Fresh Ideas
09 November 2009
This is just the index for Peter Lain’s database on commercial start-up ideas that might be suitable for some Regional & Remote Aboriginal Communities.
Peter has accumulated a great deal of facts and other knowledge, plus contact information to reach experts and others associated with some of these listings. If you are interested in any one of these categories and would like some information then write to Peter in the ISX Business Opportunities Forum. and include the index number of the item in which you are interested.
1. *Abalone, Mussel & Oyster Farming
Farmed 'green-lip' exports from Aust are expected to exceed wild-caught by 2012.
Big Asian markets, for live and processed Abalone exist already, particularly Tokyo and Hong Kong.
2. Aboriginal artwork for post & greeting cards.
Tourists from overseas in particular want cards that are uniquely Australian to send back home.
Therefore there may be a niche market aimed particularly at overseas tourists, with some domestic sales in suitable locations. Pilot research has been conducted and a preliminary report written.
3. Aboriginal handcraft & artefact products for Specialist gift shop .
This shop is located in a major Australian city. Stocks of handcrafts include, for example, Euraba hand-pressed cloth fibre paper made in north, north west NSW.
This already existing retail shop's website lists some of the products stocked and supplied by disadvantaged communities from around the world, as well as Aust.
4. Aboriginal films
Opportunity may exist for more Aboriginal acted, (and produced?) films, such as "Ten Canoes" and "Samson & Delilah".
Starting with internet short videos, then pilot episodes could be written and produced, with which to explore the possibilities e.g. Show to Rolf De Heer or Batty & McMahon (Bush Mechanics - Rebel Films)
5. Artwork (& leasing)
Aboriginal art is still the current "fashionable thing", so there is a market. Not everybody wants to invest in or buy Aboriginal artworks outright though.
Organizations that specialise in leasing artwork and suitable photographs, especially for display in company foyers boardrooms etc already exist.
6. *Aqua-farming
Because the wild catch will be reduced in future and demand is increasing, opportunities will open up for farmed fish and other aquatic produce.
Premium priced produce generally provides the best opportunities, but conversion of feed to protein ratios, types of feed and marketing and distribution costs come into it. Also included might be Yabbies, eels, freshwater &/or seawater fish (Barramundi, Schnapper etc), Sea Urchins Trochus shell (for mother of pearl) and other shellfish etc
7. *Almond farming
California is the major world supplier, but Australia supplies fresh almonds opposite to northern season time, because of being in southern hemisphere
India is Australia's largest Almond customer and the demand is growing. Australian nuts are in high demand because of minimal damage (Insects). Almond board claims it to be the fastest growing horticultural product in Australia.
8. *Bamboo growing & product manufacture.
For "split cane" fishing rods, furniture, screens, blinds fencing, flooring and food (bamboo shoots )
Fishing rods for export potential. Mostly domestic markets for other products such as floorboards & furniture.
9. *Barramundi/other fish & Vegetable production
Waste pond water can be recycled to produce vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes etc
A NSW Central Coast farm is already operating with this system and information is available from a number of organizations.
10. *Bees, including native (stingless)
Produce aromatic "sugarbag" honey for premium market.
Propolis, a bee-created resin, is a natural antibiotic and immune system booster. It is used in cosmetics, creams and ointments. Also opens up pollinating services charging.
11. Book Writing, radio, TV & film production
Numbers of books have already been produced with Aboriginal myths and legends, especially for small children.
An opportunity may exist for more and adult books based on Aboriginal experiences and lifestyles, especially if they lend themselves to later movie production (e.g. Ten Canoes).
12. *Bush Plums (Gubinge)
Thought to be the world's richest source of natural Vitamin C
A U S Co currently buys fruit from along the Kimberley coast (Broome) to make anti-oxidant tablets for the US market.
13. *Bush Tucker & medicines
There is ever increasing interest by chefs and cooks in developing dishes incorporating bush flavourings and even bush foods.
Apart from supplying the mainstream hospitality industry there may also be an opportunity to develop segments for at home cooking, particularly home entertaining, healthy living, weight watching and dieting (to doctors orders) markets.
