4 minute read
Building a better Brisbane
Building a Better Brisbane
Written by Luise Toma
To say the past three years have been challenging would be something of an understatement. The pandemic plunged the world into chaos in early 2020, when Australians endured some of the most rigorous lockdowns across the globe.
As governments tried to balance the economy and public safety, it is no secret international border closures hit tourism and hospitality industries the hardest.
In 2022, parts of Queensland and New South Wales were devastated by floods with rising waters inundating homes. Damage from the water, coupled with material supply issues, intensified demand on the construction industry.
In true blue Australian fashion, however, Brisbane locals are once again proving their resilience and ability to get on with life. New businesses with fresh approaches are popping up across the city, work-from-home strategies have transformed office culture and the ‘river city’ has won the Olympic and Paralympic Games bid for 2032.
Ambitious projects, including the Cross River Rail and the Queen’s Wharf complex, are well underway and set to transform the city’s landscape. In fact, an influx of 170,000 new Brisbanites arrived from interstate over the past 12 months, turning the city into a thriving metropolis.
Brisbane is no doubt the place to be in the next decade. – John Shepherd
BGS parent, managing partner at Gallus Partners and board member of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) John Shepherd feels optimistic about the city’s future. He is dedicated to helping local business owners succeed and be part of mapping out a modern Brisbane.
“Brisbane is no doubt the place to be in the next decade,” Mr Shepherd told Grammar News “It is a real opportunity for us to create better career opportunities, more exciting experiences and a more sustainable lifestyle.”
Throughout the pandemic and recovery period, BEDA has put in place innovative measures to support business owners through the economic downturn. An example is the Brisbane Business Hub (BBH), located in the Queen Street Mall.
“The Brisbane Business Hub provides workshops, business mentoring and business resources all free of charge.”
“I’d strongly recommend small business owners take advantage of the hub, and be engaged in the community and access free resources that will improve your business.”
While initiatives like this are in response to immediate issues, BEDA is engaged in projects that address long-term cultural and economic developments.
BGS Old Boy John ‘JC’ Collins ‘87, the former bass guitarist for Powderfinger and proprietor of The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall, is also a director of BEDA.
He recently joined the Better Brisbane Alliance, which he describes as “a group of Brisbane’s key industry leaders and influencers to collaborate and help fast-track the city’s pursuit of investment, business growth, tourism and events opportunities”.
The rock legend is passionate about Brisbane’s live music culture, and he can speak firsthand about lingering impacts of the pandemic on the industry.
“I think the long-term effects of COVID-19 are still being processed,” Mr Collins said.
“Thankfully, Brisbane had a vibrant live music culture prior to the pandemic.
“I do believe the industry will recover to pre-Covid numbers, [but] just how long that will take is anyone’s guess.”
Mr Collins believes Brisbane is developing in positive ways.
“Last year’s visitor numbers were up 40 per cent year-onyear, with interstate visitors staying a record 7.1 million holiday nights in Brisbane.
“The city’s Visitor Information Centre also experienced increasing enquiries with walk-ins up 1,500 per cent last year, which is strong evidence that people want to travel here and love what we have to offer.”
Thankfully, Brisbane had a vibrant live music culture prior to the pandemic, so it comes from a strong base. – John ‘JC’ Collins ‘87
