The Sunshine Coast Business Council’s upcoming ‘Outlook for Business Investment’ conference, slated as a reality check on business investment in Australia and Queensland, promises expert insights into the national economy and the flow of business investment vital to economic growth.
Presented in partnership with sponsors Property Council of Australia, Walker Corporation, Stockland and Sunshine Coast Airport, the conference will be held on Friday 3 May at Maroochy RSL.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said through an impressive range of prominent speakers, the conference aims to draw attention to the extended slowdown in business investment around Australia over a long period of time.
“Our opening speaker, Business Council of Australia (BCA) Chief Economist Stephen Walters will explain why he believes Australia is in the grips of an investment drought, the causes and what actions are required by governments to get business investment flowing again in Australia,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“Investment spending is critical for the long-term economic sustainability of our nation, including our regions.
“The Sunshine Coast has enjoyed a strong run of business investment over the past decade largely through the big mixed use and residential developments and government infrastructure funding, and more recently the redevelopment of the Sunshine Coast Airport and the new Maroochydore City Centre.
“However, the forward investment pipeline appears to have slowed – a trend the SCBC board has been actively bringing to attention for some time.
“We are at a point where we need to make sure we have the competitive investment settings in place that investors expect.”
Macroeconomist and Partner at Deloitte Access Economics Stephen Smith will talk on the pre- and post-pandemic business investment trends by state and will offer his perspective on Australia’s economic outlook.
“In times of economic uncertainty, regional economies can often feel the brunt of a slowdown in business investment. But the growth of the Sunshine Coast region makes continually attracting public and private investment all the more important,” Mr Smith said.
“Investment plays a critical role in spurring economic growth, boosting productivity and strengthening regional economic resilience.”
Ms Zubrinich said SCBC’s objective has always been to foster an environment where all levels of government and business work together to position the Sunshine Coast as a compelling investment destination.
“We are operating in a fiercely competitive investment landscape and need to continue to build business confidence,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“Sunshine Coast Council Group Executive for Economic & Community Development Greg Laverty will talk about the future direction of economic development in the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to ensuring this region is a competitive and welcoming environment for investors.
“To this end, a highlight of the conference will be an engaging investor panel discussion moderated by Jess Caire, Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, which will delve into strategies to bolster investor confidence and stimulate investment in the Sunshine Coast.
“We look forward to again having business investors and politicians in the same room to hear these messages.”
On conclusion of the conference, attendees will have an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and experts on the future of business investment, both at the national level and specifically within the Sunshine Coast region.
Tickets for non-members are $165 per person, with corporate tables of 8 available for $990.
Bookings close at 5pm on Monday April 29 or when fully booked. Interested parties can secure their tickets via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1199671.
