Business Matters FraserCoast
Practical Tools
STAFFING SMART
SupportforsmallbusinessesthisMay
MaymarksQueenslandSmallBusinessMonth–anopportunityforustoencourage ourlocalsmallbusinessestotakepartinanexcitingprogramtoRecharge,Renewand Rebuildthesector
TheQueenslandGovernmentisbackingourmorethan495,000smallandfamily businessesacrossthestatethisMay,witharangeofeventsfocussingonfinancial literacy,procurementopportunitiesanddisasterrecovery,aswellaslocalissuesand opportunities
Ifyouarerunninganevent,registeritforfreeonoureventcalendar (www.business.qld.gov.au/events)toreachanevengreateraudience. Ifyouwanttofindoutwhat’shappeningnearyouthisQueenslandSmallBusiness Month,visitbusiness.qld.gov.au/qsbm
Whetheryou’realocalcaféowner,doggroomer,engineer,orownanaccountancy firmorlandscapingbusiness everysmallbusinessownerhassomethingtogainthis QueenslandSmallBusinessMonth.
EconomicDevelopmentinthe FraserCoast:APathtoProsperity
AttheBusinessBreakfastonApril30, GerardCarlyon,DeputyCEO,Fraser CoastRegionalCouncildeliveredan insightfulpresentationontheFraser Coastregion,whichhighlightedthe region'sgrowthandchallenges,and providedacomprehensiveoverviewof theeconomiclandscape(summarised below).
UnderstandingEconomicDevelopment
Firstly,it’simportanttounderstandthat economicdevelopmentisaboutcreating anecosystemthatsupportsresidents, businesses,andinfrastructureforlongtermsuccess Councilrecognises economicdevelopmentasthesustained, concertedactionsofpolicymakersand communitiesthatpromotethestandard oflivingandeconomichealthofa specificarea.Itisessentialfor sustainableprosperityandimprovement, regardlessoftheeconomiccycle, Councilcannotdoitalone!
Itneedsateamofkeypeoplewhobring diverseperspectivesandexpertisetothe tableandareproactiveinengagingin theprocess.Thisiswhereyouallcomein, sopleasereachouttotheCouncil’s EconomicDevelopmentteamtodiscuss howyoucanbeinvolved
Theregion's5-yearFraserCoast EconomicRoadmap–BuildingBetter Communitieswasofficiallyendorsedin 2019andhasguidedtheoperationsof Council Overthelastfiveyears,the FraserCoastregionhasexperienced unprecedentedgrowth,markedby record-settingincreasesinpopulation, stronginvestment,highdemandfor housingdevelopmentandincreased migration,evenamidthechallengesof COVID-19.
FraserCoast’sFuture
Tokeepupwiththeregion'srapidgrowth, theCouncilisupdatingitseconomic developmentstrategyandhassought independentadviceandsupportfrom LucidEconomicsandKnowHowe ConsultingtoassistCouncilinthis endeavour.
Stakeholderengagementwiththe businesscommunityisacrucialpartof thisprocess,ensuringthatlocalinsights areincorporatedintothenewstrategy.
KeyDataandInsights
PopulationGrowth:TheFraserCoast region'spopulationwasestimatedat 120,685inlate2024,withstronggrowth drivenbyfactorssuchasaffordable housing(comparedtootherregions), lifestyleandliveability,andthepopularity ofwork-from-homearrangements.Itis acknowledgedthatHerveyBayand Maryborougharesignificanturban centresexperiencingexceptionalgrowth rates
Demographics:Itwillcomeasno surprisethattheregionhasanolder population,withamedianageof51 years By2031,halfofthepopulationwill beaged55orolder.Thisdemographic trendpresentsbothchallengesand opportunitiesfortheregion.
Socio-Economics:Manyareaswithinthe FraserCoastregionsufferfromsocioeconomic
disadvantage,withmedianhousehold incomeslowerthanthestateaverage. However,householdincomeshavebeen growingstrongly,providingrealincome gainsforresidents
EconomicPerformance:Theregion's GrossRegionalProduct(GRP)was$5.7 billionin2023-2024,up7.4%fromthe previousyear Theeconomyhasgrown stronglypost-COVID,averaging67%per annumoverthepastfouryears.
KeyIndustrySectors:Healthcare, construction,retail,manufacturing,and educationarethelargestsectorsby IndustryValue-Add(IVA) Tourismisalso asignificantindustry,contributing$684 millioninvisitorexpenditurein2024.
