Reimagining the future of

Gold Coast jobs

Dear ,

Moncrieff is the business engine room of the Gold Coast. It has been hit hard by the pandemic-caused recession we are now in. The record fall of real GDP by 7% for the June quarter underlines the significant change it has made to our national economy. The data shows that unemployment would have been 5% higher if it wasn’t for over $300bn in economic support packages from the Morrison Government. Programs including JobKeeper and JobSeeker have kept people going, especially in the face of the harsh border closures by the Queensland State Government.

The record levels of support will be tapered down as businesses get going again. The opportunity is ours on the Gold Coast to create a bright future. We need to grow new and emerging industries in parallel with rebuilding established industries. As Chair of the City Heart Taskforce, I have been working with stakeholders to support our local entrepreneurial spirit to create jobs. The taskforce recently delivered the Gold Coast Reimagine Forum (a COVIDSafe event) at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, to reignite the thinking of our business leaders and reimagine the future of the Gold Coast for jobs, skills and industry.

Many of the concepts generated or furthered at the forum have great potential. One such opportunity, as advocated by Geoff Smith from Sports Gold Coast, is to position the Coast as the ‘Home of Australian Women’s Sport’. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to shape actions and support businesses to generate the jobs that families need, because families are the fabric of our community.

When you choose a local small business you are supporting local jobs. Gold Coast small business needs your support now more than ever. The Go Local First campaign, led by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, is funded by the Morrison Government. For more info visit the website golocalfirst.com.au

If you would like your business to be featured on my facebook page, contact my office to organise your own ‘Love Your Local’ video.

Angie Bell MP
Federal Member for Moncrieff

Local Jobs Program

The Morrison Government recently announced the $62.8 million Local Jobs Program to support regions including the Gold Coast. The program will assist Gold Coasters with reskilling, upskilling and setting up employment pathways for local job seekers. A local employment facilitator will be appointed and work with the City Heart Taskforce and will be able to hit the ground running due to the work already done at the Gold Coast Reimagine Forum.

The Local Jobs Plan will combine local insights from the City Heart Taskforce and the appointed employment facilitator using data from the National Skills Commission. The National Skills Commission is part of the Government’s $585 million package, Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow. The Locals Jobs Plan will then be the basis for applications for the funding for specific projects.

Mobile Office

Please visit my mobile office if you would like to discuss any issues or concerns you may have. I’ll be at the Maid of Sker, Bischof Pioneer Park at 40 Nerang St, Nerang, at 2.00 pm on Thursday 24 September. Please remember to social distance.