Dear Chamber President,

Did you know that Queensland currently has more than 90,000 pages of regulation?

Queensland’s overbearing regulation is hurting our economy with businesses slugged $7 billion in taxes and charges – a 30% increase over the past five years. Meanwhile time-wasting paperwork is driving up costs for consumers.

Small Business Questionnaire is available to complete online at http://www.lnpsmesurvey.com.au/

Phone: (07) 5530 9000

www.linkshopeisland.com.au

Location: Google Map link

Since opening in March 1993, the golf course at Hope Island has consistently ranked in Australia’s top ten resort courses. Designed by five times British Open Champion, Peter Thomson, and partner, Michael Wolveridge, it is ranked by Australian golfing legend, Peter Senior, as “one of the best championship links courses you’ll play.”

An iconic course, it forms the centre piece of the Hope Island Resort located on the north shore of the Gold Coast, just 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 60 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.

First class facilities include a golf course, boutique function and meeting rooms, member lounges, both indoor and out, a restaurant and luxurious locker rooms. The golf academy and aquatic driving range with putting and chipping green is in close proximity to complement this superb facility.

While an intangible asset in one sense, a primary point of difference with the Links Hope Island is the atmosphere of friendship and sportsmanship that prevails. Relatively young as a club by some standards, its comparative youth has encouraged a progressive attitude resulting in the absence of outmoded attitudes and a warm camaraderie between members, guests and staff.

Directions:

• Take Exit 57 off the Pacific Highway and turn onto Hope Island Road
• Follow through 4 roundabouts and turn right at the 4th roundabout
• Follow the road to the left past the tennis centre and over the bridge where you will approach the clubhouse

 

Hi, as a Member of the Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce & Industry you are entitled to 2 FREE listings on www.GCNCC.org.au. Please check these listings & submit any changes to the Web Masters Dave or Nicky Cane using this link – http://www.gcncc.org.au/members-directory/submit-your-directory-details/

As a Member you should have listings in:

• The Members Directory – the A to Z listing – please check these details are correct, if not please use the link above to submit the changes required.

• Category Listing for Businesses – in the left column under the ‘Search Box’ as a Chamber Member you should have a detailed description of your business in one of the Business Categories, if not please use the link above to submit the changes required.

The Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce website is recognised by Google as being a very ‘Authoritive Business Website for the Gold Coast’. This means that Google lists the Chamber Website & businesses listed on the Chamber website higher on more Google Searches.

If you would like to increase your exposure on the Chamber Website please contact Dave Cane – webmaster@gcncc.org.au

This is why you need to be easily found on the GCNCC website.

The stats below are for 12 months from 2010 to 2011

• 799,863 Hits on website in 12 months
• 64,176 unique visitors to website in 12 months
• Platinum – Major Sponsors Ads viewed on average over 90,000 times EACH ADD with a CTR (Click Through Ratio) of .23%
• Silver – Random Banner Ads viewed on average 42,861 times EACH ADD with a CTR of .29%

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Call today for a free measure and quote in any Gold Coast area or if you need window tinting South Brisbane and we will attend to you promptly to offer you the best window tinting prices on the Gold Coast you will find with quality service and a lifetime warranty.

If you would like specialty decorative & frosted films with computer cut logos for your shop or office we are able to offer you this service including glass designs for you Gold Coast Business. So for all your Gold Coast window tinting needs or Glass frosting needs including frosting glass doors on the Gold Coast Call today on 1300 663 330 for an instant window tinting quote and prices.

Please find below a link to our last Blueprint document for 2011 CCIQ’s Blueprint for Fighting Queensland’s Over-Regulation – 2011 Update

http://www.cciq.com.au/assets/documents/advocacy/34000-CCIQ-Queensland-Red-Tape-Blueprint-Doc-4.pdf

The burden of regulatory compliance is the single most important ongoing issue for the Queensland business community. It increases the cost of running a business and acts as a significant barrier to business growth, investment and productivity.

CCIQ has for a number of years been committed to addressing this significant issue and working with all levels of government to not only highlight the impact that red tape has on business but to also identify opportunities for reform. Read the rest of this entry »

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) today announced the appointment of Stephen Tait to Chief Executive Officer of CCIQ, effective from 9 January 2012.

Stephen joins CCIQ with a strong commercial background gained through over 20 years operational and executive experience in media, marketing and sales, most recently as Commercial Director of APN Australian Regional Media and Commercial Director of The Australian. Prior to this, Stephen has extensive media experience nationally and internationally with leading global media organisations.

