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16th April 2010
MEDIA RELEASE
Queensland’s landscape industry is projected to turnover in excess of $2.6 billion in 2010 according to the industry’s latest research findings released today by Landscape Queensland Industries Inc (LQII) – the peak industry body.
LQII President, Andrew Bottomley, said, “Landscape companies had weathered the Global Financial Crisis with leaner profit margins and smarter business management tactics.” He said, “The $2.6 billion projected 2010 turnover is largely made up of income derived from hard landscaping such as retaining walls, fencing, paving, irrigation and a range of timber structures like pergolas, etc. and soft landscaping such as gardens and turf”.
A recent industry survey identified that more than 60 per cent of landscapers contacted were confident of increasing their turnover this year and another 48 per cent of landscape businesses intend employing more staff in 2010.
Mr Bottomley also said, “LQII is facilitating a Landscape Industry Training and Development Group incorporating TAFE and private training providers that will undertake an Industry Training Needs Assessment to address industry skill shortages”.
The newly appointed Association CEO, Mark Sorby, said, “It is time for the Landscape Industry in Queensland to be formally acknowledged within government portfolios and supported and encouraged to develop”. The landscape industry is at the hub of the $4.9 billion Lifestyle Horticulture industry in QLD which also includes nursery, turf, irrigation, arboriculture and flowers. He said, “The industry is largely made up of thousands of small businesses who, together, make a significant contribution to the economy with little or no recognition”.
ENDS
FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT:
Mark Sorby, Chief Executive Officer, Landscape Queensland Industries Inc., Telephone (07) 3286 1746 or Mobile 0429 473 505
Email: msorby@landscapequeensland.com.au |