Last week the Queensland Small Business Commissioner published the Beyond the pandemic report showing that Queensland small businesses continue to not only survive but prosper with profitability up by 42 per cent outpacing the rise in wages and total expenses of 22 per cent. The report found that the pandemic had a severe but short-lived impact on household spending.
Government intervention in the forms of grants, subsidies and handout are certainly a factor in this quick recovery and have contributed to the high inflation and interest rates we now face – both likely to curb economic growth in the short term.
A recent meeting with the Commissioner provided a platform for various regional Chambers – to voice concerns and shed light on the challenges faced by small businesses. Whilst the meeting served as an opportunity for dialogue, it was apparent that regional Chambers and small business owners are fatigued over policies that yield little or no tangible action to address their concerns.
Some of the recurring issues common to the regional Chambers included housing and cost of living, regional tax incentives enlarging the insurance pool for businesses in Far North Queensland, diesel rebates for transport, outdated planning legislation and regulation, government procurement, and Transport and Main Road (TMR) narrow practices that fail to align with small business needs.
Meanwhile, the research phase of our Vision for the Whitsundays project is now open and we invite business owners, managers, and community stakeholders, and individuals to inform the project’s key findings and recommendations.
You can participate by either making a formal submission to the project, completing a quick online survey, or participate in a focus group discussion. In September, focus groups will be held on the following themes: the economic Customer Service Experience and its impact on our economic future and economic contribution Arts, Culture, and Heritage makes to the region.
Our Vision for the Whitsundays project report will be released in May 2024.
by Chamber President, Allan Milostic
