Loughnan’s Hill Ward, which includes the commercial and retail centre of Ringwood, as well as the industrial areas along Heatherdale and Canterbury Road, includes a diverse range of businesses that provide goods and services to our community.

It is important for any municipality to have a strong business sector so that we can provide local employment and opportunities for our community. The Maroondah Business Expansion and Retention Program aims to interview individual business owners and managers to discuss the challenges facing their businesses.

This afternoon I accompanied Maroondah’s Economic Development Team as we interviewed two businesses to discuss the challenges they face and opportunities for the future. While the business community is largely optimistic about future growth there are concerns about finding people with the right skills for their business. Maroondah provides a range of workshops to assist businesses in expanding their knowledge in areas such as the Internet, sustainability and occupational health and safety.

For more information on the programs available for businesses please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.