The region's business community has been given a forum to tell Council what it wants and needs to succeed.
 
Cairns Regional Council has started distribution of a survey aimed at identifying issues faced by local businesses so they can be addressed in strategic economic development planning.
 
The survey is being sent via email to more than 21,000 businesses across the region at a rate of 1,000 a day. Recipients are urged to take the time to complete and return the questionnaires.
 
“The survey takes around 12 minutes to complete and responses are confidential and anonymous,” said Council’s Economic Development Manager Fiona Wilson.
 
“It is a practically-focussed survey aiming to get information about business needs and issues they are facing.
 
“Areas of focus include business development needs, broadband needs, home-based businesses and business confidence.
 
“The information we get will provide direct input into the development of Council’s economic development strategies, business plans and projects for the next two to three years.”
 
The survey period runs for four weeks and the more respondents, the greater the business input into future planning procedures.