14. Cultural presentations, busking & entertaining.
In places where tourists frequent are already opportunities to earn an income for good entertainers in the fields of storytelling, humour, music and dance. Starting with busking, this might be regarded as an apprenticeship opportunity to develop talent that might go on to exploit the wider media,
From short videos on the Internet (See Chooky Dancers @ http://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/australian-story-strikes-chord-in-uk/2008/06/30/1214677935698.html), to stage and radio, to longer videos and even film. Bran Nue Dae, a musical comedy demonstrates the potential. (Has anyone ever thought of writing and performing an Aboriginal Opera or operetta? "Porgy and Bess" was likely considered just as improbable. The symphony has already been done)
15. *Feral animal harvesting e.g. Goats, Pigs, Camels, donkeys Buffalo, rabbits etc, (Live & for meat).
Live camel export opportunity to the middle east should be scoped and exploited . Burgeoning population of around a million camels in central Aust represents at least a billion dollars in meat.
The Hal Al requirements & other considerations such as stressed effect on meat suggest that it might be best to at least start with live camel exports. (there are 24 million wild pigs in Australia and between 4 and 5 million on Cape York alone). Needs studies to assess viability. Also consider live donkeys for Mediterranean & Middle East.
16. Café & restaurant
Probably needs to be situated in a large town or city to be viable and although traditional bush tucker may be made available as the highlight attraction, dishes more acceptable to the masses may need to be developed for the less adventurous as well.
This concept probably needs at least two stages of research, firstly to find out what the mass market in the likely catchment is willing to try and pay for and secondly to find out if a site is likely to be viable
17. Camping (& "safari", or bush walking)
In suitable places tents on platforms, with full facilities, might be provided for guests. Gate keeping and guiding services for tourist attractions such as rain forests may also be possible. Bush survival skills might also be taught, combining modern techniques and Aboriginal bush tucker knowledge. Refer to camps on southern NSW coast and Titjikala in NT and Broome region in WA, but perhaps position differently, for wider market if appropriate.
18. *Capers
Drought resistant & grow in poor nutrient soils with high salinity i.e. Wherever olives will grow and climate is suitable most of the time.
Australian market estimated to be about 450 tonnes with only one supplier. Maggie Beer supports Aust product. Export potential too.
19. Caring for country
The Federal government has provided money in at least one instance to protect natural biodiversity.
Indigenous rangers control weeds and feral animals; undertake regular scrub burning, to aid plant and tree regeneration and protect wetlands and cultural sites.
20. *Carob & Cocoa (Chocolate ingredient)
Carob grows well in marginal, drought-affected country and is up to 50% sugar.
There is not currently an Australian market for carob, but it has been consumed in some parts of the world for thousands of years.
21. *Tomatoes, melons, dates, olives, cashews, hazelnuts, & other traditional crops.
Hydroponic tomatoes may be feasible in some regions. Cashews grown in far north Queensland are producing higher yields than some traditional suppliers like India.
Hydroponic production may be suitable in some places especially in conjunction with wastewater high in nutrients ("See Opportunity 6" Aqua-farming). World cashew demand outstrips supply. Australia imports $30 m a year.
22. *Cattle and other pastoral and animal farming activities.
Cattlemen's associations in several states indicate that they are keen to get into partnerships with Aboriginal people to raise cattle on Aboriginal lands.
Export opportunities will open up with the growth of world population and increasingly affluent middle classes. Training Aboriginal Drovers and providing "Homestay" vacations are other possible opportunities.
Even remote areas may be able to supply the market by exploiting significant economic efficiencies such as reducing transport costs dramatically by the use of mobile abattoirs at the production source, instead of trucking live animals to nearest abattoir.
23. Guided tours of cave paintings, rock carvings & other attractions.
If accessible to tourists income can be earned as guides, but this should be done very professionally.
An audit of local tourist destinations (including boating) and what paintings or carvings are available locally should be carried out as a preliminary exercise.
24. Ceramics, pottery and glassware
Provides an opportunity to combine Indigenous art with functional products such as those produced in one NT small remote community.
New technology (solar) may provide resources where viable energy is absent to produce marketable items. (Even kitsch tourism items like "warrior" figurines may have a tourist market.)
