Koori Group Updates GV Economic Study
Friday, 11 March 2005

Ganbina Koori Economic Employment and Training Agency Inc. last week launched its updated Economic Analysis of the Goulburn Valley and the City of Greater Shepparton.

The study, first produced in 2002/2003, quantifies the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Major contributors to regional GDP in 2003/2004 include Manufacturing 43.1%, Agriculture & Forestry 11.7%, retail trade 9.4% and Transport & storage 5.6%.

Linqage International conducted the study on behalf of Ganbina. Linqage International director Chris Le Marshall said the study reflected input from all major enterprises in the region, rather than being based on estimates. “We discovered significant shifts in some sectors” Mr Le Marshall said. “For example, in Greater Shepparton the there was a 16% drop in value of output in fruit & tomatoes and across the region the dairy industry faced a significant rise in input costs.” “ With margins being slashed producers resorted to heard culling, selling yearling heifers for export and reduction in overheads such as AI, essential for long term survival” he said.

Ganbina Executive Officer Adrian Appo explained “The report was commissioned to identify what industries the organisation should focus on when it placed its clients in training.”

‘We were looking for a more strategic way of providing the service to the indigenous community so they can get better training, employment and economic outcomes for themselves’ he said. “Availability of skilled workers is impacting on economic output with the study revealing that in some sectors revenue reductions of up to 10% have been experienced” Mr Appo observed.

The local business community has expressed interest in the work. ‘It’s been widely accepted that there is nowhere they can get this information’ said Mr Appo. ‘What was initially going to benefit the indigenous community will benefit the whole community.’

The full report is available for purchase by phoning Linqage International on 03 9654 1410.

For further Information: Adrian Appo, through Ganbina Koori Economic Employment and Training Agency Inc. on 03 5821 7333