Agenda of Economic Development & Communications Committee Meeting

Item No. 6.1

Agenda (Open Portion)

Economic Development & Communications Committee Meeting

Page 7

27/4/2017

REPORT TITLE: International Relations - Yaizu and L'Aquila - Anniversary celebrations

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Economic Development Project Officer

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement for a delegation to visit Hobart’s sister city Yaizu (Japan) in August to mark the 40^th anniversary of this relationship.

1.2. This report is also seeking endorsement for a low key visit to Hobart’s sister city of L’Aquila (Italy) in May to mark the 20^th anniversary of this relationship.

1.3. Council support for two activities taking place in Hobart in October, associated with the relationship with L’Aquila is also sought.

1.4. The community benefit of undertaking the recommendations of this report are associated with the continued nurturing of two international relationships that are extremely important to groups of the community of Hobart.

2. Report Summary

2.1. This report is seeking Council endorsement for a delegation to visit Yaizu in August 2017 as part of the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the relationship.

2.2. It is also felt that a low key visit to L’Aquila in May 2017 would be appropriate to mark the 20^th anniversary. This visit would be conducted as part of a Council endorsed study delegation to Europe with UTAS and thus will not involve further significant international travel.

2.3. In addition to this low key visit, this report is seeking Council support for two events to be staged in Hobart in October, one to mark the 20^th anniversary between L’Aquila and Hobart and the other to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Abruzzese Association of Hobart, they key driver of this sister city relationship.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The Council endorse a delegation to travel to Yaizu in August 2017 as part of the 40^th anniversary celebrations of the relationship, with the estimated cost of up to $6,575 per Alderman, to be attributed to the Economic Development Function of the 2017/2018 Annual Plan.

2. Costs associated with Mrs Fumiko Plaister’s participation in the delegation to Yaizu, as well as an interpreter, be borne by the Council at an approximate cost of up to $6,575 per person, to be attributed to the Economic Development Function of the 2017/2018 Annual Plan.

3. The Council endorse a delegation to travel to L’Aquila in May 2017, whilst already in Europe on a study tour with UTAS, with the estimated cost of up to $790 per Alderman, to be attributed to the Economic Development Function of the 2016/2017 Annual Plan.

4. The Council host a civic reception in the Town Hall for up to 200 people at an approximate cost of up to $7,000 to mark the 20^th anniversary of the relationship with L’Aquila, with the cost to be attributed to the Civic Reception Budget Function within the Office of the Lord Mayor of the 2017/2018 Annual Plan.

5. The Council provides funding of $500 for an entertainer at an event marking the 30^th anniversary of the Abruzzese Association of Hobart, to be attributed to the Economic Development Function of the 2017/2018 Annual Plan.

4. Background

Yaizu

4.1. The Hobart-Yaizu relationship is the 6^th oldest Japanese / Australian sister city relationship, having celebrated 40 years on 17 February 2017.

4.2. The relationship was originally established on economic foundations, with Hobart being the ‘home’ port for the Japanese tuna fishing fleets.

4.3. The relationship between Hobart and Yaizu appears to have stood the test of time and evolved into one based on cultural and student exchange. This longevity of this relationship has been supported greatly by the energy and enthusiasm of the former Lady Mayoress of Hobart, Mrs Fumiko Plaister.

4.4. In October 2015 the Mayor of Yaizu, Mr Hiromichi Nakano visited Hobart to meet with the Lord Mayor, Alderman Sue Hickey to discuss opportunities to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Council’s sister city relationship with Yaizu.

4.5. In February 2017, a very significant delegation of 30+ visited Hobart from Yaizu and enjoyed a diverse program of activities and events that marked the 40^th anniversary. This included a martial arts demonstration, Origami, Kimono and Yukata displays, Taiko drum demonstrations, an official celebratory dinner and a tree planting ceremony in the Japanese garden of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

4.6. In turn, advice from Yaizu has been that a return visit over the period 12 to 14 August 2017 would be optimal as it would coincide with the Ara Matsuri Festival.

4.7. Given the size of the delegation that visited Hobart in February, it would be a sign of respect for the City of Hobart to send a significant delegation back. Given the significance Mrs Fumiko Plaister has had on the relationship over a number of decades, it is suggested that costs associated Mrs Plaister’s involvement in these celebrations, as well as an interpreter are borne by the Council. Officers have also begun the process of seeking community interest to accompany the delegation (at their own cost).

L’Aquila

4.8. The relationship between Hobart and L’Aquila is 20 years old this year.

4.9. The links between Hobart and L’Aquila (a city in the Abruzzi region of Italy) are largely because many of the early Italian migrants to Tasmania were from this region.

4.10. The driving force of this relationship is the Abruzzese Association of Hobart (AA) that promotes the cultural links between Hobart and the Abruzzi region. The AA itself is 30 years old this year.

