THE REGION’S business and tourism community met with Amanda Camm MP and David Crisafulli MP, on Monday, to discuss the budget, learn more about the LNP’s state election priorities, and discuss opportunities for the region.
With a state-wide focus on youth crime, housing, health and cost of living opportunities, the following issues for the Whitsundays were also raised.
Support for creating a fresh, modern and safe Airlie Beach precinct.
Developing new, environmentally respectful tourism products.
Exploring ways the Whitsundays can benefit from the Olympics.
Regional infrastructure priorities of fixing roads, cutting red tape restrictions, and capital and workforce needs for our schools and healthcare system.
These latter factors are included in the Chamber’s ‘Ten Point Plan’, which sets out the major issues of shared aspiration and concern for the Whitsunday business community.
It also provides the Chamber direction for a consistent and comprehensive approach to advocacy – to influence positive and necessary change, across all levels of government, to improve business conditions and regional economic growth.
The business community is also gearing up for changes, commencing July 1, with increases to the national minimum wage, to $24.10 per hour, and award wages.
Additionally, new national industrial relations laws come into play, relating to workplace delegates rights and right of entry to investigate underpayments.
We encourage businesses in the region to remain proactive and well-informed about these changes.
Please reach out to your professional advisers, review your processes, and take the necessary steps to address these changes effectively.
By acting now, you can protect your business and maintain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Last week’s State Budget missed the opportunity to provide genuine and direct relief to Queensland businesses and did not lay the foundations for long-term business confidence.
Whilst the $650 energy rebates are a welcome short-term measure – as are the initiatives in the Small Business Strategy released earlier this month – business confidence is week and there are compounding pressures on business that need to be addressed.
Thanks also to those who attended our recent ‘Get free media for your business’ event (Thursday, June 13, 2024).
It was a lively and informative discussion about what businesses can do media-wise to continually build their brand awareness.
More exciting events to follow in the coming months – check our website for details.
