What we want to see within ten years
Goal 5: Residents can engage in meaningful productive employment and strive for prosperity.
Goals are how the Shire has interpreted and grouped the things that the community wants everyone to work together to improve over the next ten years
Goal Outcomes:
- Attract businesses that create local employment🤑 - The Shire is business friendly and the Shire of choice for inward investment in the Kimberley
- Residents actively participate in the local economy🔨 - All residents who want to participate in the workforce and undertake business ventures
Goal background:
Income and jobs allow people to cover their basic needs and provide opportunities to fulfil personal wishes. They allow people to accumulate wealth, helping them to be more resistant in times of economic crisis.
in general, people aged 15 and over living in metropolitan (greater capital city) areas are more likely to be employed than people living outside these areas (ABS 2022b). This may be due to lower opportunities and access to work outside metropolitan areas and the smaller range of employment and career opportunities in these areas (ABS 2022b; NRHA 2013).
People living in rural and remote areas also generally have lower incomes but pay higher prices for goods and services (NRHA 2014). In 2017–18, Australians living outside capital cities had, on average, 19% less household income per week compared with those living in capital cities, and 30% less mean household net worth (ABS 2022b).
The more jobs available the more likely someone is to gain employment. Attracting investment and economic growth increases the number of job within the local economy.
Greater participation of residents in the workforce and engaging in business ventures reduces welfare dependance and the social issues in the Shire associated with welfare such as alcoholism, domestic violence etc.
Future impacts on local employment
In this section, we will examine the future impacts on jobs in remote Australia, in particular Kununurra, WA. Kununurra is mainly known for its agriculture and tourism industries, which are both vulnerable to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. While these may have the biggest long term impact on our local economy a more immediate impact is from the rapidly development of Artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and has the potential to bring about both positive and negative impacts on society. Some of the potential negative impacts of AI include mass unemployment, increased inequality, and even existential threats. However, there are also a number of things that people can do to survive the impacts of AI.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work in various ways, and its impacts are not evenly distributed across different regions and sectors.
According to a report by ACS and Faethm, 2.7 million Australian jobs are at risk from automation over the next 15 years, but more than twice as many jobs can be created if Australia invests in the skills development of its workforce. The report also finds that 25% of these new jobs will be technology-related roles, which require skills such as data analysis, programming, design and engineering. However, these skills are not evenly distributed across the country, and remote areas such as Kununurra may face challenges in accessing education and training opportunities, as well as attracting and retaining talent.
AI can also create new opportunities for remote areas, by improving productivity, efficiency and innovation. For example, AI can help farmers in Kununurra optimise their irrigation systems, monitor their crops and livestock, and reduce their environmental impact. AI can also help tourism operators in Kununurra enhance their customer experience, personalise their services and expand their reach. AI can also enable remote workers to collaborate with colleagues and clients across distances, and access global markets and networks.
Therefore, the impacts of AI on jobs in remote Australia are complex and uncertain, depending on various factors such as the type of industry, the level of skill, the availability of infrastructure and the degree of adaptation. To maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of AI, remote areas such as Kununurra need to invest in their human capital, digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. They also need to collaborate with other stakeholders such as government, industry and academia to develop strategies and policies that support their transition to a more digital and sustainable economy.
Climate Change
Kununurra's economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and tourism, all of which are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Some of these impacts include:
Crime and the perception of Crime
Crime and its perception have significant impacts on the availability and quality of jobs in remote Australia, including in Kununurra. Crime can deter potential employers and investors from setting up businesses in the region, reducing the economic opportunities and development for the local population. Crime can also affect the morale and productivity of existing workers, who may face increased stress, fear, and insecurity in their daily lives. Moreover, the perception of crime can be even more damaging than the actual crime rates, as it can create a negative image and reputation for the region, discouraging tourism, migration, and innovation. Therefore, it is important to address both the root causes and the consequences of crime and its perception in remote Australia, and to promote a more positive and realistic view of the region's potential and achievements.
Income and jobs allow people to cover their basic needs and provide opportunities to fulfil personal wishes. They allow people to accumulate wealth, helping them to be more resistant in times of economic crisis.
in general, people aged 15 and over living in metropolitan (greater capital city) areas are more likely to be employed than people living outside these areas (ABS 2022b). This may be due to lower opportunities and access to work outside metropolitan areas and the smaller range of employment and career opportunities in these areas (ABS 2022b; NRHA 2013).
People living in rural and remote areas also generally have lower incomes but pay higher prices for goods and services (NRHA 2014). In 2017–18, Australians living outside capital cities had, on average, 19% less household income per week compared with those living in capital cities, and 30% less mean household net worth (ABS 2022b).
The more jobs available the more likely someone is to gain employment. Attracting investment and economic growth increases the number of job within the local economy.
Greater participation of residents in the workforce and engaging in business ventures reduces welfare dependance and the social issues in the Shire associated with welfare such as alcoholism, domestic violence etc.
Future impacts on local employment
In this section, we will examine the future impacts on jobs in remote Australia, in particular Kununurra, WA. Kununurra is mainly known for its agriculture and tourism industries, which are both vulnerable to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. While these may have the biggest long term impact on our local economy a more immediate impact is from the rapidly development of Artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and has the potential to bring about both positive and negative impacts on society. Some of the potential negative impacts of AI include mass unemployment, increased inequality, and even existential threats. However, there are also a number of things that people can do to survive the impacts of AI.