4.11. The City of Hobart and the AA have had regular contact for the duration of the relationship with L’Aquila, either formally through a sister city committee or now more informally on a needs basis.

4.12. This sister city relationship has enjoyed periods of activity but has been relatively dormant for a number of years.

4.13. Two delegations from the City of Hobart have visited L’Aquila during the relationship.

4.13.1. The Council visited L’Aquila in May 2005. This delegation coincided with the presentation of the Tasmanian ceramic exhibition “Surface: Beneath and Beyond”.

4.13.2. An Aldermanic delegation visited L’Aquila in 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the sister city relationship during the Brest France (Tasmanian Sister State Relationship) visit.

4.14. In 2010, the City of Hobart worked with the Abruzzi community in Hobart and organised several fundraisers which raised $60,000 to go towards the rebuilding of a historic building in the region, following a severe earthquake in 2009.

4.15. In April 2011, a photographic exhibition was displayed at the Hobart City Council to exhibit images of the affected areas following the earthquake in L’Aquila.

4.16. The most recent correspondence between the Abruzzese Association and contacts in L’Aquila have suggested that the region and city are still troubled after the earthquake of 2009 and a lesser earthquake in 2016. For this reason, it is very unlikely that any representatives of L’Aquila will be able to travel to Hobart to partake in 20^th anniversary celebrations.

4.17. Council on 3 April, 2017 resolved inter alia:

That:

1. The City of Hobart participate in the ‘Going Global Conference’ in London from 22–24 May 2017, and a study tour to visit exemplar university cities in the United Kingdom and Europe prior to attending the conference.

4.18. Given that there will be a study tour to Europe in May / June 2017, as invited by UTAS and that the last delegation to L’Aquila was eight years ago, it seems an opportune time for a low key visit. The purpose of this will be to mark the 20^th anniversary of the relationship between the two cities. In the light of the economic status of L’Aquila, it seems respectful gesture from Hobart to visit.

4.19. It is proposed that a visit to L’Aquila would be for no more than two nights and two days.

4.20. Celebrations in Hobart to mark the 20^th anniversary of the relationship with L’Aquila are being led by the Abruzzese Association (AA). Early plans are being made for the hosting of a reception by the Lord Mayor in the Town Hall on the evening of Friday 13 October with catering and entertainment to be organised by the AA.

4.21. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen are also to be invited to a celebration at the Italian Club on Saturday 14 October to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Abruzzese Association of Hobart. The Council has been asked to contribute to the evening by providing funding for the entertainment.

5. Proposal and Implementation

Yaizu

5.1. It is proposed that a delegation from the City of Hobart, plus Mrs Plaister and an interpreter attend celebrations marking the 40^th anniversary in Yaizu over 12, 13 and 14 August 2017. Should the Council support this, the Economic Development Unit will liaise with the city of Yaizu in respect to the finer details of the visit.

5.1.1. The cost of return business class flights to Yaizu are around $4,000. Train travel from Tokyo to Yaizu return is around $300 per person. Accommodation is budgeted at $300 per person per night. Assuming a stay of around 7 nights, accommodation per person is $2,100. Some meals are expected to be provided as part of the celebrations so an additional budget of $25 per person per day is anticipated ($175).

5.1.2. The total cost of the Yaizu delegation would therefore be expected to be approximately $6575 per person.

L’Aquila

5.2. It is proposed that a delegation visit the city of L’Aquila for no more than 2 days and 2 nights in May 2017 as part of a Council approved study tour to Europe.

5.2.1. The cost of this low key visit to L’Aquila would involve a return rail ticket from Rome to L’Aquila at the cost of approximately $40 per person. Accommodation is budgeted at $300 per person per night and is therefore $600 per person. Food is budgeted at $75 per person per day ($150 in total). The cost per person of this proposed two day and two night trip is therefore $790 per person.

5.3. It is proposed that Council hosts a reception at the Town Hall on Friday 13 October to mark the 20^th anniversary of the relationship with L’Aquila. A maximum 200 guests would be hosted at a cost of approximately $7,000 to the Council.

5.4. The Abruzzese Association of Hobart (AA) has requested a sum of $500 for an entertainer to perform at an event on 14 October to mark the 30^th anniversary of the association.

5.4.1. It must be noted that the AA has expressed a desire to create a commemorative video to mark the anniversary and that it may seek a Council contribution. Should this be the case, this request will be presented to committee in due course.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. Visits to Hobart’ sister cities of L’Aquila and Yaizu to mark significant anniversaries as well as support for celebrations marking the L’Aquila anniversary in Hobart are in line with the following Council strategy:

6.2. Capital City Strategic Plan (2015 - 2025)

Goal 1 - Economic Development, Vibrancy and Culture City growth vibrancy and culture comes when everyone participates in city life:

1.1.5 Implement the City of Hobart’s Economic Development Strategy.

1.1.6 Develop relationships with other cultural and educational institutions as opportunities arise.

1.2.2 Partner with stakeholders to promote Hobart as a safe and culturally receptive city with a quality urban and natural environment.

