Southport
News

We’re excited to welcome our 2025–2026 Board of Directors! This new leadership team brings fresh ideas and continued commitment to supporting business growth and fostering collaboration across the Southport community.

The Southport Priority Development Area (PDA) is a key initiative driving the transformation of Southport into the vibrant Central Business District (CBD) of the Gold Coast. Declared under Queensland’s Economic Development Act 2012, the PDA aims to deliver economic growth, attract investment, and create spaces that benefit the local community.

The Southport Chamber AGM + Rooftop Networking brought together members and guests for an evening of connection, celebration, and community at Tryp Southport — a great mix of business insights, networking, and rooftop views.

The Mooncake Festival lit up Davenport and Young Streets with dazzling performances, delicious street food, and a vibrant display of community spirit — a true celebration of culture and connection. 🌕✨

Local writers are invited to join a productive and supportive writing community each Sunday at Southport Library. The free, volunteer-led program is designed to help Gold Coast writers cultivate their writing habits while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Broadbeach is set to come alive with the sounds of country music this October as the Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) makes its highly anticipated return.

The next wave of digital innovation is here, and Queensland businesses can’t afford to be left behind. As rising costs, stalled productivity and evolving expectations reshape workplaces, the question is no longer if change will happen, but how fast businesses can adapt.

All current members are hereby notified that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Southport Chamber of Commerce Inc will be held on 16 October 2025

Every year, communities across the world gather to celebrate the Mooncake Festival — a joyful occasion filled with vibrant colours, rich traditions, and the spirit of togetherness. This year, Southport Chinatown is bringing that magic to the Gold Coast, transforming its streets into a bustling hub of culture, food, music, and celebration.

The U.S. has introduced new tariff rates under an Executive Order signed on 31 July 2025. These changes are significant for Queensland exporters.

The City of Gold Coast continues to monitor water quality at 25 of our most popular swimming areas to ensure our beaches, rivers, and lakes remain safe for locals and visitors.

The Southport Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the formation of the Chinatown Gold Coast Taskforce, a new sub-committee dedicated to revitalising Chinatown as a must-visit cultural and community destination.

If you live, work, or visit Southport regularly, it’s important to stay across the current parking rules and permit options. Here's a quick summary of key information about the Southport Traffic Area and parking regulations:

The City of Gold Coast is continuing its strong commitment to building a thriving and sustainable local economy, with an $87 million investment in 2025–26 to support its key controlled entities and economic growth initiatives.

When you have the right team, you can make the most of growth opportunities. But for many small businesses, hiring and keeping talent can be challenging.

Shared on behalf of Australia Fair

Ready to explore Asia? Dine at Australia Fair or Australia Fair Metro and you could win a dream getaway valued at over $8,000!

Business Chamber Queensland’s latest Pulse Business Conditions Report reveals a key challenge for many businesses: attracting and retaining suitably qualified employees.

Experience Gold Coast invites industry partners to a Virtual Industry Update this Friday, March 14, from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM. This session will provide key details on the planned recovery marketing activity following the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Supporting Businesses & Residents Through Recovery

Due to demand, our expert workplace team will host a second webinar this week, to help disaster impacted businesses across the state to manage your workforce following a disaster.

As we begin another exciting year for the Chamber, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our members for their unwavering support and active engagement.

The Southport Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to an evening of festivities as we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake.

📢 Have Your Say on Cash Payments!

Queensland small and family businesses, share your challenges with red tape and help shape reforms to make it easier for you to grow. Your feedback is crucial in creating a more business-friendly environment. Submit by 10 March!

The City of Gold Coast is currently reviewing its regulatory approach to the display of goods for sale on Council-controlled footways.

Pulse Survey of business conditions now open: What did the December quarter mean for businesses in your region?

All current members are hereby notified that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Southport Chamber of Commerce Inc will be held on (Insert time and date).

The City is investigating a proposed world class arena as the next major project to solidify the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s entertainment capitals.

Join the Gold Coast North and Southport Chambers of Commerce for an exciting meet and greet at The Club Parkwood Village!

With the election just four days away, the prospect of a change of government gives a golden opportunity to discuss your expectations from a potential LNP government. As your local representative, I am committed to ensuring our community’s voice is heard.

The Southport Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to the following donors for their generous contributions to the Gold Coast Business Breakfast – Artificial Intelligence held on May 23, 2024. Your support is greatly appreciated and plays a significant role in our community’s success.

A new City of Gold Coast organisation focused on tourism, events, arts and culture, and education outcomes for the city.

For the last eight weeks, Councillors and City executives have been buried in budget discussions. There is nothing more important than respecting our rate payers’ money— delivering for the city now, and for our future. The 2024/25 City Budget was adopted by Council today, 7 June. We have honoured our commitment to keeping net rates and charges increases under inflation.

