and once completed will encourage new residents to the region and provide current residents with a greater choice in terms of residential accommodation.
Industrial land
With the adoption of the LEP 2012 Council has rezoned large areas of south/west Cowra for Light Industrial Uses with a variety of allotments ranging from 2 hectares down to 1000m2 available for purchase and development. Additionally, there are large areas of land zoned General Industrial on the north/west and south/west ends of the Township already containing a variety of general industries.
Cowra has a medium sized industrial site with around 30 lots that are selling steadily. The heavy industrial areas were identified with the LEP in 2012. There is an area of 55 hectares set aside with development being planned.
Infrastructure
The main street redevelopment of the Cowra CBD has recently been completed, bringing improved streetscape and amenity to Kendall Street.
Commercial land
Motel, 30 rooms — Cowra Services Club.
Wine bar development application approved
Proposal to undertake the first stage of the Airport Business Park subdivision proposed to be completed in accordance with the approved Airport Master Plan. Around 21 new lots of variable sizes will be produced and put to tender in 2016.
For more information on Cowra contact our Cowra Business Officer on
(02) 6340 2038.