1.2.4 Support the Council’s existing sister city relationships with Yaizu, L’Aquila and Xi’an and respond to new opportunities.

6.3. The recommendations in this report are in line with the City of Hobart policy “Aldermanic Development and Support” section D International Relations that states:

“An Alderman may participate in two international relationship delegations, or more, if deemed appropriate by the Council, in a four year term of office, as part of an official Council approved delegation.”

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. The proposed visit per person for a low key visit to L’Aquila for 2 days and 2 nights at a cost $790 will be taken from the Economic Development budget for the current operating year.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. The cost per person for a delegation to travel to Yaizu in August for seven days is $6,575 per person. Budget allocation has been made for eight people, totalling $52,600 to be attributed to the Economic Development function of the 2017/2018 Annual Plan.

7.2.2. Support for the two celebrations associated with L’Aquila are $7,000 for the Council hosted event marking the 20^th anniversary of the relationship with L’Aquila and a $500 contribution to the 30^th anniversary of the Abruzzese Association of Hobart. The $7,000 to be attributed to the civic reception budget function of the Office of the Lord Mayor and $500 to be attributed to the Economic Development function of the 2017/2018 Annual Plan.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. None

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. The essence of sister city relations are that they are non-binding.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.1. The environmental impact of aviation cannot be disputed, with air travel contributing significant greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change. A small proportion of this can be addressed through the purchase of a ‘carbon offset’ at the time of buying tickets.

9.2. Trips combining visits to a number of cities such as that proposed in this report reduce the necessity for multiple long haul flights which is an economy of scale economically and environmentally.

10. Social and Customer Considerations

10.1. It is of social importance internationally that the City of Hobart fosters such relationships and makes informed choices about which cities it may want to collaborate with.

10.2. By the City having sister / friendship city agreements, it allows for a broader understanding of different cultures and communities. The challenge for the Council is to ensure that these relationships are ongoing and that there is a framework in place that ensures many people have a chance to contribute and that community value is demonstrated. This reporting has been enriched by the development of the international relations action plan.

10.3. The City of Hobart must report these activities against the international relations action plan annually to ensure that they continue to deliver community value.

10.4. The relationships with Yaizu and L’Aquila are 40 and 20 years old respectively. Visiting these cities is a very strong sign of respect to those people within the community whose ancestry originates in the country / city being visited.

11. Marketing and Media

11.1. The sister city relationships with Yaizu and L’Aquila are based on community involvement. It is therefore important that activities relating to these relationships are communicated broadly to the community. City News and City of Hobart social media are conduits for this.

11.2. International travel by the City of Hobart promotes both the city and the state of Tasmania. Promotional pull up banners with City of Hobart and sister city branding will be used in Yaizu and the Hobart based events relating to L’Aquila.

12. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

12.1. Hobart -Yaizu Sister City Committee

12.2. Abruzzese Association of Hobart

12.3. Manager Community and Cultural Programs (City of Hobart)

13. Delegation

13.1. This matter is one for Council.

As signatory to this report, I certify that, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, I hold no interest, as referred to in Section 49 of the Local Government Act 1993, in matters contained in this report.

Lucy Knott

Economic Development Project Officer

Date: 20 April 2017

File Reference: F17/39255

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Economic Development & Communications Committee Meeting

Page 16

27/4/2017

REPORT TITLE: International Relations Action Plan - Annual Progress Report

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Economic Development Project Officer

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. This report has three purposes:

1) Provide the annual progress report against the Council endorsed international relations action plan (IRAP) – Attachment A.

2) Suggest changes to the IRAP that have become apparent over the last 12 months of delivery against this plan (Attachment B).

3) Respond to a recent Council resolution (6 March 2017) requesting that a report be provided regarding measuring the qualitative and quantitative values of friendship and sister city relationships. This report requests further guidance from Council as to what additional measures should be incorporated into an amended IRAP.

1.2. The community benefit of this report is that it provides a summary of activities relating to international relations that have been completed over the last 12 months. The activities were guided by the IRAP, a plan that was created specifically to ensure that community value is delivered by Hobart’s international relationships. This report also makes recommendations on how this reporting can be improved.

2. Report Summary

2.1. This report presents progress against the International Relations Action Plan (IRAP), endorsed by Council in April 2016.

2.2. During a year of delivery against the action plan, understanding has grown of the roles and expertise of other partners such as the Department of State Growth and Austrade in this space. For this reason, a number of changes to the IRAP are recommended.

