Business Matters Fraser Coast Magazine March 2024

St Stephen’s Hospital - Future Focused and Boldly Taking Healthcare to New Levels

Please join us for breakfast on the 3 April 2024 to hear Peter’s vision for the future of healthcare in our region, and what we can expect over the next decade in the delivery of health services to our community.

Under Wood’s leadership, St Stephen’s is poised to not only uphold its legacy of excellence but also to redefine the standards once again of healthcare provision in the region. Through strategic partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and a relentless focus on patient well-being, Peter envisions a future where St Stephen’s Hospital continues to serve as a beacon of innovation and compassion for both the Fraser Coast community and surrounding regions.

Take a step forward nearly a decade with newly appointed General Manager, Peter Wood, bringing a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to shaping the future of healthcare delivery. With a focus on innovation and community-centric care, Wood’s plans for the future revolve around leveraging St Stephen’s digital infrastructure to enhance accessibility, quality, and efficiency of healthcare services. Wood is particularly passionate about aligning healthcare services with the evolving needs of the Fraser Coast community and drawing from his extensive leadership background he visualises initiatives that prioritise preventive care, address Indigenous healthcare disparities, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors.

When St Stephen’s opened its doors in 2014 in Hervey Bay, it immediately set a high bar in healthcare with its pioneering status as Australia’s first fully digital hospital. A decade ago now, St Stephen’s signified an enormous shift in healthcare, exemplifying a commitment to leveraging technology for optimised efficiency and patient-centred care. By embracing digitalisation, St Stephen’s streamlined operations, empowered healthcare professionals with real-time data, and enhanced the patient experience. Digitally it became the catalyst for broader industry innovation, inspiring other institutions to follow suit and continuing the revolution of healthcare delivery. Through this bold leap into the digital age, St Stephen’s not only set a new standard for excellence but also paved the way for a future where quality healthcare seamlessly integrates into everyday life.

Member Price $25.00

Non-Member Price $50.00

Wednesday 3rd April | 6.15 am – 8.00 am

New Venue: The Club House Hervey Bay

Registrations are to be completed online before 5 pm – Monday 1st April

PLEASE NOTE NO DOOR SALES

Book your tickets now. Limited seats are available and ticketing will close when full.

To book click here

IR Reforms receive Royal Assent - several changes to take effect

On Monday, February 26, 2024, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes no. 2) Act 2024 (‘IR Reforms Act’) received Royal Assent.

This is notable because the changes arising will impact on all employers across Queensland.

The IR Reforms Act will, in summary*:

• Change the nature of casual employment,

• Give new rights to gig workers, and

• Allow all employees the right to disconnect from work outside of normal working hours over the coming months.

* The above is not an exhaustive list of the reforms.

Several changes took effect as of 27 February, 2024.

Immediate changes

The changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (‘FW Act’) that have taken effect as of 27 February 2024 include the following:

• Intractable Bargaining

Where the Fair Work Commission arbitrates over enterprise agreement negotiations due to parties being at an impasse, they can make an intractable bargaining workplace determination. Changes the FW Act require that any intractable bargaining workplace determination must result in an employee being no worse off.

ABC cupcakes

Also as a result of the changes, where terms have been agreed to under an intractable bargaining workplace determination, they cannot be ‘unagreed’ at later stages of the bargaining process.

• Sham Arrangement

The FW Act has been changed so that the Fair Work Commission must take into consideration the reasonableness of an employer’s belief that independent contractor arrangements were not a sham when determining whether a business has contravened sham contracting provisions, taking into account the size and nature of the employer’s business and any other relevant matters.

A sham may have occurred in the situation where an employer engages an independent contractor when they are really an employee.

• Compliance Notices

The FW Act has been changed so that the Federal Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may make orders requiring businesses to comply with Fair Work Ombudsman compliance notices. Employers face civil penalties for failing to comply with those orders.

• Civil Penalties

On the topic of civil penalties, the FW Act has been amended to increase the maximum amount the Federal Court and

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can penalise businesses, other than small businesses, for contravening some sections of the FW Act.

Those sections include the National Employment Standards, modern awards, enterprise agreements, and noncompliance with recordkeeping or payslip obligations.

• Multi Franchise Agreements

The FW Act has been amended so that franchisees will be able to bargain together under the single Enterprise Agreement stream as ‘related employers.’

• Leaving Multi Enterprise Agreements

The FW Act has been changed so that businesses within multi-enterprise agreements are able to more easily exit the agreement to bargain for a single Enterprise Agreement.

While most of the changes with immediate effect relate to enterprise bargaining or penalties for contraventions under the FW Act, one change does require employers to review their current practices. All businesses must review their arrangements with independent contractors to test any assumptions that they have been correctly engaged as an independent contractor and should not be engaged as an employee.

