What does the Whitsundays of the future looks like, and why?
What are the current major drivers of change and points of resistance?
What we need to do now to future proof tomorrow?
Exciting times lie ahead as the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce gears up to elevate its advocacy efforts with the launch of the research phase of its groundbreaking Vision for the Whitsundays initiative.
We are undertaking work to articulate an economic future for the Whitsundays that is informed by the region’s trades, small business, commerce, and industry. The aim is to build a comprehensive economic vision that aligns with the region’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
Chamber President Allan Milostic urges both members and the broader business community to submit their ideas and concerns for consideration.
“Having a united, clear vision of the future designed by business for business is urgently needed. What follows is relevant advocacy, representing our vision and influencing decisions across all levels of government.
Coordinated advocacy is highly valued by all levels of government, and the Chamber will ensure that Proserpine and the Whitsunday coastal business centres have a strong voice in the development of this pivotal project” said Allan.
We now invite the business community, stakeholders, and individuals to inform the project’s key findings and recommendations. See below for ways you can participate and share your views either by a formal submission, a quick anonymous survey, or participate in a focus group.
This phase of the project is being led by our Chamber Liaison, Dr Julia Evans, an award-winning researcher in the field of small business education. She is experienced in delivering engaging research and translating findings into practical recommendations and advocacy priorities.
We look forward to previewing preliminary findings in December and releasing the full report (complete with key findings and recommendations) at the Chamber’s inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference in May 2024.
Make a formal submission
Individuals and organisations are welcome to make a formal submission to the project, providing the opportunity to share your ideas in writing. Submissions need to:
- Address one or more of the project themes (download the Terms of Reference document).
- Be concise, maximum 1000 words.
- Be well-structured, providing clear solutions and actionable recommendations.
- Correctly cite sources and references if including evidence, data, or statistics.
- Received by 6pm Friday 1 December 2023
Complete a quick survey
The project’s online survey is anonymous, asks seven questions, and should take around 15-minutes.
The survey will close 6pm AEST Friday 1 December 2023.
Join a focus group
Throughout September to October 2023, we are hosting a series of focus groups to identify issues, brainstorm possibilities, and frame recommendations for the final report. Focus groups will be conducted on the following themes:
- Customer Service Experience – 9:30am Wednesday 13 September, online via Zoom
- Arts, Culture & Heritage – 1pm Tuesday 26 September, Proserpine
- Sustainability & Resilience – 9:30am Wednesday 4 October, Cannonvale
- Future Workforce, Education & Training – 11am Wednesday 18 October, online via Zoom
- Economic Growth & Opportunities – 9:30am Wednesday 25 October, Cannonvale
- Innovation, Digital Technology & Artificial Intelligence – 11am Tuesday 31 October, online via Zoom
Registrations are essential as places are strictly limited to 12 people per focus group.
The Vision for the Whitsundays project is totally independent and apolitical, and wholly initiated and undertaken by the Chamber. This project has not been commissioned or funded by local, state, or federal government, department, or agency.
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