The Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry wishes all a prosperous and healthy 2024.
The new year is looking really positive for Bairnsdale and despite a shocking Christmas for Buchan, our part of the world offers a brighter future than many other parts of Australia and the rest of the World.
A clear sign of economic growth in Bairnsdale is the almost nil number of empty shops; unlike many parts of Melbourne, Sydney and even regional cities like Bendigo.
The stock offered by our retailers is enticing and certainly competitive.
Post Christmas sales give consumers an excellent opportunity to gain even greater value for money.
The number of private homes being constructed around Bairnsdale is simply mind boggling.
A clear indication that young families see a future in Bairnsdale for continued employment and good education facilities for their children.
With the possibility of a slight decrease in interest rates in Australia later this year, the disproportionate burden of inflation pain on young families and small business could ease.
So many people are impacted from tightening of monetary policy while the suffering caused by unbridled government expenditure and financial waste continues.
Those paid by the public purse and particularly in Victoria who allow this waste of our hard earned taxes should have their generous superannuation payments reduced accordingly.
The delayed impact of aggressive rate rises last year are yet to be assessed particularly in retail and hospitality.
The challenges ahead will include the positioning of Bairnsdale on both a national and international level.
East Gippsland is at the ‘pointy-end’ of Victoria.
By that I mean we are in front of the rest and of Victoria and well positioned to take advantage of opportunities being so close to the ACT and NSW.
With this year being a Local Council election year, the chamber will be facilitating opportunities for community forums thus enabling maximum possible engagement in Bairnsdale’s future.
Finally, I would seriously recommend a visit to the East Gippsland Art Gallery in Nicholson Street. The current WRAP small artwork Exhibition over January is simply amazing and once again shows how our little gallery can wash its brushes in the same pot as the big boys.
It is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the magic world of the visual arts.
Written by Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce president, Trevor Hancock.