This review must be conducted to ensure the business’ belief about the nature of that relationship is correct and in-line with how an employee is currently defined, and will be defined as of 26 August 2024. If that belief is incorrect and the business should have reasonably held the right understanding, they will face significant civil penalties.

Remaining changes

The majority of other changes will take effect on 26 August 2024, 6 months and one day after Royal Assent. These changes include:

• A new right to disconnect*

• Changes to the definition of employment

• Changes to the definition of casual employment

• Changes to casual conversion rights for casual employees

• New protections and provisions for digital platform workers in the gig economy

• New protections and provisions for owner drivers within the transport industry

*Changes for small businesses occur 12 months later, on 27 August 2025.

The data is in and small business numbers are growing in Queensland, increasing by 9,793 (2.1%), since 30 June 2022. Queensland is now home to 482,836 small businesses, representing 19.2% of all Australian small businesses. When compared to 20.4% of Australia’s population living in Queensland, we are certainly demonstrating our value!

Other data worth noting includes employment:

• 62% of Queensland small businesses have no employees

• 28% have between one and four employees

• 10% have between five and 19 employees.

The top 10 small business industries in Queensland are:

• Construction (17.4%)

• Professional, scientific, and technical services (12.5%)

• Rental, hiring and real estate services (11.9%)

• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing (8.6%)

• Health care and social assistance (7.5%)

• Transport, postal and warehousing (7.4%)

• Retail trade (5.8%)

• Other services (5.6%)

• Administrative and support services (4.5%)

• Financial and insurance services (4.2%).

It’s great to see that, along with our small business population growing, the number of Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program members is growing too. I’m excited to report that in late February, Barcaldine Regional Council became the 48th council to join the SBF Program, meaning 96% of the Queensland small business community is supported by the program. Welcome to the SBF family, Barcaldine!

During our visit to Barcaldine, we enjoyed learning about the council’s current initiatives and meeting with many of the region’s small business owners from a diverse range of industries. We also travelled to Longreach and Barcoo to meet with council representatives and small businesses in their areas. It was a great adventure getting to Barcoo and a true learning experience in avoiding livestock on the roads and getting bogged, and

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Update

at one point I was chief herder and car pusher!

At the end of 2023, small businesses were regularly reporting concerns about finding staff, housing, and the general cost of doing business. Since then, there has been a distinct shift in small business concerns to the cost of electricity and insurance. We use the data and the feedback we get from our visits, assistance work, and stakeholders to raise awareness about the issues impacting the Queensland small business sector and to push for positive change. I’m pleased to inform you that QSBC has been appointed as a member of the Insurance Council of Australia’s business advisory council. We look forward to working with the Insurance Council and their members to provide better outcomes for small business.

We’re also working closely with the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland to assist small businesses to get better outcomes, as we’ve heard instances of electricity bills rising by 300% despite measures taken by the small business to reduce their power bills. We look forward to working with the Ombudsman and her team to explore these issues and ensure the experiences of small businesses are heard.

This month we attended our first National Small Business Commissioners meeting of 2024. Recent severe weather events and their impact on the small business community was top of the agenda. Each of the commissioners shared similar concerns regarding rising electricity and insurance costs across the country and we will now work to collectively advocate about these issues. If you have experiences that you wish to share with us about electricity and insurance, please get in touch.

I am also excited to report that the QSBC is a finalist in the Australian ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Ombudsman and Commissions Group of the Year category. I’ll be attending the Awards ceremony with Peter Maddock, Director Assistance— wish us luck!

Photo: The Wellshot Hotel’s Tracy Hatch with Commissioner Dominique Lamb in Ilfracombe (the hub of the West), February 2024.

Assistance Update:

A common question we receive on our assistance line (1300 312 344) is whether a commercial or retail lease bond needs to be registered with an agency or held in a particular way in Queensland. As we explain in our fact sheet, Security for lease (cash bonds and bank guarantees), there is no legislative requirement for a commercial or retail shop lease security (bond) to be held in a particular manner, registered with a government body, a solicitor, or other authority.

Experience tells us that although leases are often silent on how the bond is to be held, you should check the lease to see if it contains bond conditions or details. If you have questions about bonds or bank guarantees check out the Security for lease fact sheet, or contact our office.

Recently, we published a suite of dispute resolution fact sheets covering topics, including:

• Repairs and maintenance

• Security for lease

• Make good provisions

• Tips for Negotiating Disputes

• Mediation.

If you would like to learn more about our services, resources, initiatives, and projects, visit the QSBC website. If you are ever unsure and are looking for more information, give us a call on 1300 312 344 or submit an enquiry.

Overdue TPARs - Penalties may apply

Businesses that haven’t lodged their Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) or submitted a non-lodgment advice form may face penalties if they don’t lodge now.