On his appointment, Stephen Tait said he was excited to take on the leadership position with Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland and was looking forward to ensuring the organisation remained a trusted and valued partner for the Australian business community. Read the rest of this entry »

The 2011 Christmas Party was a huge success. Thank you to the Organisers, Sponsors & those that attended on the night.

See the sponsors & please support those that support us.

Special thanks to Brad Horrocks for his time being the Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce photographer on the night.

The photos are available from a link on the Event Images page – http://www.gcncc.org.au/events/event-photos/

A cut to official interest rates should give struggling Australian businesses a small buffer against a looming global recession.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points today, the second official drop in as many months and the first back-to-back rates cut in almost three years.

The RBA reduced the official cash rate to 4.25 per cent from 4.50 per cent, giving homeowners about a $600 reduction on annual mortgage repayments for the average $300,000 loan. (More From Yahoo!7 Finance: How To Maximise Your Financial Position From An Interest Rate Fall )

The RBA is always looking to ward off future problems and this rates cut is seen by many as a pre-emptive strike against the fall-out from worsening economic conditions in the eurozone.

The rate cut will be seen as a welcome stimulus to local retailers and those in the service industry leading up to Christmas. The Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) has pleaded with Australia’s banks to pass on every percentage point of any rate cut made by the RBA.

Thousands are predicted to go bankrupt in the next 12 months and “more businesses will fail if the major banks do not pass on the full rate cut,” COSBOA chief executive Peter Strong told Fairfax.

Article sent to GCNCC for publication by:
Karen Cane – Branch Manager
Suncorp Bank Runaway Bay – 07 5561 5388
www.suncorpbank.com.au

Thank you to the Businesses that have sponsored the Christmas Party Charity Fundraiser for Evolve ‘Keeping Kids on Track’

Event: Chamber of Commerce Christmas Cocktail Party
Date: 9th December 2011
Venue: Sanctuary Cove Yacht Club
Cost:  $25 per head – Book On-Line HERE

ALL WELCOME – Members & Non Members

Fundraiser for Evolve ‘Keeping Kids on Track’

Evolve is an Australian not-for-profit, empowering disadvantaged and at-risk youth to make changes today for a positive tomorrow.

Thanks to our Sponsors

Coles Hope Island
Donation – $50 Christmas Ham/Hamper Voucher
Hope Island Marina Shopping Village

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SPAR Hope Island Fresh
Donation – Christmas Hamper
Spar – Hope Island Central Shopping Centre, Hope Island
Phone: 07 5514 0408

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Exceptional Training Group
Phone: 07 5592 4848
Donation – $200 Training / Tuition Voucher
www.exceptionalgroup.com.au

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Café St Tropez, Sanctuary Cove
(07) 5577 8379
Donation – Dinner Voucher
http://cafesttropez.com.au

________________________

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RB Studio
Phone – 07 5530 8422
-  www.rbstudio.com.au
Donation -  Voucher for Hair Treatment & Blow Dry

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Champions Hair Beauty and Day Spa Salon
Phone: (07)5577 8677
Donation – Voucher for a 1 hour Hair, Beauty
or Day Spa treatment valued at $110.00
www.championshairbeautydayspa.com.au

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ioesco cafe cucina – Italian Restaurant Sanctuary Cove
Phone: 07 5577 8800
www.ioesco.com.au
Donation – $100 Dinner Voucher

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Red Rock Waterfront Restaurant
- Hope Island Marina Shopping Centre
Phone: 07 5510 8488
Donation: $50 Dinner Voucher

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Blue Olive Cafe
38 Esplanade, Paradise Point
Phone: 07 5529 5850
Donation: 2 x $35 Meal Vouchers

_______________________

Liz & Grant Pforr
- Gold Coast City Council Councillor Division 3
www.grantpforr.com.au
Donated -  Gift Voucher for Christmas

________________________

Glenys French
Independent Arbonne’s International Representative
http://arbonne.com/company/international/au
Donation -  Arbonne Spa Product Gift Pack

________________________

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Michael Crandon
(QLD State Member for Coomera)
www.crandon4coomera.com.au
Donation: 1 x Bottle Speakers Chair Verdelho
commemorate 150yrs of Queensland Parliament

________________________

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Cheepa Jumping Castles
Call Brian on 0457 880 087
www.cheepajumpingcastles.com.au
Donation – 2 x Jumping Castle Hire for up to 4 hours

