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Townsville Chamber of Commerce News
At Chamber we love celebrating local, especially our members so we have developed the Townsville Chamber’s Christmas Gift Guide to help you spend local this Christmas! Whether you’re looking for a little something to bring holiday cheer or a grand gesture to wow someone special, our members have you covered! Featuring everything from locally created art to a VIP dining experience, and one of a kind experience, there’s a gift for everyone on your list (and maybe a little something for yourself, too!). So, check it twice and find that perfect local gift that makes the holidays bright! Our Christmas picks for everyone on your list: TOWNSVILLE HELICOPTERS- A uniquely memorable experience Looking for a truly unique experience? Townsville Helicopters offers scenic tours for everyone such as heli pub crawls, fishing tours, and luxurious private island getaways. All experiences can be purchased as gift cards. Select an adventure that suits you! More Information BILLABONG SANCTUARY- The perfect family experience Billabong Sanctuary offers unique wildlife experiences with native Australian animals. This holiday season, you can gift tickets and annual passes allowing loved ones to enjoy memorable encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. It's a perfect gift for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike! More Information UMBRELLA STUDIO CONTEMPORARY ART Umbrella have an online gallery shop with a range of new, thoughtful, sustainable gifts - from prints, paintings, books and sculptures to pieces of textiles or ceramics, they also have a shop in the gallery. Your gift purchases this season can make a difference by providing direct support and income to local North Queensland artists. CBAR- Ocean view dining at it's finest CBAR in Townsville has recently undergone a stunning renovation and is reopening next week, offering a refreshed and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect destination for a unique North Queensland dining experience. Purchase a gift card today to treat loved ones this Christmas to exceptional food and unforgettable moments at this local gem. More Information PEPPERS BLUE ON BLUE- A Tropical Escape This Christmas, give the gift of a tropical escape at Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island. With gift vouchers available for dining, accommodation, or a relaxing day spa experience, it's the perfect way to treat loved ones to a memorable holiday filled with luxury, relaxation, and stunning views. More Information DESIGN WORKS APPAREL - unique gifts There's still time to find the perfect gift! Our inventory is limited, so stop by one of our stores today to grab the perfect gift for your loved ones this festive season. Shop now. TAN LINES DISTILLERY - Craft spirits Tan Lines Distillery offers a range of unique craft spirits that make excellent Christmas gifts. From premium vodka and gin to exclusive limited editions, their products promise an unforgettable holiday experience. More Information RENEGADE HANDMADE GIFT SHOP - Unique locally made gifts A treasure trove of great quality locally made products and hand crafted gifts. From clothes, to pottery, candles, earrings, toys and more. You never know what you will find in this store in the Otto's arcade, Warrina. More information PITSTOP KARTING TOWNSVILLE- For something fun Pitstop Karting in Townsville offers an exciting experience for thrill-seekers, making it the perfect destination for Christmas gifts. Choose from gift cards, holiday passes, or race packages, providing friends and family with the opportunity to enjoy adrenaline-pumping go-karting fun. It's an unforgettable gift for any motorsport enthusiast! More Information HERITAGE EXCHANGE DISTILLING CO. - In great spirits! Locally crafted award winning spirits are a perfect bespoke gift for that hard to buy for person. The range has now expanded to nine products including Vodka, Gin, Ouzo and Liqueurs.You can order online today with free local pick up. More Information THE VILLE & ARDO- Memorable gifts and experiences The Ville & Ardo are great places to find unique gift ideas in Townsville, offering a variety of experiences and products. With options like relaxing spa treatments, dining vouchers you'll find the perfect present for everyone. Explore their offerings for memorable holiday gifts! More Information COFFEE PRESTO - Uniquely local Coffee Presto is a local family owned wholesale Coffee roastery & espresso bar. You can enjoy a freshly made coffee, frappe or tea and pick up beans, machines and more for your home, work or wholesale. More information PRETTY PLEASE HANDMADE- Wearable Works of Art Next level handmade wearable works of art. If you are looking for something different for the woman in your life, or maybe school teacher? Then check out the range of earrings, with exceptional detail that Maddie creates. More information MOKSHA ROOM - CBD Hair and Beauty Moksha Room, located in Oaks Gateway on Palmer offers world-class haircuts, massage therapy, beauty and makeup services, hair treatments and injectables. Here are just some of the services we are best known for. More information DONOHUES - Endless gift choices in one place From clothes, shoes, hats and accessories for men, women and children, to homewares and toys Donohues have an endless choice all under one roof. Including well