President Report: Increase in sales great news for industry - a foundation for setting ambitious targets
The first six weeks of 2021 have been very busy for the industry and your national association.
The GIA Board met in January. During the meeting we sharpened our sights on the key areas of sustainability within the industry, advocacy on its behalf and the funding and resources required to deliver core benefits to Members.
A critical deliverable required to support our strategic priorities has been the redevelopment of the associations website and online management system. The website is supported by new software infrastructure that brings your organisation into line with other leading peak bodies.
Today, through this newsletter, we launch the first phase of the new website for Greenlife Industry Australia. This is a significant milestone for the organisation as we remain focused on our mission to raise awareness of the industry and its businesses.
The next few years look positive for the industry. Yet to be released industry data has shown encouraging growth during a turbulent economic period.
The governments pathway to economic recovery is more likely to support the industry in the medium term. For example, the high rate of first home buyers availing themselves of the government incentive. Household debt is at historical low levels and, coupled with higher house prices, means householders are spending more disposable income on their houses and gardens with travel restrictions keeping people at home.
From my conversations with colleagues around the country, growers and retailers are confident. Tax incentives are supporting investments to improve and expand production processes and many growers are taking advantage of the window of opportunity.
Caution is needed however, as the federal welfare payments for Jobkeeper are scaled back, there is a possibility of an uptick in unemployment and business closures. Consequently, consumer confidence may be affected. Economic analysts indicate that this may only be temporary and that the economy is recovering nicely.
GIA has a very full program this year, particularly in relation to developing a whole of industry sustainability policy. This will require significant industry consultation to ensure we set ambitious waste reduction and emissions targets. Reassuringly, we continue these conversations from a base of industry confidence and good economic results in 19/20.
I am hopeful for a less restricted, more engaging year for our businesses and I look forward to getting back out and meeting with Members and industry partners to discuss sustainability and the many other priority areas for the Association during 2021.
