Stories in this series:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
HORSHAM businesses believe population growth is key to ensuring business viability.
Business Horsham has released the results of its latest business sentiment survey, which ran in June and July.
The biannual survey asks whether businesses expect the Australian economy and the region’s economy to improve in the next six months, and how business owners expect their industry to perform in that time.
Each time the survey runs, Business Horsham also includes a series of questions about a timely topic.
Business Horsham representative and survey co-ordinator Brian Watts said the latest questions focused on Horsham’s population growth.
“We asked people whether Horsham’s population needed to grow to attract a broader range of services and generate more employment opportunities, and 83 per cent of the respondents said yes,” he said.
”We also asked, ‘Is population growth essential for you to grow your business?’
“More than 60 per cent of people said yes.”
Mr Watts said the survey also asked businesses what factors might contribute to people leaving the city, and what councils and state and federal governments could do to help retain and increase population.
“We found diverse answers but also some common themes coming through,” he said.
“The lack of employment opportunities and quality education options were seen as the leading reasons for people leaving the district.
“High on respondents’ priority lists for increasing population were a rail service, better health services, greater support from council for existing and new businesses, and decentralisation of government departments.”
Mr Watts said the survey also focused on infrastructure within Horsham’s central business district.
More than half of the respondents believed a town square – among the initiatives Horsham Rural City Council is considering – would help attract people into the CBD, and encourage them stay longer once there.
“In regards to a town square location, 56 per cent of respondents thought Roberts Avenue was ideal,” Mr Watts said.
Mr Watts will speak about population challenges and how they relate to business at a Victorian Population Policy Taskforce meeting in Horsham today. Business Horsham will host the event.