Business Breakfast highlights exciting future of regional economy
Committee of Brisbane CEO - Barton Green, Queensland Small Business Commissioner - Dominique Lamb and Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen at the business breakfast.
The Cultural Centre in Boonah was abuzz with chatter today as local entrepreneurs and community members met to discuss the exciting future of the region’s small businesses at the final Scenic Rim Business Breakfast for 2023.
Attendees heard from Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb about the State support and services available to small businesses, and Committee of Brisbane CEO
Barton Green on the economic opportunities provided by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said today’s Business Breakfast reinforced the exciting times ahead for small businesses in the region.
“As highlighted by Mr Green, the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics present plenty of opportunities to boost the region’s economy and further strengthen our small businesses,” he said.
“Scenic Rim is hosting the rowing and canoeing events for the Games at our beautiful Wyaralong Dam, and we are also working with the State Government on housing and transportation solutions for competitors and attendees,” he said.
“Aside from these events, which will showcase the region at a global level, there is an estimated $8.1 billion of potential economic and social benefits for Queensland for hosting the Games.
“This will certainly benefit the Scenic Rim region for the long-term and help take our powerhouse economy to the next level.”
Cr Christensen said Council was passionate about supporting small businesses and ensuring they were prepared to leverage all available opportunities, now and into the future.
“It was in Boonah in February 2021 that Council signed the Small Business Friendly Council Charter with the support of the region's Chambers of Commerce,” he said.
“This represented a vote of confidence in small businesses in the Scenic Rim who represent 98.5 per cent of the 4,738 registered businesses in our region and create regional jobs which support our local families.”
Cr Christensen said Council held many events to support small businesses throughout the year including Small Business Month, held each May, and the Business Excellence Awards, held every two years.
“Council also ensures that it supports and preferences Scenic Rim-based businesses as we know they provide plenty of value for money,” he said.
“This is reflected in our local spending which in 2022-23 was approximately $28.96 million.”
Cr Christensen thanked Scenic Rim Catering for preparing the food for the Business Breakfast, featuring local produce provided by The Butcher Co. and Scenic Rim Farm Box.
The produce was sourced from local suppliers including Kalfresh Vegetables, Peak Produce, Rathlogan Grove, Riverdale Herbs, Valley Pride Produce, and Truc Lam Mushrooms.
Festive treats were provided by Arthur Clive Bakery and table floral arrangements were provided by Boonah Blossoms & More.
Students from Boonah State High School assisted The Cultural Centre team with serving guests throughout the morning.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to join us throughout the year at our Business Breakfasts and I look forward to more innovative and inspiring sessions in 2024,” Cr Christensen said.