Business on Brisbane
Edition 3 - October to December 2014
A message from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk
Brisbane is developing a global reputation as Australia’s New World City, and becoming an
increasingly progressive city with strong business credentials and diverse investment
opportunities.
My recent business mission to Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Hyderabad and Singapore has been a great
success and highlights how important it is that we take every opportunity to grow our local
economy by showcasing our skills and innovation to a global marketplace.
The G20 Leaders Summit in November is another opportunity for local businesses and I
encourage businesses to get involved and take advantage of the market potential that will be on
our doorstep.
Finally, businesses can register to attend the Brisbane Global Cafe at City Hall on the 12 and 13
November and join some of the world’s most influential thinkers as we showcase Brisbane
business, thought leadership and innovation.
The rejuvenation of the Brunswick Street Mall is now complete and, until January 2015, Council is
providing businesses with the opportunity to use this space to hold free promotional activities in
the Brunswick Street Mall and China Town mall precincts.
Graham Quirk
LORD MAYOR
G20 transport update
Queensland Police Service (QPS) has released a guide to road closures and public transport for
the G20 Leaders Summit in November which is summarised below.
QPS encourages people to go about their usual business during the long weekend of the summit,
although they are advised to allow extra time for journeys in the lead up to and during the summit.
Businesses in South Bank and the CBD such as shops, entertainment venues, restaurants and
licensed premises will benefit from the 3000-strong international media contingent and the 4000
delegates staying in our city, and many of these will start to arrive early in the week beginning 10
November.
Changes to public transport timetabling in the CBD and South Bank should be expected during
the long weekend (14-16 November), and the re-routing and early termination of some services
may cause delays.
Some temporary road closures are required leading up to and during the summit, specifically in
the CBD and South Bank, as well as routes to and from the airport. Some changes will occur to
on-street parking, taxi ranks and bus stops.
Download the guide at www.police.qld.gov.au
Global cafe drives business agenda
With the G20 Leaders Summit fast approaching, activity is ramping up around the city to ensure
Brisbane reaps the long-term economic benefits.
Businesses can now register their interest in attending the Brisbane Global Cafe at City Hall on
the 12 and 13 November. The event will provide local businesses and leaders with access to
thought provoking discussions that will help drive Brisbane’s development and provide an
enduring legacy to businesses and visitors. It will also feature speakers, workshops and media
conferences.
So far, confirmed speakers include Chief Scientist of Israel Avi Hassan, Tourism Vancouver CEO
Rick Antonson, and MGM China Holdings Co-Chair and Executive Director Pansy Ho.
Ten sessions will be run over the two days, with Chairs appointed to lead conversations on five
key topics: Improving Human Life; Cities of the Future; Tourism New Frontiers; Powering Future
Economies; and The Digital Age – Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Chairs include Team Brisbane
ambassador and Brisbane cervical cancer pioneer, Professor Ian Frazer.
A series of lead-up events and online discussion forums will be scheduled between now and the
G20 Leaders Summit.
Visit www.brisbaneglobalcafe.com
Local businesses explore new markets
A delegation of more than 50 business representatives led by the Lord Mayor has returned from a
successful mission to Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Hyderabad and Singapore.
The delegation of representatives from a range of industry sectors travelled to the cities from 9-20
September seeking new business opportunities. The visit to Abu Dhabi celebrated the fifth
anniversary of the Abu Dhabi and Brisbane sister city relationship while the relationship with
Hyderabad was established in 2010.
The goal of the mission was to build profitable and long lasting business relationships, attract
foreign investment to Brisbane, and generate trade and export opportunities for local companies.
In 2013, the Lord Mayor's Business Mission generated $230 million in commercial returns.
Solar Farmers Chairman Craig Balmanno made a major breakthrough in the Chinese market
following his attendance last year, with amajor contract secured. This represents the first time an
Australian solar engineering company has won a contract of this size.
If your company is interested in exploring opportunities in Brisbane’s nine sister cities, email
internationalrelations@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Eat Safe dishing out success with food businesses
Eat Safe is supporting food businesses to achieve high standards through its incentive-based
rating system.
All food businesses are audited and receive a rating of up to five stars based on compliance with
food safety legislation and best management practices.
Compliant businesses with three stars and above can promote their rating on Council’s website
and receive free marketing materials. These businesses also pay lower annual licence fees, with
five star operators receiving the biggest discount.
Audit frequencies are also linked to the rating system, with fewer mandatory inspections for very
good and excellent performers. Zero and two star operators are inspected at least every six
months, while five star operators are inspected every 36 months.
This rewards high performing businesses by reducing red tape and regulatory burden, while
Council works closely with poorly performing and non-compliant businesses to assist them in
understanding food safety and help them to achieve compliance.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search Eat Safe or call 133 BNE (133
263).