known brands you may know and love. More information GALLIVANTER TRAVEL - Make their travel dreams come true! Give the gift of adventure this Christmas with a Gallivanter Travel gift voucher! Whether it’s ticking off a bucket list experience, a family holiday, or starting the New Year exploring new destinations, our expert advisors can help. Surprise your loved ones and make their travel dreams come true! More information TOWNSVILLE OFFICE & SAFETY SUPPLIES - A range of gifts Townsville Office and Safety Supplies in Aitkenvale has everything you need, from DJI Drones and Logitech MX Creative Consoles to Shokz headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and Avanti Hydro Quench tumblers. Explore their range of high-quality Nebo torches, headlamps, pocket knives, and so much more! More information AQUASCENE - Adventure with Aquascene Aquascene on Magnetic Island offers a unique opportunity to hand-feed wild fish in their natural habitat, making it a memorable and meaningful Christmas gift. This experience is perfect for nature lovers and families, providing a chance to connect with the marine life of North Queensland in a stunning and peaceful setting.More information SEALINK - Give the gift of Maggie adventures Sealink Townsville offers unforgettable ferry experiences to stunning destinations like Magnetic Island, making it the perfect gift for adventure lovers this Christmas. With a variety of cruise options, a Sealink gift voucher provides the chance to explore the natural beauty of North Queensland, creating memories that will last a lifetime. More information. THE TAPHOUSE - For the craft beer lover The Taphouse is a vibrant spot offering a wide selection of craft beers and delicious food, making it a fantastic gift idea this Christmas. With a relaxed atmosphere and a great variety of local and international brews, a visit to The Taphouse promises a memorable experience for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike. More information NQ COWBOYS- For the Cowboys fan The North Queensland Cowboys tickets or merchandise this Christmas is a perfect way to bring the excitement of live rugby league to a fan's holiday season. Whether it's attending a game or Cowboys gear, it's a fantastic way to support the team and create unforgettable memories. More information THE YACHT CLUB - Waterfront dining The Yacht Club offers a relaxed yet stylish setting for enjoying stunning waterfront views, making it an ideal Christmas gift for those who appreciate fine dining and a great atmosphere. A membership or dining voucher to The Yacht Club provides an unforgettable experience, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of North Queensland's coastline. More information JULIETTE'S - Handcrafted Gelato Juliette's is the perfect place to indulge in delicious, handcrafted gelato, making it a fantastic Christmas gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. A gift voucher for Juliette's offers a chance to enjoy a variety of mouthwatering flavours in a cozy, inviting atmosphere, creating a memorable treat for the holiday season. More information THE MERCURE - Tranquil Tropical Resort Hotel The Mercure Hotel Townsville offers a tranquil, relaxing choice for business and holiday travellers visiting this beautiful gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Mercure also offer vouchers which make fantastic gift ideas. More information THE COMMONWEALTH HOTEL - Perfect for events and families The Commonwealth Hotel is the best location to catch up with family and friends this festive season, especially if they have offering breakfast, lunch and dinner or even just a casual drink the Commonwealth Hotel is the perfect spot. The kids will love their outdoor play area which keeps the kids happy while mum and dad can enjoy a drink. More information THE STABLE - At Riverway 18-22nd December The Stable is a cherished Christmas Festival in Townsville, running for 23 years and attracting over 32,000 attendees across five nights from December 18th to 22nd at Riverway. Central is the Town of Bethlehem with animals, actors, authentic sets and heaps of interactive activities such as carpentry, baking, dancing and fishing. More information INTERSPORT - For the sport fans in your life As your local sports store in Townsville INTERSPORT offers expert advice along with a fantastic range and great prices. In store you’ll find brands including; Nike Adidas Asics New Balance Puma Converse Champion Sherrin Kookaburra Spalding 2XU and Skins plus a great range of specialty sports equipment. Visit the team at Intersport for a great gift idea or even a voucher for loved ones, they are sure to have something for everyone. More information LIST YOUR GIFT If you’re a member offering products or services that make great gifts for colleagues, friends, or family, let us help spread the word! Email members@townsvillechamber.com.au with: A 50-word description of your product or service A link to your website
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AWARD WINNERS WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Young Business Person of the Year Since 1998, the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards have been elevating and celebrating entrepreneurs, business owners, operators, and employees. Let's take a quick look at some of our YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON AWARD winners and see where they are now!
