THE REGION’S KEY STRENGTHS AND ASSETS
Workers in the North and representatives of regional organisations identified a number of key
strengths and assets in the areas of economy, environment and the community.
Those who live in the North, including people who would traditionally be considered to be socially and
economically disadvantaged, also described a range of strengths and assets that make the north a
positive environment.
Regional leaders also commented on the region’s assets while demonstrating by their responses that
they are in fact one of its real strengths.
Generally it is considered that there is a strong sense of optimism and commitment to making the
North a better place. Councils are increasingly finding ways to work together. There are greater
levels of engagement with the State Government around transport, planning, health, education and
employment. The Commonwealth Government has reconnected with the northern region through the
Sustainable Regions Programme and representation by the Department of Transport and Regional
Services (DOTARS) on the Northern Partnership.
ECONOMY
There is a re-emerging regional focus on economic development with the recent establishment of the
Northern Adelaide Economic Development Alliance to provide strategic directions for existing regional
and local economic development initiatives.
The region has significant generator industries including automotive, defence, learning, retail and
horticulture and a number of industry clusters / associations such as Technology Park, Defence
Teaming Centre and Savvy North.
The availability of public land at Edinburgh Parks and Technology Park allows future capacity for
significant industrial development. The physical transport network is good and different modes are
responsive to opportunities for integration.
There are a number of significant medium sized businesses who are regional drivers in clustering for
technology acquisition and global competition.
Local Government is more proactive about initiating economic actions to be the catalyst for
investment.
The quality and range of educational institutions is a key asset for the region. A number of
employment related networks such as Playford Partnerships are working to match skills of employees
to the available and emerging employment opportunities.
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ENVIRONMENT
The region possesses a diverse natural environment with hills, escarpments, important riverine
corridors such as Dry Creek and the Little Para, North and South Para and Gawler Rivers flowing into
the Barker Inlet and associated marine areas that are a significant fish nursery and marine habitat.
A regional approach to planning policy and water management is supported by the Catchment Board
and Councils. The Catchment Board plays a key role in bringing people with local expertise together
around specific projects. It is important that the Board continue to play this role during the transition to
new sub-regional arrangements being introduced through the Natural Resource Management Bill.
There is strong community “ownership” of environmental assets with Biodiversity Groups and
Waterwatch volunteers keen to work with Councils and the Catchment Board.
The region is a leader in environmental technologies, particularly with respect to water harvesting and
treatment. Wetlands and the “green” open spaces created by the use of recycled water are highly
valued by the community. The skills and knowledge of local people are being developed with respect
to emerging energy technology.
COMMUNITY
There are really strong volunteer networks across the region and good links between Councils and
service clubs and community organisations. Cross Council and regional programmes are well
established in some areas. There is a strong Local Government commitment to community
development and community services.
There is generally good on-ground engagement of the community around particular projects and an
ability to persevere with models and pilots to develop these into workable projects.
THE NORTH AS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
Over 60% of the respondents to the community survey had lived in the North for more than 10 years.
They identified the benefits of living in the North as lifestyle, amenity and community.
The proximity to a good range of shops, public transport, community facilities, employment, schools
and recreation and leisure opportunities is seen as a positive feature of the North. Affordable housing
and business opportunities were considered as favourable features of the North.
Community and friendship were important elements of living in the North for survey respondents.
They mentioned the presence of community spirit; open, helpful and down to earth people and good
neighbours and friends.
Other people valued the good level of safety and the involvement of diverse cultures. The community
was described as “laid back, close knit and friendly”.
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Some people were particularly enthusiastic about the North with views ranging from it’s a good or
great place to live, it is home and it “has charismatic exciting potential”.
THE NORTH LEADS THE WAY
The North is a paradox. There is no disputing the statistics that show the region as having one of the
greatest levels of socio-economic disadvantage in Australia. It is also evident that the region has
enormous potential and its greatest resource is its people. More than many other places, the North
develops leaders of great strength and attracts workers with passion, commitment and exceptional
drive.
The North is innovative and often leads the way, yet it is shy about self-promotion. As one of the
leaders interviewed said “we don’t think what we do is special. We just do it naturally. Often it comes
out of adversity – it is part of our resilience”.
Working together to solve complex problems across agencies, sectors and spheres of Government is
one of the special attributes of the northern Adelaide region.
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