NSW INDUSTRY ACTION PLAN CONSULTATIONS NOW OPEN

24 October, 2011 | Sydney

SW residents and organisations are invited to have their say and contribute to the development of a Digital Economy Industry Action Plan for the State.

The NSW Government's "Have your Say" website is now open until 18 November to receive online comments and submissions at http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/iap

Public submissions and input is invited to help develop Industry Action Plans for the following key sectors of the NSW economy:

The Digital Economy - focused on digital content and applications; information services and analytics; and smart networks and intelligent technologies.
Manufacturing – with a focus on processed food and beverage manufacturing; metal manufacturing; and machinery and equipment manufacturing including biomedical and medical devices, renewable energy technology, and defence equipment.
Professional Services - focused on finance and insurance; legal and regulatory services; and engineering services.
Tourism and Events – with a focus on developing a tourism and events strategy to double tourism expenditure to NSW by 2020.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said the Government has established Industry Taskforces to develop the Industry Action Plans to position key sectors of the NSW economy for growth, innovation and productivity, exports and global competitiveness, and new investment over the next decade and beyond.

“The Have your Say website can be used by anyone including individuals, industry participants, local government, organisations and associations,” Mr Stoner said.

“The online forums will allow people who are unable to attend live forums or don't have the time to write formal submissions to participate via the internet at any time of the day or night that suits them.

“They will also suit organisations who wish to participate in the Industry Action Plan consultation process in an informal way.

“Feedback provided through the online forums will allow for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of comments and submissions made, trends and key issues identified, and characteristics including geographical locations."

Updates on the Industry Action Plan process will be provided through www.business.nsw.gov.au and social media using the Twitter hashtag #iapnsw and the Facebook page www.facebook.com/NSWBusiness

Formal submissions are also being sought addressing the Taskforces Terms of Reference, which are available on the site. The closing date for these is 25 November 2011.

Submissions can be uploaded via the Have your Say website or mailed to:

Industry Action Plans
c/o: Innovation Unit
NSW Trade & Investment
GPO Box 5477
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Public forums are also planned for industry participants in both metropolitan and regional areas in February and March next year.

Meetings will also be held with key industry thought leaders in peak industry associations, regional associations, individual companies and academia.