Free events to boost business
Looking to start a new business, or to obtain information and advice to grow an existing venture?
The 2014-15 Lord Mayor’s Business Forums and Business Excellence Workshops are a great
opportunity to gain practical advice from industry leaders and make lasting connections with likeminded businesspeople. The Lord Mayor’s Business Forums also have Council officers in
attendance to answer questions on everything from licensing to local laws.
Over the coming year, eight Business Forums and four Business Excellence Workshops will be
held across the city, with venues and dates to be announced on Council’s website progressively.
Business forums provide a great opportunity for business owners to network and share success
stories.
The next two Business Forums will take place on We4dnesday 22 October at Wynnum Central
and Thursday 6 November at Carseldine, with a Business Excellence Workshop also scheduled
for Wednesday 29 October at Colmslie.
For more information, or to register your interest in attending, email
economic_development@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Fortitude Valley emerging as prime business location
Fortitude Valley is fast becoming known as a key business location driven by a growing
residential population, strong transport network and close proximity to the city centre.
In the 12 months ending 31 March 2014, 401 dwelling units in new residential buildings were
approved and the total value of non-residential building approvals was $69 million.
Increased commercial floor space is driving a strong day-time economy, with more office-based
businesses setting up and a growing retail and hospitality sector emerging to service residents
and employees.
For those considering establishing a business in Fortitude Valley, the Brisbane Inner City
Investment Prospectus includes population, business information, employment and floor space
forecasts while the Outdoor Dining Guide offers information on operating outdoor dining facilities
in Brunswick Street and Chinatown malls.
Until 31 January 2015, businesses can also apply to run free promotional activities on Brunswick
Street or Chinatown malls. Email malls.management@brisbane.qld.gov.au to apply.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 133 BNE (133 263).
Case study: entrepreneur identifies development locations
Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Award winner Igor Stjepanovic is helping organisations take
advantage of location technology (known as GIS) through his company, GIS People.
“Location is the core element of our solutions. Using location intelligence we help clients identify
and map the best places for property development projects, recycling centres, new transport
corridors andmore using the latest mapping technology,” Igor says.
“We identify sites spatially based on factors like demographics, proximity of hospitals, transport
links, shopping centres and other facilities. We also build mobile apps to allow users to take this
information into the field.”
The 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year arrived in Australia in 1996 from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He
spoke little English but wasted no time in bringing himself up to speed while enrolling at QUT to
study computer science.
He launched GIS People in 2010, equipped with a career in geospatial software systems in the
public and private sector.
Igor encourages entrepreneurs to identify a niche market, validate their ideas with customers,
and chase their dreams.
“Make sure you enjoy what you’re doing and be prepared for a lot of hard work along the way.”
Visit www.gispeople.com.au
G20 webinar keeps businesses informed
On Tuesday 14 October, Queensland Police Service (QPS) will present an update on the
implications of the G20 Leaders Summit for Brisbane businesses.
This free one hour webinar will provide you with updates on traffic management, public transport
arrangements and security areas. It will also provide insights to the G20 planning process, the
impacts on business and the community, and explain how the QPS will deliver safety and security
– not only for the summit but for the community as a whole during this period.
The overall planning for the G20 Leaders Summit will be coordinated by the Commonwealth
Government Taskforce (G20 Taskforce) as part of the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet. The G20 Taskforce is responsible for the overall planning and coordination of security
for G20 in consultation and partnership with the QPS and other Commonwealth, State and Local
Government agencies including Council.
Date: Tuesday, 14 October
Time: 12 noon-1pm
To register, visit the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) website
www.cciq.com.au/events
The Spring Hill Draft Renewal Strategy is open for consultation - To view the draft
strategy and provide feedback, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/springhillplan
Events
16 October: EMSA (Email Marketing Summit Australia) – Tickets $295. For new and seasoned
email marketers, Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre, 8.30am-5pm,
www.emsaustralia.com.au
29 October: Building an effective Digital Strategy for your business – members $35, nonmembers $50. Business breakfast, 7-9am, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Wickham
Terrace, to register visit www.cciq.com.au/events
12 November: Brisbane City Plan Talk to a Planner session – FREE . Learn more about City
Plan. Kedron Wavell RSL, Chermside, 2-4pm and 5-7pm, www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
17 November: Power Up Business Program – Intermediate – FREE. Use digital to better manage
your business. News Corp Australia, Bowen Hills, 5.30-8pm, www.digitalbrisbane.com.au
Council is continually working on plans and strategies to support innovation and economic
growth. Your feedback is highly valued.
Contact Council’s Business Hotline 133 BNE (133 263), email
economic_development@brisbane.qld.gov.au
or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au