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Cheepa Surfwear
Phone: 0457 880 087
www.cheepasurfwear.com.au
Donation – 1 x 1962 Volkswagon Bus Diecast Model Car

________________________

Gold Coast Compound
Phone: 07 5573 3001 or Tom 0425 977 733
www.gccompound.com
Donation – 3 x Free entry passes

________________________

Villotti Photography
- www.villottiphotography.com
Donation -  2 x $315 Professional Portraiture Gift

________________________

Annette Raff Award Winning Painter
www.watercolorpaintinglessonsonline.com
Donation – An Original Annette Raff Water Colour Painting
called ‘Where Spirits Soar’ valued over $395

________________________

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Whywait Plumbing
(07) 5580 4311
www.whywait.com.au
Donation – Framing of the Water Colour Painting donated by Annette Raff

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Plumber Direct
(07) 5580 4311
Donation: Bottles of Wine for the Christmas Hamper

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Suncorp Bank Runaway Bay
Phone: 07 5561 5388
www.suncorpbank.com.au

Donation: Lions Christmas Cake 1.5kg &
1kg Lions Christmas Pudding for the Christmas Hamper

_____________________

MGA Accountants – Paradise Point
Phone: 07 5501 3111
www.mgaacc.com.au

Donation: Champagne & Shortbread for the Christmas Hamper

_____________________

Neverfail Plumbing Service – Gold Coast
www.neverfailplumbing.com.au

Gold Coast & Tweed : 07 5556 0347
South Brisbane : 07 3806 5674

Donation: Beer & Wine for Raffle & Christmas Hamper

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Greenaway Taxation
(07) 5502 7694
www.greenawaytaxation.com.au

Donation: 2012 Business Diary and Silver Key Ring.

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Find Net Solutions
effective website solutions – 07 5667 7755
www.FindNetSolutions.com

Donation: A Old Bottle of Yalumba ‘Clock Tower’ Port

______________________

Peppers Entertainment
Phone: 07 5571 6845
www.peppersentertainment.com

Donation: 1st hour of DJ Entertainment for the Christmas Party at no charge

_____________________

Written by Bob Janssen

Government needs its taxes to build infrastructure and to finance the bureaucracy that delivers essential services. Business must be profitable to grow and to sustain or create employment. The workforce, employees, must have a decent disposable income to support their families and enrich their lives. This is a symbiotic relationship each is dependent on the other. The relationship exists in a fragile global economy and is affected by it. Getting the balance right is the challenge.

‘The greatest challenge to good governance is politics.’

If we accept the validity of the first statement then we must accept the latter. With the three forces of government, business and the workforce at play, sound economic principle often become collateral damage created by political manipulation in the pursuit of power. Read the rest of this entry »

Australian businesses paid average pay rises of 4% in the past year with workers in the mining and construction industries seeing the biggest rises, although retail workers are struggling with an average rise of just 3.1%, new Mercer research reveals.

But Mercer principal Anthony Shippard says the discrepancy between the mining sector and other industries means talent may drain from the east coast, warning businesses to ensure they build a culture of loyalty that isn’t just attached to financial reward.

“It’s all very well to say that businesses shouldn’t worry about it because they’re on the east coast, but key staff could be pulled away at the lure of a greater reward,” he says. “Businesses need to look at retaining employee loyalty in situations that are not just motivated by finances.”

The report points out that despite macroeconomic concerns of a multi-speed economy, most industries have seen remuneration increase roughly in line with every other sector – suggesting employers are attempting to remain competitive in an environment with low unemployment. Read the rest of this entry »

The Inspector-General of Taxation will investigate the taxman’s use of controversial tax benchmarks to spot under-reporting of tax after allegations the ATO’s use of the benchmarks has been “heavy-handed”.

The Inspector-General of Taxation, Ali Noroozi, released the terms of reference for his inquiry yesterday. The review will consider whether record-keeping requirements expected of small businesses are too onerous, and whether it is fair to use benchmarks as the basis for default assessments.

Benchmarking refers to bands of expected financial performance ratios in which different small businesses are expected to fall. Those who do not are contacted by the ATO and required to explain the discrepancy. The practice is intended to identify small businesses with a turnover of under $15 million that under report profits or cashflow in order to avoid paying tax. Read the rest of this entry »

Unions have put forward their ideas for the Fair Work Act review, with calls for adult wages to start at age 18 rather than 20 and an increase in apprenticeship pay to increase the attractiveness of apprenticeships.

