September Quarter 2009: Is this the end of Queensland's boom state status?

Business confidence in the Australian economy is soaring however the outlook for Mackay and the Central Coast's economic recovery is significantly less optimistic according to the latest results from Queensland's most comprehensive survey of business confidence, the Commonwealth Bank CCIQ Pulse Survey of Business Conditions.

In a sharp turn around, almost 60 per cent of Queensland businesses expect national economic conditions to improve over the next 12 months, compared to just seven per cent of business respondents in the corresponding quarter last year.

However in Queensland, although higher than when measured three months ago, only 42 per cent of businesses expect the Queensland economy to strengthen over the next 12 months.

Despite stronger sales and revenue being reported (41 per cent of respondents reported an increase) profitability of Queensland businesses remains weak with 37 per cent of Queensland businesses reporting weaker profits in the September 2009 Quarter.

Unemployment is expected to grow in Queensland with 84 per cent of businesses choosing not to hire new staff in the September 2009 Quarter and predicting that they will continue to hold back on employment in the December Quarter.

Capital expenditure also remained subdued with 80 per cent of business respondents reporting stable or reduced capital expenditure and only 16 per cent of businesses expecting stronger capital expenditure in the December Quarter.

• Read the complete Central Queensland Coast summary
• Queensland Pulse Report - September Quarter 2009 (PDF)

Certificate IV Frontline Management

As the first level of management frontline managers encompass supervisors, coordinators and team leaders and have often gained their position because of their excellent technical and operational skills.

This training complements existing technical skills by focusing on management and leadership development in a practical program relating directly to the workplace.

To find out more please contact our friendly staff on 1300 138 470 or email .

Frontline Management participants may be eligible for financial assistance.

Seven day trading in Mackay

The shop trading hours debate has been a challenging one for Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland given the breadth and diversity of our membership and widespread and disparate views of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland retail members and local chambers of commerce. This issue has been a troubling and vexatious one for the Mackay community more broadly.

There are arguments for and against extending trading hours. > More