By Jolene Ogle
The future is looking bright for Noosa businesses, with the latest business confidence survey indicating a growth in capital investment, profits and staffing levels.
According to the November 2016 Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey, 88 per cent of businesses are expecting the same or higher profits over the next six months, while 90 per cent expect to maintain or increase their capital investment.
The survey featured responses from businesses through the Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils and also found 92 per cent of businesses expect to maintain or increase staffing levels over the next six months.
Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington responded positively to the Sunshine Coast wide business survey saying he was pleased Noosa-based businesses maintained great confidence for the immediate future.
“This positive business sentiment comes on the back of our record low unemployment rate of 4.5 per cent for Noosa as at the September 2016 quarter. This figure comes from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, and compares with a state-wide unemployment rate of 6.1 per cent,” he said.
“For regional areas, both Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are really performing well at present.”
Councillor Wellington said Noosa Council would continue to focus its attention on broadening the local economy.
“We have increased resourcing for our Economic Development branch, concluded our inaugural round of economic development grants, and are busy setting up our business and professional advisory groups to help inform the drafting of the new planning scheme,” he said.
“And, of course, there’s the Peregian Digital Hub which will soon rise from the ground, in part thanks to a $1 million grant from the State Government. This project will provide fantastic business incubator opportunities in the IT field.”
CCIQ Noosa president Steven Boyd is currently out of the country but said the elevation of broadband and IT was a major constraint on business growth in Noosa.
“We are aware of this and CCIQ Noosa will continue to work with the business community to advocate for the appropriate infrastructure (especially connectivity) to effectively conduct business in our emerging economy,” he said.