- Upskill and reskill. As AI automates more and more jobs, it will be important for people to upskill and reskill to stay competitive in the job market. This means learning new skills that are in demand and that cannot be easily automated.
- Become more creative and entrepreneurial. AI is not very good at creativity or entrepreneurship. These are areas where humans can still thrive. So, if you want to survive the impacts of AI, it's important to develop your creative and entrepreneurial skills.
- Become more adaptable and resilient. The world is changing rapidly, and AI is one of the main drivers of this change. In order to survive, people need to be adaptable and resilient. This means being able to change with the times and to bounce back from setbacks.
- Be an advocate for ethical AI. It is important to ensure that AI is developed and used in an ethical way. This means ensuring that AI is not used to discriminate against people or to harm them in any way.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work in various ways, and its impacts are not evenly distributed across different regions and sectors.
According to a report by ACS and Faethm, 2.7 million Australian jobs are at risk from automation over the next 15 years, but more than twice as many jobs can be created if Australia invests in the skills development of its workforce. The report also finds that 25% of these new jobs will be technology-related roles, which require skills such as data analysis, programming, design and engineering. However, these skills are not evenly distributed across the country, and remote areas such as Kununurra may face challenges in accessing education and training opportunities, as well as attracting and retaining talent.
AI can also create new opportunities for remote areas, by improving productivity, efficiency and innovation. For example, AI can help farmers in Kununurra optimise their irrigation systems, monitor their crops and livestock, and reduce their environmental impact. AI can also help tourism operators in Kununurra enhance their customer experience, personalise their services and expand their reach. AI can also enable remote workers to collaborate with colleagues and clients across distances, and access global markets and networks.
Therefore, the impacts of AI on jobs in remote Australia are complex and uncertain, depending on various factors such as the type of industry, the level of skill, the availability of infrastructure and the degree of adaptation. To maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of AI, remote areas such as Kununurra need to invest in their human capital, digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. They also need to collaborate with other stakeholders such as government, industry and academia to develop strategies and policies that support their transition to a more digital and sustainable economy.
Climate Change
Kununurra's economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and tourism, all of which are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Some of these impacts include:
- Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones, which can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and reduce productivity.
- Reduced water availability and quality, due to changes in rainfall patterns, increased evaporation, and saltwater intrusion, which can affect irrigation, crop yields, and livestock health.
- Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, due to habitat fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, and over exploitation, which can reduce the resilience of natural systems and the benefits they provide to human well-being.
- Decline in tourism demand and revenue, due to reduced attractiveness of natural attractions, increased health risks, and travel disruptions.
Crime and the perception of Crime
Crime and its perception have significant impacts on the availability and quality of jobs in remote Australia, including in Kununurra. Crime can deter potential employers and investors from setting up businesses in the region, reducing the economic opportunities and development for the local population. Crime can also affect the morale and productivity of existing workers, who may face increased stress, fear, and insecurity in their daily lives. Moreover, the perception of crime can be even more damaging than the actual crime rates, as it can create a negative image and reputation for the region, discouraging tourism, migration, and innovation. Therefore, it is important to address both the root causes and the consequences of crime and its perception in remote Australia, and to promote a more positive and realistic view of the region's potential and achievements.
Have we missed anything?
Use the comment box below to let us know if there is anything that might have been missed
Use the comment box below to let us know if there is anything that might have been missed
What we will do
Shire's Role in achieving the Goal:
Create the conditions to attract investment and businesses that generate employment and benefit the community.
Create the conditions to attract investment and businesses that generate employment and benefit the community.
Developing strategies and the Shire's Response
Based on input and feedback from the community, available statistics and analysis by local and national agencies the following response have been identified as the best ways to achieve the community goal.
Based on input and feedback from the community, available statistics and analysis by local and national agencies the following response have been identified as the best ways to achieve the community goal.
Shire strategies in achieving the goal:
- The Shire will promote the Shire to attract investment and businesses to our Shire and support the retention and growth of local businesses that create local employment.
- The Shire will support greater participation of local residents especially Aboriginal people and people with disability or mental health condition in the workforce and to undertake business ventures.
Linking the Shire strategies to the goal outcomes:
5.1 Attract businesses that create local employment 🤑 |
To be business friendly and be the Shire of choice for inward investment in the Kimberley The Shire will promote the Shire to attract investment and businesses to our Shire and support the retention and growth of local businesses that create local employment. |
5.2 Residents actively participate in the local economy 🔨 |
Support greater participation of residents in the workforce and to undertake business ventures The Shire will support greater participation of local residents especially Aboriginal people and people with disability or mental health condition in the workforce and to undertake business ventures. |
What do you think the Shire should do?
Use the comment box below to tell us what you think the Shire's role should be in this space in the future
Use the comment box below to tell us what you think the Shire's role should be in this space in the future
Community comment
Our community’s aspirations:
- Business is attracted to the Shire, creating more local jobs.
- Ability to work - childcare, skills, training, employment opportunities
- Direct and targeted actions to change the fundamental situation
Community comment received:
Community Vision Survey
Community Vision Survey
