Sunshine Coast business leaders say the region’s next mayor will need to address a lack of transport infrastructure to avoid a growth gridlock.
The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Competitiveness Survey revealed Sunshine Coast employers and potential employees identified a lack of transport infrastructure as a key barrier to their growth.
The data showed more than 75 per cent of Sunshine Coast organisations have planned to grow their business over the next five years, but many businesses are struggling to find and retain staff.
The findings showed potential employees were hesitant to move to the region with transport a major concern.
Maeva Hospitality managing director Scott Armstrong said the Sunshine Coast business community needed more certainty and confidence surrounding transport infrastructure.
“As a region, we want to offer the best possible lifestyle and liveability, and without effective transport options or transport infrastructure, our region’s value proposition to potential employees is reduced, particularly for younger people whom we would like to employ in our business,” he said.
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“If our transport infrastructure falls behind, that will hinder our region’s ability to attract top talent and hamper our ability to establish a strong workforce.
“As a growing region, we would like to see government funding invested in our region to maintain livability and lifestyle.”
It comes after Mark Jamieson announced he will step down as mayor after 12 years in the role.
Caloundra Chamber of Commerce CEO Brady Sullivan said voters should be interested in the future mayor’s vision for transport as nominees announce their candidacy.
“It’s essential the future councillors and mayor understand the importance of driving significant multimodal transport investment to the region,” he said.
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“Vital investment will not only improve our region’s livability, but it will also help attract talent and maintain a strong economy.
The Regional Competitiveness Survey questioned 179 employers and 454 potential employees to understand the Sunshine Coast’s workforce needs and facilitate regional growth.
Employers and employees also identified housing affordability and availability and cost of living as key issues impacting the region’s workforce.
As a collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast, the survey’s findings were published in the Regional Competitiveness: Perceptions of ‘Living Working and Playing’ on the Sunshine Coast white paper.
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