The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce is undertaking work to articulate an economic vision for the Whitsundays that is informed by regional commerce and industry and aligns with the region’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations.

The Vision for the Whitsundays project’s primary objectives are to:
  • Explore what the Whitsundays of the future looks like, and why;
  • Understand major drivers of change and points of resistance; and
  • Present recommendations on what we need to do now to future proof tomorrow.
The Chamber welcomes input from a diverse array of stakeholders including businesses, community groups, individual residents, educational institutions, and others to help shape the future.  

In this short, anonymous survey you are asked seven questions. You do not have to answer every question and you can leave the survey at any time. 

A preview of preliminary findings will be released in December 2023, and the full report (complete with key findings and recommendations) to be presented at the Chamber’s inaugural Whitsundays Business Conference in May 2024.

The survey closes 6pm AEST Friday 1 December 2023.

Should you wish to discuss this survey further, please contact the Chamber. 

Thank you for taking time to share with us you very own Vision for the Whitsundays. 

Let's begin!

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* 1. In your view, what are three ideas that could transform the region's future economy?

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* 2. In your view, what are the top three current or potential barriers/obstacles that might prevent your ideas from coming to life, or negatively impact economic development more broadly?

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* 3. Please consider the infrastructure factors below and indicate to what extent they could positively transform or impact our region's future economy:

  High impact Some impact Low impact No impact
Access to government grants/funding 
Regional ability to attract investment 
Better residential and business insurance
Housing affordability and availability
Access and quality of health and emergency services 
Public order and safety 
Access to affordable, reliable, and frequent transport options
Access to reliable internet and mobile phone coverage
Regional preparedness to manage risks and disasters
Road upgrade and maintenance

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* 4. Please consider the commercial factors below and indicate to what extent they could positively transform or impact our region's future economy:

  High impact Some impact Low impact No impact
Access to business funding and banking services
Landlord relationships and reasonable lease terms and conditions 
Reduction of red tape regulations and/or complex application processes
Standard of customer service delivered across all businesses
Quality and business mix in retail centres, commercial and industrial precincts
Supply chain availability and reliability
Promoting regionally sourced, farmed or locally made produce
Development of art precincts, cultural centres, and conference venue(s)
Increased tourism and diverse tourist offerings

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* 5. Please consider the education and workforce factors below and indicate to what extent they could positively transform or impact our region's future economy:

  High impact Some impact Low impact No impact
Childcare facilities, placements and affordability
Primary and Secondary School facilities
Regional links to vocational/higher education and quality professional development
Pre-empting and planning for new and emerging industries and technologies 
Development of innovation, digital technology and artificial intelligence skills
Workforce availability, reliability, and skill capabilities 
Access to immigration and skilled migration

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* 6. Please consider the social factors below and indicate to what extent they could positively transform or impact our region's future economy:

  High impact Some impact Low impact No impact
Ability to support and service a growing, diverse population 
Engagement and support services for the region's young people
Engagement and support services for the region's ageing population
Engagement and support services for region's disadvantaged population
Greater Indigenous recognition and promotion of cultural heritage
Great Barrier Reef conservation and regeneration
Regional environmental sustainability practices

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* 7. The Vision for the Whitsundays final report will acknowledge businesses, organisations, and individuals who participated in research. Would you like your individual or business name only to be listed in the final report?

Thank you for taking time to share your own Vision for the Whitsundays with us. 

Should you wish to discuss this survey further, please contact the Chamber.

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