2.3. Additionally, in response to point four of the following Council resolution on 6 March, 2017, Aldermen are asked to consider whether they would like to see further changes made to the IRAP relating to the way in which the value of international relations is measured. Council resolved:

That:

1. The Council note that the friendship city agreement with Fuzhou is now signed.

2. The Council seek to develop opportunities for the Hobart community arising from the agreement and further seek to engage the State Government in exploring these opportunities given the Tasmania Fujian relationship.

3. As part of the regular reporting on the International Relations Action Plan, updates on the relationship with Fuzhou be provided.

4. A report be provided regarding the development of guidelines for the City of Hobart to measure the qualitative and quantitative values of friendship and sister city relationships.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The Council receive the annual progress report against the current International Relations Action Plan.

2. The Council endorse the proposed amendments to the current action plan, captured in the ‘International Relations Action Plan 2017’ marked as Attachment B to the report.

3. The Council consider any further changes to be incorporated into the amended International Relations Action Plan 2017, to ensure that the value of international relations is being most effectively measured by the City of Hobart.

4. Background

4.1. Council on 9 May 2016 inter alia resolved:

That

1. The Council endorse the actions set out in the Draft International Relations Action Plan marked as Attachment A to item 8 of the Open Economic Development and Communications Committee agenda of 28 April 2016.

4.2. Attachment A to this report shows the current endorsed international relations action plan (IRAP) referred to above.

4.3. Significant activity has occurred in the City of Hobart’s sister and friendship city relationships over the last 12 months. These activities have largely been delivered by the Community Development Division and the Executive and Economic Group. Major highlights over the last 12 months are in chronological order. Key metrics are also included, as well as actions relating to international relations that currently lie outside the IRAP.

May 2016 - A delegation of six visited Hobart from Xi’an, including the Vice Mayor and three representatives of Xi’an businesses. This visit included an official lunch and trip to kunanyi / Mt Wellington.

June 2016 – A meeting was hosted in Hobart for officers from the New Zealand Antarctic Office. Information was exchanged relating to the roles of Hobart and Christchurch as Antarctic gateway cities.

July 2016 – The Lord Mayor and General Manager attended the World Cities Summit and Mayor’s Forum in Singapore. A report on this experience was presented to Council in August 2016.

July 2016 – A local retail business for sale in Hobart requested assistance to promote this opportunity to potential Chinese buyers. A promotional DVD was shared with Xi’an and Fuzhou colleagues for them to circulate with their businesses / investors.

July / August 2016 – 12 students from Yaizu were hosted by St Mary’s College, St Virgil’s and Mount Carmel.

August 2016 - A delegation of nine including the Lord Mayor and three Aldermen visited the city of Yaizu in August 2016 to discuss 40^th year anniversary plans.

August 2016 – A meeting was held between the President of the Abruzzese Association and the Lord Mayor to discuss L’Aquila 20^th Anniversary celebrations (for October 2017).

August 2016 – City of Hobart and representatives of the Global Engagement team (UTAS) met to discuss the development of an agreed plan setting out how the City of Hobart can support UTAS’ existing and future international growth. A draft plan was sent to UTAS for review.

October 2016 – The Lord Mayor participated in a significant conference bid in Shanghai led by Business Events Tasmania. Announcements are expected in the first half of 2017 as to whether this bid was successful.

October 2016 – The Opening of the Antarctic Season Reception was hosted by the City of Hobart. Both French and Australian expeditioners attended and key personnel from the Chinese program were invited. All City of Hobart international student ambassadors were invited and discussions were also held as to how key national members of CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) who are in Hobart at this time of year could be invited in future the future.

November 2016 - A delegation of 28 from Fuzhou was hosted by the City of Hobart in November 2016 in conjunction with ‘Fuzhou Day in Hobart’ celebrations. A significant itinerary was arranged which included an excursion to kunanyi / Mt Wellington, business meetings, an official dinner, government to government meetings, a cultural performance on Parliament Lawns by high level performers from the Fujian Province and delivery of a youth dance workshop at Youth Arc.

Three of the visiting businesses were matched with significant Tasmanian businesses with the assistance of the State Government, discussions were facilitated. The other 9 visiting businesses networked with local businesses at a lunch organised by the Australia Fujian Association (Tasmania).

All Chinese community groups in Hobart were invited to attend the cultural performance.

December 2016 – Meeting between the City of Hobart and Department of State Growth to discuss international relations and the development of an agreed plan setting out how the City of Hobart can support the State Government policy outcomes in existing and future international trade. Draft document sent to the Department of State Growth setting out touch points between teams to aid further discussion.

December 2016 – Council resolution to further investigate a community development based relationship with Timor-Leste.

January 2017 – A delegation of five including the Acting Lord Mayor and two Aldermen visited China and attended a number of concerts played by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. A friendship city agreement was signed with Fuzhou, a culmination of over two years of information exchange and relationship building. This was done in the presence of the Minister for the Arts, Tasmania.

