President’s Welcome March 2022
Wow didn’t that first quarter of 2022 fly past quickly?
It’s been a very busy time on the Sunshine Coast and while Covid is not behind us, it’s great to see many people out and about enjoying everything the region has to offer. The past two years have been very tough on the hospitality and tourism industries in particular and we acknowledge their resilience during this time. Please get out and support as many of these businesses as you can. I know I do!
We also know our members in the building and construction industry are also feeling the pinch with trade shortages as well as supply issues and now the floods which has affected the whole community. Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by the floods and we trust you have been able to access the relevant financial and emotional support during these difficult times.
There have been some good times as well over the past three months including the announcement this week that our Federal Member for Fairfax Ted ‘OBrien has secured a $3.9 billion commitment from the Federal Government to secure heavy rail into Maroochydore. Our Chamber has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ted in supporting and advocating for this project and we are thrilled that this funding is now in place. We have included a note from Ted in the body of this newsletter and you can also read more about the funding approval here: https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2022/03/27/sunshine-coast-rail-pledge/?fbclid=IwAR0tOjou78iqe1nYuuj0JtSgyWcUxyhDy7gD3Gi6XRSgBze7MRj9-JtOUFo
The Turbine Collaborative Food and Beverage Manufacturing Precinct, an upcoming industry and education hub at Sunshine Coast Airport, has also been awarded a $33.4 million grant under the federal government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative collaboration stream. We also congratulate Frances Cayley on her recent appointment as project manager. Here’s a quick link If you are not across the project: https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2022/03/10/turbine-precinct-appoints-chief/
Maroochydore was front and centre in a special Sky News editorial with Paul Murray. If you missed it then grab a coffee and take ten minutes to watch it here: https://www.skynews.com.au/opinion/paul-murray/maroochydore-set-to-become-an-even-bigger-spot-on-the-map/video/27844ac63e639f88d2c8b53abe08fedf
As usual there’s plenty happening within our Maroochydore CBD and we held a sold out breakfast yesterday (March 30) at Market Bistro where Walker Corporation outlined their vision for their first CBD building 50 First Avenue. We are looking forward to seeing how this project progresses and the businesses it will attract. It’s certainly an exciting time to be living and working on the Sunshine Coast.
As well as yesterday’s breakfast we’ve continued to host our key events including the coffee and connect and we had another great breakfast at the Maroochydore Surf Club with four key speakers, Ted O’Brien, SunCentral Maroochydore Chairman Morgan Parker, Entag CEO Kris Carver and Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie as we looked towards the impact of the Olympics in 2032 for our region. Thanks to all our partners and sponsors for their help to bring these great events to life.
Our young Chamber continues to go from strength to strength with a growing membership base and some fantastic events. We congratulate all the members of their leadership team on their stunning success and we look forward to seeing this group grow and develop.
Our Executive Committee has undertaken a number of strategy sessions with Allan Scott from Asmosys so we can continue to build a better and more resilient chamber. We will be implementing these actions over the next few months and I am sure you will see a more streamline and proactive Chamber working for you.
Finally thanks to you our important members who now number over 250, we can’t do what we do without your support and we look forward to seeing you at our future events.
If there is anything the Chamber can help you and your business, please reach out.
Wishing you all the very best.
Brendan Bathersby
President