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Cost of doing business crisis The Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner, today acknowledged that the budget focus on the cost of living crisis but emphasised the immediate need to address the cost of doing business crisis. Turner called for long-term strategies to address the financial pressures faced by businesses and highlighted several critical issues impacting the business community in North Queensland. "We need a long-term strategy to ease daily financial pressures. Businesses need equitable costs and the ability to plan and invest for the future. Subsidies and grants don’t provide that certainty or boost business confidence,” said Turner. Turner pointed out the double taxation burden on businesses. "Currently, we are paying tax on a tax and the state is double dipping with stamp duty with most of the GST reallocated to state coffers due to horizontal fiscal equalisation. When GST was introduced in 2000, the intention was that stamp duty would be abolished, but it is still applied,” Highlighting the significant impact of insurance costs and taxation especially for Northern Queenslanders she added, "Insurance is one of the highest costs for business and premiums continue to increase, we pay 19% in tax on top of our premiums. But insurance is an essential service—we have to have it for loans, mortgages, and to do business, so why are we taxed on it at all. “In the north of Queensland we have higher premiums so this means we also pay significantly more in tax on those high premiums than in the South East. Removing stamp duty is an immediate lever that can be pulled by the state government, reducing premiums by 9% for all Queenslanders." Turner also addressed the recent budget allocation for disaster resilience and mitigation, explaining why it won't effectively reduce insurance premiums. "The $100 million in the budget for disaster resilience and mitigation will not reduce the cost of insurance premiums as insurers don’t drill down to individual property risk,” "The cost-of-living crisis has had a dual impact on businesses increase in operational costs and a decrease in income. Some of our members have seen a 30% increase in energy costs over the last 12 months. This, combined with the highest wages in history and increasing insurance premiums, is creating immense pressure. These issues are further compounded by low productivity and decreased consumer spending.” Turner warned of the broader economic consequences if these issues are not addressed. "Business owners cannot absorb these escalating costs indefinitely. This will inevitably lead to further increases in costs for consumers, and continued growth in the number of insolvencies which are already at a decade high across the country.”
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Chamber Round-table with RBA Deputy Governor The Chamber of Commerce hosted a round-table with the Reserve Bank of Australia yesterday to discuss pressing economic challenges in our region, including rising insurance costs and labour availability. The meeting, attended by the new RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser, and a range of Chamber members provided a platform for direct dialogue about the economic conditions affecting our community. Chamber President Miranda Mears emphasised the importance of the discussions : “There were a number of opportunities and challenges presented, with businesses in attendance expressing optimism about a solid pipeline of projects, strong growth in property prices, and low vacancy rates in commercial properties, which is welcome news for the region,” Ms Mears said. “However, concerns were raised about labour affordability and availability, insurance costs, stamp duty, and equitable accessibility for regional businesses. “It is critical to ensure that government decisions are made in consultation with an understanding of their impact on industry.” "The Chamber values the RBA's efforts to understand the local economic landscape, acknowledging that no single agency can address all issues alone. We need to allocate funding for outcomes, not just delegations,” she added. The New Deputy Governor of the RBA Mr Hauser expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with local businesses and community representatives: “Getting out and about in this way is a really vital part of ensuring we set monetary policy for all Australians, and draw directly on people’s experience as well as the aggregate economic statistics – and of course for me as a relative newcomer to the role, it’s a vital part of my wider education about how all parts of the Australian economy work,” Mr Hauser said. “We had a really rich discussion … hearing about the huge opportunities in the region, but also the challenges, including those around labour supply, housing, costs, and inflation.”
