Competitive advantages for business on the Sunshine Coast

12 March 2010 Competitive advantages for business on the Sunshine Coast

Doing business on the Sunshine Coast has some competitive natural advantages over those operating in capital cities, a report revealed last week.

The Infrastructure Australia report states that costs associated with traffic congestion in major cities were likely to skyrocket from approximately $9.4 billion in 2005 to $20.4 billion by 2020 prompting serious concerns about the economic future of some city-based businesses.

Economic Development and Council Entrepreneurship portfolio Chair Councillor Lew Brennan said this report further endorsed the advantages of operating a business on the Sunshine Coast.

"It would appear that the number and choice of diverse areas across the region that offer excellent locations from which to do business, will in itself add to the sustainability of doing business on the Sunshine Coast," Cr Brennan said.

"New locations such as Kawana Business Park and the Sunshine Coast Industrial Park were designed with good transport networks in mind, and to cater for projected growth, detailed planning is underway to support areas like our major and principal activity centres.

"In addition our rail towns are becoming hugely popular, which is great for local business and for their communities," Cr Brennan said.

"The Sunshine Coast is also growing; however, being based on a collection of communities rather then centred on one major CBD, residents are much less likely to suffer the same economic and health problems as those based in capital cities," Cr. Brennan said.

"With major cities traditionally seizing a larger share of the national economy, the Infrastructure Australia report also finds that the costs associated with city operation could mean city businesses are 'losing their edge', and with the population only set to rise, the crunch doesn't look like easing anytime soon," he said.

"With many businesses still recovering from the Global Economic Crisis, the last thing they need is news of a further burden."

"People who live on the Sunshine Coast always knew they were in the best location to meet both their business and family commitments."

"I am sure we would welcome those from the city who supported our communities' sustainability vision whilst also starting new businesses to generate employment and careers for our children." Cr. Brennan said.

The Natural Advantages initiative is designed to encourage more vibrant, green and diverse businesses to consider the Sunshine Coast home, and for those here now, to continue to grow and create employment for residents.

Ultimately the initiative will help ensure the economic sustainability of the Sunshine Coast, helping transform it into Australia's most sustainable region.

For more information on the Sunshine Coast Council's Natural Advantages initiative, visit www.business.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or subscribe to Councils Economic Development newsletter at www.sbm21.com/businesssunshinecoast/subscribe.cfm

Permanent Link: Competitive advantages for business on the Sunshine Coast
Publish Date: 13 Mar 10