Welcome to our November 2013 newsletter for valued members of the Sunshine Coast Business Council.
Meeting with Queensland Premier & Attorney General
Last month representatives of the Sunshine Coast Business Council Board met with the Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman, and Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie to discuss the critical issues facing the Sunshine Coast economy.
Prior to the last State election the Premier committed to meet regularly with the Sunshine Coast Business Council, as the peak business group for the region, to discuss the key issues facing businesses in the region. We are pleased the Premier has continued to honour this commitment and maintain an open dialogue with the Sunshine Coast business community.
The key issues discussed at the meeting included:
- The need to ensure the Sunshine Coast is not left-behind as the Queensland economy continues to grow and improve, as recent economic indicators have suggested
- The urgent need to deliver the region’s game-changer infrastructure projects – the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast airport, widening of the Bruce Highway, and delivery of the Maroochydore CBD and Sunshine Coast University Hospital and
- The need for the business community and all levels of government to be aligned with the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Strategy.
We are pleased to report that the Premier and Attorney General were supportive of these key issues and undertook to work closely with the Sunshine Coast Mayor and Council to ensure both levels of government are united in their efforts to cut red tape, deliver critical infrastructure and create jobs. He acknowledged that the Coast was performing below the state growth rate of 4% and under performing in some of the other areas as well and was keen to work with us to continue to improve the regional economy.
Youth Prosperity Forum
With the local youth unemployment rate currently standing between 17 and 18 per cent, compared to an overall local unemployment rate of 6.7 per cent, the Sunshine Coast Business Council believes now is the time to put a spotlight on this critical issue.
The SCBC is holding a Youth Prosperity Forum to hear from some of Australia’s most knowledgeable researchers and leaders in championing youth issues.
Guest speakers include:
- David Rumbens (keynote speaker) Partner, Deloitte Access Economics
- Kylee Bates, State Director, Service Delivery, Mission Australia
- Ivan Neville, Branch Manager, Labour Market Research and Analysis, Department of Employment
- Paul Morton, Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Family & Youth Service
- Kris McCue, Caboolture-Sunshine Coast Employment Coordinator, Department of Employment
This is an important matter for this region and we urge you to attend the event, join the discussion and support our youth.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Time: 1:00pm-6:30pm
Venue: Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
RSVP: Monday, 11 November 2013 (please complete registration form attached)
Cost: $20 (incl. GST) for SCBC members $25 (incl. GST) for non-members. FREE for those aged 25 and under. Car parking also available for $5.
Thank you to our patron sponsor TAFE, event sponsors and media partners Hot 91 radio and the Sunshine Coast Daily for supporting this event.
Patron Sponsor:
Business Council AGM & Christmas drinks
The Annual General Meeting of the Sunshine Coast Business Council will be held at 5:15pm on Thursday 5th December at the Palmer Coolum Resort.
All members will receive nomination forms and AGM packs shortly via email.
The AGM will be followed by celebratory Christmas drinks.
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.