From 22 March, the ATO will apply penalties to those who:

• did not lodge their 2023 or prior year TPAR

• have been sent three non-lodgment letters about their overdue TPAR.

Help with paying your tax debt

Have you received a tax bill that you can’t pay in full and on time? Or maybe you’ve accumulated a tax debt? There is help available if you’re experiencing financial difficulties. You may be eligible to set up a payment plan yourself online.

When you set up a payment plan, you’ll need to make an upfront payment and should pay within the shortest possible timeframe to help you avoid interest charges. The later you lodge and pay, the more it will cost you in interest charges and penalties. Interest on overdue tax debts is currently 11.38%, and compounds daily. If you need additional support, reach out to your tax professional or the ATO.

Digital Business Tips

Maximising Your Digital Marketing Provider

A report commissioned by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), found that 1 in 3 small businesses face disputes with their digital marketing provider. Sadly, nearly 70 per cent part ways within 12 months! One of the key reasons for disputes arising is a mismatch in expectations, which mirrors the cause of many of the disputes we receive. Here is the link to best practice guide to better

Free Training for small businesses

When starting a new business, we have discovered three key resources tailored to different learning styles.

Self-Employment Assistance

Ideal for those who prefer one-on-one support, the Self-Employment Assistance program helps turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable venture. Access workshops, coaching, a small business health check, business plan development, and advice sessions.

ATO’s Learning Management Portal

If you’re a self-paced learner, explore the ATO’s new learning portal offering 21 online courses and tutorials covering general business processes with broad coverage of major industries.

Business Readiness Health Check

For those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Business Readiness Health Check is a simple tool that assesses the strengths and weaknesses of your new business startup approach. Receive a personalised business report highlighting areas for development and practical resources.

match your needs and expectations with those of digital marketing service providers.

Need to verify customer information?

If your business needs to verify customer information (such as age, identity, authority to drive or other details), your customer may use the Digital Licence app to present this information to you. The Digital Licence is legally equivalent to the physical licence under Queensland law. Plus, you don’t need to purchase any specific equipment to verify the Digital Licence.

Funding and Grants

Regional Networker Grant Program

Regional small business groups, industry associations, and councils can now apply for the $2,000 Regional Networker Grant to help bring small businesses and support crew together during Queensland Small Business Month in May. This funding opportunity is designed to support events outside of South-East Queensland, aiming to strengthen networks for small businesses in regional and remote areas. Applications close on 14 March 2024.

Grants for small to medium manufacturers

Eligible Queensland-based small to medium manufacturers can apply for matched grant funding of between $5,000 and $25,000 to buy equipment or introduce processes that will reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Applications for the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program close on 30 June 2024 or when funding is fully allocated.

New website the ‘go-to guide’ for local events info

The new Fraser Coast Events website will be the community’s go-to guide for everything that is happening across the region, providing a single source of information about local events.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Justine Cooper said the new website – https://frasercoastevents.com – was a collaboration between Council and Fraser Coast Tourism and Events.

“From festivals to music gigs, art exhibitions to markets, it’s all covered on the Fraser Coast Events website,” she said.

“The new online platform combines information from a range of sources including the Our Fraser Coast website, the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse and ticketing platforms to provide the most convenient and exciting way to experience the region and find out about events.

“Residents and visitors can use the website in a way that best suits them by searching through different categories, shortlisting events and creating alerts for events they like.

“Event organisers can submit their events for listing and publishing on the website for free, providing a great new promotional tool to get the word out about their events.”

Fraser Coast Tourism and Events General Manager Martin Simons said the goal of the joint project between FCTE and

Council had been to launch “a single source of truth” to all events being staged on the Fraser Coast.

“With the rich community-delivered events program already in place, the Fraser Coast Events website will provide a valuable marketing tool for event organisers and real-time listings keeping visitors and locals informed on what’s on and what’s coming up,” he said.

“The events site will help locals live their best life and provide visitors with ample incentive to extend their stay in this amazing region.”

Ms Cooper said Council’s aspiration was to “enhance Fraser Coast’s reputation as an event-friendly destination”.

“There are so many fantastic events happening right throughout the Fraser Coast and this new website will bring information about them into one place, helping to maximise the economic and social benefits,” she said.

“The platform will continue to evolve with future opportunities to write and publish articles and add resources to make presenting and promoting events even easier.

“Fraser Coast Events is the perfect place to dive into the region’s vibrant culture and entertainment scene, and we encourage everyone to check it out and make the most of the new platform.”

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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Please note chamber members receive a discount on advertising rates. Depending on what level of membership you have.

admin@herveybaychamber.com.au

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Digital Skills Hub

Digital Skills Hub opens a world of possibilities by giving you access to hundreds of training courses – from an Introduction to Digital Marketing to understanding SEO to Demystifying ChatGPT, and everything in between.

