Welcome to our January 2014 newsletter for valued members of the Sunshine Coast Business Council.
Business Council Welcomes New Board
With a new board at the helm following last month’s Annual General Meeting at the Palmer Coolum Resort, the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) has vowed it will continue to deliver a united voice for local businesses in 2014 after an exceedingly busy year in 2013.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said the Business Council board had welcomed four new members, with local businessmen the Treasurer of Suncorp Bank Tim Hughes, Simon Ambrose of Sunshine Coast Destination Limited, Hayden Rudd of NCP Bathroom Centres and Tony Vickers of Midson Construction joining the high profile board.
“Our new board members bring a wide range of business and industry knowledge to the table and it’s great to see so many of the Coast’s key industries represented on the board,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“This allows us to better understand the needs of all local businesses and a region that is competing globally for tourists, markets and capital and provide a balanced and unified voice when contributing to regional strategic discussions and lobbying government.”
Ms Zubrinich said 2014 would mark a decade since SCBC’s establishment and she looked forward to championing issues regarding the economy and particularly sourcing investment needed to implement the Economic Development Strategy and employment performance in the months and years to come.
“In 2014, SCBC will be focusing largely on working with government to address the systematic challenges that are impacting our regional prosperity,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“This means taking steps to lessen the youth unemployment rate and working closely with council and business to ensure the region’s economic development strategy is rolled out in a timely and practical manner.”
Ms Zubrinich said SCBC would also be closely monitoring the development of various infrastructure projects including the Maroochydore Principal Activity Centre, Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and Bruce Highway upgrade all which impact most areas of the economy, and use evidence-based research to deliver informed commentary and advocacy regarding regional issues.
“If 2013 is anything to go by, we’ve got a busy year ahead,” Ms Zubrinich said. “In the last 12 months alone, SCBC has conducted a number of forums regarding the Kawana health precinct, the Sunshine Coast’s links with Asia and youth unemployment; worked closely with industry partners on Sunshine Coast Council’s Draft Planning Scheme and Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS); commissioned two valuable research projects; lobbied various levels of government; and contributed to the sustainable economic development of various local infrastructure projects.”
Ms Zubrinich extended thanks to the four retiring SCBC board members who had all played an integral role in achieving the Business Council’s objectives in recent years.
“Gwyn Jarrott and Professor Mike Hefferan have contributed significantly to the success of SCBC over several years as well as Sandra Reardon and Barrie Adams who played important roles in the past 12 months and we are very appreciative of the part they have each played in championing regional issues on behalf of the local business community,” Ms Zubrinich said.
2013 Highlights
2013 was a successful year for SCBC. Our advocacy focussed on the region’s transitional projects and working with the Sunshine Coast Council to finalise the regional economic development strategy. The year’s highlights included:
- Targeted advocacy with the Sunshine Coast Council regarding the Maroochydore Principle Activity Centre, expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, and upgrade of the Bruce Highway.
- Working with other peak industry associations to prepare a comprehensive submission to the draft Sunshine Coast planning scheme.
- Making a significant contribution to the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy.
SCBC commissioned three research project in 2013:
- SCBC Investment Market Survey, January 2013 which was undertaken to support the combined industry submission on the Draft Planning Scheme. The research was also used in discussions by the taskforce in the formulation of the Sunshine Coast Economic Development Strategy.
- The Middle Class in the Asia Century: Where should the Sunshine Coast focus? This research was released in March 2013 at a SCBC forum to over 100 people. It was very well received and stimulated better informed discussion on potential opportunities for the Coast from the growing middle classes in Asian countries.
- Review of the performance and health of the Sunshine Coast agriculture Sector. This research is being undertaken in partnership with SCC and is scheduled to be completed for a stakeholder discussion in late February.
SCBC conducted three forums in 2013.
- The first was the release of the Asia research held March 2013 mentioned above.
- The second was the Kawana Health Precinct Action Plan Status Feedback session which was held in July 2013 and already addressed under Kawana Health Precinct above.
- The third forum was held on 12 November and was intended to put a spotlight on the health, social and economic consequences of youth unemployment. The Youth Prosperity Forum attracted over 120 people to the event with a strong follow up by attendees asking to participate in other youth unemployment events. It was evident from the interest that this is a topic that resonates with our regional business and community services groups and one we will continue to focus on in 2014.
We will continue working with all levels of government and regional stakeholders to continue our advocacy efforts in 2014.
Membership
Membership to join the Sunshine Coast Business Council is now open. To recommend a member to your own network of leading local businesses, please invite them to visit our website at www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au where application forms are available.