THE Queensland Government’s 2026-27 State Budget has delivered several measures aimed at easing cost pressures, supporting workforce development and investing in critical infrastructure, providing some welcome certainty for businesses across the Redlands Coast.
However, the Budget arrives at a time when business confidence remains under significant pressure.
The latest Business Chamber Queensland Pulse Survey revealed business confidence recorded its steepest decline in more than 20 years, falling below levels experienced during the Global Financial Crisis and highlighting the difficult environment many businesses continue to navigate.
Across Queensland, businesses reported rising operating costs, workforce shortages, insurance premiums, energy expenses and increasing regulatory complexity as key barriers to growth.
Many businesses have also delayed hiring and investment decisions due to on-going economic uncertainty and softer consumer spending.
These challenges are familiar to many businesses throughout the Redlands Coast, where housing affordability, workforce attraction, transport connectivity and rising operational costs continue to influence business growth and investment decisions.
One of the key announcements for business is the Queensland Government’s commitment to no new or increased taxes across the forward estimates period.
For many businesses, certainty around future tax settings provides greater confidence when planning investment, purchasing equipment or considering expansion opportunities.
The legislated abolition of payroll tax on general practitioners, commonly referred to as the “Patient Tax”, is also expected to provide relief for local medical practices and allied health providers while supporting ongoing access to healthcare services across the region.
Several cost-of-living measures announced in the Budget may also deliver indirect benefits to local businesses.
The two-year freeze on South East Queensland bulk water prices provides greater predictability for businesses managing utility costs, particularly those in hospitality, landscaping, nursery operations and other water-intensive sectors.
The continuation of 50-cent public transport fares is expected to reduce commuting costs for workers across the region, while supporting workforce mobility and easing household budget pressures.
While these measures are primarily targeted at residents, they may help alleviate some of the broader cost pressures affecting both employers and employees.
Business security remains a significant concern for many retailers, commercial property owners and industrial operators throughout the Redlands Coast.
The Budget includes funding through the Secure Communities Partnership Program, providing opportunities for businesses and community organisations to access support for security improvements such as CCTV systems, lighting upgrades and crime prevention measures.
Locally, funding has also been allocated towards public CCTV infrastructure in Cleveland and Capalaba, alongside anti-hooning camera technology for transport corridors servicing Mount Cotton and Sheldon.
Improving community safety is an important economic issue, with businesses identifying crime and security concerns as factors impacting investment confidence and customer activity.
The Budget also contains several infrastructure investments that have the potential to support local jobs, procurement opportunities and long-term economic growth.
Key local projects include:
- $150 million for Stage 2 of the Redland Hospital Expansion, including a new Mental Health and Allied Health facility.
- Investment in security and CCTV infrastructure across Cleveland, Capalaba, Mount Cotton and Sheldon.
- Funding for the Russell Island Marine Centre of Excellence to support maritime skills development and workforce training.
- Investment in network battery infrastructure to improve energy resilience and support future growth across the region.
These projects are expected to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and service providers while contributing to the region’s future economic capacity.
While the Budget includes broader housing and infrastructure initiatives, workforce availability remains a significant challenge facing local businesses.
Feedback from businesses across the Redlands continues to highlight the connection between housing supply, connectivity, affordability and workforce attraction.
Many employers report difficulties recruiting and retaining staff due to housing pressures and transport limitations.
Addressing these issues will remain critical to supporting business growth and ensuring the region can meet future workforce demands.
