North Queensland set their business agenda for 2024 State Election  

By Emma Clarke

Businesses across Mackay, Whitsundays, Home Hill and Townsville have set their priorities ahead of the 2024 State Election, with housing, cost of doing business, government regulation, workforce constraints, and productivity the top election priorities for regional businesses.  

Business Chamber Queensland is in North Queensland, leading consultations with local business and economic, industry, chamber and government leaders at all levels to confirm the business agenda ahead of the October State Election.  

Already the state chamber has engaged with thousands of businesses across Queensland about the biggest issues impacting businesses every day and the policy environment that businesses need to thrive in Queensland.  

“It is absolutely essential Queensland businesses are that the forefront of this election,” Ms Cooper said.  

“We’re putting business at the heart of the policy agenda in the lead up to the 2024 State Election and with the next Queensland Government. 

“We have heard from businesses across the state, and they have made it very clear that immediate action is needed to respond to the challenges that businesses are facing each and every day and to plan for prosperity long term. 

“Queensland businesses want to take up the opportunities ahead in our state but right now they are experiencing significant business constraints and a lack of long-term government planning for the business community. 

“We’ve spent this week leading direct engagement with businesses, industry, local chambers and government leaders at all levels between Mackay, Whitsundays, Home Hill and Townsville. 

“Businesses in North Queensland have told us they’re worried about immediate business barriers like housing accessibility and workforce constraints as well as rising costs, inefficient government regulation and a lack of infrastructure development. 

“Notwithstanding the challenges, the business community we have met with has been so welcoming and I’m really motivated by their optimism for the future of the local businesses across the region.  

“The local business community is seeing potential for investment in legacy infrastructure as well as increased tourism exposure during the 2032 Olympics.  

“There are also opportunities for businesses through sustainability efficiency and innovation across the regions.”  

Ms Cooper said across the state, economic and social issues were aligned.  

“Housing affordability and accessibility, crime and anti-social behaviour and community infrastructure are now both social and economic issues which must be addressed for the benefit of communities and businesses,” Ms Cooper said.  

“It is critical policy makers actively reduce barriers to business growth and support future economic opportunities.  

“A vibrant and competitive business sector is crucial for Queensland’s prosperity and growth. 

“Businesses create jobs, generate wealth, and drive economic growth domestically and internationally.    

“But across the state businesses are facing significant micro and macro economic challenges, from record high operating and labour costs and a challenging workforce environment to weak productivity, profitability and confidence and a restrictive regulatory environment.  Our data shows the longest sustained period of weak business confidence and conditions in 30 years.  

“These barriers must be addressed, to ensure businesses can thrive now and into the future.  

“There is an opportunity for meaningful policy reform, to allow businesses to participate and benefit in the wider domestic and global economy in the immediate and long term.  

“The 2024 State Election is the chance to get the business fundamentals right and commit to meaningful policy reform.   

“The next State Government’s opportunity and challenge is to deliver policies and outcomes that stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for the private sector whilst dealing with the issues that our being encountered today. 

“We’ll continue advocating for this important business policy reform, in conjunction with local chambers across the state, in the lead up to the 2024 election and with the next Queensland Government.”