BUSINESS CONFIDENCE January 2000

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE January 2000

The level of business confidence is definitely on the rise in our region with the local media reports of project proposals and injection of investment for Lismore and surrounding districts.

Lismore Unlimited needs to be congratulated on its endless enthusiasm in advancing Lismore as one of the major business centres on the North Coast. There are many plans on the agenda for the year 2000; "Brighten up Lismore" will include renovating and painting under the awnings and supply safety lighting around the CBD and the completion of the second stage of the CBD upgrade is back on the agenda.

Local employment generating from these projects is a significant contribution to consumer confidence with many flow-on effects.

The proposed new shopping complexes for Casino, the new developments at Lismore Airport and the opening of Budget's Regional Office are all positives that the business community need to foster. I believe local businesses are working together and promoting the North Coast as an economically viable region for investors. As a region we certainly have more to offer and by progressing as a unified conglomerate we will undoubtedly achieve.

Of great concern to me is the recurrent cost of workers compensation premiums and wages. Business confidence would be greatly improved if the Carr Government significantly reduced workers' compensation premiums and brought NSW payroll tax levels into line with our main competitors, Victoria and Queensland.

Local developments project positive vibes for the North Coast business community and this is indeed pleasing. I would like to offer my assistance to all local businesses and welcome them to contact me to discuss any matter that is of concern.

OLYMPIC COMMERCE CENTRE

The Sydney 2000 Olympic Commerce Centre, in partnership with Telstra and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, will be conducting a seminar for local businesses on Olympic business opportunities and the operational impacts of the Olympic Games.

The Centre is aiming to assist companies in identifying and developing Olympic opportunities and help them with their operational planning for the Olympic Games.

Representatives from the Centre, the Department and other Olympic authorities will conduct a seminar, covering key topics including an Olympic impact overview, business opportunities, transport and distribution together with workforce management.

The briefing will be held at the Lismore Workers Club on Wednesday 29 March and will commence at 6pm.