The courses are available to your employees too and can be undertaken at any time of the day that’s best for you, seven days a week. If you’re a Queensland business, all you need to do is register below to get started!

Click here to get started

ecoBiz

Business Chamber Queensland's ecoBiz is a free program for small to medium businesses. With the help of an ecoBiz expert, you will develop an action plan to help your business save money and increase efficiencies.

With more than 1000 businesses registered from all over Queensland, from small cafes and offices through to large manufacturing and processing facilities, 90% of businesses recorded an increase in productivity and savings.

Click here to read more about the program

Energy Efficient Action Toolkit

Adopting and increasing energy efficiency in your business is an important way to save money, reduce emissions, increase efficiencies, and demonstrate to your customers, suppliers and markets that your business values sustainability.

Business Chamber Queensland's Energy Efficient Action Toolkit is a valuable resource to help you get started to become more energy-efficient and sustainable. To learn more go here .

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

Torbanlea works notice – March 2024

Construction works for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) Torbanlea train manufacturing facility will continue throughout March

Works will involve:

• Continuing earthworks, excavation and ground compacting works.

• Continuing vegetation clearing and onsite mulching.

• Delivering fill to site for embankment and foundation works

• Connecting and relocating essential services.

• Completing temporary drainage and stormwater diversion works.

• Installing internal haul roads

• Delivering oversized equipment out of hours.

• Undertaking fauna surveys at night

• Completing underground service utility investigation s along the Bruce Highway, Madders Road, at the intersection of Robertson Street and Roberston Road and Burgowan Road

These works are weather permitting.

Please see the map for work locations.

Work hours

Our standard work hours are Monday to Saturday between 6.30am to 6.30pm

Office staff and ecologists may be required to access the site on Sundays between 9am and 5pm. Workers will enter site via Ritchie Road. There will be no noise impacts associated with any site activities undertaken on a Sunday.

What to expect

There will be an increase in heavy and light vehicle traffic throughout Torbanlea .

Oversized equipment will be delivered to site outside of peak times to minimise traffic –deliveries are scheduled between 1am – 5am. Advanced notice will be provided to impacted residents, prior to any deliveries taking place

Service investigation works will be completed in late March. While these works are underway there will be speed limit reductions, and traffic management in place for worker and road user safety. Some minor pedestrian detours may be required during this time. Works will involve the use of vacuum excavation trucks, excavators and hand tools

Fauna surveys will occur at night throughout March 2024 Noise will be minimal, and surveyors will leave site by 10pm each night. Once works are complete on the internal haul roads in early 2024 , heavy vehicles will begin accessing site via the Bruce Highway. Until this time, heavy vehicles will continue to use Ritchie Road.

During the works, you may experience construction noise, low levels of vibration and dust. We will minimise these impacts where possible.

Pop-up information sessions

You can talk to the project team at a pop -up information session . Sessions will be held:

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Surveys, feedback and opportunities

Have Your Say on the Gympie Region’s Economic Future

Gympie Regional Council is preparing a new 5-year economic development strategy. When complete, the strategy will provide a practical plan of action to help nurture and support economic development by providing a pathway to prosperity for the Gympie Region’s residents and businesses.

Council invites all business-owners/operators and/or residents to complete their survey, which should take around five minutes to complete.

The survey will remain open until 5th April 2024.

To complete the survey, click here

Borumba Pumped Hydro Project Draft Community Benefits Framework

The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project draft Community Benefits Framework is now open for community feedback.

Queensland Hydro is seeking community feedback to ensure their approach aligns with community needs and aspirations, ultimately leading to a positive outcome for all involved.

Opportunities for feedback will be open until Friday 26 April 2024.

Ways to get involved:

Ø Take the survey Complete the online survey. It takes about 5-10 minutes.

Ø Register interest in a workshop Qld Hydro will be running workshops with interested community members and key stakeholders in April 2024. These workshops will be an opportunity to provide input and ideas to help shape the community benefits approach. Spaces are limited. Registrations close on Sunday 24 March 2024.

Queensland Bioenergy Fund

The Bioenergy Fund is investing $4 million to work with industry to investigate options and pathways to expand bioenergy generation from underutilised biomass waste streams support technology innovation.

Priority areas for the Bioenergy Fund:

· advancing biomass-to-electricity conversion technologies.

· enabling growth in the biogas and biomethane sectors.

The program will contribute matched financial assistance of $250,000 to $2 million, contributing up to 50% towards the total project cost.

To find out how to apply go to Queensland Bioenergy Fund State Development and Infrastructure.

Applications close at 5 pm, 11 April 2024.

