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Business Conditions Survey
April 2009
1
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Executive Summary 3
Business Outlook 4
Appendix I – Respondents in Detail 11
Appendix II – Regional Results 12
2
Introduction
NSW Business Chamber
NSW Business Chamber is one of Australia’s largest business support groups, helping over 35,000 businesses each year. Independent and non-government, NSW Business Chamber represents the needs of business at a local, state and federal level, lobbying governments and authorities to create a better environment to do business in. The NSW Business Chamber has over 22,000 members, and is affiliated with 119 local and regional Chambers of Commerce throughout NSW.
About the Survey
NSW Business Chamber’s Business Conditions Survey is a quarterly survey of businesses on their current and expected performance across a range of indicators:
> Business Conditions;
> Sales Revenue;
> Export Sales;
> Profits;
> Wage Rates;
> Number of Employees;
> Hours worked by Employees
> Capacity Utilisation;
> Investment in Buildings, Technology, Plant and Equipment;
> Ease of Access to Finance; and
> Cost of Finance.
The respondents had an opportunity to provide comment on any other factors affecting the performance of their business.
Some additional questions are asked on a quarterly basis in the survey.
Survey frequency and sample size
The Business Conditions Survey is currently conducted on a quarterly basis. The sample size varies across regions
currently surveyed every quarter. In regional breakdown of the results the regions with less than 5 per cent response rate are not included in the analysis. More detail on respondents can be located in Appendix I.
Regional chamber participation
The Business Conditions Survey was distributed through NSW Business Chamber, Hunter Business Chamber,
Illawarra Business Chamber and Sydney Chamber of Commerce. More detail on regional results can be found in Appendix II.
3
Executive Summary
Business conditions poor throughout NSW
NSW Business Chamber’s April 2009 Business Conditions Survey was distributed to 3,900 businesses and
obtained an 11.4 per cent response rate in the time that it was active (17 March 2009 to 31 March 2009).
Optimism is what drives business owners and operators and true to form respondents expect the next three months
to be less bad.
The OECD and the World Bank have dramatically revised down their forecasts for global growth.1 The Reserve
Bank of Australia highlights that the Australian economy is contracting, though by less than its trading partners.2 In
the open response part of the survey respondents state that the negative outlook for the economy reported in media
has influenced their opinion on the expected performance of the NSW economy. Two in three (65.6%) businesses
believe that the NSW economy weakened in the last three months and over one-half (58.3%) believe that it will
continue to weaken in the next three months.
For almost one in two (45.5%) businesses business conditions have declined in the last three months. Two in five
(41.7%) expect business conditions to remain the same in the next three months. However, over one-third (39.0%)
believe that business conditions will decline in the next three months. The regional analysis of the results shows that
regional businesses are slightly more optimistic about the next three months in comparison to those based in the
metropolitan area.
Under one-quarter (20.5%) said that access to finance will be more difficult in the next three months. In the open
response part of the survey respondents said that they have noticed banks tightening lending policies hence
impacting their access to credit.
Most of the respondents employ less than 50 people and are from various industry sectors. Just under one-quarter
(24.3%) believe that the number or employees will decline in the next three months. These estimates are consistent
with the inquiries NSW Business Chamber’s Workplace Advice has been receiving. In the last three months calls on
termination and redundancy have stabilised at 20 per cent of all inquiries after a 60 per cent increase since July
2008.
Additionally, in the open response part of the survey businesses revealed that payroll tax is a disincentive to
retaining staff. In NSW, payroll tax revenue has increased by almost 60 per cent since 2001-02 and NSW relies
more heavily on payroll tax and land tax than all other states (with the exception of NT in the case of payroll tax).
1 Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, (March 2009), Press Release: OECD and World Bank Downgrade Global Growth
Forecasts, <http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2009/033.htm&pageID=003&min=wms&Year=&DocType=> 2 Reserve Bank of Australia, (April 2009), Media Release: Statement by Glenn Stevens Governor Monetary Policy,
<http://www.rba.gov.au/MediaReleases/2009/mr_09_06.html>
4
Business Outlook
NSW Economy
Two in three (65.6%) businesses believe that the NSW economy weakened in the last three months and
three in five (58.3%) believe that it will continue to weaken in the next three months.
Just under one-half (49.8%) of businesses believe that the performance of the NSW economy in the last three
months was somewhat weaker. Similarly, just over one-third (34.9%) expect the NSW economy to remain
somewhat weaker over the next three months.
