Queensland's business opportunity: What we can all do now to support long-term economic recovery

Queensland’s business opportunity has the ability to secure a more confident and certain future for the state’s economy if local consumers look to their own communities for goods and services and support small businesses.  

While Queensland is locked out from markets in other states, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) is calling on the state’s business, together with customers, clients and consumers to make the most of the business opportunities within Queensland borders.  

CCIQ Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said the business economy in Queensland was facing sustained challenges from COVID but there were measures consumers could be taking now to support the state’s business recovery.  

“We know border closures and restrictions to trade among other states continue to have an impact on supply chains, resourcing, logistics, staffing, travel and consumer confidence. Additionally, until there is a clear decision as to when border closures will be softened, the uncertainty created among business and consumer confidence does little to support an optimistic outlook in the Queensland economy,” Ms Rohan said. 

“Fortunately, what Queensland does have at the moment is the ability to trade within our own borders. For the most part consumers have access to the goods and services they need within Queensland and if businesses capitalise on that opportunity now, we can collectively support a more optimistic and confident future for the state’s economy.  

“Swap an overseas holiday for Tropical North Queensland or the history of the Central West, investigate Christmas gift shopping among Queensland manufacturers, pop into the local grocer, butcher or bakery on your way home and consider Queensland designers for fashion and homewares. 

“Do your part to support those businesses now to ensure they’re still there in the future.” 

Ms Rohan said certainty around lockdown, restriction and border closure decision making was still essential if Queensland businesses were able to efficiently and effectively plan their immediate and long-term COVID recovery.  

“Without that certainty, businesses are struggling to know how they’re going to pay bills and ongoing overheads as well as staff but also how they’re going to get back to business in the future,” Ms Rohan said.  

“This certainty needs to come from National Cabinet level, with state and territories agreeing on what it’s going to take for businesses to be able to recover from lockdowns, restrictions and the impact of border closures.” 

CCIQ media contact 

Emma Clarke 

Media and Communications Advisor 

[email protected]  | 0403 944 902