Open for Application

Community Grants Round 3

Please ensure you check guidelines for eligible project dates. Round

Opens: 15 April 2024

Closes: 12 May 2024

Total Pool $117,500

Max 1 grant to $15,000

Max 2 grants to $10,000

Remainder of pool available up to $5,000 per grant

Desktop Computer Donations

Opens: 10 July 2023

Closes: 10 July 2024

Will close early if fully expended.

Individual Excellence and Development Grants - Sport and STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics

Opens: 10 July 2023

Closes: 30 June 2024

Will close early if fully expended.

Total Pool $5,000

Grant amounts $150 to $350

Regional Arts Development Fund

Opened: 11 October 2023

Closes: 12 August 2024

$50,000

Grant limits vary depending on funding category

Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program

In partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, grants of up to $10,000 are available to notfor-profits to help them build resilient, sustainable, and liveable communities. Applications are now open, round closes 5pm Wednesday 27th March 2024.

The program has three themes:

Resilient communities that are well prepared and socially connected, with the ability to renew and recover together when disaster strikes;

Sustainable communities that are diverse and inclusive, through planning for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of their people and planet;

Liveable communities that have digital capability, helping to equip people with the skills to live, learn and work in a digital society.

Funds will be available for new or existing not-for-profit programs to help them scale their impact to help more Australians in rural and regional areas become better connected.

For more information click here

Community Grants Program

RACQ Foundation Community Grants Program was established to help Queensland communities impacted by natural disasters. In keeping with this objective, we’ve created a new grant category for resilience-based projects. This new category will help Queensland communities build resilience for the future.

With this new category we continue to focus on supporting Communities and grass roots organisations. Eligible groups include sporting clubs, community groups, charities and councils. With up to $50,000 available to individual projects, RACQ Foundation encourages eligible organisations/councils to apply. FY25 Round 1 – Open from Saturday, 24 February 2024 – Closes at 5pm on Friday, 4 October 2024.

For more information click here

Qantas Regional Grants

Qantas Regional Grants is providing $2 million for projects benefiting regional areas, with $750,000 allocated for marketing support and $1,250,000 for cash grants and in-kind flights.

Eligible applicants include teachers, sporting clubs, and charities, with judging based on regional impact and innovation.

Closes March 27 2024

For more information click here

First Nations Sport and Recreation Program

Round 3 - Applications opening soon!

Round 3 of the First Nations Sport and Recreation Program, will open for applications on 20 March 2024!

Closes 24 April 2024 5pm (AEST)

This program aims to support physical activities in non-discrete First Nations communities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for not-for-profit organisations, local government authorities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to apply for funding to help increase participation in physical activity. It’s all about empowering nondiscrete communities to have a bigger say in how their physical activities are delivered. Whether it’s creating jobs, getting equipment, encouraging everyone to join in, or making groups stronger - this program has got it covered.

Round 3 is going to be extra special, with $2.41 million available to support projects. That’s a game-changer, and we want our communities to be ready to seize this opportunity.

Each organisation can apply for funding of up to $25,000 per community, up to a total of $200,000. So let’s start planning! Make sure your organisation has an active account in the Sport and Recreation Grant Registration Portal.

Need help setting up, or have questions about the program? Reach out to your local Sport and Recreation office.

Contact: Barbara Ahmat, A/Senior Engagement Officer, Hervey Bay

Email: barbara.ahmat@dtis.qld.gov.au or Ph: 0407 172 445

For more information click here

GO ID: GO6705

GO Title: Small Business Cyber Resilience Service

Agency: Department of the Treasury

Primary Category: Information Technology

Close Date and Time: 26-Apr-2024 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)

The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service was announced as part of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. Under Shield 1 of the Strategy, Strong businesses and citizens, the program will support small businesses to build their cyber security resilience and capability.

Small businesses face unique barriers to strengthen their cyber security as they have limited knowledge, time, staffing and resources to invest in cyber security. Small business owners need help navigating cyber security information and applying

it to their business.

The objectives of the program are:

• build the cyber resilience and capability of small businesses

• provide support to small businesses impacted by a cyber incident.

The intended outcomes of the program are to improve the cyber security of small businesses and their ability to recover from a cyber incident.

The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service (the Service) will provide free, tailored, person-to-person cyber security support for small businesses. The Service will provide small businesses with advice and solutions on improving their cyber security which are aligned with existing guidance produced by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and, when developed, the cyber security health check program, which will be codesigned by industry and the Department of Home Affairs and hosted on cyber.gov.au. This includes triaging small businesses accessing the Service, conducting an individual assessment of the small business and developing a tailored plan to improve their cyber security, recommending specific actions, tools and guidance best suited to the small business’ risk, situation and capability.

The Service will also provide support services to deal with the immediate aftermath of an incident, using a case management approach.

