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MEDIA RELEASE Townsville Chamber Welcomes Focus on Productivity, Crime, and Skills in State BudgetThe Townsville Chamber of Commerce has welcomed key measures in the Queensland State Budget handed down today by Treasurer David Janetzki MP, with a clear focus on core services, business productivity, and regional workforce challenges but it doesn't go far enough on tax reform Chamber CEO Heidi Turner, who is in Brisbane for the budget this week, said the 2025–26 Budget strikes a pragmatic balance, prioritising health, education, roads and community safety, while offering targeted support to small businesses doing it tough. “We’re pleased to see no new or increased taxes in this budget, and a clear commitment to improving productivity and workforce participation and we look forward to understanding how this funding will be delivered,” Ms Turner said.“In particular, we welcome investment in safety and crime prevention. It’s encouraging to see practical measures that respond to the needs of both business and community.” "This is the first year crime and safety has been a formal advocacy area for the Chamber, and we support the significant funding committed to prevention and deterrence,” Ms Turner said.Key highlights for NQ business include:> Continuation of the Regional Jobs Committees (RJC) for two more years, with the Townsville Chamber playing an active role in the NQ RJC to coordinate local workforce solutions.> Funding for Skilling Queenslanders for Work and a dedicated fund to help women return to the workforce, like the program the Chamber are currently running to help skilled women into employment.> A $130 million “Small Business First” action package including streamlined services, improved procurement access, reduced tape reduction and a support network offering financial counselling and business coaching.> A $1.6 billion investment in electricity maintenance, which the Chamber hopes will place downward pressure on power bills one of the largest expenses for small business.> Extension of the 50% apprentice payroll tax rebate for another 12 months.However, Ms Turner noted more is needed to support the businesses employing apprentices. > Significant investment into resources and critical minerals including $13m in new mineral exploration including the Queensland Common User Facility“While the 50% apprentice rebate extension is welcome, we remain concerned that businesses are being penalised when an apprentice’s wage tips them over the payroll tax threshold. We continue to call for a staged increase in that $1.3m threshold for payroll tax and a full exemption for apprentices and trainees,” she said.The Chamber also raised the ongoing need to address skills shortages, which continue to affect every sector.“We need to grow and retain our regional workforce, but this also requires investment in the people who deliver training, our teachers and trainers. Without them, progress stalls. Skills shortages are putting pressure on productivity, delivery timelines, and business viability especially for small businesses.”The Chamber welcomed the government’s ongoing commitment to the CopperString project and the $180 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, aimed at building regional capabilities in key sectors such as defence, biomedicine, biofuels and tech."The certainty of the governments in investment in CopperString has already led to increased enquiries in office space in Townsville which is promising,"Finally, the Chamber is eager to learn how regional Queensland can leverage the Olympic and Paralympic Games spend.“This is the largest infrastructure investment in our state’s history. Townsville wants to ensure we benefit from the transport and legacy infrastructure, not just sporting projects,” Ms Turner said.“We’ll be watching closely to see where the $9 billion already announced for Bruce Highway upgrades will be directed to improve regional connectivity.”Ms Turner also noted a continuing area of concern for the local business community:“We’re still paying stamp duty on insurance—a tax on a tax—on what is an essential service. This continues to be a frustrating and unnecessary cost burden," she said.“We will continue to advocate for policies that reduce the cost of doing business, cut red tape, and remove unnecessary hurdles that prevent businesses from growing and thriving in North Queensland.”"Yesterday I highlighted to the Treasurer in person that this was a solid first budget but we will continue to advocate for the abolition of payroll tax and removal of stamp duty on insurance as inhibitors for growth," The Townsville Chamber remains committed to working closely with all levels of government to ensure regional businesses are well supported, productive, and positioned for long-term growth.

This week I received a passionate anonymous email in response to our recent updates on advocacy. While I don’t know who sent it, I want to thank them. Their words reflected the very real frustration, fatigue, and resilience so many small and medium businesses are feeling. The truth is, businesses are doing it tough and have been for years. Closures aren’t caused by one big problem but death by a thousand cuts: Payroll tax bracket creep Soaring insurance and energy costs Product price increases Red tape and compliance complexity Another minimum wage rise from July 1 And for some, concerns about their safety and property due to crime and antisocial behaviour Layer that with workforce shortages and global uncertainty impacting costs and international supply chains and it’s a lot. Yet in our conversations with members, yes there is frustration around the areas highlighted but I still hear optimism from people working 70+ hours a week, some not paying themselves minimum wage or super, yet still backing their business and their region. These are the real concerns we regularly take to decision-makers. We don’t pretend to have all the answers but we are here to represent business and influence change, and sometimes there is a photo. Over the past 18 months, we’ve built stronger relationships at every level of government. We’ve called out issues, offered solutions, and been invited into decision-making rooms. Change happens when we’re in the room not just continually shouting from outside (although there’s a time for that too). The Chamber is also a business, one that relies on membership fees and profit positive events to exist. The good news is we’ve been growing: Events are busier than ever, Sponsors are approaching us before we set event dates Members are stepping up to connect, contribute and support each other And more businesses are joining because they see value in a collective voice that’s being heard To the anonymous emailer thank you. I’d genuinely welcome a meeting with you and any of our members to listen, to learn and see where we can do better and continue to grow as individuals and an organisation. And to everyone else if you’d like to get more involved, we’d love to have you. Sponsor an event, host a workshop, join a working group — this is your Chamber. Nominations for the Business Awards close on Monday with applications due by 30th June, and our early bird gala tickets closing the same day. It’s going to be a fantastic celebration of local business and the people driving our region forward. (More about that here >> https://www.townsvillechamber.com.au/business-awards-2025/ ) We are only as strong as the people in our Chamber and this community is something special, thanks for being a part of it. Enjoy your weekend Heidi

CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO EMPOWER SKILLED WOMEN The Townsville Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of the New Horizons Program — a new initiative designed to support skilled women in the region re-enter the workforce or transition into new career opportunities. Funded through the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, New Horizons will provide tailored support to skilled women looking to update their skills, boost their confidence, and connect with potential employers. The six-week program is aimed at assisting women who are not currently working to their full capacity, whether due to career breaks, underemployment, or other barriers to participation. Townsville Chamber of Commerce President Miranda Mears said the program responds directly to the growing need for skilled workers across the region. "The largest current challenge for our members is finding and retaining a skilled workforce. We know that there are women in our community not working to capacity for a range of reasons, and this program is designed to help participants upgrade their skills, gain confidence, and connect with potential employers," Mrs Mears said. "We know attracting people to the region has its challenges, but there are skilled people in our community with the capacity to participate more. This program is an opportunity for the Chamber to help our members by increasing the participation of skilled and experienced workers." Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner said launching the program on International Women's Day highlights the significance of offering tangible outcomes for women. "International Women's Day is a celebration of women's achievements, but it's also a call to action. The New Horizons Program provides a practical pathway to help skilled women unlock their potential while addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our business community — workforce shortages," Ms Turner said. Chamber has recruited well-known local Verena Louise to deliver the program.  "Verena Louise brings extensive experience and strong industry connections across our region.  She will guide participants through practical skills training, personalised career coaching, and networking opportunities with local businesses - helping skilled women to unlock their potential and thrive in the workforce," said Turner. Expressions of interest are now open, and the first intake of participants set to commence in two weeks' time. Click HERE to submit an expression of interest and we will contact you within 2 workings days.