About Us
Vision
The Vision of Sturt ACC is for a productive, progressive, competitive world-class region:providing quality of life and business and employment opportunities through the sustainable development of local communities.
Regional Profile
The Sturt region of South Australia covers an area of 35,072 square kilometres (representing around 3% of the state) north and east of the capital city of Adelaide, through to the border with Victoria. The region is situated at the southern end of the Murray Darling Basin.
Most of the region is inland apart from a small section of coastline fronting the Gulf of St. Vincent. The topography of the region is mainly flat to undulating and is bisected, from the border to Mannum, by the River Murray. The country is very attractive, with a large percentage under cultivation, either for cropping or pasture; or vines and other horticultural crops. The exceptions are areas to the north and north east; and south west, which have large stands of native mallee and scrubland.
According to the 2006 ABS Census, the region supports a population of just over 104,000 people. Unemployment is low at 5.5%, but there is a high level of part-time workers and increasing casualisation. Over thirty-five percent of the population is over 45 years with more than 40% earning an income of less than $300 per week.
There is no major regional centre for the Sturt ACC region; the three largest towns have a population less than 8000. There are over 60 communities with a population of less than 2000 people. Most towns are relatively closely located although many have quite specific “points of difference” relating to environment, culture and/or history.
The region is generally well serviced by educational institutions, health care and banks, but there are issues for some smaller communities in the decline of local facilities and services – especially those on the outer city fringe. Communities on the outer urban fringe also have developing issues with the growth of commuter popultations.
The major industries of the region are agriculture, irrigated horticulture (especially wine grapes) tourism and related service industries. The region is home to a number of national food processing operations and ten of the nation’s largest wineries are based within its borders. There is also a growing community of small to micro businesses.
The region is the primary wine production centre in Australia producing around 60% of Australia’s crush. The horticulture and viticulture industries employ nearly a quarter of the region’s labour force with other associated manufacturing industries employing another 15%. There is a strong emphasis on quality food production in the region, driven by growing exports as well as the market for quality regional food and wine.
The environmental impact of industry development on the River Murray system is a key issue for the region – along with related issues such as irrigation practice, water allocation and salinity.
The economy of the region is generally robust, but this can hide pockets of social disadvantage as well as mask potential threats to the (mainly) agricultural economy.
Strategic Regional Plan
Area Consultative Committees are being transitioned into Regional Development Australia Local Committees. Their final structure has not yet been determined by the Australian Government but will be developed in consultation with regional communities and stakeholders.
It is anticipated the Government will make a decison regarding the structure before the end of 2008, and that will clarify whether there is a need for a further Strategic Regional Plan.
For further information please contact Simon Millcock, Executive Officer on 8562 2511 or 0417 867 601 or simon.millcock@sturtacc.org.au
Please click on the link below to view our 2008-09 Business Plan.
Annual Reports
For further information please contact Simon Millcock, Executive Officer on 8562 2511 or 0417 867 601 or simon.millcock@sturtacc.org.au