Over the last couple of years, our local businesses have had it tough, but it’s really brought into focus just how vital they are to not only our local economy but the lifestyle we all enjoy.

Being able to grab a coffee around the corner, do your shopping down the road or getting a job in your own neighbourhood, makes our community a more liveable place. We need our local businesses thriving to make this a reality. 

People choose to run businesses on the Northern Beaches for all sorts of reasons and while it’s a great place to do business, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Some of these include:

• Traffic congestion
• Finding the right staff
• Absence of a major CBD
• Current pressure on existing industrial lands, making it hard to find affordable business space.

We’ve spoken to over 100 local businesses and have aimed to tackle these issues with our Business on the Beaches Strategy which highlights what makes our local economy distinct and sets out what sort of economy we want for the future. It outlines how we can create a more diverse, innovative, vibrant and green economy, over the next decade and beyond.  

Now it’s your turn – whether you’re a business owner, local resident or visitor, read the strategy and let us know what you think before Sunday 26 March.