January 2017 – An interpreter from the Fuzhou Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office is being hosted by the Executive and Economic Development Group for a period of 6 months in line with the ethos of the friendship city relationship between Hobart and Fuzhou. This is for the purposes of furthering cultural understanding and enriching opportunities stemming from this friendship.

February 2017 - A delegation of 30+ from Yaizu was hosted in Hobart to mark the 40^th year anniversary of the relationship. A significant program of events was coordinated that included a martial arts demonstration, Origami, Kimono and Yukata displays, Taiko drum demonstrations and an official celebratory dinner. Three horticulturalists from Yaizu were part of the delegation who shared their expertise by working in the Japanese Garden. A commemorative tree was also planted in this garden and a plaque was unveiled to mark the anniversary.

February 2017 – Meeting with St Mary’s College Hobart to discuss potential sister school relationship with No. 18 Middle School, Fuzhou. No. 18 Middle School will visit St Mary’s School in August 2017.

March 2017 – Meeting of the Hobart - Yaizu Sister City Committee to discuss changing Council support arrangements and potential visit to Yaizu as part of the 40^th Anniversary celebrations in August 2017.

March 2017 – Meeting between City of Hobart and Department of State Growth to discuss international relations topics / plans.

April 2017 – Meeting with the Abruzzese Association of Hobart to discuss changing Council support arrangements and plans for the 20^th anniversary in October 2017.

Ongoing – Regular meetings and email exchanges have occurred over the last 12 months between officers involved in the University of Western Sydney and UTAS led Antarctic Gateway Cities project. The City of Hobart has committed $20,000 p/a cash and $20,000 in kind per annum for the three years 2017-2020. This project presents the City of Hobart with an opportunity to explore whether there is an appetite to re-establish the Antarctic Gateway Cities Group for the purposes of sharing information between all gateway cities (Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Christchurch, Cape Town and Hobart).

Ongoing – A number of receptions have been hosted at the Town Hall with a view to advancing the City and the State’s international brand. Visiting dignitaries / groups include Sir Malcolm and Lady Macgregor (British Consul General), 15 Chinese international education agencies hosted by Austrade and Study Tasmania and His Excellency Abel Guterres (Ambassador of Timor-Leste).

Activities not listed in the IRAP –

· 7 September 2016, Lord Mayor and an officer attended meeting hosted by Reid Fruits and attended by the Vice Mayor of Yantai (the main gateway city in China for Reid’s products).

· September and December 2016, Deputy Lord Mayor and an officer accompanied a small delegation from Shanghai (Bangde College) who are interested in sourcing products for a high end chain of restaurants in China as well as expanding their relationship with Drysdale College. A significant Tasmanian and southern Tasmanian itinerary was developed on both occasions for this group and included a dinner with the Aldermen hosted in the Town Hall.

· November 2016 – Representatives of the City of Hobart attended a conference in Budapest and participated in a study tour on the invitation of the Vice Chancellor of UTAS relating to ‘university city’ best practice and to explore exemplars of city / university relationships.

Metrics –

- Number of visitors from Fuzhou and Xi’an = (to be confirmed by Tourism Tasmania)

- Number of students at UTAS: to be confirmed by UTAS.

- Business referrals / introductions to Xi’an: 1

- Business referrals / introductions from Xi’an: 3

- Business referrals / introductions to Fuzhou: 3

- Business referrals /introductions from Fuzhou: 12

- List of relevant cities that could be considered for future strategic relationships:

Timor-Leste for a benevolent relationship.

Freiberg (Germany) – lessons could be learnt for Hobart from Freiberg relating to the strength of the relationship between this city and its university.

Portland (Oregon, USA) – exchanges of information could centre around the unique way in which this city manages international relations, the boutique food and creative scenes and the exemplar sustainable transport system that Portland has implemented.

Katowice (Poland) - Hobart and Katowice have been twinned through a European Union initiative around sustainability. This may provide further opportunities for exchange.

4.4. Although it is evident from the above that many actions have been delivered against the IRAP, there are some gaps of activity. Some of these have arisen because these actions are being delivered by an alternative stakeholder and others because it has not been the appropriate time to pursue them. Each gap is discussed in turn with a recommendation about whether to keep or remove this action from the IRAP.

Action 1.5.3 Hold an annual forum with Hobart’s key business leaders to discuss opportunities for Hobart overseas. The establishment and maintenance of international relations in any form is resource intensive and would require a decision from Council should it seek to develop more relationships. The unit is currently considering the way in which it engages with businesses on all levels and topics (strategically). This new approach to business engagement is likely to include the touch point of international relations. Retain this action in the IRAP.