Regional businesses are slightly more optimistic than the metropolitan ones. Five in eight (62.3%) businesses
based in the metropolitan area expect the NSW economy to weaken in the next three months compared to five in
nine (55.7%) in regional areas.
Much Stronger Somewhat Stronger About the Same Somewhat Weaker Much Weaker
Current Performance of NSW Economy
1.6% 7.0% 25.9% 49.8% 15.8%
Expected Performance of NSW Economy
1.6% 9.7% 30.4% 34.9% 23.4%
Table 1: NSW Economy, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
Business Conditions
For almost one in two (45.5%) businesses business conditions have declined in the last three months. Two
in five (41.7%) expect business conditions to remain the same in the next three months. However, over one-
third (39.0%) believe that business conditions will decline in the next three months.
Again, regional businesses are more optimistic than their metropolitan counterparts about business conditions in the
next three months. Almost one-half (44.3%) of regionally based businesses state that business conditions will
remain the same and over one-third (33.6%) state that they will decline in the next three months. In comparison,
almost one-half (47.4%) of those based in metropolitan NSW believe that business conditions will decline and over
one-third (37.6%) believe they will remain the same.
In the open response part of the survey some respondents claim that negative media has been damaging to
business conditions.
Up Same Down
Current Business Conditions 15.1% 39.4% 45.5%
Expected Business Conditions
19.4% 41.7% 39.0%
Table 2: Business Conditions, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
5
Sales Revenue
For almost one in two (47.5%) businesses sales revenue declined in the last three months. Similarly two in
five (41.7%) expect sales revenue to decline in the next three months.
Regional businesses are slightly more optimistic than those in the metropolitan area. Just under one-half (49.7%) of
those based in metropolitan NSW believe that sales revenue will decline in the next three months compared to
three-eights (36.5%) in regional NSW.
Up Same Down
Current Sales Revenue 23.4% 29.1% 47.5%
Expected Sales Revenue 25.9% 32.4% 41.7%
Table 3: Sales Revenue, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
Export Sales
For almost three in four (72.7%) businesses export sales remained the same in the last three months.
Similarly, almost three in four (73.9%) expect export sales to remain the same in the next three months.
However, one-fifth (20.0%) believe that export sales will go down in the next three months.
Over three-quarters (77.5%) of regional based and two-thirds (68.2%) of metropolitan based businesses believe
that export sales will remain the same over next three months. However, a larger proportion of metropolitan based
businesses believe that export sales will decline in the next three months.
In the open response part of the survey some respondents highlighted that the weakening of the Australian dollar
has significantly impacted their business. These changes in the exchange rate have increased the cost of imported
materials. Additionally, the respondents state that owing to competition they are unable to pass on the increased
cost of imported materials to customers.
Up Same Down
Current Export Sales 5.9% 72.7% 21.4%
Expected Export Sales 6.1% 73.9% 20.0%
Table 4: Export Sales, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
6
Profits
For more than one in two (52.0%) businesses profits declined in the last three months. Similarly, over two in
five (42.1%) businesses expect profits to decline in the next three months.
Over one-half (50.3%) of metropolitan based businesses expect profits to decline in comparison to over one-third
(36.9%) of regional based ones.
In the open response part of the survey some respondents stated that many clients have been unable to pay their invoices on time thus impacting profits and business viability. Some have noted that the NSW Government is among those not paying smaller suppliers on time.
Up Same Down
Current Profits 18.5% 29.5% 52.0%
Expected Profits 24.3% 33.6% 42.1%
Table 5: Profits, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
Wage Rates
For almost three in four (72.5%) businesses wage rates remained the same in the last three months and five
in six (83.6%) businesses expect wage rates to remain the same in the next three months.
Up Same Down
Current Wage Rates 20.7% 72.5% 6.8%
Expected Wage Rates 10.1% 83.6% 6.3%
Table 6: Wage Rates, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
7
Number of Employees
Three in five (60.1%) businesses state that the number of employees remained the same in the last three
months. Similarly, two in three (66.4%) businesses expect the number of employees to remain the same in
the next three months. However, just under one-quarter (24.3%) believe that the number of employees will
go down in the next three months.
Over one-quarter (27.7%) of metropolitan based businesses expect the number of employees to decline in
comparison to under one-quarter (22.1%) of regional based ones.