Eligibility:

You can apply if you:

• have an Australian business number (ABN)

• are registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)

and are one of the following entities:

• an entity, incorporated in Australia

• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)

• a company limited by guarantee

• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust, where your trading activities:

• form a sufficiently significant proportion of the corporation’s overall activities as to merit it being described as a trading corporation; or

• are a substantial and not merely peripheral activity of the corporation

• an incorporated association

• an incorporated not for profit organisation or registered charity

• a publicly funded research organisation as defined in section 14 of the grant opportunity guidelines.

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You can’t apply if you are:

• an organisation, or your project partner is an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s list of Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme

• an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012)

• an individual

• a Regional Development Australia Committee

• a co-operative

• a partnership

• an unincorporated association

• any organisation not included in section 4.1 of the grant opportunity guidelines

• a trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust)

• a Commonwealth, state, territory or local government body (including government business enterprises

• a non-corporate Commonwealth entity.

Read the grant opportunity guidelines for more information on eligibility.

Total Amount Available (AUD): $8,100,000.00

Instructions for Application Submission: To apply, go to: www.business.gov.au/SBCRS

Accenture economic modelling reveals GDP benefits of faster, stronger nbn

New economic research from Accenture1 estimates that a faster, higher capacity nbn® network will improve Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by a total of around $400 billion over the eight years from 2023 to 2030.

For the first time in Australia a new longitudinal data set has been used to model the relationship between increases in average Australian broadband download speed over time and its impact on key economic indicators including GDP, employment and new business starts.

It found that for every one megabit per second (Mbps) increase in average broadband speed, Australia’s productivity-driven GDP increased by 0.04 per cent, on average, in the period from 2012 to 2022. The cumulative GDP uplift during this ten-year period was estimated at $122 billion.

The research also found that the economic impact derived from increases in average broadband speeds were 16 times greater in remote areas of Australia and twice as profound in regional areas relative to the impact in major cities. Accenture research analysts suggest that the outsized productivity impact of faster broadband speeds in more isolated regions relates to the fact that regional and remote areas of Australia started from a much lower base in terms of average broadband speeds. More ubiquitous access to better broadband has expanded the customer reach of e-commerce entrepreneurialism and provided better online access to work and education.

The timeframe coincides with the rollout of the National Broadband Network, which has been the largest contributor to increasing average download speeds across Australia from 9 Mbps to 53 Mbps between 2012 and 2022.

NBN Co’s current network upgrade program has so far enabled more than 8.4 million residential and business premises, or 75 per cent of the nbn fixed line network, to access the nbn Home Ultrafast wholesale speed tier, which is capable of delivering access wholesale download speeds to 500 Mbps to close to 1

Accenture economic modelling reveals GDP benefits of faster, stronger nbn

Gbps2,3. NBN Co is on target to enable 10.2 million premises, or up to 90 per cent of the nbn fixed line network, to access the nbn Home Ultrafast wholesale speed tier by the end of 2025. In November 2023, NBN Co announced a proposal to increase the potential maximum information rate for the existing nbn Fixed Wireless Plus wholesale plan from up to 75/10 Mbps to up to 100/20 Mbps4,5. This change is planned for implementation in early to mid-2024 and would apply to all Fixed Wireless Plus services across the nbn Fixed Wireless network footprint.

The company is proposing to launch two additional fixed wireless wholesale high-speed tiers. Fixed Wireless Home Fast is planned to increase from a potential peak speed of 130/20Mbps to 250/20Mbps4,5 and it is estimated that this product will be available to around 90 per cent of the nbn fixed wireless coverage area.

Fixed Wireless Superfast would increase from a potential peak speed of 325/20Mbps to 400/40Mbps4,5 and it is estimated that this product will be available to around 80 per cent of the nbn fixed wireless coverage area.

Subject to industry consultation, the company plans to start making these two enhanced speed tiers available from mid2024.

In December 2023, the company also provided customers in regional and remote Australia access to uncapped internet data use6 with the launch of new nbn® Sky Muster® Plus Premium satellite plans.

Accenture estimates that the nbn network’s provision of higher average broadband speeds has supported the creation of 169,000 additional jobs and 87,000 new businesses between 2012 and 2022. Accenture also estimates that improving access

to faster, higher capacity nbn broadband services generated a GDP uplift of approximately $31 billion in 2022 alone.

The productivity benefits are expected to rise to approximately $68 billion per annum by 2030 and support the creation of a further 113,000 new jobs and support the creation of an additional 55,000 new businesses between 2024 and 2030.

It is estimated that more ubiquitous access to high-speed broadband delivered the following economic benefits to Australian states and territories between 2012 and 2022: Stephen Rue, Chief Executive Officer at NBN Co, said: “Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebase the economy – and the future is undoubtedly digital.

“We have built a world-leading National Broadband Network covering 7.7 million square kilometres. The nbn network is Australia’s digital backbone that will support economic prosperity and social inclusion for decades and generations to come.

