BUSINESSES RISE ABOVE RISING COSTS

Rising costs continue to be a big concern for Central Highlands businesses but the majority have still managed to maintain or improve their performance over the past year.

They’re among the key findings of the 2025 Central Highlands Business Survey, now available to read on chdc.com.au.

The Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) conducts the annual survey to measure business conditions and tailor support, projects and advocacy.

In this year’s survey, 85 percent of respondents reported increases in fuel, freight, insurance, and compliance expenses, but 78 percent noted their overall performance was the same as, or stronger, than the previous 12 months.

The Online Lolly Shop at Blackwater exemplifies these results. Owner and operator Kylie Stacey says while customer demand remains solid, escalating freight and postage costs are starting to pinch.

“If I try to absorb the rising costs into my products, then the prices get too expensive for customers so I just have to absorb that into my profit margin instead,” Ms Stacey says.

“It’s got to the point now where I’m starting to put more focus on in-person events rather than the online component.”

She would like to see measures introduced to even the playing field for businesses operating outside urban areas.

“The government could consider introducing a targeted subsidy, rebate, or cost-offset program to help neutralise the unavoidable freight and postage disadvantages that regional businesses endure,” Ms Stacey says.

The survey also found the previous years’ labour challenges persist but general business sentiment for the year ahead is cautiously optimistic.

“There’s plenty of encouraging signs of resilience and success, particularly around customer demand and overall performance, but it’s the pain points that will be front-of-mind as CHDC plans its business support agenda,” CHDC Business Facilitator Ashleigh Vann says.

“We’ve already laid some solid groundwork around labour attraction and retention as part of the Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy and there’s more to come down the pipeline.”

Businesses are encouraged to book a time with Ms Vann, via the Corporation’s website, to access free guidance and support.

“It might seem like our local businesses are isolated from the resources available in metro areas but CHDC is dedicated to being a direct, on-the-ground link to the support they need,” she says.

Springsure’s Revamp Studio was randomly selected from all completed survey entries to win two tickets to next month’s Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.