Support our subbies on ride to recovery
SO much of the focus of the Gold Coast’s recovery from COVID-19 has been on our tourism and education sectors. Special task forces are stacked with their leaders along with hoteliers.
It’s fair enough for Australia’s tourist playground, but what about our subbies?
The Coast’s construction industry is the city’s real employment heartbeat.
Subbies United has warned in an email to members: “The long beautiful wave the industry has been surfing since 2002 has now crashed on to rocks.’’
Builders are reducing their rates by 10 to 15 per cent. But there are economic green shoots.
Councillor Glenn Tozer spoke to Mark Deacon, CEO and founder of Superdraft, which convinced him to promote a $10 million home renovation incentive by council.
For two years, fees could be eased related to construction of enhancements to existing homes and properties – swimming pools, fences, home extensions, roof repairs and landscaping.
“We experienced a 65 per cent decrease in inquiries from business-as-usual (BAU) in the month of March 2020. We pivoted in our marketing approach and managed to lift that result to a 50 per cent increase from the original BAU level later in April,” Mr Deacon told Cr Tozer.
Most of the company’s business involves renovations and additions to existing homes.
“There is no doubt this focus on Australian homes, marketed cleverly, represents a strategic opportunity for Superdraft and perhaps the nation, as we gradually emerge from COVID-19 constraints,” Mr Deacon said.
These can be individual contracts of $200,000, adding up to potentially millions of dollars to the Gold Coast.
Dan Barr, director of Gold Coast consultancy Better Cities Group, is on the same page.
“An unexpected outcome of working from home and school closures has been the resurgence of local neighbourhoods,” he says.
“There are more children playing in the street, chalk art on walls and families cycling. We have a renewed fondness for local footpaths, parks, cafes and the beach. Our opportunity is that local neighbourhoods continue to provide places to play, do business, work and raise a family. We should embrace this opportunity.”
About 100 Australian health and transport experts have signed an open letter to government to expand cycling and walking infrastructure to allow people to exercise and follow physical distancing rules. The Heart Foundation and the Public Health Association are on board.
In New York and Paris, streets are being opened up to allow people to exercise, relax and dine while maintaining social distancing. Cycling networks are being expanded.
“We are driving less, more reluctant to get on the train and trams. The timing is right for council to invest more in local parks, cultural spaces, green bridges and beachfront projects such as the
Oceanway,” Mr Barr says.
He acknowledges the State Government will continue its commitment to big-ticket transport items like Light Rail Stage 3A, the Coomera Connector and Pacific Motorway upgrade.
“Recognising the significant health and economic impacts still to play out, the Gold Coast can reduce the impact now and emerge a better city post coronavirus,’’ Mr Barr says.
“On the Coast this should mean a city with great bikeways and footpaths, connecting green bridges, world-class public transport, vibrant streets and energetic local neighbourhoods. We must grab this opportunity.’’
At Just Ride Nerang earlier this week, your columnist arrived at the shop with three bikes and three flat tyres. The staff said they were working longer hours and looking for another technician to help with repairs. This is a rare good news business story.
In isolation in the suburbs, we have changed habits fast, creating green economic shoots. It will just need smart city leaders to recognise this and to move fast on the ride home to recovery.