Roadmap needed for business to plan for future
I WAS fortunate to connect face-toface with members in Townsville over the last fortnight.
It was wonderful to engage with members and industry stakeholders such as Townsville Enterprise, Townsville Chamber of Commerce and local government representatives.
Interstate migration, affordable housing, CBD reactivation and attracting skilled workers to the region were consistent themes throughout my discussions.
While Townsville has been fortunate in avoiding significant lockdowns and the region’s business confidence remains high, the ongoing border closures continue to impact not only Townsville but the entire state.
With a case detected in Townsville last week, it is now more important than ever to boost vaccination rates, taking advantage of the walk-in opportunities in the Townsville vaccination hub or making a visit to the pharmacy or local GP.
The past fortnight has seen other states provide roadmaps that identify clear vaccination targets and benchmarks for reopening.
Queensland needs a similar plan to enable businesses to plan for the future and understand the environment they are operating in. This certainty will not only bolster the region economically but also act as a catalyst to attract skilled workers to Townsville.
Capitalising on the trend of regional migration as people continue to revaluate their lifestyle options provides a unique opportunity for Townsville.
Unlike other regional centres, Townsville offers a diverse economy with sectors such as construction, resources, health, education, and defence, coupled with affordable investment opportunities that provide an appealing offering for those looking to relocate.
Bolstering these opportunities is the 2032 Olympics. Queensland will be on the world stage for the next decade, especially as the lead up intensifies. It is important that Townsville grabs this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with both hands, using it to attract skilled workers and investment to the region.
Next month the Property Council will host our final Townsville lunch event for the year. I will release more details soon.