WHITSUNDAY BUSINESSES UNDER PRESSURE AS CHALLENGES MOUNT

Whitsundays business leaders say rising costs, workforce shortages, transport challenges and regulatory pressures are continuing to impact small and family businesses across the region during Queensland Small Business Month. Photo credit: Mackay and Whitsunday Life

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May marks Queensland Small Business Month, a government-led initiative established to celebrate and support the more than 508,000 small and family businesses that help strengthen local communities and drive the State’s economy.

In the Whitsunday Shire, however, business leaders say many operators are continuing to face mounting pressures, from rising costs and workforce shortages to transport challenges and regulatory complexity.

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Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer Dr Julia Evans said regional businesses are often operating with fewer resources while navigating increasingly difficult conditions.

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“All local businesses are facing a combination of immediate pressures and long-standing structural challenges that are now being amplified,” explained Dr Evans.

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“At a practical level, rising fuel costs and reduced aviation access are impacting visitor numbers, freight, and the cost of doing business. Fewer flights into the region, higher transport costs, and shifting consumer confidence are making it harder to attract visitors and service the community, while also affecting supply chains and day-to-day operations.”

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Dr Evans said businesses were also continuing to grapple with red tape and regulatory complexity, making it harder to adapt quickly in changing economic conditions. She said regional infrastructure gaps, particularly around transport connectivity, housing availability and essential services, were also constraining growth and workforce stability, while attracting and retaining skilled staff remained a significant challenge in a high-cost regional environment.

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Access to fair and flexible finance was another growing concern, particularly for small operators managing rising expenses and uncertain trading conditions.  

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At the same time, Dr Evans said many businesses were eager to grow through export markets, digital capability and national expansion, but required stronger support systems to make that possible.

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“Recent events have reinforced the need for stronger business interruption support and resilience planning, particularly in the face of natural disasters and ongoing disruptions,” she said

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“At the same time, there is increasing pressure — and opportunity — to adopt sustainable practices, both to manage costs and meet evolving visitor expectations.

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“In short, the Whitsundays business community is not facing a single issue — they are managing a complex environment where cost pressures, access, workforce, infrastructure, and confidence all intersect. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across all levels of government, with a clear focus on regional conditions and opportunities.”

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Dr Evans said support that helped businesses cut through red tape, streamline compliance and access trusted business advice was “not just valued — it’s essential.”

In recognition of current circumstances, this year’s Queensland Small Business Month campaign is focused on providing practical support to help businesses build resilience and identify new opportunities, with more than 180 events and a suite of digital resources are being rolled out statewide.

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Queensland Small Business Commissioner Nicolle Kelly said feedback from regional and remote businesses was already shaping conversations at the highest levels of government.

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“Unsurprisingly, one issue that has been consistently raised is fuel supply and price volatility,” she said.

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“This challenge is having a tangible impact, particularly on businesses in regional and remote communities, influencing factors such as transport costs and customer demand. We’re currently gathering feedback from stakeholders to develop a comprehensive understanding of what’s happening on the ground, and I encourage you to continue to send examples and information to us.”

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More information about Queensland Small Business Month events and resources is available via www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/business-events/qsbm.

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