Mixed signals on business confidence

February 24, 2010

Business and consumer confidence in the region remains strong, but is slightly lower than it was six months ago, according to the latest BankSA State Monitor.

While signs of relief from Australia avoiding recession are clear, the latest survey shows rural business sentiment has moderated. Read more

Tariff removal threatens South East jobs

February 11, 2010

Only one week after 130 jobs were lost in the timber industry, fears are resurfacing that hundreds of jobs could be under threat at Kimberly-Clark Australia’s plant near Millicent and across the South East.

“Very concerned,” was how KCA corporate services manager Ross Hearne yesterday described how workers at the Millicent plant felt. Read more

Workforce report identifies opportunities

January 1, 2010

A major new report has claimed the Limestone Coast needs to engage the high-spending sector of the tourist market and focus on building food and beverage value-adding to increase its population and workforce.

The Limestone Coast Workforce report — which analyses supply, demand and emerging trends and opportunities — also argues that without additional industry and building activity the region will only continue to grow slowly. Read more

Caution urged with borrowings

December 4, 2009

A Mount Gambier financial advisor has warned people it’s likely interest rates will continue to climb and not to over borrow.

Zobel Finance Mount Gambier manager Brad Smart said interest rates would probably increase a couple of times next year. Read more

Financial crisis hits forestry sector

November 10, 2009

After avoiding the worst of the economic fallout from the global financial crisis in 2008, Australia’s forest sector is now experiencing some adverse effects according to a new ABARE report.

The biannual report, Australian forest and wood products statistics, reveals a significant downturn in forest product production and exports, as the industry is affected by the international downturn in forest products trade and a drop in domestic housing sector demand. Read more

Business wary of rates rise

October 7, 2009

The state’s leading business organisation Business SA has claimed the interest rate rise announced by the Reserve Bank Board will act like a “sledgehammer to crack nuts” on regional communities such as Mount Gambier.

The official cash rate has been lifted by 0.25pc to 3.25pc, which is expected to add around $50 to the average mortgage per month. Read more

Mount Gambier business confidence up

August 29, 2009

Regional business and consumer confidence in the Mount Gambier district has continued its upward spiral, according to the latest survey by a major bank.

The BankSA State Monitor claimed the state’s southern region, which includes the Mount Gambier district, has again shown a “healthy rise” and had closed the gap between it and other regions. Read more

Business concern at interest rates

August 4, 2009

Business SA has called on financial institutions not to increase interest rates, following the Reserve Bank leaving the official rate at 3pc.

Business SA chief executive Peter Vaughan said banks must take note of the Reserve Bank’s position.

“Following this decision from the Reserve Bank, we expect all banks to adopt this position and not increase any interest rates,” Mr Vaughan said. Read more

Speak up on financial hardship

May 13, 2009

Credit Ombudsman Raj Venga has urged South East residents in financial hardship due to the current recession not to bury their heads in the sand, but to take action immediately.

Mr Venga was a guest speaker during the Festival of the Ombudsman held at the Town Hall yesterday as part of Law Week. Read more

Dogs dumped as recession bites

May 1, 2009

The number of homeless dogs at Mount Gambier’s animal welfare facility being culled has jumped in recent months, with volunteers claiming the dogs are victims of the economic crisis.

The South East Welfare Animal League is being forced to euthanise around 14 animals each month. Read more

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