The results of a survey collating information on local investment and business in Griffith has been labelled "promising".
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Over 200 businesses took part in the Business Survey conducted over the 2019 December quarter by Griffith City Council and the Griffith Business Chamber.
The report outlines businesses and large industries are, overall, performing well. Around 42 per cent of all participants said they were happy with their business performance.
Yet 30 per cent said it wasn't their strongest year.
And despite reporting the impacts of rising power, water and slow paying customers, almost three quarters say they are looking to expand over the next five years.
Around 63 per cent of retail stores said they have been impacted by online competition.
Road transport was used by 82 per cent of participants, with 74 per cent said they've felt the pinch of the rising transport cost.
In our agricultural sector, 85 per cent said the increasing cost of water was affecting their business, with the remaining respondents dry area farmers relying on rainfall.
Many are implementing sustainable farming practices to maintain profit margins.
For the construction industry, 74 per cent are happy with their performance, 59 per cent are planning to expand, and 44 per cent are hiring apprentices and trainees.
The results of the survey and the subsequent report will help inform the development of strategies and long term plans, as well as support grant applications for our region.
- Karly Sivewright
Council's economic development coordinator Karly Sivewright said the survey will assist in determining how council can assist local businesses in the future, and analyse the current business climate.
"The results of the survey and the subsequent report will help inform the development of strategies and long term plans, as well as support grant applications for our region," she said.
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"The report will assist in providing information for major infrastructure projects as well as the long term operational and strategic decisions for council."
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said the findings will be a valuable tool for local businesses to determine opportunities and provide key information to attract investors.
"Almost all of the respondents believe innovation and technology is one of their greatest strengths," he said.
The report can be found online here.