Action 2.2.3 Seek to investigate options for developing and sustaining international relationships via social media channels, expatriate networks and other appropriate methods, as a means of increasing knowledge and reinforcing relationships between visits. Some initial desk research was conducted to establish whether there were any virtual forums that might be effective in this context. There are a number of networks and on line newsletters based in Xi’an such as https://www.internations.org/xian-expats that can be further investigated. In Fuzhou, there is a ‘Fuzhou Expat Forum’ that may provide an initial sounding board for options relating to how we use this form of communication to develop and sustain international relationships. The existing relationships with officers in both Xi’an and Fuzhou is currently felt to be sufficient to maintain the friendships with these cities which is why these virtual avenues have not yet been investigated further. Retain this action in the IRAP.

Action 3.1 Measure the economic value of international relationships annually and report to the Economic Development and Communications Committee. There are a number of sub-measures that contribute to economic value as listed in the IRAP. Each is considered in turn:

- Number of meetings with local businesses to discuss how to become ‘China ready’. The Department of State Growth and Austrade’s TradeStart Adviser provide guidance to businesses about what they might need to do to be ‘China ready’, this includes obtaining certificates of origin for their products. The Economic Development Unit refers businesses to these two sources rather than advising businesses directly. This is to avoid duplication of effort and in recognition of the fact that advising businesses on this topic requires very deep and specific knowledge. Remove this action from the IRAP.

- Number of LGA based businesses accompanying delegations to sister / friendship city. The City of Hobart has not formally invited businesses to attend delegations to the friendship cities of Xi’an and Fuzhou. This is because it is felt that the greatest value the City of Hobart can currently create is on a civic level, with the presence of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen. The Department of State Growth is active in facilitating business delegations to China and a number of other countries and invite expressions of interest to do so. For this reason, the City of Hobart concentrates efforts in other aspects of international relations and this action should be removed from the IRAP. See below for further information: http://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/home/what_we_do/promote_trade_and_industry/international_missions.

- Number of business referrals / introductions through the State Government and the City of Hobart to Xi’an and Fuzhou based businesses (and visa versa). Discussions with stakeholders such as Austrade have suggested that business referrals to Chinese partners and vice versa can incur reputational risk if there is not a certainty around the credential of the business. Significant due diligence would need to be conducted for the City of Hobart to feel comfortable to endorse a local business to Chinese partners and so this has happened infrequently. It must also be noted that that the majority of industries of particular interest to businesses in Xi’an and Fuzhou lie outside of the Hobart local government area. Retain this action in the IRAP.

- Development of specific investor marketing material for overseas investors. At this point, no new marketing material has been produced. The 2016 census data releases are awaited. Advice has been sought from Fuzhou about what might be appropriate marketing material. Retain this action in the IRAP.

- Development of international student marketing materials in partnership with educational institutions such as UTAS and TasTAFE. Discussions have been held with UTAS and guidance has been provided that a welcome video from the Lord Mayor to students would be the most effective marketing tool. This has not yet been developed but should be retained in the IRAP.

- Value of business contracts signed. Discussions were held with a number of partners such as Austrade, Department of State Growth, Tasmania China Business Council and officers in Fuzhou about this measure. Feedback was provided that businesses are often not comfortable to provide this kind of data. Austrade in this context for instance no longer asks for this information from businesses receiving their services. Remove this action from the IRAP.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that Council receives the annual progress report against the current International Relations Action Plan.

5.2. It is further proposed that Council endorses the suggested changes to the current IRAP (Attachment B).

5.3. Should Council require further changes to the IRAP, these will be incorporated in to the new IRAP 2017. Progress of delivery against this new action plan will be reported to Economic Development and Communications Committee in April 2018.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. Delivery against the current IRAP and continued improvement with respect to the way in which the City of Hobart measures the value of its international relationships is in line with the following Council strategy:

Capital City Strategic Plan (2015 - 2025) Goal 1 - Economic Development, Vibrancy and Culture “City growth vibrancy and culture comes when everyone participates in city life”:

“1.1.2 Support the University of Tasmania’s continued growth within the city.

1.1.5 Implement the City of Hobart’s Economic Development Strategy.

1.1.6 Develop relationships with other cultural and educational institutions as opportunities arise.

1.2.2 Partner with stakeholders to promote Hobart as a safe and culturally receptive city with a quality urban and natural environment.

1.2.3 Develop a policy position on international relations.

1.2.4 Support the Council’s existing sister city relationships with Yaizu, L’Aquila and Xi’an and respond to new opportunities.”

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. The actions for the 2017/18 year have been incorporated into the Economic Development budget.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. Should Council seek to develop relationships with cities such as Timor-Leste, Portland (Oregon, USA), Freiberg (Germany) and Katowice in Poland, this will have significant impact upon the budget of future years.

Although communication technologies such as email and Skype can reduce costs, experience to date has proven that this kind of communication cannot alone sustain a meaningful relationship. Face to face contact is vital and should therefore be budgeted at least every two years.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. None

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. The International Relations Action Plan is a non binding document. The nature of friendship / sister city relationships are also non binding.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.2. Trips combining visits to a number of cities reduce the necessity for multiple long haul flights which is an economy of scale economically and environmentally.