WorkforceandSkills:The unemploymentratewas54%in December2024andisdownfrompostCOVIDrateof12.1%andpre-COVIDrateof 8.1%,soitistrackingintherightdirection. Notably,97%ofjobsavailableinsidethe region(32,438)arefilledbylocal residents
Theregionhasalowerproportionof professionalsandmanagerscompared tosimilarregions,highlightingan opportunitytoattracthigher-paying professionaljobs.
HousingandDevelopment:Strong populationgrowthhasdrivenhigh demandforhousing Themedianhouse priceintheregionis$611,000,with significantincreasesinbuilding approvalsandresidentiallot registrations.
Developmentsunderconstructionacross theFraserCoastregionhasincreased from$300millionin2019to$3billionin 2024(includingQueenslandTrain ManufacturingProgram)
MajorInfrastructureProjects
TheCouncilcontinuestoinvestinmajor infrastructureprojects,includingthe BoundaryRoadproject,CommunityHub, andHerveyBayEsplanadeMasterPlan Futuredevelopmentsincludethe NikenbahandDundowrangrowthareas, aswellasthenumerouslargeprivate sectordevelopments.
AdvocacyandFuturePlans
TheFraserCoastAdvocacyPlanoutlines priorityprojectssuchastheHerveyBay EsplanadeMasterplan,MaryboroughCBD revitalization,andtheFraserCoastWater Grid Theregionisalsopreparingto leverageopportunitiesrelatedtothe 2032OlympicandParalympicGames andinparticularhostingthearcheryin Maryborough.
FraserCoastEconomicDevelopment Strategy
CouncilisestablishingtheFraserCoast EconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryGroup tosupportandadvocateforregional economicdevelopment,provide strategicadviceandsupportthe developmentofthenewstrategytodrive positiveoutcomesfortheregion.
Conclusion
Itiscriticallyimportantforbusinessand communityinvolvementand collaborationinshapingtheregion's future.PleaseparticipateintheEconomic DevelopmentStrategyprojectbysharing localknowledgewithCouncilandLucid Economics
Formoreinformationortogetinvolved, contacttheCouncil’sEconomic DevelopmentTeamat1300794929or economicdevelopment@frasercoastqld gov.au.
Findingskilled,reliablestaffhasbecome oneofthebiggestchallengesforsmall businessesacrossregionalQueensland, andHerveyBayisnoexception Butwith therightstrategies,attractingand retainingtalentlocallyisnotonly possible,itcanbecomeamajorstrength.
1.EmbraceFlexibleWork
Offeringpart-timehours,jobsharing,or school-friendlyshiftscanopendoorsto parents,students,orsemi-retirees lookingformeaningfullocalwork. Flexibilityisnolongeraperk it’sa powerfulrecruitmenttool
2.TapintoTrainingSupport ProgramslikeFee-FreeTAFE,Skilling QueenslandersforWork,andBackto Workoffersubsidiestohireandtrainnew staff.Byconnectingwithlocal employmentservices,youcanoften accesstailoredsupportandevenprescreenedcandidates
3.InvestinCulture,NotJustWages Inregionalcommunities,word-of-mouth iseverything Asupportive,positive workplaceculturehelpsstaffstayand encouragesotherstoapply.Celebrate wins,offermentorship,andcreateclear growthpathways,eveninsmallteams.
4.HireforAttitude,TrainforSkill
Withalimitedtalentpool,itpaysto prioritisemindsetandvaluesover specificexperience.Amotivatedhirewith therightattitudecanbetrainedand oftenbecomesyourmostloyalteam member
Bythinkingcreativelyandconnecting withtherightsupport,HerveyBay businessescanbuildstrong,reliable teamsthatgrowwiththemandbecome ambassadorsfortheregion’svibrant businesscommunity.
Ifyourbusinesspremiseshavebeendamagedorare temporarilyunusable,youmaybeentitledtorent abatement butnavigatingtheprocesscanbetricky withouttherightguidance.
Fromnotifyingyourlandlordandgatheringevidence,to calculatingafairrentreductionandpreparinga proposal,thereareafewkeystepstohelpyouget started.Understandingyourrightsunderyourleaseand legislationliketheRetailShopLeasesAct1994isalso important especiallyincasesinvolvingsafetyconcerns orlossofaccess.
Wanttoknowwhatactionstotake,whotocontact,andhowtostrengthenyour request?Readthefullblogforpracticaltipsandusefulinformation
Havequestionsorneedtotalkitthrough?OurAssistanceteamisheretodiscussyour situationandpointyouintherightdirection.Contactustoday.
