Commerce - Regional Development

The Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board is a joint initiative of Local Governments in the Central Hills (Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker) and State Government to foster business and employment growth.

The board actively supports individual business enterprise in the area, works closely with Local Council, the SA Business Enterprise Centres, the AHBTC and other business groups, contributes to various seminars and provides an essential referral and assistance service to businesses.

The Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board has initiated and taken part in strategic developments for the promotion of commerce and business in this and adjoining council areas. Some of the programmes directly impacting on the Adelaide Hills Council area are briefed for your information.

Adelaide Hills Regional Profile
The Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board has published this document to assist business and any other group to understand the region and be involved in planning its future. The Profile document provides relevant statistics and other useful descriptive information on the region's resources.

Recreation and Sport
The Adelaide Hills' proximity to Adelaide city has enormous potential for recreational and sporting activity as an important economic driver. The Board has engaged consultants to develop a regional strategy for the investment and management of the growth of the industry.

The Arts
The Adelaide Hills Region is home to many artists yet little detail is known about the impact of the arts industry. The Board is conducting a detailed study to identify the industry needs and opportunities such that the industry's greater potential can be achieved.

European Wasps
European Wasp populations have been increasing rapidly in recent years and pose a threat to the tourism and horticultural industries in the region. The Board has supplied funding support for control, research and has lobbied the State Government for management support.

Farm Forestry
The Board has led the establishment of the Mount Lofty Farm Forestry Group. A strategy to increase the scale of the industry has been developed and various investment options being explored.

Cherry Industry
The cherry industry in the Adelaide Hills has undergone a revolution in recent years with the adoption of new varieties and management systems. With an anticipated revenue growth for the cherry industry in SA from $4.5 million each year, to $8 million per year, with an opportunity for much of the growth to be channelled to export markets. A strategy has been developed to address issues of quality and packing to better serve those export markets.

Events and Festivals
Events and festivals are an important component of Hills culture and its tourism industry. The Board has provided major financial and other support for a number of events and has in-turn attracted increased sponsorship and greater audiences to these events.

Waste Management
Management of waste is regarded in the Hills as an environmental necessity and as a business opportunity. A detailed strategy for waste recycling has been established in conjunction with local councils.

Wine Industry
The Adelaide Hills is being increasingly recognised as a premium wine region. To assist the industry in its growth, the Board has provided financial support for the Hills Winery Guide and for the Hills Harvest Festival.

Regional Freight Survey
With the growth in housing and industrial activity there is a need to asses the adequacy of freight handling facilitates and transport routes in the Adelaide Hills. A comprehensive survey of freight practices and needs of local businesses is currently being conducted.

Road Signage
A Regional Tourism Signage Strategy has been developed by the Board, and with support of Councils, and South Australian Tourism Commission to remove signage confusion, especially for the tourist.

Adelaide Hills Business and Tourism Centre Inc.
Established in the site of the ex Lobethal Woollen Mills, the Adelaide Hills Business and Tourism Centre Inc. is a joint venture between the Board, Adelaide Hills Council, and the Commonwealth. Through the Business Incubator Program, it is now the, largest facility of its type in Australia with 30 businesses employing more than 50 people.

Tasting Australia
Adelaide Hills Food and Wine is featured in Tasting Australia, the largest food and wine media event being held biannually in October. The Adelaide Hills involvement is in four parts, an Adelaide Hills Media Tour, the Hills enters two teams in the Regional Culinary Competition and wineries and food producers will be involved in the Feast for the Senses in Botanic Park.