Machinery operators and 5.9% 6.6% drivers Labourers 10.5% 13.3% Total 100% 100% The occupation by classification table above does not reveal anything particularly unexpected. In order to add a bit of clarity to the results it is important to acknowledge the significant differences in the aggregate workforce of the two local governments. The workforce of the Shire of Narrogin is 444 and the Town of Narrogin is 1,727. The difference in the percentage of Managers can be attributed to the farming and agricultural activities in the Shire of Narrogin. While the percentage of Managers in the Shire of Narrogin is substantially higher the actual numbers are 147 in the Shire and 200 in the Town of Narrogin. Economic factors The local economies in the two local governments are driven predominantly by agricultural activities. The Town of Narrogin is viewed as a regional centre and serves as the commercial and service hub for Narrogin and surrounding towns. The commercial sector is made up of varying small businesses, the majority of which are linked to agricultural activities within Narrogin. Agriculture is the main economic driver in the Shire of Narrogin and this is unlikely to change in the short term. As reported in the previous inquiry report on the Cuballing/Narrogin Board’s amalgamation, the Narrogin Regional Airport has significant potential for economic development into the future and this may well deliver economic benefits to the district of Narrogin. The economic base of Narrogin has been identified as lacking diversity in that its focus is primarily agriculture. While this is generally accepted to be the case, the service industries in Narrogin include education, health and aged care. Timber milling, brick making, concrete, light engineering and cabinet making are examples of other economic activities. Should the merger proceed, it is the view that the effect on the economic Board’s base of Narrogin will be immaterial. While there has been some concern expressed about the potential reduction in the workforce of the of Narrogin, the current “Shire” proposal suggests that any reductions will be minimal. Experience shows that a more concerning issue is the retention of experienced staff in the event of merger.
Machinery operators and drivers 5.9% 6.6% Labourers 10.5% 13.3% Total 100% 100% The occupation by classification table above does not reveal anything particularly unexpected. In order to add a bit of clarity to the results it is important to acknowledge the significant differences in the aggregate workforce of the two local governments. The workforce of the Shire of Narrogin is 444 and the Town of Narrogin is 1,727. The difference in the percentage of Managers can be attributed to the farming and agricultural activities in the Shire of Narrogin. While the percentage of Managers in the Shire of Narrogin is substantially higher the actual numbers are 147 in the Shire and 200 in the Town of Narrogin. Economic factors The local economies in the two local governments are driven predominantly by agricultural activities. The Town of Narrogin is viewed as a regional centre and serves as the commercial and service hub for Narrogin and surrounding towns. The commercial sector is made up of varying small businesses, the majority of which are linked to agricultural activities within Narrogin. Agriculture is the main economic driver in the Shire of Narrogin and this is unlikely to change in the short term. As reported in the Board’s previous inquiry report on the Cuballing/Narrogin amalgamation, the Narrogin Regional Airport has significant potential for economic development into the future and this may well deliver economic benefits to the district of Narrogin. The economic base of Narrogin has been identified as lacking diversity in that its focus is primarily agriculture. While this is generally accepted to be the case, the service industries in Narrogin include education, health and aged care. Timber milling, brick making, concrete, light engineering and cabinet making are examples of other economic activities. Should the merger proceed, it is the Board’s view that the effect on the economic base of Narrogin will be immaterial. While there has been some concern expressed about the potential reduction in the workforce of the “Shire” of Narrogin, the current proposal suggests that any reductions will be minimal. Experience shows that a more concerning issue is the retention of experienced staff in the event of merger.