But retailers have baulked at the idea, saying the sector is already under pressure. Russell Zimmerman of the Australian Retailers Association says the push is “concerning” and would likely lead to retailers cutting jobs and hours rather than retain higher-paid employees.

“There is so much on record about the number of shops closing and jobs lost, and then we hear the unions want to change the rates and make it even more uncompetitive,” Zimmerman says. ”The Government of New South Wales wants to employ more people – one of the areas people can be employed is in the retail industry. “It’s where so many people start, even on a casual basis. I have very grave concerns that unions are looking in this area.”

According to the Australian Financial Review, the Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Jeff Lawrence has confirmed that its retail worker unit would be pushing the junior wage case in the review of the Fair Work Act starting next year.

Zimmerman says the Australian Retailers Association is surveying its members about its submission to the Fair Work review, but highlights these area for change:

• Uncertainty over whether retailers can employ schoolchildren to work just 90 minutes after school, rather than three hours after several legal appeals on the issue.
• The future of penalty rates on weekends.

Zimmerman says the rates – workers are paid 1.5 times on Saturday, and double time on Sunday – are costly and leading to retailers either not opening on the weekend or running the shop themselves. Read the rest of this entry »

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on government to defer the superannuation increase passed as part of the mining tax legislation.

The super increase will take the compulsory superannuation rate from 9% to 12% by 2019-20. The rise will be implemented in several steps, starting in July 2013 when the levy rises from 9% to 9.25% of income.

The ACCI yesterday unanimously passed a resolution saying the increase should be considered only after a way to fund it is found. The chamber estimates that when fully implemented, the superannuation increase will amount to an extra $20 billion per year paid in employer superannuation levies. The resolution also said Fair Work Australia should be required to take into account the increase in superannuation when setting minimum wages over the coming years. Read the rest of this entry »

The Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce & Industry has now got an automatic Mobile Interface for the website.

It is an easy & convenient way to view the Chamber website on the run on a Mobile Device.

No need to down load an App, it is a smart program installed by Find Net Solutions that automatically displays the website in Mobile View on Mobile Smart Phones & I Pads (Tablets).

• looks like a normal website on a laptop or desk top computer
• Automatically transforms to a mobile view for users with an iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Palm OS and Samsung touch mobiles.

So what are the real advantages, firstly for members they can Look Up & Book for Events on the run & everyone can look up Chamber Members & do business with them 24/7 from anywhere.

So with over 250 people a day using the Chamber Website & by the end of the year over 50% of people will have a Smart Phone or Tablet.

It’s a smart move by the Chamber to help Members as it increases their exposure & the Smarter Members who have Platinum, Gold & Silver Advertising Package as they have extra exposure.

• Find out more about Advertising on the Chamber Website

Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce held a FREE Seminar in November 2011 for Gold Coast Business, ‘Getting Local Business Online’

The seminar was presented by speakers from Local Tag, Find Net Solutions, 5150 Studios & POD Legal.

Download the Seminar Presentation as a Power Point Presentation

http://www.gcncc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/GCNCC-GLBO-All.ppsx

The Big Three Issues for Business – Queensland State Government & Gold Coast City Council Election Survey

The Queensland State Government election is due to be held before 16 June 2012 and the Gold Coast City Council local government election on 31 March 2012.

In the wake of a difficult year for Queensland businesses, it is imperative that their voices are heard in this critical election period.  As such, CCIQ is conducting a 2012 Pre-Election Survey in conjunction with GCNCC.

It is crucial that the incoming State Government and Gold Coast City Council are aware of the issues of concern to the business community.  CCIQ in conjunction with GCNCC is seeking to conduct this survey to determine what the ’3 Big Issues’ are for business leading into 2012, as well as other areas of importance at a local level. Read the rest of this entry »

Phone: 07 5561 5388

www.suncorpbank.com.au/

Phone: 13 1175

Address: Shop 5 Runaway Bay Shopping Centre
Lae Drive, Runaway Bay, QLD

Suncorp Bank is Australia’s 5th largest bank and part of the Suncorp Group.

A regional bank with a strong suite of deposit and lending products, Suncorp prides itself on connecting with customers and communities.

Thursday 24th November 2011

Title: Chamber Business Meeting All Members Welcome
Location: Sanctuary Cove Yacht Club Sanctuary Cove Village
Description: Chamber of Commerce Management Meeting all members welcome. 5.30pm for a 6pm start and should be completed by 7.30pm.

Then you can stay for Networking Drinks & a meal if you wish.

