The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce commends the recently announced FY24 Queensland State Budget for its efforts to address certain concerns of the business community.
However, the Chamber emphasises the need for further support to effectively meet the challenges faced by businesses in the region.
President of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, Alan Milostic, acknowledged the positive steps taken by the government to tackle cost-of-living pressures, which can contribute to enhanced consumer confidence and local spending. However, he noted that there remains a significant gap in support for the cost of doing business, an aspect that requires immediate attention.
The Chamber fully supports the prioritisation of relief from high operating costs and complexities, as well as workforce support for attraction and retention. These measures are crucial to sustaining and nurturing the growth of businesses within our region.
While the Budget includes provisions for immediate energy bill relief, the Chamber President emphasised the importance of a commitment to resilient and long-term energy affordability. Supporting the adoption of sustainable business practices today and ensuring the transition to sustainable energy sources will help safeguard the Whitsunday region’s economic future.
Recognising the significance of training and skills development in overcoming the current constraints faced by businesses, the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce appreciates the government’s continued commitment in this regard. At a time when workforce attraction and retention are key concerns, investments in training and skills are vital to bolstering business operations.
The Chamber also welcomes the targeted investment in cyber security support for small and medium-sized businesses. As workplace digitisation becomes increasingly essential for future success, this investment will empower businesses in the Whitsunday region to thrive in the face of evolving technological challenges.
Looking ahead, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce underscores the critical importance of supporting businesses to remain competitive and seize future opportunities. With Queensland poised for significant growth and development, it is imperative that our local businesses receive the necessary support to flourish in the years to come.
The Chamber will continue to closely monitor the Budget outcomes to ensure that the work initiated aligns with the needs of our business community.
We remain committed to advocating for the Whitsunday region’s economic prosperity and will actively engage with relevant stakeholders to address any outstanding concerns.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Youth Justice Di Farmer:
“An investment of more than $1.3 billion in skills, training, employment and small business support in Queensland has been allocated in the 2023-24 State Budget.
“The foundations have been built over the past eight years and we are going to continue to build on that.
“Queensland’s economy is diverse and expanding into new industries, requiring the training system to anticipate and deliver a skilled workforce to ensure continued economic growth.
“In the 2022-23 financial year to date, more than 212,000 students have been supported through the Government’s investment in vocational training.
“Fee Free TAFE in 2023, which is delivered by TAFE Queensland and Central Queensland University, will continue to be available for Queenslanders looking for a pathway to their dream career or even a career change.
“To date, 32,000 Queenslanders have been supported in Fee Free TAFE courses across more than 80 qualifications.
“In addition to some of the newly funded programs, we will also continue our unwavering support of the lifeblood of our communities and our economy – small businesses. We will provide a number of programs to support them, including the successful Big Plans for Small Business grants programs.
“The 2023-24 State Budget will help ensure good people can secure good jobs so they can enjoy our great Queensland lifestyle.”
Save the date! Chamber events for 2023