focus_contributor
ANTHONY FOX - PRESIDENT, ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER
Minding your
Rain, glorious rain. Armidale has received more rain so far this year than it did for the whole of last year. While Armidale, Guyra and surrounding country has greened up, saving gardens and trees and providing fodder for stock, we still have a way to go. Malpas dam is at 46% and rising. Water restrictions are likely to be lifted, slowly, conservatively.
T
here is a case for reducing the water restrictions from level five to level four once the dam exceeds 50%. That will give some confidence going forward to the business and wider community. CLIMATE CHANGE A lot has been said recently about climate
change - for good reason. There is a long history of awareness of climate change around the world, and recently strong views have been expressed that the drought and bushfires are phenomena to expect when the earth’s temperature increases. While there are differing views about climate change, the Chamber accepts the reality of climate change and the
need to act strongly to protect our businesses, communities, flora and fauna. The Business Council of Australia supports strong action on climate change and a transition to net zero emissions by 2050. More specifically, the Council supports a market-based carbon price. It looks to new jobs being created through changes in technology. Most businesses see the need to act on climate change, and the need for a clear, clean energy policy. Further, it is not the case that taking action in relation to climate change necessarily means permanent net job losses. It should be the case that innovative steps are taken to ensure job security and that good sustainable jobs are available for those more directly affected by the transition to a lower carbon economy. The Armidale region could and should become a model of a technologically advanced sustainable zero emissions region - an example to others. The Armidale Regional Council and UNE have combined resources to bring about zero CO2 emissions by 2030, by achieving the National Carbon Offset Standard certification. DROUGHT RELIEF Armidale Regional Council has received $900,000 to stimulate the local economy. The Chamber is seeking the thoughts of the members and other businesses on how to use these funds. The responses will be treated confidentially, collated, and put to the Council without attribution to individual authors. WORKSHOPS The Chamber through Northern Region
Business Enterprise Centre will present a workshop on “Building your Facebook Page and Google My Business Listing” on 31st March 2020. While this is open to everyone, the focus is on assisting small businesses start-ups and those thinking of starting a business. The cost is $25. Places are limited. See our website for more information. WING Last month’s Breakfast with Michelle Wheatley was well attended. Her presentation was both thoughtful and thought provoking. The next Women’s Networking breakfast is on 10th March 2020 at the Powerhouse. Dr Mary McMillan will be speaking. Mary is a senior lecturer at UNE, a passionate advocate for women in STEM. She was named as one of twelve inaugural STEM Changemakers by the Australian Academy of Science in January 2020. Bookings are available on our website. WELCOME TO ARMIDALE The Welcome to Armidale took place on Saturday 8th February 2020. Despite the heavy rain, we had a good representative of community who were able to welcome newcomers to our area. Thanks to Armidale Regional Council for sponsoring the event. THE AIRPORT IT is not clear whether serious progress has been made in terms of selling sites at the Business Park at the airport, While the drought and related circumstances have no doubt had an effect, I will try to report on the next occasion as to interest in the Business Park.
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