LookingtolevelupyourQueensland tourismbusiness?TheTourism BusinessDigitalAdaptation Programisofferingupto$2,500in rebatesandexpertsupporttohelp Queenslandmicro,small,and medium-sizedbusinessesmodernise operations.
Whetherit’simprovingyourwebsite,enhancingonlinebookings,orusingdigitaltools toengagevisitors,thisprogramhelpsyou:
✅ Boostyouronlinepresence
✅ Streamlineyouroperations
✅ Expandyourcustomerbase
Don'twait applynowandgiveyourtourismbusinessthedigitaledge applications areopenuntilOctober2025!
Exhibitor registrations are open for the Fraser Coast Industry & Careers Showcase - bigger than ever for 2025!
Now in its fifth year, this event has become the go-to for connecting students, jobseekers, and career changers with real opportunities
If you ’ re a business, industry or sector, training organisation or educational pathway, looking to raise your profile, meet future employees, or simply give back to the region that supports you – then register as an exhibitor!
The Showcase is a practical way to help grow the Fraser Coast workforce The Queensland Government is backing events like this because they work –bridging the gap between education, employment, and industry And as Minister Ros Bates recently shared, more than 137,000 people are expected to be working in
our region by 2028 – that’s huge growth
This event isn’t just a display, it’s hands-on, engaging, and filled with energy From health and construction to manufacturing, hospitality, defence and more, there’s a place for every industry
So, if you ’ re committed and ready to build your future workforce, then come join us Let’s make 2025 our most successful Showcase yet
TourismIndustryNews
ThatHolidayFeeling!
QueenslandLaunchesNewNationalTourismCampaign
ThecampaignbyTourism&Events Queenslandisafreshtakeontheiconic ’80spopanthemHoliday,reworkedby Brisbane-bornperformerKitaAlexander, withbackdropimagesshowingthe State’smosticonicholidays-fromsalty swimsandnightsundercitylightsto heart-pumpingadventuresandwalks amongancientrainforests.
ThatHolidayFeelingisalovelettertothemomentsthatmakeaQueenslandholiday sing ThecampaignwasfilmedacrossmultiplelocationsincludingK’gari,theSunshine andGoldCoasts,Brisbane,theWhitsundays,DaintreeandtheGreatBarrierReef
ItisdesignedtounifystorytellingacrossQueensland’s11distincttourismregions,by showcasinghowQueenslandreconnectstravellerstotheirholidayselves,nomatter whatkindofexperiencethey’rechasing.
Findmoredetailsonthecampaignhere,aswellasadirectlinktotheIndustryToolkit withinstructionsonhowtogetinvolvedinthecampaign.
FraserCoastBusiness&Tourism AwardsLaunch
Entriesinthe12thannualFraserCoastBusinessand TourismAwardswillbeopeningonMonday9June,with judginginSeptemberinpreparationfortheawards nightattheBrolgaTheatre,Maryborough,onFriday, November21.
TheFCTEteamwillbeseekingsponsorrenewalsandofferingopportunitiesfor businessestobecomeinvolvedinsupportingtheeventoverthecomingweeks.
Theformatoftheawardswillbesimilartopastyearswith22generalcategories,with fourprestigiousawardsincluding2025JohnCraig-GardinerMemorialAwardandthe FraserCoastBusinessoftheYear
AI for Small Business
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)isnolongerjust fortechgiants it’stransformingtheway smallbusinessesoperate,streamline tasks,andservetheircustomers.For HerveyBaybusinessowners,embracing AIdoesn’tmeanreplacingpeople it meansworkingsmarterwithtoolsthat savetime,boostcreativity,andincrease productivity.
Herearethreeuser-friendlyAItoolslocal businessescanstartusingtoday no techdegreerequired:
1.ChatGPT(OpenAI)–YourOn-Demand BusinessAssistant
ThinkofChatGPTasyourbrainstorming buddy,copywriter,andresearch assistantallinone Needhelpwritinga productdescription,socialmedia caption,blogpost,oremailreply?Just ask.It’sespeciallyusefulforsolo operatorsorsmallteamswhowear manyhatsandneedfast,reliable contentcreationoradminsupport.