“By rolling out new fibre and simplifying our wholesale pricing, we are giving internet retailers greater price certainty and providing a pathway for more customers to enjoy the many benefits of our highest speed tiers.

“We are well-progressed with fibre network upgrades and are on track to deliver access to nbn® Home Ultrafast, to up to 10.2 million homes and businesses across Australia by the end of 2025.

“So far, we have made more than 8.4 million premises eligible to upgrade to our highest speed tiers via participating retailers, and around 7,000 premises, per week on average, are upgrading to full fibre and higher speed tiers.”

Expression of Interest: Hospital Research Consumer Advisory Group

A year since it was first formed the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Research Consumer Advisory Group is ready to welcome additional members and we would love to have members from across the region join the group.

The Research Consumer Advisory Group (RCAG) is chaired by a consumer and works in partnership with Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service to strengthen the consumer voice in Research Services.

As a member of the RCAG you will have the opportunity to:

• work alongside a researcher as they develop their project

• share your lived experience with researchers to help them make decisions about their research co-design publications used to promote research projects, inform participants in research projects and/or share the findings of the research

The RCAG provides comment and advice to:

• ensure consumer needs are taken into consideration in research and clinical trial service planning, design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation

• inform policy and/or procedure development where appropriate

• highlight current consumer and/or community priority areas, issues and trends in relation to research and/or clinical trials

• ensure that the focus of WBHHS research and clinical trial services are consistent with the strategic vision Care, connection, compassion for all

• positively influence person centred care in relation to research and clinical trial services

• support consumers’ ability to find, understand and use information about WBHHS research and clinical trial services.

If you are interested in joining the Research Consumer Advisor Group, please submit your expression of interest here.

Applicants will be shortlisted and then invited to meet with the Chair and/or their delegate for final selection.

Please do not hesitate to contact Jo Lovie by email WBHHSResearchServices@health.qld.gov.au if you have any questions or would like further information.

Expression of Interest notification - EOI006 - 23/24 - Lease of 445 Kent Street, Maryborough (former baby clinic building)

Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC) would like to notify you that the Expression of Interest (EOI) No. EOI006 - 23/24 - Lease of 445 Kent Street Maryborough Former Baby Clinic Building is now released to the open market via QTender.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from both commercial and community organisations for the lease of the Maryborough Baby Clinic (former) building for a potential term of up to 20 years (term to be negotiated) with the required experience, capacity and capability to activate this building and compliment the Draft Master Plan of the adjoining former Maryborough Administration Building site.

Please press on link below to be taken to QTender where you can log in (register if you are not already registered with QTender) and download EOI documentation.

Link to EOI documents on QTender.

Prospective Proponents are to note:

Mandatory Site Visits

Council will provide on two (2) separate occasions to any Prospective Proponent a Mandatory Site Visit. The details are outlined here:

Prospective Proponents only have to attend one (1) of these Mandatory site visits.

Prospective Proponents are to undertake all their own due diligence prior to submitting their EOI.

The tender period closes on Thursday, 18 April 2024 at 11:00am AEST. All enquiries should be forward through QTender website via the forum for this EOI.

NEW Changes to Membership Packages for 2024-2025 membership year.

We have made some changes to our membership packages for 2024 - 2025 membership year.

We wanted to add as much value as possible for you as a chamber member. Providing you more options to promote your business out there to our business community.

If you sign up now to become a NEW member you will get one months FREE membership with the membership season starting from 1st May 2024 - 30th April 2025.

For those of you that are a current member you can have the option to upgrade your membership.

If you are already a current member you have the option to upgrade your membership to higher level if you wish.

We will be sending out renewal invoices from the begining of May, so if you can please advise us before 1st May 2024 so we can send you the right invoice to renew your membership, or you can go online now and upgrade yourself through our ticketing platform. Click here.

All membership enquires can be sent to admin@herveybaychamber.com.au

Up & Coming Events in 2024

Save the Dates

3rd April Breakfast

Wednesday 3rd April 2024 at Club House Hervey Bay 6:15am - 8:00am

Register Here

Expresso Networking

Friday, 5th April, 2024 at Seabreeze Cafe 7am - 8am

Book your ticket

Register Here

Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks

Thursday 18th April, 2024 at The Dock 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Register Here

We have a couple of Business Sponsorships still available for this years expresson networking events. If you are interested in being a Business Sponsor please email admin@herveybaychamber.com.au

Thank you to our Business Sponsor Advice Centre

Our Events Gallery - March Expresso Networking

Thank you to our Business Sponsor Busy at Work

Thank you to our Business Sponsor Whalesong Cruises

Charity of the Month LifeFlight

Who we are

LifeFlight is a world leader in aeromedical care with a core purpose to save lives and serve the community.

