6 Delivering Technology Solutions www.ccts.com.au 1800 244 244 Expert support, competitive pricing & same-day service - all in one place. The Coast’s ONLY Full-Service Technology Provider Get a same-day, obligation-free quote, and if you switch to CCTS, your first month is FREE – just mention this ad! CCBR Readers Offer: BENDIGO BANK’S CHIEF Economist, David Robertson, addressed business and community leaders from across the Coast at a Business Breakfast sponsored by the East Gosford, Lisarow and Kincumber Community Bank at Central Coast Leagues Club on Wednesday 9th April. Mr Robertson is forecasting a volatile path ahead for global markets and further escalation of geopolitical tensions but is expecting Australia to outperform its peer economies. He predicts: Interest rates – RBA to cut rates another 3 to 4 times to below 3.5%. This will mean reduced cost of business loans, a boost to consumer spending via improvement in real household disposable income. Inflation – Core inflation to fall below 3% n Q1 2025 The implication for business is that it will stabilise operational costs and see more predictable pricing including wages growth. Unemployment – Tight labour markets will ease taking jobless rate above 4.5%. This will see the potential for easier recruitment with a fall in job vacancies expected to align to less labour shortages. Property market – He sees the national house price growth to be running at under 3% and on the Central Coast around 4 to 5%. Housing affordability will be driven by the pace of adding supply that should see a steady rental demand. Business conditions – Conditions will be helped by rising consumer demand and less policy uncertainty after the Federal Election. There will be uneven conditions by sector but improved demand ahead – especially after the next few RBA rate cuts. Global trade – US tariffs are driving extreme volatility in financial markets. This will see supply chain vulnerabilities and volatile exchange rates. Locally Mr Robertson sees regional commutable economies (less than 150km for capital cities) in each state that outperformed the capitals through the pandemic and to date, in property markets, lower unemployment and gross regional product. He said drivers for the Central Coast economy in 2025 will include population growth, housing supply and affordability, tourism, infrastructure investment and jobs growth. BUSINESS NEWS Business leaders get low down on economy East Gosford Community Bank Manager Michael Bell with Bendigo Bank Chief Economist, David Robertson Election proves Coast a Labor stronghold The May 3rd Federal Election has proved conclusively that the Central Coast is a Labor stronghold and the few occasions a Seat was held by Liberal were aberrations. With the Liberal Party now in total disarray both Emma McBride and Gordon Reid can assume they are will be the Coast’s local Federal Members until it suits them to retire. CCBR congratulates both for a powerful win over the Liberals. By midday 5th May 2025 the Count was: Dobell Labor – Emma McBride Votes 2025 55,980 Margin 2025 59.57% Margin 2022 56.56% Swing +3.01% Liberal – Brendan Small Votes 2025 37,994 Margin 2025 40.43% Margin 2022 43.44% Swing -3.01% *Two candidate preferred Robertson Labor – Gordon Reid Votes 2025 54,668 Margin 2025 40.48% Margin 2022 52.23 Swing +7.29 Liberal – Lucy Wicks Votes 2025 37,173 Margin 2025 59.52% Margin 2022 52.23% Swing -7.29% *Two candidate preferred FEDERAL ELECTION RESULTS CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW MAY 2025
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