One of the first things I did when elected was introduce the Southport Community Consultative Committee (SCCC). The committee ran for many years until meetings stopped in 2022.

Business owners and HR professionals, tickets are selling fast for our Workplace Relations Conference: Understanding the new employment landscape.

It is great to be back, SCOC!

Families across the Gold Coast have felt the grip of the cost-of-living crisis more than ever. With every expense soaring in price far beyond what families can afford, many are falling into debt just to survive. The December Quarter Consumer Price Index paints a stark picture, revealing Queenslanders are enduring the steepest increases in essential costs compared to the rest of Australia.

Join us for Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM) this May as we celebrate the 482,000 small businesses operating across our state. QSBM recognises it takes considerable dedication to run a business year-round, and the month presents a fantastic opportunity to build connections, acquire new skills, and encourage public support for our hard-working small businesses.

0ur expertise lies in providing essential recruitment support, crucial for the seamless functioning of any organisation. Utilising state-of-the-art testing and assessment tools, we ensure efficient recruitment processes tailored to your needs, from senior placements to temporary assignments.

The 'Back to Work' program provides financial and non-financial support to Queensland employers and jobseekers facing disadvantage. Employers have access to two support payments:

We are thrilled to welcome aboard our dynamic new board members, bringing a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to drive the Southport business community forward. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to fostering growth and innovation, our newly appointed members are poised to lead us into an exciting chapter of collaboration and success.

GCBizHub offers a variety of meeting rooms for you to choose from. Our meeting rooms are versatile, multi-purpose work settings that are perfect for teamwork, private meetings and creative collaboration.

In the shadow of escalating concerns around youth crime within our community, the upcoming Youth Justice Reform Select Committee public hearing in Southport cannot come soon enough. As members of the Southport Chamber of Commerce, deeply invested in the prosperity and safety of our community, this hearing represents an opportunity to have our voices heard.

It is my pleasure to welcome in the new Chamber Committee led by President, Trevor Bruger. I wish you all the very best.

Great news! We are hosting a webinar in February 2024 for those businesses who missed our in-person 2023 Growing Queensland Business Roadshow.

Free, practical information to support your business recovery

The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced further assistance for Queenslanders impacted by the SEQ storms on Christmas night.

Severe thunderstorms have impacted communities in South-East Queensland including the Gold Coast.

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

For over 110 years, the Southport Chamber of Commerce have believed in the potential of Southport as a strong central business district. This belief has not waivered.

All current members are hereby notified that the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Southport Chamber of Commerce Inc will be held on Tuesday 12 December 2023 at 7:00am.

After-tax income for every Australian household has fallen by 5.1 percent this last financial year - making it the worst plunge among developed nations. Australian incomes are going backwards with surging mortgage rates and elevated inflation causing pay levels to drop. Australia's household debt to income ratio of 197.6 percent is also the highest in the world, after Switzerland.

It was a pleasure to join the Mayor for his Sustainable Business Forum for Gold Coast Business Week at Southport Sharks.

We need your insight to better understand business conditions in Queensland.

A new multimillion-dollar centre for science and medical excellence has the green light to move forward on the Gold Coast.

Local developer Niecon recently received development approval for its landmark Gold Coast Life Sciences Centre.

There are pivotal moments in one's career that encapsulate the purpose and passion of public service, and the progression of Common Ground on the Gold Coast is undoubtedly one of them for me.

Published Friday, 08 September, 2023 at 10:20 AM

Gold Coast Women in Business Awards 2023

It was great to catch up with so many members at Carafe Wine – a fantastic venue we are lucky to have here in Southport.

Latest results of the March Quarter Pulse Survey indicates that Queensland business confidence in the performance of the national and state economies remains weak.

Upon reviewing the recent budget, I can't help but express my disappointment. It's a missed opportunity, to say the least. What we needed were bold and substantial commitments, not superficial promises that fall short.

On the back of the recent Colliers report stating the CBD has enormous potential for growth, I am delighted to inform you of our fully funded plans to transform Woodroffe Park into a new CBD Civic Square destination.

Share your views and help us build more inclusive support for small businesses.

The Queensland Government, through the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training (DYJESBT) and the Department of Environment and Science (DES), has engaged Ernst & Young (trading as EY Sweeney) to conduct a survey of small businesses owned by migrants about their experiences of running a business in Queensland.

Co- working is a flexible, cost-effective solution to finding office space – without the commitment or rigidity of long-term office leases. It helps combat the isolation of working from home, and surrounds you with a network of professionals who are also working remotely or freelancing for themselves.

A study is being undertaken of the Southport CBD to inform a Southport Walking Network Plan. The study aims to identify ways to encourage and promote walking and other active travel options for locals and visitors.

