Times are tight in the business world but more small firms are discovering going green can help cut costs. Sunshine Coast Regional Council eNews
Welcome to January's edition of council's business eNewsletter, the first for 2009!
Council would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.
In this month's edition:
Local company leading the way in eco-efficient practices
Times are tight in the business world but more small firms are discovering going green can help cut costs.
Queensland Complete Printing Services at Nambour are among these small businesses who are achieving outstanding results with reducing their carbon footprint without increasing their cost of production.
As a partner of the Queensland Government’s EcoBiz program, an initiative of the Environmental Protection Authority, Queensland Complete Printing Services are assisted to develop better ways to minimise their environmental impact.
Their current environmental initiatives include recycling over 95% of all waste, using soy based inks exclusively in all offset printing, harvesting 100% of water used in print production, purchasing 100% green energy through Origin’s 100% green power and having a responsible paper purchasing policy.
With this great attitude towards environmental management and sustainability, Queensland Complete Printing Services were winners of the Queensland Printing Industry’s 2007 & 2008 Queensland Government Environmental Management Awards and were one of the finalists for the 2008 Sustainability Industries Awards and the Social Responsibility Award at the 2008 Telstra Business Awards.
For a very typical small business in a regional town, they certainly stand out in the crowd. Within 12 months they hope to offer clients carbon neutral printing and believe that they can save money and save the planet at the same time!
Visit Queensland Complete Printing Services website for more information or to view their sustainability report.
The 2009 EPA Sustainable Industries Awards are now open for nominations
In its fourth year, the EPA Sustainable Industries Awards is going from strength to strength.
The Awards recognise Queensland business leaders, companies and technologies that are setting best-practice benchmarks in environmental performance. By promoting and encouraging environmental leaders in all industry sectors, Queensland can foster sustainable commerce and development.
Entries are encouraged from Queensland businesses, individuals, community and not-for-profit organisations and local government. Entries should relate to projects or initiatives that are Queensland-based and have the potential to be adopted or adapted by other organisations. Entries close on 27 February 2009.
The winners of each Award category will be announced at the official 2009 Awards Dinner held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 12 June 2009.
More information about the Awards and an online application form can be found on the EPA website. Alternately, for more information please phone (07) 3222 2894 or email rebecca.ellero@epa.qld.gov.au.
Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer opens new airport access road
Sunshine Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer officially opened the new $6.3million four lane access road into the Sunshine Coast Airport on Friday 12 December.
With over 900,000 people travelling through the airport last year and 1.9 million expected by 2020, development of new infrastructure like Runway Drive is important to manage this growth into the future. Runway Drive is the culmination of two year’s planning by council and is a result of close co-operation between local and state government departments working together to deliver an impressive gateway reflecting the feel and diversity of the region with a fantastic Sunshine Coast look.
The new road provides a critical transport link for both visitors and residents and will provide benefits of increased safety and accessibility to the airport as well as the many businesses within the Runway Drive Estate.
Runway Drive opened for access to the Sunshine Coast Airport on Monday 15th December and the former access via Friendship Avenue was closed.
Economic Development and the Noosa Biosphere
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), designated the previous Noosa Shire boundary as a Biosphere Region in September 2007, a first for Queensland.
The Noosa Biosphere Economic Sector Board is developing and implementing strategies in line with the Biosphere values, which positively impact on the economic prosperity of the region. The Board comprises 10 individuals with expertise in the business sector from the Noosa community. The Board liaises closely with Council's Economic Development Unit and provides a valuable level of community input to inform policy and strategy development.
The Noosa Biosphere Economic Sector Board is working closely with Council to develop an economic agenda, which may include:
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The biosphere reserve concept can be used as a framework to guide and reinforce projects to enhance people's livelihoods and ensure environmental sustainability. Biosphere reserves are about developing quality economies based on local community action and entrepreneurship, sound science, public-private sector partnerships and networks.
For more information about the biosphere, visit our website.
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Keeping your data safe in today's technological world is of high importance to business and families. The Federal Government has released an online tool to assist Australian online users with practical tips and advice on e-security. Stay Smart Online's website contains basic information on:
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The website is hosted by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and has received input and support from a range of other Australian Government agencies which have related responsibilities.
The Stay Smart Online Alert Service is a free information source designed to provide Australian home users and small businesses with up to date and simple advice and information in plain language on the latest e-security threats and software vulnerabilities. The Stay Smart Online Alert Service is available through the Stay Smart Online website.
The service will provide timely information that is easy to understand about the latest online threats and vulnerabilities within an Australian context. Australian online users will be able to sign up to receive the free service and can unsubscribe whenever they choose. They will also have the option to pick and choose which types of information they would like to receive.
Our February newsletter will explain the different types of broadband currently available.
Thinking of starting or growing a small business?
The Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry are holding a number of useful workshops for anyone looking to start or expand a business on the Sunshine Coast.
The course topics range from business planning to smart marketing and maximising the effect of your website. For more information and to register, download the information sheet [82KB].
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Thank you for taking the time to read our eNewsletter. We would appreciate any feedback you may have. Please email us at ecdev.nambour@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au