Boosting Productivity and Economic Participation in Braddon: Regional Priorities and Practical Reforms Preamble Australia’s productivity performance lags our international competitors, with the situation notably more dire in Tasmania and potentially even worse along the North-West Coast (e.g., Cradle Coast and Braddon region). Productivity is a multifaceted issue, and it is widely recognised that no single measure can sufficiently address the nation's productivity challenges. Positioning our nation, state, and region for a prosperous and sustainable future requires coordinated action across diverse policies and sectors. To achieve this, governments and communities must have access to reliable data, ask informed and forward-thinking questions, nurture the capacity of our communities to meet emerging challenges and opportunities and engage with local narratives. These elements are essential to creating a strategic roadmap that fosters sustainable growth, enhances public health, and improves overall wellbeing across the region. At the heart of this challenge lies a critical question: What will it take to transition to the new future while retaining our status as a region where people want to live? Step 1: Scope the challenge We know the outcome of a failure to address long-term systemic challenges. Research undertaken by Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) has identified several entrenched and/or systemic issues that hinder economic growth. These challenges impact workforce participation, performance, and resilience, while also limiting individuals' capacity to contribute and engage in a fulfilling and enriched life. This research informed the initial development of the Cradle Coast Regional Futures Plan (2018) and is validated annually through the CCA Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC). In addition, it has informed early work on the strategic overlay – the roadmap to the future. Step 2: The data While the data set may be incomplete, there are some consistent issues faced by the community that have contributed to poor, underwhelming or uneven performance. While the region has experienced strong economic growth from 2021 to 2023, with Gross Regional Product reaching $8.5 billion and an average annual growth rate of 3.4%; the impact of this growth has not been felt by the entire community, and there is concern that the growth may not be sustainable without targeted intervention. The issues confronting this region are not dissimilar to those in other regional communities across Australia, and while a whole of government response may help to solve some, there is also demand for place-based and localised solutions. 1. Population •
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Shrinking and aging workforce: Out-migration, an aging population, limited population growth and uneven distribution of growth are reducing the working-age population, creating labour shortages and increasing demand for the provision of health and allied health services. Low educational attainment: Continued lower levels of literacy, numeracy and digital competence. Fewer residents with bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees and more with only Year 10 or vocational training qualifications, lower completion rates for education and training (apprenticeships), limiting access to emerging job opportunities requiring post-school education. Socio-economic disadvantage: The region has a SEIFA score of 915, well below the national average of 1000. Burnie, Devonport, George Town, and the West Coast have even lower scores (~800) and higher unemployment rates. 1