ISOBEL COLEMAN
Business confidence in the Shire is increasing and there could soon be an improvement in profitability.
That was the view of CCIQ Noosa this week, following the government’s announcement that Queensland is the only state where businesses have a positive view of the economy. Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls said the Sensis Business Index survey showed Queensland businesses were positive about both the state’s economy and Government’s efforts to support the business sector. “The index shows the net balance of confidence was +28 per cent in this month, up 22 percentage points from a year ago,” Mr Nicholls said. “What this says is that businesses recognise our economy is on the cusp of strong growth.” CCIQ Noosa President Sarah Fisher agreed. “The latest CCIQ Pulse survey showed confidence in the region remains at near-unprecedented levels despite a slight drop from the rapid post-election increases,” she said. “We have had a great summer on the tourism front, which is always a good sign for Noosa, and more recently we have had a great turn out for the Festival of Surfing. “Should this confidence remain we would hope to see further increases in general business conditions and eventually profitability over the next 12 months.” Mr Nicholls said businesses considered the Queensland Government the most supportive state or territory government in Australia. “Our efforts to cut red tape, support small business and plan for the future are all giving confidence to the business sector,” he said. “A confident business sector is essential if we are to see continued growth in our economy. “The only thing holding us back is the $80 billion debt we inherited from Labor.”
