Welcome to our March 2013 newsletter for valued members of the Sunshine Coast Business Council.
De-amalgamation
Noosa residents will soon head to the ballot box to have their say on whether de-amalgamation will proceed and it appears that most have well and truly made up their minds.
The de-amalgamation referendum on March 9 signalled the end of a fairly intense and divisive campaign and we are pleased it is now behind us.
Sunshine Coast Councillors have since voted unanimously to remove Noosa from the region’s draft planning scheme, which will now undergo review to address public and industry submissions.
We expect there will be more hurdles to overcome during the separation process, as difficult decisions are made about the division of assets, funds, debt and the transfer of staff.
It is our sincere hope that the Sunshine Coast region will continue to be united in its efforts to pursue economic growth, create new skilled employment opportunities and attract investment, regardless of whether we are represented by one local authority or two.
SCBC chair, Sandy Zubrinich, said this was an important period in the region’s history and the Coast needed to reinvent itself as an optimistic, energetic region with its eyes firmly on the future.
“Now, more than ever, we need strong leadership to propel us forward and concentrate on seizing the opportunities that lie ahead,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“Regardless of the local government arrangements, Noosa is still part of the Sunshine Coast and we need to speak with one voice when we are selling our region’s advantages and potential to the rest of the world.”
Asia Forum
The Business Council’s upcoming forum will examine in some detail how the Sunshine Coast can maximise the opportunities presented by the rapid expansion of Asia’s middle class.
Last year the Federal Government released the ‘Australia in the Asian Century’ white paper and the SCBC subsequently commissioned research to identify key sectors and potential target markets for our region.
The results of that research will be released at the forum on April 11, where leading national and international business leaders will be addressing the topic of ‘Growth of the middle class in Asia – are there opportunities for the Sunshine Coast?’
Speakers will include:
- he Hon. Jarrod Bleijie, Queensland Attorney General and Minister for Justice
- Mr Ted Pretty, Group Managing Director & CEO, Hills Holdings Limited
- Mr Andrew Foo, Vice President, Singapore Australia Business Council
- Ms Nussara Smith, Director, Overseas Market Development: Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland
- Mr Gwyn Jarrott, Sunshine Coast Business Council
The forum will be held from 3pm to 6pm on April 11 at the Innovation Centre and is sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Council, Regional Development Australia and Sunshine Coast TAFE.
The cost is $44 for members and $55 for non-members.
To register for this event, visit our website at www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au
We look forward to seeing you there.
SCC mission to China
Staying with the theme of opportunities in Asia, we were pleased to hear Mayor Mark Jamieson’s announcement that he would be leading the Sunshine Coast’s first investment and business mission to China in April.
The Mayor, in partnership with the State Government and council representatives from other regions, will present information about tourism infrastructure and property development opportunities to potential investors in Beijing and Guangzhou.
The second leg of the mission will be all about the Sunshine Coast, when Mayor Jamieson and Cr Jenny Mackay lead a delegation of Coast business representatives in a series of meetings with local leaders in Xiamen on 18-19 April.
Mayor Jamieson described it as a great opportunity for local businesses to receive an introduction to one of China’s most lucrative markets.
The Business Council congratulates the Sunshine Coast Council on this initiative and hopes it will assist our region’s efforts to secure investment and forge closer ties with China.
New members
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.