For more than forty years, RACO LifeFlight Rescue has been Queensland’s leading community helicopter rescue service delivering emergency response, critical medical care and hospital airlifts to seriously ill and injured people.

Now operating with an advanced fleet of helicopters and Air Ambulance jets, this vital rescue service provides the people of Queensland with the assurance that emergency medical core is available 24/7, 365 days a year, no matter where you live. Donate today to ensure LifeFlight is there across Queensland, 24/7, 365 days a year.

The lives we save: NarelleWicks

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue was there for Hervey Boy resident Norelle Wicks when she was gravely ill lost year. She doesn’t remember the flight that saved her life but says she will be eternally grateful.

Narelle’s husband Bob noticed that she was making gurgling sounds in her sleep and having difficulty breathing. LifeFlight flew her to Princess Alexandro Hospital where she went into a 9-hour surgery to fix on aneurysm.

Doctors told her she’s one of the lucky ones because many brain bleed patients, don’t make it.

“LifeFlight was there for me when I needed them Narelle said. Narelle and her family have been longterm supporters of LifeFlight even before her lift. She has helped coordinate community events that have raised thousands of dollars for our aeromedical service.

We

Chamber Chat with Secretary Kim Parnell

sat down with our Secretary Kim Parnell to ask her some questions to get to know her better?

How long have you been on the Chamber Committee?

I haven’t been counting, but I think it has been about three years.

What do you like about being involved with the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce?

I have been attending Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce and Business Hervey Bay events for over ten years and over that time I have seen so many people connect and become mentors or friends with other members. As a small business owner, I know the importance of those connections and also love to meet new people. Becoming a committee member was a natural next step. I love being part of the process that brings like-minded people together. We have a strong and supportive business community that we can all be very proud of.

What is your favourite thing about the Fraser Coast?

There are so many things that make the Fraser Coast great that it is hard to choose just one thing. But as I have to answer the question, I would say, it’s beauty! It is hard to go past our beautiful Esplanade with its golden beaches and calm waters. So much is within walking distance, and you can just pop across the road for a coffee or a lunch date. The Esplanade is always a reminder that we live in a tourist destination, and I love to see families enjoying themselves. Our region really does have a lot to offer.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Anyone who knows me knows that I have very little time off, I am a workaholic. My time off is usually trying to play catch up with the housework. But, if I am lucky enough to spare a few hours off, I enjoy reading books, not online, but in my hands so I can turn the pages and smell the print. I also enjoy a good Netflix series and love a good psychological thriller. Other activities I enjoy are photography, playing Candy Crush and escaping on the odd occasion in our caravan.

What is your favourite motto?

“Live with Purpose: Embrace Every Moment, Embody Every Possibility.”

Where is your favourite place you have travelled?

I am lucky enough to have lived in England for ten years when I was quite young but sadly have never gone back. Quite a few years ago I went on a cruise on Pacific Dawn with P&O and visited Vanuatu, Vila and Lifou, that was a lot of fun. Maybe another cruise one day!

If you were stranded on an island what three things would you have with you if you had a choice?

A good book. The thicker the better.

A jumper. I always carry one with me as you never know when there will be a change in weather.

A satellite phone. For when I decided that I wanted to be rescued which might be weeks or months – Just imagine the peace and quiet!

Keep a eye out for the Fraser Coast Pulse Survey Sponsored by Kingfisher Bay Resort

The Fraser Coast Business Pulse Survey will be sent via email to your inbox. Your input as a business on the Fraser Coast is so important and key to moving forward as a region.

This is your chance to have your business voice heard and help us advocate to the local council and both State and Federal Governments on behalf of businesses across the Fraser Coast region.

Have your say and complete the Fraser Coast Business Pulse Survey and go in the draw to win a Gift Voucher from Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari (Fraser Island).

You could win!!

Adventures on Queensland’s #1 bucket list destination begin here, at Kingfisher Bay Resort - your base to Fraser Island’s spectacular locations! Explore the world’s largest sand island with its ancient rainforests and beautiful dune lakes or cruise to find humpback whales and dolphins on the waters of Great Sandy Strait. The island is waiting to be discovered. Paradise awaits!

As Fraser Island’s premiere eco accommodation, Kingfisher Bay Resort offers an immersive escape to suit all travel types, with hotel rooms, 2 & 3-bedroom villas and holiday houses. Guests have access to ranger-guided activities, island tours and cruises departing daily, plus an array of restaurants, bars and culinary experiences for travellers to enjoy.

Your holiday voucher includes:

• 2 Nights in a Resort Room at Kingfisher Bay Resort for 2 adults

• Daily Breakfast in the Sand and Wood Restaurant for 2 adults

• Return Passenger ferry for 2 adults

Thank you to Kingfisher Bay Resort for being our survey sponsor