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Townsville Chamber Cast
Innovation for Impact In today's rapidly changing business environment, it's crucial for business owners to take time out of their busy schedules to look out and up. Staying informed about emerging themes, opportunities, and challenges allows us to remain competitive and adaptive. At the Chamber, this has been a central theme in our strategic planning. We are actively engaging with new ideas and innovations this year, and we hope you feel the energy and momentum we're aiming for with our Connect Townsville this week and Raising Regions Conference in August, which will run alongside our long-standing Business Awards tradition. The Chamber has always been, and will continue to be, an independent voice and place for all businesses, regardless of size or industry. Our role is to connect, inform, and advocate, but like all businesses, we need to adapt to the future of industry. This week, I am in Brisbane attending the Queensland Government Public Service Biig Conference and the ACS Tech Summit for my own business. I am certain that the insights from the Tech Summit today will include the need to augment traditional careers with emerging digital skills along with AI and Cyber Security and Governance and I will look to share any insights with members in due course. However, I had so many insights from the Biig Conference yesterday to reflect on the parallels between the insights and the challenges faced by regional Queensland businesses that I would like to share with you. PRESIDENT'S KEY TAKEAWAYS: Queensland Government Public Service Biig Conference #1: Digital Skills are the equaliser and enabler for businesses of the future. Chris McLaren, Chief Customer and Digital Officer for the Queensland Government, brings considerable private sector insights into public service. He emphasised that digital equity is a human right, providing people with the tools to improve their lives. This is especially critical in regional Queensland, where accessibility and skills, particularly in remote and rural areas, are significantly lower than the national average. I have been fortunate to be part of several initiatives addressing the challenge of connectivity and its role in building resilient communities. If you would like to share your experiences with connectivity, I would love your feedback via this survey 2# There is an emerging Future and there is a tension between the future and the innovation and current reality that we find ourselves today. Townsville and North Queensland have significant, once-in-a-decade opportunities that can propel our region into the future. Townsville and North Queensland have some significant once in a decade opportunities that can propel our region into the future in a powerful way. Yet the tension, in the current reality is that there are some issues - housing, crime, insurance, cost of living that need to be fixed and its not going to be fixed if industry, community groups and all three levels of government are rowing in the same direction. Too many cox’s and seat 1’s does not make a smooth boat. We need to be going in the same direction at the same speed. Too many leaders and not enough coordination or doers hinders progress. #3 The future is not a destination that we are hurtling towards - it’s the change that we are making to the way things we are doing now Whether you are talking about big once in a decade pipeline of projects or uplifting business capability to address emerging technologies, cyber security and governance a Three Horizon view is necessary to propel us to that future. There are amazing folk and organisations solving huge problems that are probably not connected in with those that are able to hit the headlines on the regular. At Chamber we are embracing transdisciplinary Innovation and what we can learn by listening to and seeing what other industries are doing. We are currently taking submissions for presenters (as well as sponsors) and are excited to uncover some hidden gems of wisdom. If you would like to share your insights we would love to hear from you. More about the Raising Regions Conference #4 No problem worth solving fits neatly into the box of any agency responsibility . We need to allocate funding for outcomes not delegations Frustrations arise when civic leaders and elected officials make unilateral decisions impacting businesses without business input. While I don't have all the answers, I hope that businesses are given the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that affect them. I want to give a shout-out to our regional State Development Team, including James Doyle, Amy Lever, and Erin Kiernan, and Trade Investment Queensland's Mitch Rawlings. They are incredible at looking at the big picture for Townsville. If you haven't reached out or attended one of their events, please do so. 5: Collaboration is Key I always say, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." This philosophy is gaining traction locally. It's why I was keen on the Connect Townsville event, and why I was so disappointed to miss what looked like a magical evening. As more people move to the region with their partners and families, it's crucial for Townsville to ensure they build strong bonds with our community. A sense of belonging, attachment, and satisfaction will encourage people to stay and grow in the region. We aim to provide a platform for connecting jobs, business opportunities, and partnerships. 6: Shaping the Future Together As we navigate this exciting journey, I encourage each of you to embrace innovation and collaboration. Together, we can shape a bright future for Townsville, where every business thrives, every individual has the opportunity to succeed, and our community stands as a beacon of progress and inclusivity. As we hurdle towards a new financial year and budget period lets make it an impactful year of innovation and collective growth #ASKCHAMBER The team have launched #askchamber a new initiative where members can email ask@townsvillechamber any business question and if our team don't know the answer someone within our membership will. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will elevate Townsville to new heights. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Have a great weekend Miranda President Townsville Chamber of Commerce