Up Same Down
Current Number of Employees
12.6% 60.1% 27.3%
Expected Number of Employees
9.2% 66.4% 24.3%
Table 7: Number of Employees, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
Hours Worked by Employees
For more than one in two (55.6%) businesses the number of hours worked by employees remained the
same in the last three months. Similarly, three in five (57.4%) businesses expect the number of hours
worked by employees to remain the same in the next three months.
However, just under one-quarter (23.0%) believe that the number of hours worked by employees will go down in the
next three months.
Over one-quarter (25.4%) of metropolitan based businesses expect the number of hours worked by employees to
decline in comparison to under one-quarter (21.4%) of regional based ones.
Up Same Down
Current Hours Worked by Employees
19.4% 55.6% 25.0%
Expected Hours Worked by Employees
19.6% 57.4% 23.0%
Table 8: Hours Worked by Employees, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
8
Capacity Utilisation
For almost one in five (46.8%) businesses capacity utilisation has remained the same in the past three
months. Similarly, almost three in five (59.2%) businesses expect capacity utilisation to remain the same in
the next three months.
Under one-quarter (24.3%) of metropolitan based businesses and under one-fifth (19.6%) of regional based
businesses expect capacity utilisation to increase in the next three months.
In contrast, one-fifth (20.8%) of metropolitan based businesses and under one-fifth (18.5%) of regional based
businesses expect capacity utilisation to decline in the next three months.
Up Same Down
Current Capacity Utilisation 24.8% 46.8% 28.4%
Expected Capacity Utilisation 21.4% 59.2% 19.4%
Table 9: Capacity Utilisation, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
Investment in Buildings, Technology, Plant & Equipment
For more than one in two (52.3%) businesses investment in buildings, technology, plant & equipment
remained the same over the past three months. Similarly, almost three in five (59.5%) businesses expect
investment in buildings, technology, plant & equipment to remain the same in the next three months.
Over one-quarter (27.7%) of metropolitan based businesses and regional based businesses expect investment in
buildings, technology, plant & equipment to decline in the next three months. However, a larger proportion of
regional businesses believe that investment will increase in the next three months when compared to those in the
metropolitan area.
Up Same Down
Current Investment in Buildings, Technology, Plant & Equipment
16.9% 52.3% 30.9%
Expected Investment in Buildings, Technology, Plant & Equipment
12.8% 59.5% 27.7%
Table 10: Investment in Buildings, Technology, Plant & Equipment, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
9
Ease of Access to Finance
For more than two in three (67.1%) businesses the ease of access to finance remained the same in the last
three months. Similarly, over three in four (75.2%) businesses expect access to finance to remain the same
in the next three months. However, under one-quarter (20.5%) find that access to finance will be more
difficult in the next three months.
A larger proportion of regional based businesses expect access to finance to decline in the next three months than
metropolitan based ones. In the open response part of the survey some respondents commented hat they have
noticed banks tightening lending policies hence impacting access to credit. The survey highlights that regional
businesses expect to be more impacted in the next quarter.
Up Same Down
Current Ease of Access to Finance
2.9% 67.1% 30.0%
Expected Ease of Access to Finance
4.3% 75.2% 20.5%
Table 11: Ease of Access to Finance, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
Cost of Finance
For more than one in two (55.4%) businesses cost of finance remained the same in the last three months.
Similarly, over two in three (70.0%) businesses expect cost of finance to remain the same in the next three
months.
Over one-fifth (21.4%) of regional and under one-fifth (18.5%) of metropolitan based businesses see the cost of finance reducing in the next three months. Not many expect the cost of finance to increase in the next quarter but of those that do it is the metropolitan based ones.
Up Same Down
Current Cost of Finance 11.5% 55.4% 33.1%
Expected Cost of Finance 9.7% 70.0% 20.3%
Table 12: Cost of Finance, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
10
Changes to Land-Tax and Land Rich Duty
Almost two in five (37.6%) businesses believe that they are not affected by changes to land tax and land
rich duty introduced by the NSW Government in November 2008 Mini-Budget. In contrast, two in five
(37.6%) businesses don’t know if they are affected by the changes.
Effective from the 2009 land tax year, a new premium land tax marginal rate of 2% will apply to land tax payers with
total taxable land holdings above $2.25 million (NB the premium marginal rate will not apply to exempt land such as
principal place of residence or rural properties.)
