Help to get us on path to recovery
THIS REGION HAS A LOT GOING FOR IT AND ... WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CAIRNS TO PIVOT, TO ATTRACT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO LIVE HERE
LISTENING last week to Scott Morrison speak at a lunch in Cairns, it was evident he understands the deep impact this health crisis has had on the Far North region and economy.
There is no doubt 2020 has been extremely challenging. However, I continue to be heartened by the collaboration and spirit shown by businesses and people of the Far North.
But the hard work starts now – we need people from all over Australia visiting Cairns, we need planes on the tarmac and we need to work together.
We know this region has a lot going for it and, as this town has traditionally been a tourism hub, we know it’s a key service centre for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the nearby attractions.
We have an opportunity for Cairns to pivot, to attract people who want to live here.
We’re investing in our retail branch and business bank centre in Cairns, strengthening our presence and improving services. This year NAB commissioned a report, Supporting Economic Recovery: What we can do for Small Business, which highlights the actions needed to unlock the next phase of growth for business.
This research comes amid increasing public debate on future support for businesses, made more urgent by the impact of COVID on SMEs.
The recovery and resilience of the SME sector will be critical to the economy and jobs
The Federal Budget has set the path for economic recovery from COVID-19, with a clear focus on supporting businesses to lead that effort.
Measures such as the expanded eligibility for instant asset write-off – which will enable further support for more investment in heavy machinery and vehicles, a huge benefit for regional businesses and farmers – are vital to the Far North’s economic recovery.
Getting businesses going again isn’t just the responsibility of governments. Companies such as NAB and business leaders must also step up.
We all have a responsibility to ensure North Queensland emerges as a stronger global player on the other side of this.