ByAdam Zarth -- Executive Director, Business Illawarra
During this year’s federal election campaign businesses across the nation and their representatives, including the regions peak business organisation Business Illawarra is calling on the next government to Back Australian Business in the next term as economic headwinds continue to develop.
The key areas that require immediate attention for business are:
Jobs and skills – unemployment across the Illawarra is at record lows, job vacancies are at record highs, and in many locations, these are below and above national and state rates. The return of migrants and international students to the region is a high priority for business in the short term and for the longer term, incentives to increase apprentice and trainee numbers are required.
Growth – there is no shortage of large investments coming to the Illawarra in the energy and manufacturing sectors which will accelerate our regional growth. Our new government needs to ensure however that these projects are not impeded by infrastructure constraints or a lack of affordable housing for key workers. Business Illawarra has been advocating for necessary infrastructure upgrades for the region. While we have successfully obtained federal government funding for both the Picton Road Motorway and the Mount Ousley Interchange, we still have neither a plan nor funding to address our antiquated rail network - which is failing both industry and the wider community.
Supporting local businesses – our experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that the best medicines governments can provide are economic stimulus and immediate, targeted support when businesses are impacted by issues outside of their control. Our new federal government must maintain this approach and make a difference in future by providing incentives for business to become more efficient using technology and lowering the costs of doing business through regulatory reform that actively involves both state and local governments.
Sustainability
The Illawarra is perfectly placed to be at the forefront of Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions economy. Our port, geographic location, steel works, skilled workforce, local mines, research expertise from our world class university and a united business community are unparalleled attributes that are unique to the region. We have strong claims to be declared an area that offshore wind farm licenses will be granted in the near term and, as is the case in the NSW state hydrogen strategy, Port Kembla needs to be identified and supported in the same ways as other locations as a Hydrogen Hub of national significance.
Election campaigns are always important opportunities for the community and businesses to advocate for what our region needs and to put new ideas forward. Regardless of the election outcome, Business Illawarra will continue its advocacy to grow jobs, expand our economy and lift the quality of life for all residents of our great region.