‘Land rich’ duty is currently paid on the acquisition of a ‘significant interest’ of a private company, a private unit trust
or wholesale trust, where more than 60% of its property is land. The duty will move from a ‘land rich’ to a
‘landholder’ basis effective from 1 July 2009.3
Under the proposed landholder model, the purchase of a significant parcel of shares or units in any entity that owns
land above a threshold monetary value is subject to transfer duty as if there was a direct purchase of land. Under
the landholder model, the 60% test is eliminated.
Positive Impact Somewhat Positive
About the Same Somewhat Negative
Very Negative Don’t Know
0.7% 1.6% 37.6% 14.6% 7.9% 37.6%
Table 13: Changes to Land Tax and Land Rich Duty, April 2009 Business Conditions Survey, NSW Business Chamber
3 NSW Office of State Revenue, (2008), Land Rich Provisions, <http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/taxes/land_rich/>
11
Appendix I – Respondents in Detail
Respondents by Region
Number of Respondents Percentage
Central Coast 29 6.5%
Central West 1 0.2%
Hunter 68 15.3%
Illawarra 78 17.6%
Inner Sydney 51 11.5%
Mid-North Coast 36 8.1%
Northern Rivers 30 6.8%
Riverina 28 6.3%
South Coast 1 0.2%
Sydney North 41 9.2%
Sydney South 30 6.8%
Sydney West 51 11.5%
Respondents by Number of Employees
Number of Employees Percentage of Respondents
1 to 4 24.3%
5 to 20 35.6%
21 to 50 21.2%
51 to 100 8.8%
More than 100 10.1%
Respondents by Industry
Industry Percentage of Respondents
Manufacturing 25.7%
Other Services 15.3%
Retail Trade 12.6%
Wholesale Trade 10.6%
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 10.4%
12
Appendix II – Regional Results
NSW Economy – Regional Results
Current Performance of the NSW Economy (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Much Stronger Somewhat Stronger
About the Same
Somewhat Weaker
Much Weaker
Central Coast4 6.9% 3.4% 13.8% 51.7% 24.1%
Hunter 1.5% 7.4% 29.4% 51.5% 10.3%
Illawarra 3.8% 10.3% 26.9% 43.6% 15.4%
Inner Sydney 0.0% 3.9% 23.5% 60.8% 11.8%
Mid-North Coast 0.0% 11.1% 36.1% 38.9% 13.9%
Northern Rivers 0.0% 6.7% 33.3% 50.0% 10.0%
Riverina 0.0% 10.7% 25.0% 57.1% 7.1%
Sydney North 0.0% 2.4% 29.3% 46.3% 22.0%
Sydney South 0.0% 6.7% 20.0% 40.0% 33.3%
Sydney West 2.0% 5.9% 19.6% 54.9% 17.6%
Expected Performance of NSW the Economy (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Much Stronger Somewhat Stronger
