There is an air of cautious optimism in the business world about the region’s economic recovery.
We have plenty to be thankful about, given that the full impact of coronavirus wasn’t felt here.
Governments were put into overdrive to provide economic stimulus, and the consequences of that will be seen over the next couple of months.
Jobkeeper ends March 28 and there are two distinct schools of thought – one being that the prop for the economy is being taken away too soon, and another that businesses will now have a deeper well of skilled labour to tap into.
One thing is for certain. We shouldn’t get too carried away with the spin that is coming from political public relations machines.
It is true that money is being fast-tracked for numerous projects. Roadworks at Bahrs Scrub, and early land release at Yarrabilba are two big investments – each worth $15 million – which have been announced in the last week.
These are no doubt positive announcements, and there will undoubtedly be benefits.
The true signs of economic confidence and gain however, will be seen in small business – the coffee shops, hair salons, and importantly, the retail sector.
Short-term windfalls are great for our region, but they will come and go. Grassroots businesses are here for the long haul and are the ones who most need sustainable support.
For the most part, they’ve ridden out the storm, and are now hoping we are in a position to propel forward.
We need to be ensuring that the shopfronts of today don’t become the vacancies of tomorrow.
