Recently we asked our business community to tell us how they use and value Council services and facilities, and to share their concerns, priorities and ideas for the future of PAE. The purpose was to help us review our 10-year City Plan and provide input into a variety of other plans and programs. Findings from the research will help guide way we deliver services and make vital decisions for the next decade.

The following provides a summary of what we heard from the 151 businesses who recently participated in Market Research, conducted by McGregor Tan Research on behalf of Council. Thank you to all business owners who participated for your valuable contribution.

Level of Satisfaction

• A majority of respondents were satisfied with operating their business in PAE. The main factors contributing to satisfaction related to:
  • An absence of issues (43%)
  • Council’s approachability and helpfulness (19%)
  • Effective communication channels (15%)
  • Being a good location for business (15%)
• Around half agreed that Council makes it easy to operate a business (48%) and that PAE is a destination of choice to establish and operate a business (52%).
• A small proportion (11%) expressed dissatisfaction, primarily due to perceived shortcomings in interaction and support, alongside concerns about regulations and costs.

Business priority areas for focus by Council

Respondents said that they would like Council to work with businesses to:

• Concentrate on minimising costs (utilities, energy, etc), improve accessibility and parking, and on attracting visitors
• Maintain a strong customer base, sustainable business practices, robust infrastructure and transportation networks, and efficient business regulations, permits and development approvals
• Promote supply chains and advanced technologies

Resources and grants

Businesses were asked about potential support or resources that would assist them.

• Overall, the majority (79%) expressed interest in accessing at least one form of assistance. On average, respondents selected 2.2 different types of support, indicating a diverse range of preferences.
• The strongest interest was in marketing and promotional assistance for business (58%).
• Other sought-after forms of support included access to business grants (48%), business networking events (41%) as well as business advisory services (36%)

Environmentally sustainable business practices

77% of businesses recognised the importance of adopting environmentally sustainable practices. Businesses indicated a desire for support in the below areas to become more sustainable.

Perceived future challenges

Respondents expressed multifaceted concerns about the City of PAE’s future. The main concern was the rising cost of living and its adverse impact on both businesses and the local community. Issues related to the growing population and climate change were further perceived quality of life challenges.

In addition to these broader concerns, some felt there was a balance needed between facilitating necessary infrastructure development and preserving the area's unique character. There was a further desire to prevent overdevelopment while catering to the needs of the expanding population.

Respondents underscored the local challenges related to parking, roads, and traffic, and emphasised the importance of ensuring sufficient support mechanisms to attract and retain local businesses.

• Cost of living / increased prices (29%)
• Infrastructure and housing (20%)
• Parking issues / traffic / roads (19%)
• Economic growth / attracting and retaining businesses (11%)
• Population growth (8%)
• Climate change/ environmental concerns / sustainability (8%)

Future priorities

Respondents nominated several future priorities to benefit PAE businesses, including enhancing infrastructure, parking and traffic solutions, and focusing on events and attracting visitors to the area.

• Improve and build new infrastructure (31%)
• Improve parking / traffic issues (29%)
• Events / attracting people to the area (23%)
• Promoting local business (14%)
• Supporting local / listening to business / improved communication (10%)

Top improvements to benefit PAE Businesses

Respondents identified the following desired improvements by Council which would benefit PAE businesses.