As we enter this post-pandemic era the economic challenges will be significant: rising inflation annually, interest rates, government deficits and worldwide events all add up to an uncertain future.

As a local economy we need to be on our game.

The Noosa gross regional product has underperformed the Queensland average for 11 years, growing less than 50 per cent of the rate of inflation.

We have less jobs in Noosa shire now than any other time since 2015 as a result of the stagnating local economy.

Average weekly earnings is 20 per cent below the Queensland average, and with the current cost of living it’s making it impossible for employers and employees alike.

Council’s policy framework clearly demonstrates the unequal approach to economic considerations compared to environmental and social concerns. The Chamber attended the budget scene setting briefing to Councillors and subsequent to that briefing has made some initial representations. Watch your inbox for further details regarding Council’s 2022-2023 budget as once we have a firm view of what’s proposed we will provide a further update.

The Chamber is calling for our local economy to be taken seriously, for effective implementation of the local economic plan.

We are calling for bold leadership, the empowering of our shire’s business ecosystems, putting in place enabling infrastructure and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.

We must act now to ensure we correct the lack of growth in our GRP and invest wisely so that we develop the right economic drivers and arrest the decline in GRP of our local government area.