Time to act is now to secure jobs and future
As is typically the case, the business sector has been quietly driving sustainably practices in their bid to play their part in taking care of the environment.
OKAY, I am going to out myself.
I am a climate change believer. And my view, is support and funding to facilitate, aid and assist the transition of our workforce, our businesses is essential to meet this challenge. Essential today, not tomorrow.
The recent report of the Business Council of Australian is compelling. As they state, we can reap the rewards of an $890 million economic dividend over the next 50 years, but we must act now.
Significantly, they suggest, early action will allow us to take advantage of our world class skills, resources, and proximity of markets to secure existing and create new jobs.
These are not jobs for me, but jobs for the youth of today and their children. It is about securing their fate.
But it is not just business leaders, who are calling for greater and immediate action. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that voters in every federal seat in Australia support increased action on climate change and the adoption of renewable technology.
This is an indicator that it is time, for all levels of government to move faster in a bid to secure future generations jobs and wealth.
But of course, it is not all doom and gloom.
As is typically the case, the business sector has been quietly driving sustainably practices in their bid to play their part in taking care of the environment.
Our members have actively amended their business practices for the sake of the planet. They constantly inspire me by their creative approaches to the environment demonstrating a genuine care about our community and the future of our world.
Take, Fuji Xerox for example. Fuji Xerox donates old copiers to not-forprofits and deconstructs machines for recycling. Many businesses have sought advice to help them reduce or recycle waste, such as the accountants, lawyers and dentists who have made a commitment to reduce their use of plastics and recycle items made from finite resources.
And of course, Rowes, whose refurbished building exemplifies the recycling of timbers, Grand Central who used recycled bricks in their development and the award-winning rehabilitation work of the New Hope Group.
These are inspirational stories about reusing resources and looking after the planet.
But it doesn’t stop there. We also know our agricultural industries, farmers, hospitality, and general households all do great work in managing the environment for upcoming generations.
These practices often are unnoticed. But they were observed by the independent judges in the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2021. They were so inspired by the local business community’s environmental practices they have asked the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce board to consider a new sustainability award in the FocusHR Business Excellence Awards 2022.
My view is every little bit, no matter how big or small, counts. And it is time. It is time, for all levels of government to support and fund the transition of our workforce, our businesses which secures the prosperity of our nation, for the Australians of the future.
What else do you think needs to be done?
Email admin@toowoombachamber.com.au with your examples and ideas on what we can do, to drive change.