25. *Coconut products
Current market is for cooking oil, but many other products and bi-products may also be produced.
Coconut oil may be a foundation to build on now. Later, when it is eventually feasible to produce fuel oil, larger volume and economies of scale may make it feasible.
26. Crocodile farming
Apart from the traditional products like handbags there may be a sushi market that can be developed for the meat.
There's a world tuna shortage. According to The New York Times, they are talking about making sushi with raw horsemeat, or raw venison. So far they have not raised the possibility of crocodile sushi.
27. *Cut flowers.
From hearsay this industry has been experiencing steady growth for many years.
There may be opportunities worth investigating, particularly for exotic blooms that are more suited for production in Australian arid or desert regions.
28. *Desert Raisin (Kutjera) or wild tomatoes
Market is for Bush Tucker ingredients.
Dried, they have several years shelf life.
29. Do it yourself artefact making & workshop for outsiders and local community people.
If near a large town or city it might be possible to provide a workshop and supervision for a fee, so that people can make their own didgeridoos, boomerangs, dilly bags etc.
This would need to be carefully researched to ensure that it was viable. Information may be obtainable from the Men's Shed movement.
30. *Durian farming
A "stinkless" fruit has been developed and a spike free version is being developed.
Without the stench an Australian market should now be possible. Asian sector of the Australian population the likely starting off point.
31. Earth moving.
If the local market is not already well catered for, is there a skills niche for construction of dams, landscaping etc (Dept of main roads and local council contracts and tenders may be available)
The starting point might not always be for the use of enormous and expensive plant and machinery. It might be possible to get started with smaller equipment like a Bob Cat or similar and perhaps even smaller. Needs proper investigation.
Refer to the ISX scheme of recycling second hand mining machinery for Indigenous small business use.
32. Engineering workshop & basic repairs and maintenance for local public utilities (water, electrical etc) org's.
TAFE courses are believed to exist for training of farmers etc in these skills.
The local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community needs might be catered for with basic welding, cutting bending of metals etc.
Needs investigation as to practicality and likely viability.
33. *Fodder production
There may be a market for hay and other animal feed in the region, plus even export opportunities.
This would need to be thoroughly checked out before embarking on this project. Fast growing Japanese market.
34. *Fruit & vegetable harvesting
Successful in a trial in SA and Vic by Cape York Partnerships.
Needs local feasibility study and for planning for marketing and distribution for each exercise.
35. *Game Meat
Kangaroos, emus. (A later progression might be to set up to smoke some of these game meats. Even rabbit might then be practical)
With government subsidies to eradicate or control pests this market may be viable.
36. Gems, Jewellery and Lapidary works.
Made from locally collected semi-precious stones (Refer to Alf Tyack "Butterfly" collection examples)
Necklaces, bracelets, pendents, rings, earrings, cuff links, tiepins & bars. Possible Gift Shop, tourist shop and street market stall items.
37. *Feral stock, source for breeding to stock dairy for milk & milk products - goats, buffaloes, even Camels.
Dairy goat export industry reported by Landline in mid 2006 as "booming on the back of a surge in demand for breeding stock in Asia"
The goat cheese market may be well established. The soap market, for people with sensitive skin, is reported to have increased dramatically with exports to Asia as well. Govt advice and subsidies available for export development.
38. *Goats, goat meat.
Australia is already the world's biggest exporter of goat meat and yet we supply less than 2% of the world's demand.
Our biggest market is the USA and it is growing. The Hispanic segment of the US population are the main consumers. This section is growing faster than any other.
39. House and other building & construction.
Quarrying for stone to build houses etc
There is a large unsatisfied need for housing and other construction in small and remote Aboriginal communities. With leases more funds are likely to be made available.
TAFE courses are available for training of tradesmen. Local work should provide practical experience. House designs, especially for Aboriginal wants, are already in existence. Role model operations also exist, to learn from other communities' experiences.
40. *Horse breeding and Training
History has demonstrated that many Aboriginal people seem to have an affinity to this industry and lifestyle.
Again, preliminary work needs to be carried out to determine the likely feasibility and viability.
41. *Herbs, essential oils, bush foods & other natural ingredient gathering
Market opportunities touched on in an RIRDC 115 page report.
