Margaret River business community challenged as interest rates, spending and housing issues bites

Rob Gough has retained his role steering the region’s peak business group into what the Settlers Tavern supremo says are unchartered waters, with high interest rates and the housing crisis creating ongoing uncertainty.

The Margaret River Business Network this month held its annual election, which saw Mr Gough return for a second year in the presidency as the group prepared to release its new strategic plan.

He described the region’s business community as “a patchwork of passionate, hard-working entrepreneurs who have endured the ups and downs of self-employment, pandemics, recessions, and the uncertainty of a regular pay cheque”.

Since early 2020, retail, hospitality and tourism had been in a constant state of flux, which Mr Gough didn’t see levelling out any time soon.

“For many, the pandemic is a distant memory, but overall the business economy remains in a state of flux,” he told the Times.

“Local businesses face the uncertainty of downward trends in household spending, while bearing the increased cost of doing business.”

Despite State Government reforms, the conversion of homes to short-term accommodation remained a “hot issue,” Mr Gough said.

“Housing shortages remain a huge impediment to meeting the needs of our local workforce,” he said.

“Building and development approvals are lagging badly behind our housing needs, and we need to continue to make noise in favour of expedient and sustainable housing solutions.”

Another key challenge is the State Government’s payroll tax which Mr Gough described as a “huge burden” on small businesses while the state boasted a record surplus.

“As a small business operator, this is difficult to stomach,” he said.

“Running a small business can sometimes feel masochistic.

“It’s not all gloom and doom though. Increased collaboration and tough-spirited small business operators are being heard.

“State and local politicians have their ears to the ground as elections loom, and local government has expressed a willingness to better understand and support our local businesses.”

Although that situation remained a work in progress, Mr Gough said an improved working relationship with the shire meant a stronger community overall.

MRBN chief executive Annie McFie said the strategic plan was aimed at strengthening the business sector with region-specific training and new partnerships.