9.3. The friendship cities of Xi’an and Fuzhou have expressed the desire to examine ways in which they can learn from some of the exemplar environmental practices in Tasmania around generation of energy and the protection of the environment.

9.4. There may be opportunities for Hobart to learn from environmentally sustainable developments in cities such as Portland (Oregon) when it comes to transport for example.

10. Social and Customer Considerations

10.1. It is of social importance that the City of Hobart fosters a diverse selection of international relationships based on geography, industry and nature of outcomes (community, culture, economic).

10.2. The City establishing Sister or Friendship City Agreements facilitates a broader local understanding and appreciation for different cultures and communities.

10.3. Fostering these relationships is also a powerful and respectful message to people within the community who have close cultural ties with the cities in question.

10.4. The community may question the value of international relations if the City of Hobart does not continue to continuously consider the way in which it measures and reports this information.

11. Marketing and Media

11.1. City Marketing contributions to marketing collateral such as investor and international student brochures may be sought alongside other key partners.

11.2. The way in which Aldermen and officers conduct their work overseas contributes to the Tasmanian brand internationally.

12. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

12.1. A number of stakeholders were consulted in the consideration of potential improvements to the International Relations Action Plan. These individuals were members of:

-Hobart Chamber of Commerce

-Officer of the Fuzhou Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office

-Tasmania China Business Association

-Department of State Growth (Tasmanian Government)

-Austrade

-Australia China Business Council (Tasmania)

13. Delegation

13.1. This matter is one for Council.

Lucy Knott

Economic Development Project Officer

Date: 20 April 2017

File Reference: F17/38328

Attachment a: International Relations Action Plan ⇩

Attachment b: Draft International Relations Action Plan with Proposed Amendments ⇩

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Economic Development & Communications Committee Meeting - 27/4/2017

Page 36

ATTACHMENT b

Overarching Goal:

Relevant and effective international relationships contribute to the growth of Hobart and its community.

Outcome	Actions	Measure / Reporting
1. Knowledge – Hobart has used its friendship city relationships and potential international contacts to increase knowledge and learning for the benefit of its community.	1.1. Maintain an active program of communication and visits with Hobart’s existing sister cities of Yaizu and L’Aquila.	Council considers relationships to be active.
	1.1.1 Open discussions with L’Aquila and the Abruzzese Association with regards to the existing sister city arrangement between Hobart and L’Aquila and ongoing intentions.	Discussions commence and reported in annual update to Economic Development and Communications Committee (EDCC).
	1.2 Maintain an active program of communication and visits with Hobart’s existing friendship city (Xi’an) and soon to be friendship city (Fuzhou) for the five year terms of the relationships.	Council considers relationships to be active.
	1.3. Commit to undertaking sister / friendship city visits at least every two years, or as appropriate where the city makes an equivalent commitment.	Sister / friendship city visits undertaken, economic and cultural value measured (actions 2.1 and 3.1) presented to EDCC in annual update.
	1.4. Participate in international activities that will provide opportunities for the Council to gain knowledge for the benefit of the City.
	1.4.1. Consider participation in the biennial World Cities Summit and associated Mayors’ Forum in Singapore.	Council decision to be made.
	1.4.2. Investigate and resolve whether to lead the re-establishment of the Antarctic Gateways Cities Group of Hobart, Christchurch, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Cape Town for the purpose of sharing information.	Council decision to be made.
	1.5. Develop agreed actions with government, education and business sectors on specific outcomes required from existing and potential relationships.
	1.5.1. Develop and implement an agreed plan with the State Government as to the City’s role in supporting State Government policy outcomes in existing and future international trade.	Plans finalised and implementation commenced (1.5.1 and 1.5.2). Report to EDCC as part of annual update.
	1.5.2. Develop and implement an agreed plan with UTAS as to the City’s role in supporting UTAS’s existing and future international growth.
	1.5.3. Hold an annual forum with Hobart’s key business leaders to discuss opportunities for Hobart, overseas.	Report key points to EDCC.
2. Cultural – Hobart has sought to enrich its community through cultural exchange and connection	2.1. Measure the cultural value of international relationships annually and report to the Economic Development and Communications Committee.	Number of cultural events hosted / facilitated relating to the friendship city (e.g. Art exhibition, stand at the Taste of Tasmania etc). Number of school, college, university student / teacher exchanges between Hobart and friendship city. Level of activity of local sister city committees and their engagement with activities. Number of delegations sent to and received from the friendship city.
	2.2. Understand the culturally important aspects of Hobart’s sister / friendship cities and seek to promote them in Hobart.	Report on 2.2.1-2.2.3 to EDCC annually.