Export opportunities apparently exist. Mallee oil farming in suitable high salinity regions need investigation. Rock salt gathering in some areas may be a possibility.
42. Hunting & safari guides
In areas where there is plentiful wild game it should be possible to provide a guide service.
This market would need to be investigated to see if it could be feasible and viable.
43. Knitting & embroidery, scarves, shawls etc
This concept, using Aboriginal designs, needs to be researched and developed.
The positioning in the market place needs to be determined and markets testing carried out.
44. Lawn mowing & horticultural services.
Particularly if the Aboriginal community is part of a much larger town or city.
The know-how for this type of business is already available. Each individual prospect needs to be carefully researched by an experienced person for viability beforehand though.
45. *Leather & skin products
This might include kangaroo, crocodile etc, product manufacturing and decorating (Plaited stockwhips, belts, hat bands, wallets, bags etc). Fur covered products?
Even possum skin cloaks and rugs might be possible. Another opportunity for the use of Aboriginal artwork on some items over and above emu eggs?
46. *Lilly Pillis
Unique flavours for sauces, cakes and flavoured yoghurts.
One small business has entered this market and reports booming sales and profitability. They are looking for other growers to join the industry.
47. *Lupin (Yellow) growing.
An alternative food for rainbow trout and beef cattle food.
Hulls are used for cattle feed and the kernels for pigs, poultry and fish farming in particular. Can be used as an emulsifier in human foods too. A milk-like product can also be produced.
May have benefits for controlling appetite and therefore obesity. Is reputed to help reduce blood cholesterol as well as blood pressure. Could easily replace Soy as a milk-like drink because it is claimed it tastes and feels more like milk. Unlike Soy it does not have to overcome GM objections.
48. Mining rehabilitation
Some mining companies are already employing Aboriginal people in ongoing rehabilitation contracts.
Research with these Aboriginal organizations is particularly needed to ascertain what terms and conditions are appropriate and acceptable to mining companies.
49. *Mining and abattoir workers
Mining and abattoir companies are prepared to train workers.
Unskilled and semi skilled workers can contract and be trained to work in mining and abattoirs.
50. *Mudcrab farming
With a breakthrough that allows control of spawning, farming may now be contemplated.
Further development to stop or minimise cannibalism by mudcrabs is probably needed to fully exploit this resource.
51. *Muntrie berries
Claimed to have more than double the anti-oxidants of Blueberries.
Can be used to make jams and chutneys, dried fruit straps and wine.
52. *Octopus catching
Depletion of world wild stocks is increasing demand pressure and prices. Aust patented pot invention increases specific catch significantly.
Most octopus catch is result of bi-catch when trapping "rock lobsters". Currently demand outruns supply by 3 to 1 it is claimed.
53. *Oil recycling, and processing, Bio (diesel) oil production, ethanol, methane production and natural gas processing.
An impending world oil crisis makes recycling petroleum products more viably probable. Bio fuel production from crop waste after processing (e.g. sugarcane & grape waste) should eventually follow.
Collecting and recycling used petroleum based oil and used (cooking) vegetable oils initially may be a foundation to build on later, when it is feasible to grow crops to produce fuel oils, ethanol and methane.
54. Paper and card making.
There is a banana tree paper making project south of Cairns and an Aboriginal paper making operation already in northern NSW.
This market would need to be carefully researched to see if there was a demand and what the demand would specify (e.g. Made from "natural" materials)
55. *Pigeon pea (hybrid)
Pigeon pea is a major food source eaten as a porridge and as a green vegetable in south-east Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and India, but most varieties of the crop are very susceptible to pests and diseases,
The hybrid varieties emerging from research could hold the key to developing cultivars that are resistant to pests and diseases.
56. *Plant nurseries
Apart from supplying the domestic market with suitable drought resistant native plants, there is a large potential local government market for parks and gardens, as well as state government organizations like rail and roads. There's also mining restoration and agriculture restoration.
Indigenous run nurseries already exist and one has previously indicated a willingness to share their experience and provide horticultural and market niches advice.
