Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce – May 2024 Newsletter
Greetings members
I hope everyone has had a successful bout of long weekends. This Monday’s Labor Day was the last of a string of public holidays for a while, which, albeit relaxing, have been putting strain on small business owners as obtaining income is made difficult by increased labour costs. Those who do operate on public holidays are having to add surcharge rates to keep up, further adding to the cost of living. It’s a ‘catch 22’ as the economy deals with public holidays.
On that note, the Miles Labor Government has promised Queenslanders $1000 off their energy bills for the 2024/2025 period; a measly attempt to buy Labor voters in the next election, but implementing absolutely no benefit for the small businesses that continue to struggle as the cost-of-living increases. Instead of fixing the problem, Labor wants to keep throwing money at those impacted, when the real solution would be to fix the coal fired power station that has been shut down for over 4 years now! This would be the sensible solution if we had a sensible government!
Sadly, the sluggishness of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 construction works is killing small businesses, forcing them to close as they become inaccessible and invisible because of the horrendous amount of construction work. Furthermore, this transportation system is going to open the flood gates for luxury developers to swoop in and take the land and homes of hardworking, local Gold Coasters for the benefit of high-end real-estate, which will only further contribute to the housing crisis many of us are confronted with daily.
On a lighter note, tourism numbers are still booming as the Gold Coast continues to dominate the domestic tourism market; festivals and live music events bring fans from all over the country to celebrate accomplished artists in our gorgeous city. The latest festival saw a crowd of nearly thirty thousand people attend, with upcoming concerts soon expecting similar results. This highly benefits our economy as tourists will inject money into local businesses and continue positive cash flow.
As always, if you require any assistance regarding State matters:
Call my office: (07) 5600 0100
Email: mermaid.beach@parliament.qld.gov.au
Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raystevens.mp
Or find me on Instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/raystevens.mp/
Cheers
Ray Stevens MP
