Surf Coast businesses share their priorities

MORE than 120 local business owners have shared their priorities and challenges in the Surf Coast Shire Council’s Business Insights Survey 2024.

Held between July and September last year, results are used by the council to tailor programs, services and policies around the region to better support the business community.

The 2024 survey indicated the top challenges for business owners are rising costs, staffing and housing affordability and government and council regulations.

More than 70 per cent of businesses indicated they were better positioned than the previous year, but confidence has declined compared to pre-COVID levels.

Those completing the survey, open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, were asked how they performed and their sentiment for the future, along with environmental sustainability.

Eighty per cent of respondents indicated environmental sustainability was an area they wanted to improve, along with online marketing skills.

As a result, the shire will investigate trials for soft plastics, food organics and garden organics collections and will continue its Build Better Business program of free workshops into 2025.

Councillor Joel Grist said businesses are an integral part of the community.

“We heard that the Surf Coast is a desirable place for businesses because of its natural beauty, relaxed work-life balance and supportive atmosphere,” Cr Grist said.

“We want to see a thriving, connected businesses environment, and we want to support the economic growth of the community.

“The survey was a useful tool to see how council can work towards this, so thanks to everyone who participated.”

Some responses have already been addressed, including tree pruning and street cleaning, while works continue on other issues such as housing advocacy and progressing affordable housing projects.

“There’s also some work to do on suggestions raised around increased commercial space and parking and how our main streets look,” Cr Grist said.

Previous survey results have led to initiatives including the Shop Local campaign over the festive season and partnering with Geelong Sustainability for a business energy efficiency workshop.

For full survey results, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/businesssurveys