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August 2025
Business on Redlands Coast
Economic development updates to support local businesses.
Digital solutions workshops for business
Redland City Council is partnering with the Digital Solutions Program and local chambers of commerce to deliver free workshops for business owners to gain new skills in Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital know-how.
Practical AI Workshop – with Straddie Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday 19 August 2025
10am to 12pm
St Stradbroke, 9 Ballow Rd, Dunwich
Register
Practical Digital and AI Workshop – with Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
Thursday 21 August 2025
9.30am to 11.30am
44 Jardine Drive, Redlands Business Park, Redland Bay
Register
Council supports chambers of commerce
Redland City Council has signed targeted funding agreements with the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, Straddie Chamber of Commerce, and Southern Moreton Bay Islands Chamber of Commerce for the 2025–2026 financial year, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening local business communities. The agreements outline deliverables such as hosting business events, fostering disaster resilience, and delivering the Redlands Coast Business Excellence Awards, and complement a broader program of support that includes participation in the Queensland Small Business Friendly program, the launch of the Redlands Coast Local Retail and Activation Toolkit, and regular business workshops and networking events. With more than 12,800 registered businesses on Redlands Coast—97.9 per cent of them small businesses—Council is committed to fostering an environment where local enterprises can thrive, employ residents, attract investment, and provide essential goods and services.
Procurement opportunities for 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
GIICA has opened Expressions of Interest for a Delivery Partner to provide a broad range of program management services to support the delivery of 2032 Games venues and infrastructure.
The announcement was made at a GIICA Industry Briefing where the private sector was invited to partner in delivering the venues and infrastructure outlined in the Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan.
Registrations of Interest have also opened for design and construction supports for the 17 new and upgraded Games venues to be delivered throughout the state.
Both the EOI for Games Delivery Partner and ROI for venues design and construction open today and close in 2 weeks. GIICA intend to appoint a Delivery Partner by the end of 2025.
Interested organisations can apply though QTenders or the GIICA website.
Business workshops and events
Membership event: Speed Networking
Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Speed Networking & Meet Your Chamber event at 11am Friday 22 August 2025, offering members the opportunity to meet the Chamber, learn about its role and benefits, connect with local businesses, gain networking tips and tricks, and take part in engaging speed networking sessions.
Export Readiness Webinar Series for First Nations Businesses
To be delivered by the Export Council of Australia, this webinar series is specifically designed for First Nations businesses looking to expand into export markets. The sessions will also be a chance for you to connect with other local businesses who are looking at export opportunities.
ATO Masterclass - Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The Australian Taxation Office is hosting a GST and reporting requirements webinar at 12pm Monday 25 August 2025 as part of its small business Masterclass series. The session complements the ATO’s free online learning platform, Essentials to strengthen your small business, which offers practical guidance on business planning, finances, record keeping, tax, superannuation, and starting a business.
Exploring Facebook and Instagram advertising
Learn how to maximise your social media reach in an online workshop from 1pm to 3pm Tuesday 19 August 2025, hosted by Regional Business HQ. Presented by Danielle Taylor, the session will cover Facebook and Instagram advertising—from simple boosted posts to advanced Meta campaigns—exploring goals, audience targeting, campaign objectives, and more.
Business support
Applications now open for $180.6 million sovereign industry fund
The QLD Government has opened applications for its $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund to boost Queensland’s Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries. The Fund will support investment-ready projects that build sovereign capability, create secure jobs, and attract private investment, focusing on manufacturing, service capabilities, and infrastructure that deliver broad industry benefits.
Redlands Coast on the move
Redland City Council wants your ideas on improving how we get around. Whether you walk, cycle, scoot, use public transport or drive, share your thoughts to help shape the future of transport on the Redlands Coast.
Food Square Mumbai
Trade and Investment Queensland will showcase products from local companies during the Premier’s upcoming visit to India, with a one-week promotion at Food Square Mumbai from 30 August to 7 September 2025, inaugurated by the Honourable Premier. Businesses interested in exploring export opportunities to India are invited to display their products at no cost for promotion during this event.
Business grants schedule
Queensland Government periodically provides grants to help Queensland small businesses continue to grow and thrive. Check out the small business grants schedule for more information and key dates.
Instant insights!
Did you know that Redland City’s unemployment rate edged up to 3.4% in the March 2025 quarter, compared with 3.0% in December 2024. While this uptick signals a mild softening in local labour demand, the region still outperforms both Queensland’s state-wide average (4.0%) and the broader Regional Queensland rate (3.8%). For employers, this suggests a talent market that remains tight, but with slightly more availability than late last year—potentially easing some hiring pressures For policymakers and investors, Redland’s relative resilience points to stronger local economic fundamentals, supported by stable population growth and diversified industry activity.
If the gap between Redland and state unemployment trends persists, the city may retain its competitive edge in attracting new business investment, especially in sectors reliant on skilled labour.
If you want to learn more about the local economy, contact us or visit the Economy ID page for Redland City.
Council welcomes Darren Harrison
Redland City Council welcomed Darren Harrison, Service Manager Economic Strategy and Services, to the team in July 2025. Darren brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors and joins us most recently from peak industry association the Australian Industry Group. Darren's career has spanned senior roles in both the public and private sector, including economics and research consultancy AEC Group, Logan Office of Economic Development and built environment consultancy LandPartners Limited. Known for his strong leadership and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, he is set to play a key role in shaping initiatives that support Redland’s economic vitality.