➡Exampleuse:Alocalcaféowneruses ChatGPTtowriteweeklyspecialsblurbs fortheirsocialmediaandemail newsletterinseconds
2.CanvaMagic–DesignMadeEffortless HerveyBayalreadylovesCanvaforits easydrag-and-dropdesigninterface
NowwithCanvaMagicStudio,youcan instantlygeneratesocialposts,posters, productmockups,andevenwrite contentwithMagicWrite.AI-powered
resizingandbackgroundremovalalso makecontentcreationfasterandmore polished.
➡Exampleuse:AlocalfloristusesCanva MagictocreatecustomMother’sDay promoflyersandInstagramStoriesin minutes
3.NotionAI–SmartNote-Takingand Planning
Runningabusinessmeansjuggling ideas,projects,meetings,andgoals Notionisaworkspacethathelpsyou organiseitall—andNotionAImakesit evenbetter.Askittosummarise meetings,draftSOPs(standard operatingprocedures),oreven brainstormnewbusinessideas
➡Exampleuse:Aboutiqueowneruses NotionAItowritestaffonboarding manualsandkeeptrackofinventory planning
GettingStarted
Mostofthesetoolsofferfreeversionsand tutorialstohelpyougetthehangofit.As thedigitallandscapeevolves,small businessesthatembraceAIearlywill haveaheadstart notjustinefficiency, butindeliveringfaster,smartercustomer experiences.
Whetheryou'reasolopreneur,acafé owner,ormanagingagrowingteam AI canbeyourcompetitiveedge.Giveita try youmightbesurprisedatwhatyou cancreateinjustafewclicks
Practical Tools You Can Start Using Today
Capability Statement Workshop
Building capability statements that help your business thrive
What is a capability statement? Workshop details
A capability statement is a tool that allows procurement teams to assess your expertise and achievements, as well as your potential to deliver goods and services It outlines the capabilities and skills of your business.
A capability statement is essential for applying for and securing tendering opportunities in government and private sector projects They can also be uploaded to online databases and be used to support your finance applications
Date: Time:
Why attend the workshop? Morning tea / Light refreshments Friday 30 May 2025 8 45 am – 12 30 pm
Help your business stand out from the crowd and improve your chance of securing contracts by attending a Queensland Government hosted capability statement workshop This workshop will help businesses develop and prepare effective capability statements
Our workshop will help you learn:
•
•
•
•
• why a capability statement is important how to use your capability statement to market your product or service how to use your capability statement to accompany contract tender submissions best-practice fundamentals for developing and drafting a powerful capability statement how to access the latest information on Queensland's supply chain opportunities
Urangan Community Wellness Centre
The Tree House: 62-105 Elizabeth Street, Urangan QLD 4655
$50 00
Find out more
Contact: Darryl Conroy Department of State Development, Infrastructure & Planning (DSDIP) 0472 837 211 or fcgregional@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
Want to stay in touch? Follow @GrowingQld
C
H A R I T Y O F T H E M O N T H
May
FraserCoastHospiceisa6bedpurposebuiltinpatientfacilitythatoffersaflexibleclientand familycentredmodelofcare Weprovidefee-freecaretoanyoneinourcommunityover18 yearsofagewhohasterminalillness TheHospiceprovidesasafe,welcomingspace,where clientsandlovedonescanfeelsupported
June
CommunityFlights,anot-for-profitcharitybasedinHerveyBay,isdedicatedto improvinghealthcareaccessforpatientsinneed Sinceitsinceptionin2022,the organizationhasprovidedfreeflightstoeligiblepatientsandtheircarers,enabling themtoattendessentialnon-emergencymedicalappointmentsacrossSouthEast Queensland.
Todate,CommunityFlightshassuccessfullycompleted138flights,helping individualsovercomethechallengesofdistanceandtravelcosts Thecharity operateswiththesupportof11dedicatedvolunteerpilotsand9groundvolunteers, allcommittedtoensuringpatientsreceivethecaretheyneed.
30thApril2025
THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS SPONSOR
TheHerveyBayChamberofCommerceisyourportaltobusinesssuccess. BusinessesacrossHerveyBayareunitedbyacommongoaltooptimisetheir operationsforsuccess.
Becoming-orrenewingas-aMemberofthishighlyinfluentialbusinesscommunity groupprovidesyouwiththeabilitytoreapthebenefitsofaccesstoanextensiveand continuouslybroadeningrangeoftoolstooptimiseyourbusinessforavery reasonableannualMembershipfee.
PleasecontactusifyourequireassistancewithdeterminingthetypeofMembership tobestsuittheneedsofyourbusiness.