I am thrilled to share the recent success of our last Young Leaders Program event, featuring David Crisafulli MP, Leader of the Opposition, as our special guest! The event left a lasting impact on our young leaders, who were inspired by David's insights on leadership and making a positive difference in our community.

Free seminar for Gold Coast businesses struggling with skill shortages

RDA Gold Coast, our Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee, the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce and the Australian Department of Home Affairs have joined forces to organise a free seminar for Gold Coast businesses struggling to fill job vacancies:

We need your insight to understand where you see potential future growth opportunities in Queensland.

I am thrilled to share with you an amazing initiative that has been doing incredible work in our local community - Little Grubbs. I am so happy that we have this organisation in Southport that provides essential support to children and families impacted by neuro-developmental conditions, disabilities, special needs, and challenging behavioural issues.

The MBA Partnership charity golf day in support of the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation is the perfect opportunity to strengthen brand awareness amongst Gold Coast and Brisbane locals, whilst also aligning your business with an important cause!

More social housing, increased police presence, improved sales revenue and new developments for Southport.

We’ve been working with Queensland businesses for more than a decade to understand how regulatory burden, or red tape, impacts you.

The Workforce Planning Course is proudly supported by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, in partnership with Jobs Queensland.

Receive an entry into our Easter Special Draw – for every paid booking in our coworking space and meeting rooms you will receive an entry into our Easter Hamper Promotion.

ENTITIES REVIEW – EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST

The City of Gold Coast will be joining its five largest funded and controlled entities following a resolution made at the 24 February Special Council Meeting.

Many locals have expressed their concerns with me recently about escalating youth crime and anti-social behaviour in our community. I have also been listening to locals about how the cost of living continues to be an issue that is not being treated. I have been listening and am working to hold the government accountable for their lack of action.

The Central Gold Coast Volunteer Awards recognise volunteers who inspire others and enrich our community through their contributions. The awards seek to publicly thank and celebrate volunteers for their selfless service.

Residents and community members going about their daily lives have a right to feel safe. In response to community concern, Police have formulated an operation utilising current legislation to BAN REPEAT OFFENDERS FROM THE SOUTHPORT CBD.

The new paid Family and Domestic Violence leave entitlement commences today, 1 February 2023.

This means that all full time, part time and casual employees now, from today’s date, have an accrual of 10 days of paid leave per each 12-month period.

Gold Coast recent school leavers and other locals looking to upskill or change careers are being encouraged to enrol in one of the 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE places available across Queensland in 2023.

𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞

𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞

Ensure your bookkeeping is up to date for 2022 so you don’t have to spend time chasing your tail next year.

Throughout the course of 2022, you may have attended an event across Southport from the CBD Sundown series. These have been running on the last Friday of every month, and have included:

Every year I host a lunch for kids in need during the Christmas period.

CCIQ is calling on Southport Chamber businesses to complete a short survey on IR Reforms before COB Monday. This will allow CCIQ to better understand how businesses feel about the proposed IR changes. See below brief outline of IR changes and how this can affect businesses, or refer to our recent blog posts on our website that provides further information about this bill.

The Queensland Government provides specific support for the small business sector.

Please be reminded that the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Southport Chamber of Commerce Inc will be held today, Tuesday 22nd November 2020 at 5:00pm.

Seismic shifts to Australia’s workplace relations system announced by the federal government today will increase strikes, create more complexity, and lead to higher unemployment, amid an increasingly challenging international economic outlook.

Last week in Parliament I spoke on the Albanese Government’s Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 to highlight the disastrous consequences that this Bill will have on small and medium sized businesses across the country, especially on the Gold Coast.

Both Gold and Corporate Members of the Southport Chamber of Commerce are given the opportunity to donate a raffle prize for the events of the chamber. We are currently putting together our list of Prizes and donors and ask for kind donation.

Offer Extended - In a city first, the Southport Chamber of Commerce launched a new initiative in 2020 to help Gold Coast businesses.

The initiative will see annual membership fees waived for new and existing Gold Coast businesses who join the Southport Chamber before 31st December 2022

This initiative is open to all Gold Coast businesses, no matter what industry or size, with a focus on those trading within Southport and it’s surrounds.

Throughout estimates and in every media and ministerial statement, the Premier continually refers to unprecedented and unexpected growth as the excuse for our current housing, health, and transport crisis. These are the three biggest issues I hear about from Southport locals, from homelessness to ambulance ramping, Southport is not immune to the poor management of our state, and the lack of appropriate social housing investment is exacerbating our homelessness problem.

Community consultation surrounding our Southport PDA development scheme review continues since discussed in the previous update. Just recently, our City Planning officers held a workshop inviting local business and industry stakeholders to have their say about current issues and the future of the PDA.