	2.2.1. On a biennial basis hold a cultural ‘weekend / day’ for each sister / friendship city, whereby representatives from the sister / friendship city and local community are invited to promote aspects of their city’s culture and life to Hobart and Tasmania. Alternatively, collaborate with existing local activities i.e. Festa Italia festival or the Australian Wooden Boat Festival and The Taste of Tasmania.
	2.2.2. Promote local community involvement in sister / friendship city activities through relevant associations and community groups.
	2.2.3. Seek to investigate options for developing and sustaining international relationships via social media channels, expatriate networks and other appropriate methods, as a means of increasing knowledge and reinforcing relationships between visits
	2.3. Actively engage with UTAS to understand its Global engagement aspirations.
	2.3.1. Develop and implement an agreed plan with UTAS as to the City’s role in supporting UTAS’s existing and future international growth.	Plan developed and implemented.

3. Economic – Hobart has grown the number of economic outcomes achieved from its sister / friendship cities and international relationships	3.1. Measure the economic value of international relationships annually and report to the Economic Development and Communications Committee.	~~Number of meetings with local businesses to discuss how to become ‘China ready’.~~ ~~Number of meetings with ‘China ready’ businesses.~~ ~~Number of LGA based businesses accompanying delegations to sister / friendship city.~~ Number of business referrals / introductions through the Xi’an and Fuzhou government to Hobart / Tasmanian businesses. Number of business referrals / introductions through the State Government and the City of Hobart to Xi’an and Fuzhou based businesses. Development of specific investor marketing material for overseas investors. Development of international student marketing materials in partnership with educational institutions such as UTAS and TasTAFE. ~~Value of business contracts signed.~~ Visitor numbers from sister /friendship cities (and associated spend). Student numbers from sister / friendship cities (and associated spend).
	3.2. Understand the State Government’s policy position on international relations and trade and seek, so far as appropriate, to actively support this.
	3.2.1. Develop and implement an agreed plan with the State Government as to the City’s role in supporting State Government policy outcomes in existing and future international trade.	Plan developed and implemented.
	3.2.2. Participate in State Government trade missions where potential value to the City of Hobart is likely in the short, medium or long term.	Economic value (as per 3.1 measured and reported annually).
	3.3. Hold an annual forum with Hobart’s key business leaders to discuss opportunities for Hobart, overseas.	Forum held and feedback from participants measured.
	3.4. Actively discuss and explore economic opportunities with the City of Xi’an, China based on the action plan attached to the Friendship City Agreement.	Economic value reported (3.1).
	3.5. Actively discuss and explore economic opportunities with the City of Fuzhou, China.	Economic value reported (3.1).
	3.6. Engage with Business Events Tasmania and relevant groups in the bidding for and hosting of international events and conferences.	Number of international event bids won.
	3.7. Actively engage with UTAS to understand its Global engagement aspirations.
	3.7.1. Develop and implement an agreed plan with UTAS as to the City’s role in supporting UTAS’s existing and future international growth.	Plan finalised and implemented – number of economic outcomes achieved (3.1).
4. Civic – the City has utilised its status as the Capital City to advance Hobart and Tasmania’ international standing.	4.1. Continue to hold the annual Antarctic opening of the season reception and seek to broaden the international participation in it.	Reception held and participant numbers together with stakeholder feedback.
	4.2. Commit additional resource to the marking of the 40^th Anniversary of the friendship with Yaizu in 2017.	Report plans for both events (4.2 and 4.3) to Community, Culture and Events Committee.
	4.3. Commit additional resource to the marking of the 20^th Anniversary of the friendship with L’Aquila in 2018.
	4.4. Host Civic receptions that will advance the City and State’s international brand, particularly through the State Government priority sectors of: a) Education; b) Tourism; c) Antarctic and Southern Oceans; d) Agriculture; and e) Aquaculture.	Number of receptions held, participant and stakeholder feedback.
5. New Opportunities – the City has sought out and responded to opportunities to expand diverse international relationships.	5.1. Develop on an annual basis for the Council’s consideration a list of relevant cities that could be considered for future strategic relationships (these could be friendship city or a lesser commitment such as project based cooperative agreements).	Report to Council for all decisions relating to new opportunities (5.1-5.5) using Council policy 5.14.01 – Guidelines for Future International Relations for criteria.
	5.2. Commence investigations into a community development based relationship with a city in the Asia Pacific region.
	5.3. Commence investigations into a relationship with one or more of the Antarctic Gateway cities of Cape Town, Punta Arenas and Ushuaia.
	5.4. Commence investigations into relationships with international cities with distinct similarities / very strong learning opportunities e.g. Portland, U.S.A.
	5.5. Before agreeing to new sister / friendship city or strategic relationship, undertake a minimum 12 month period of investigation and knowledge gathering into potential linkages with Hobart, based on the criteria set out on Council policy 5.14.01.

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