April 2025 – Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
As April dawns on a thriving Gold Coast economy a federal election is looming large on the political landscape. With cost of living front and centre of the political campaign the question the Australian electorate will have to answer at the ballot box is ‘who is best placed to manage the Australian economy!’
Ex TC Alfred Disaster assistance available for small businesses.
The Queensland government has released several disaster assistance loans to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations with re-establishing normal operations.
There are loans of up to $250,000 with a 10year term, an option for up to 2 years interest only, and an interest rate of 2.14%. Application closing date is 31st December 2026. For full details visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/disaster-assistance-loans
Gold Coast Light Rail – Stage 4
The southern Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s most iconic destinations, loved by residents and visitors for its laid-back, outdoor lifestyle and incredible natural beauty. It is important transport systems are well-designed and protect the lifestyle that underpins the region’s prosperity.
The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitment to assess the public transport connectivity options for the southern Gold Coast by conducting a review with community input, so that all routes and modes can be considered. The review focuses on improving connectivity and public transport options for the southern part of the Gold Coast, assessing solutions that are affordable and serve the needs of the local community.
This review is required to include both technical analysis and public engagement to ensure that community views on proposed routes and modes inform the final review report. As part of this, all residents are encouraged to have their say on preferred transport solutions. Visit: haveyoursay.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
Consultation closes 5 pm on 2 May 2025.
Federal Budget 2025
The budget handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers has fallen into the red. A $27.6 billion deficit is worse by $700 million than what was forecast only 3 months ago.
Here are some of the key points:
• $150 will be knocked off every household’s and small business energy bills this year. This will cost the taxpayer $1.8 billion.
• The budget revealed tobacco excise receipts have been downgraded by $6.9 billion in the five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29. The ongoing production and importation of black- market tobacco into Australia has taken a huge bite out of the excise collected by the government. As a result, the government has also allocated in tonight’s budget $156.7 million across two years from 2025-26 to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade.
• Non-compete clauses will be banned in many job contracts from 2027. Its estimated it could lift wages for 3 million people by up to 4%
• A total of $2.6 billion will go towards pay increases for aged care nurses. This will roll out across the next five years, starting this month.
Olympic Games – Delivering 2032 and Beyond
These Games will not just be for Brisbane and the Plan recognises the value in regions like the Gold Coast to host Olympic events, to drive tourism opportunities and support community grassroots sport.
As part of the 2032 Delivery Plan, the Gold Coast is in the box seat for:
• Upgrades to the Gold Coast Convention Centre and a new Gold Coast Arena.
• Upgrades to the Gold Coast Hockey Centre to host hockey for the Games.
• Hosting athletes and team officials in one of the three key Athlete Villages, which will later be transformed to housing.
• The opportunity to host the iconic triathlon and marathon swimming events at the Southport Broadwater Parklands.
• Brisbane to Gold Coast Faster Rail, with new stations, and future stages of the Coomera Connector.
• A share in the $250 million Games On! programs with upgrades to grassroots community clubs
Come 2032, through better connectivity and the right infrastructure, the Gold Coast will be ready to
open its doors not only to the Games but to more tourists, more employment and more opportunities.
As always, if you have any State issues you would like to discuss with me, don’t hesitate to contact
my office.
Ph: (07) 5600 0100 / Email: mermaid.beach@parliament.qld.gov.au
Address: 1/2434 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, 4218, QLD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raystevens.mp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raystevens.mp
Cheers
Ray Stevens MP