Small Business Wellness Coaches

Business can access support from small business wellness coaches to help you find the right service available and also refer you to a specialist service provider for support to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and provide flexible business support.

Supported by Australian Retirement Trust

Throughout estimates and in every media and ministerial statement, the Premier continually refers to unprecedented and unexpected growth as the excuse for our current housing, health, and transport crisis. These are the three biggest issues I hear about from Southport locals, from homelessness to ambulance ramping, Southport is not immune to the poor management of our state, and the lack of appropriate social housing investment is exacerbating our homelessness problem.

You are hereby notified that the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Southport Chamber of Commerce Inc will be held on Tuesday 22nd November 2020 at 5:00pm.

Don't miss out: CCIQ's September quarter Pulse Survey closes soon

Southport Chamber of Commerce Members Special Offer

For current members of the Southport Chamber of Commerce, we have the following Special Offer - Book any meeting room and receive a complimentary café style coffee for each attendee.

For more details and to book, see our easy to use online booking system

Valid to 30 November 2022

Despite widely varying opinions about the status of SARS-Cov-2 and the reticence around public health care, Australian businesses (and the economy) continue to be battered by Covid-induced absenteeism and disruption. Sick leave from fever and coughs is already five times last year’s levels, with the latest Flu Tracking data showing 2.25 per cent of people off work from sickness, compared with the five-year average of 1.5 per cent.

It is no secret that I have had concerns with the effectiveness of the Southport PDA (Priority Development Area) planning scheme. Its intent is to generate growth in the CBD by removing development barriers and increasing investment opportunities. It is debatable whether it is has delivered on this over the past decade. That is why I have requested a review of the scheme to see how we can make it fit for service for the future of our CBD.

Changes are on the horizon for Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2, the next stage of the STP journey.

About Sonic HealthPlus

Feddersen Consulting Group (FCG) is a family-owned business, led by Andrew Feddersen, Murray Feddersen and Linda Stanton, providing a range of compliance support services to clients seeking to achieve and/or maintain certification to applicable management system standards.

With four decades of experience delivering commercial and industrial projects across a range of sectors, our organisation employs over 300 skilled individuals working on building sites or in our offices on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Throughout the CBD, many infrastructure and street works are being planned and undertaken. These works will play an important part in elevating our areas, building a sense of community through communal spaces we can all be proud of.

While the Gold Coast’s education sector is recovering faster than anticipated the number of international students hasn’t yet reached pre-COVID levels. We know that the Gold Coast is still a very popular global study destination, possibly even more so than it was prior to the pandemic given the relatively low rate of infection here coupled with a highly resourced and well-regarded health system.

Business performance improves in June quarter but Queensland and national economy outlook deteriorates

It has been a huge month for Southport with a number of events and activities taking place across the business community.

The Gold Coast Business Hub’s latest addition is GCBizHub Surfers Paradise, located just a block away from the beach at Elkhorn Centre West. There are 8 serviced offices available suitable for from 1 to 4 people per office.

Iconic Gold Coast shopping precinct, Australia Fair, has received development approval for an exciting revamp that will see the centre’s northern end redevelopment commence today, 27th July.

As local businesses will no doubt confirm, homelessness and housing stress are on the rise on the Gold Coast, as it is in many parts of Queensland.

As people are aware, the power to address homelessness as well as anti-social behaviour on our streets is with the State Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, and the Police. Council has established its own homelessness action plan and public space liaison officer program to engage and connect to resources but that only works if those State government resources are forthcoming. The issue is the Gold Coast is not getting its fair share of emergency accommodation.

I begin this month’s Presidents Update with a big welcome to our new Gold Members, Small Business Expo, Rob Molhoek Member for Southport and Feddersen Consulting Group. I’m delighted that we have now exceeded the opportunity for Gold Membership, with all 12 spaces now occupied by local businesses.

Since elected I have been championing for a significant event to be held in our CBD to showcase its potential. That is why I am so delighted to partner with Placemakers* Gold Coast in bringing the inaugural event, BIG CITY LIGHTS* festival to our patch.

Southport Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Vice President - Membership Lorraine Lovatt who will be sleeping out at her 7th Sleepout this year. There is only just over 2 weeks to go until this year’s CEO Sleepout on Thursday 23 June when Lorraine will again be sleeping on the concrete on a piece of cardboard at CBUS Super Stadium as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout® 2022.

Latest results indicated that the Gold Coast businesses are confident that the future of the state and national economies will remarkedly improve. However, it is important to note that the turnaround is off a low base and actual business performance is reported to remain low.

As a member of the Southport Chamber of Commerce you have the opportunity to donate a raffle prize for the event, we are currently putting together our list of Prizes and donors and ask for kind donation.