(Can plants be grown in conjunction with the moths that produce the Witchetty Grub to supply tourist venues throughout Australia with grubs at premium prices?)
57. Radio station and announcer/DJ
If there is a local radio station and they don't already have an Indigenous program, they might be persuaded with the right presentation.
There are many Indigenous radio programs around the country. Experience and training may be arranged through networking contacts.
58. *Roibos tea
Caffeine free and low in tannin Roibos can be grown in sour soil, which would make it impossible to grow anything else, as the soil lacks nutrients.
Currently only grown in South Africa. With government help the possibilities for production in Australia should be investigated.
59. Rugs & cushions (woven).
Aboriginal Artists send their images to Kashmir where the weaving is done.
A similar exercise is being started with silver smithing.
60. *Sandalwood harvesting and plantations.
Called "wooden gold" in the east, their natural stand supplies are running out.
Growing demand and poaching is pushing up prices astronomically, for sandalwood oil particularly. Also used in the fine fragrance industry.
61. *Sawmill operation, construction & fencing
Apart from supplying timber for house construction in the local community there may be other opportunities to supply hardware stores and build fences and stockyards for pastoralists in the region.
Even the sawdust might be sold as garden mulch, or used in building block manufacture.
Bush furniture might be a suitable sideline. Boat building might also even be possible in some suitable areas.
62. *Sea Urchin farming.
Claimed to be a worldwide shortage, one scientist tips that it could become the second largest aquaculture industry after tuna farming.
Urchins sell for up to $9 each, but roe sells for up to $450 a kilogram. Huge Asian demand, particularly Japan.
63. *Snail farming
Snail numbers in Europe are reported to be declining, thus increasing demand.
Snails hibernate, so even some Asian markets are accessible during the northern winter, which of course is our summer.
64. *Sponge fishing Trochus shell gathering or farming
Luxury item reported to bring high prices on international market.
Grow naturally in northern waters. Should be harvested and processed locally.
65. *Tree plantations
Carbon trading, if introduced in Australia, could underwrite this business.
If trees that can also be harvested for fuel oils and timber are planted it may be possible to profit in a multitude of ways.
66. *Tropical rare and exotic fruits & crops.
Rambutans, durians, tamarillos, carambolas, jackfruit, mangosteens and Wongai Fruit.
A government handbook on these markets is available for $50.
67. Underwear, scarf, shirt & dress designs
Decorated underpants, T shirts etc
Needs market research and feasibility study.
68. *Walnuts
There is a large market in the northern hemisphere, particularly in Germany where walnuts are traditionally consumed in large quantities at Christmas, which is the off-season for walnuts in that hemisphere. Some strong health claims are being made for walnuts including a claim for the highest levels of healthy fats (including Omega 3) of any nuts.
69. *Wattle (Sap & seed)
Sap may be more acceptable prebiotic replacement for antibiotics. Seed used in biscuits, cakes ice cream etc. Biggest chicken producers funded research into use of prebiotic in the sap to fatten chickens. Possibilities for human medicines.
70. *Wildlife harvesting, farming and native species pest control
Australian wild birds and reptiles are in demand overseas. (Some species of fresh water turtles, goannas, parrots and finches can be legally caught or farmed with a license). Native species pest control may also be an avenue to explore.
Some states (Q & WA) have legislation to encourage Aboriginal exploitation of this opportunity. Emu farming may be worth considering in some regions.
There may even be a way to farm kangaroos, which would first need to be investigated and then put through a trial program.
71. Miscellaneous
Skilled and semi skilled farm hands have moved out of small regional towns, because of the current drought, to take up other employment such as work in the mining industry. Contracting and sub contracting opportunities for small businesses should open up. Retail outlets may be another opportunity in suitable communities or regions
If and when the drought ends, in some regions there will be strong demand for skilled and semi skilled service providers. There was a shortage of some skilled workers such as shearers, even before the drought. Taking on training for such vocations may be something of a gamble, but the outlook, even if the drought doesn't break soon, is still reasonable.
A NOT SO WISE MAN ONCE SAID
"As we know, there are no knowns. There are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know."
Quote from a very high ex US government official (Obliged to take early retirement) who, as it turned out, didn't know just how much he didn't know.
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