4 March 2022 |

PwC CEO Tom Seymour today provided insight into the macro-economic themes in the global and national economies against the backdrop of current economic and market conditions and the coming Federal Election, when he spoke at a Sunshine Coast Business Council lunch in Maroochydore.

Mr Seymour addressed close to 100 of the Coast’s business leaders at the lunch hosted at the Maroochy RSL, sharing his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland in a post-Covid world.

With regions like the Sunshine Coast continuing to grow, Mr Seymour said a key area of focus is ongoing support for small business.

“Governments at every level have acted nimbly to support lives and livelihoods throughout the height of the pandemic, and their support and initiatives have been invaluable in helping businesses through the worst of the crisis,” he said.

“While appropriate support will need to remain in place for as long as it’s needed, a business-led recovery is our best bet as we return to a position of strong economic growth – and that means equipping businesses with the confidence they need to invest, innovate and hire more people.”

Despite the curveballs the pandemic has thrown the Sunshine Coast, Mr Seymour believes there are a number of stars aligning for the region in a post-COVID environment — the challenge is to latch onto these strengths and sell them hard.

“COVID-19 has thrown on its head many of the rule books we’ve come to play by, and the Sunshine Coast has a rare opportunity to make the most of the profound changes the world is witnessing,” Mr Seymour said.

“The Sunshine Coast needs to sell its strengths hard as a great place to do business, to learn new skills, and to live and raise a family.”

A massive coup for the Queensland economy has been securing the 2032 Olympic Games, which will put several regions across the state on the global stage.

“Hosting an Olympic Games is a big task, but Queensland has plenty of time not only to stage a games like no other, but ensure that the right planning and the right infrastructure leaves a positive legacy for decades to come,” Mr Seymour said.

The proposed railway line linking Maroochydore to Brisbane as part of Queensland’s 2032 Olympics has been highlighted as one of the major infrastructure projects to be delivered in time for the event.

“There’s no doubt that the big rail infrastructure projects return big community benefits and can have generational impacts on regions,” Mr Seymour said.

“They unlock new economic opportunities, new jobs and urban development.

“They add to the vibrancy and attractiveness of cities, which means more visitation, more people choosing to work and study locally, and strong population growth.”

SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said she was delighted that the Business Council was able to secure Mr Seymour to address members and guests at the leading advocacy group’s lunch.

“Given Mr Seymour works with some of Australia’s leading CEOs and politicians from the three tiers of government, he is uniquely positioned to share his experiences and observations on how to navigate regional economies through a difficult period and maintain a growth trajectory,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“After being battered by the pandemic, supply chain chokeholds and escalating prices, businesses across the state, and in particular in regional Queensland, can benefit from gaining some insight into what the future holds.”

“To have someone of Mr Seymour’s calibre here on the Sunshine Coast is an incredible coup for the region and one in which I think those in the room really benefitted from.”

For more information on the Sunshine Coast Business Council and membership enquiries, visit www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au.

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Media contact:  Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing   0410 109 102    maya@freshprm.com.au

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