By JONATHON HOWARD
THE Southern Downs is a great place to do business but attracting suitable employees remains the region’s biggest hurdle, a recent business survey has revealed.
The survey was undertaken by Southern Downs Regional Council’s Economic Development Unit (EDU) and was carried out on behalf of council by QUT Professor Paul Hyland, and Annexo Pty Ltd Phillip Curtis.The report found that the Southern Downs was well placed in close proximity to Brisbane and Toowoomba as well as having welcoming communities, high livability and affordability for locating a business.
More than 80 per cent of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with the business outlook for the coming year, however the availability of suitable employees remained a problem for many businesses.
Mayor Peter Blundell said the survey results were encouraging for the region.
“The survey shows the Southern Downs to be a dynamic region with very good growth potential,” he said.
“Businesses in the main are investing in the region and believe the region has a sound economic future.
“The recommendations from the survey reinforce council’s direction and commitment to the economic development in our region.”
BREAK OUT
The survey report identified nine recommendations and an action plan has been developed to address the recommendations. Recommendations as follows:
1. Continue to promote the comparative advantage of the SDRC region;
2. Promote lifestyle and livability factors to potential residents and new businesses;
3. Increase the marketing and subsequent visibility of the Economic development Unit;
4. Contact businesses that responded to the survey and conduct focus groups;
5. Provide interested businesses with material that describes support offered by council for economic development activities;
6. Establish an industry advisory committee from business people throughout the region;
7. Update and improve existing data bases of businesses and continue to measure and benchmark business activity;
8. Assist businesses to identify and access support programs including grants and other funding from state and federal governments; and
9. Investigate strategies to support businesses to attract skilled employees to the region.