To see how to get to Sanctuary Cove Yacht Club – Please click here

Start Time: 6pm

Phone: 07 5573 1248

Mobile: 0418 248 860

www.allboat.com.au

Email: info@allboat.com.au

Allboat Transport Pty Ltd Specialise in transporting large boats by truck all around Australia.

The purpose built trailers enable us to carry a variety of boats up to 5.0m in height.

Please contact Richard or Greg for an estimate to transport your boat anywhere in Australia.

Good Morning,
The decision that the Gold Coast will host the 2018 Commonwealth Games has created much excitement and positive responses from the business community.
As well as continuing to track general business confidence levels, this poll specifically addresses the potential impacts the Games will have on your business.
It is hoped that business benefits will start to flow as soon as possible giving the City much needed positive impetus.
The Griffith University – Gold Coast Bulletin Business Confidence Index monitors changes in business confidence quarterly and helps to determine attitudes related to the year ahead.
Your participation in this survey as a leader in our business community is welcomed and appreciated.
We are seeking your help by completing the following simple but important three-minute survey.
All input will be kept strictly confidential, however you may choose to volunteer comments for possible inclusion in coverage by Gold Coast Bulletin Business News.
You may complete the short survey online or downloading the survey here and faxing it to poll facilitators Spence Consulting on (07) 5531 3646.
If you have any questions please contact Spence Consulting managing director, Mr Rod Spence at businesspolls@spenceconsulting.com.au or by telephoning (07) 5531 2664.
Please submit responses by end of business Friday November 25.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Michael Powell
Pro Vice Chancellor (Business)
Griffith University

The construction and tourism industries are set to be the biggest benefactors of the Gold Coast’s successful bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but the ICT, transport and services industries are all set to receive a boost as well.

Both the state government and business leaders welcomed the announcement on the weekend, which is expected to give the state an economic boost worth $2 billion and create 30,000 jobs over the next seven years.

Graham Cuthbert, executive director of the Queensland Master Builders’ Association, says a large portion of the spending will be put to the construction industry with $500 million of investment expected over the next seven years.

“Certainly for the area it will be a huge benefit, there is a fair amount of construction to be done, both on venues on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane,” he says.

The games will require new sporting venues on the Gold Coast, along with accommodation for athletes, along with upgrades to existing facilities in Brisbane as well, Cuthbert said.

“But I think the big key is the flow on it will have to accommodation for tourists, corner shops, corner little medical centres, all the infrastructure you get when construction boosts.”

Cuthbert says tourism and construction are “absolutely linked”, so the two industries will see benefits at the same time, but also says other industries such as information technology and retail will see bigger benefits as well. Read the rest of this entry »

The Fair Work Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, has released the findings of his office’s audit into sham contracting in the cleaning services, hair and beauty, and call centre industries. He found a number of problems.

The audit looked at potential contraventions of the sham arrangements provisions of the Fair Work Act. Sham contracting occurs when an employer attempts to disguise an employment relationship as an independent contracting relationship, thereby avoiding obligatory rates of pay and other entitlements such as superannuation.

Of course, the Fair Work Ombudsman is not the only person looking at sham contracting. The Tax Commissioner also has a keen interest in this area in seeking to ensure employers properly meet their tax withholding requirements – and whether a worker is treated as an employee or contractor influences the result here.

An independent contractor is someone who is self-employed and contracts their services to clients, such as a plumber who is hired by a business to fix a burst pipe. The plumber attends the business with his own tools and employees, fixes the pipe then bills the business for the cost of the job. Read the rest of this entry »

The Government has announced plans to scrap the age limit on superannuation contributions, amid concerns of a skills shortage, workforce participation levels and how Australia will fund and replace baby boomers as they exit the workforce. Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten says the proposal means that 18,000 people over 75 years of ago who are still working will be paid compulsory super for the first time. Under the current system, an employer is not required to pay super contribution guarantees for workers 70 and over. The plan will take effect July 2013. Read the rest of this entry »

Industry Minister Kim Carr has launched an extraordinary attack on supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths, claiming their push to expand sales of private label products threatened to “cripple innovation, destroy jobs and erode our capabilities as a food producing nation”. Carr’s attack came as Woolworths confirmed doubling sales of its private-label products will play a role in rebuilding momentum in its grocery business.

Woolworths, which wants to increase its grocery market share to 36% from 28%, says it was improving buying terms, conducting a review of its supplier arrangements, increasing parallel imports and global direct sourcing and utilising vertical integration to improve its buying. Read the rest of this entry »