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MEDIA RELEASE Townsville Chamber Intensifies Advocacy for Fair Insurance in Northern Australia Tired of seeing North Queensland businesses and residents get a raw deal from the failed insurance market, the Townsville Chamber of Commerce is intensifying its advocacy for federal intervention. Backed by Chambers of Commerce from across Northern Australia, the call for a fairer insurance market continues to gain momentum. The push for equitable insurance is not new for the Chamber, which first lodged a submission with the federal government in 2021, outlining four recommendations to reduce insurance premiums in cyclone-impacted areas. Among these was the Re-insurance Pool for Cyclone and Flood Related Damage (RPCFRD), a recommendation that has since seen some progress. With continued market failures in insurance across the north, the Chamber’s new Chief Executive, Heidi Turner, has rallied support from northern chambers and industry groups. “Our Federal Budget Submission is backed by 19 chambers of commerce from WA, Northern Territory and Queensland, spanning from Rockhampton to Exmouth in WA,” said Turner. “The cost of insurance is being heavily felt by businesses across Northern Australia, not just in Townsville.” Mrs. Turner highlighted that while the reinsurance pool was announced three years ago, additional costs continue to burden businesses, with insurance premiums being a significant part of these increasing costs. “Unaffordable insurance is forcing businesses to take their chances with reduced or no coverage, creating anxiety, especially during events like Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in January,” she said. “Imagine having a grown man crying on the phone, worried about an approaching cyclone without insurance for his business. That really spurs you on.” The Chamber has called for an interim review of the RPCFRD ahead of the legislated full review in July 2025, to ensure it effectively reduces premiums. Other recommendations include: Insurers should provide products to all Australians, not just the most profitable areas. The government should create a national insurer to provide a baseline of insurance. Abolish taxes on insurance, recognising it as an essential service. “We're already punished by higher premiums than our southern counterparts, compounded by GST and Stamp Duty. It's extremely unfair that we pay more tax for the same level of cover,” Turner said. “With horizontal fiscal equalisation, it is effectively double-dipping from the state.” Turner met with the ACCC, requesting they include data on insured and underinsured properties in their annual insurance monitoring report. “We need clear data on the impact of these unsustainable premiums. If people don’t have enough cover, the government will end up supporting businesses and communities to rebuild, as seen in Cairns, at a cost to us all,” said Turner. “With rising premium costs comes less people taking insurance and that is a bigger problem that will continue to undermine the principal insurance. It is a very old simple concept - many people pay a little money to create a bigger pool of money so that anyone who is unfortunate enough to suffer a loss is reimbursed financially for that loss. Less people paying in means less money in the pool." “Mitigation isn't an instant remedy for the long-standing market failure. We urgently require premium reductions, and tax adjustments are a lever that both federal and state governments can employ.” For media enquiries, please contact: marketing@townsvillechamber.com.au 07 4771 2729
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MEDIA RELEASE: Is the Townsville Market Showing Early Signs of Strain? The Northern Eye reports on the macro economy downturn and what we are seeing on the ground in Townsville and explores what can be done to ensure a strong short- and long-term outlook. Townsville, Queensland, Thursday 14th March 2024: The March quarter Northern Eye reports a turn in our labour market recording an increase in unemployment, population and cost of living predicted in 2024. Townsville and the broader national economy appear to be at tipping point, with higher operating and borrowing costs catching up to the post-COVID growth period. Townsville, however, remains (comparatively) highly affordable, with both houses and units remaining well below the price of new construction. Our relative financial strength and high local incomes give us confidence that the local economy can weather the impending economic slowdown. Matthew Kelly, Principal Economist at Regional Economic Advisory in Townsville, and author of the report comments, “On the one hand, increased business closures and relocations are impacting the commercial property market as businesses battle with labour shortages, cost pressures, and the flow-on effects of the COVID working from home revolution as employers reassess their space requirements. On the other hand, the demand side of the economic equation remains robust, with full flights, restaurants, schools, and a buoyant residential property market all pointing to one thing: Townsville is growing”. Townsville will not escape the 2024/25 downturn unscathed with significant economic links to world trade and commodity markets, with several major economies already in recession. However, it remains well-positioned for long-term growth. Keys to unlocking this growth include economically viable higher density housing options and catching the lagging perception up to the reality of Townsville as a top regional destination to live, work and invest after the difficult social and economic years leading up to COVID. Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner commented on the report, “It is heartening to read in the Northern Eye report that the future is bright for our region. We are seeing many businesses caught between increasing costs of doing business, and lower consumer spending. "At Townsville Chamber of Commerce, we will be holding a mirror up to our three levels of government to address our key advocacy areas to reduce red tape and the cost of doing business, reduce crime and ensure we are well positioned to maximise upon future opportunities to raise the region." Read the Northern Eye Report
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