About the Same
Somewhat Weaker
Much Weaker
Central Coast 10.3% 10.3% 24.1% 31.0% 24.1%
Hunter 1.5% 13.2% 29.4% 36.8% 19.1%
Illawarra 3.8% 11.5% 33.3% 26.9% 24.4%
Inner Sydney 0.0% 5.9% 25.5% 45.1% 23.5%
Mid-North Coast 0.0% 8.3% 36.1% 44.4% 11.1%
Northern Rivers 0.0% 6.7% 30.0% 30.0% 33.3%
Riverina 0.0% 3.6% 35.7% 35.7% 25.0%
Sydney North 0.0% 17.1% 19.5% 26.8% 36.6%
Sydney South 0.0% 6.7% 23.3% 43.3% 26.7%
Sydney West 0.0% 5.9% 43.1% 33.3% 17.6%
4 Central Coast data may have a 0.1 to 0.2 per cent error owing to rounding off.
13
Business Conditions – Regional Results
Current Business Conditions (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 20.7% 31.0% 48.3%
Hunter 14.7% 44.1% 41.2%
Illawarra 21.8% 43.6% 34.6%
Inner Sydney 9.8% 35.3% 54.9%
Mid-North Coast 11.1% 52.8% 36.1%
Northern Rivers 23.3% 33.3% 43.3%
Riverina 17.9% 42.9% 39.3%
Sydney North 14.6% 29.3% 56.1%
Sydney South 6.7% 43.3% 50.0%
Sydney West 9.8% 35.3% 54.9%
Expected Business Conditions (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 31.0% 37.9% 31.0%
Hunter 19.1% 50.0% 30.9%
Illawarra 24.4% 42.3% 33.3%
Inner Sydney 11.8% 33.3% 54.9%
Mid-North Coast 22.2% 47.2% 30.6%
Northern Rivers 20.0% 36.7% 43.3%
Riverina 14.3% 50.0% 35.7%
Sydney North 19.5% 34.1% 46.3%
Sydney South 16.7% 36.7% 46.7%
Sydney West 13.7% 45.1% 41.2%
14
Sales Revenue – Regional Results
Current Sales Revenue (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 13.8% 37.9% 48.3%
Hunter 25.0% 33.8% 41.2%
Illawarra 28.2% 32.1% 39.7%
Inner Sydney 15.7% 19.6% 64.7%
Mid-North Coast 30.6% 25.0% 44.4%
Northern Rivers 23.3% 30.0% 46.7%
Riverina 32.1% 17.9% 50.0%
Sydney North 24.4% 22.0% 53.7%
Sydney South 16.7% 33.3% 50.0%
Sydney West 21.6% 33.3% 45.1%
Expected Sales Revenue (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 37.9% 27.6% 34.5%
Hunter 35.3% 32.4% 32.4%
Illawarra 32.1% 33.3% 34.6%
Inner Sydney 11.8% 35.3% 52.9%
Mid-North Coast 25.0% 38.9% 36.1%
Northern Rivers 20.0% 30.0% 50.0%
Riverina 17.9% 42.9% 39.3%
Sydney North 26.8% 22.0% 51.2%
Sydney South 23.3% 20.0% 56.7%
Sydney West 19.6% 39.2% 41.2%
15
Export Sales – Regional Results
Current Export Sales (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 0.0% 86.2% 13.8%
Hunter 5.9% 73.5% 20.6%
Illawarra 3.8% 74.4% 21.8%
Inner Sydney 3.9% 70.6% 25.5%
Mid-North Coast 11.1% 69.4% 19.4%
Northern Rivers 10.0% 73.3% 16.7%
Riverina 3.6% 75.0% 21.4%
Sydney North 9.8% 68.3% 22.0%
Sydney South 10.0% 63.3% 26.7%
Sydney West 3.9% 72.5% 23.5%
Expected Export Sales (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 10.3% 86.2% 3.4%
Hunter 4.4% 76.5% 19.1%
Illawarra 5.1% 74.4% 20.5%
Inner Sydney 3.9% 72.5% 23.5%
Mid-North Coast 8.3% 72.2% 19.4%
Northern Rivers 6.7% 76.7% 16.7%
Riverina 3.6% 85.7% 10.7%
Sydney North 4.9% 63.4% 31.7%
Sydney South 10.0% 70.0% 20.0%
Sydney West 7.8% 66.7% 25.5%
16
Profits – Regional Results
Current Profits (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 13.8% 41.4% 44.8%
Hunter 19.1% 33.8% 47.1%
Illawarra 25.6% 26.9% 47.4%
Inner Sydney 7.8% 27.5% 64.7%
Mid-North Coast 25.0% 27.8% 47.2%
Northern Rivers 23.3% 30.0% 46.7%
Riverina 25.0% 21.4% 53.6%
Sydney North 22.0% 17.1% 61.0%
Sydney South 10.0% 26.7% 63.3%
Sydney West 11.8% 39.2% 49.0%
Expected Profits (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 37.9% 24.1% 37.9%
Hunter 32.4% 33.8% 33.8%
Illawarra 30.8% 35.9% 33.3%
Inner Sydney 11.8% 41.2% 47.1%
Mid-North Coast 25.0% 38.9% 36.1%
Northern Rivers 20.0% 36.7% 43.3%
Riverina 14.3% 39.3% 46.4%
Sydney North 17.1% 31.7% 51.2%
Sydney South 30.0% 16.7% 53.3%
Sydney West 17.6% 31.4% 51.0%
17
Wage Rates – Regional Results
Current Wage Rates (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 10.3% 79.3% 10.3%
Hunter 19.1% 75.0% 5.9%
Illawarra 23.1% 71.8% 5.1%
Inner Sydney 21.6% 66.7% 11.8%
Mid-North Coast 22.2% 77.8% 0.0%
Northern Rivers 23.3% 73.3% 3.3%
Riverina 21.4% 75.0% 3.6%
Sydney North 19.5% 73.2% 7.3%
Sydney South 23.3% 76.7% 0.0%
Sydney West 19.6% 64.7% 15.7%
Expected Wage Rates (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 10.3% 79.3% 10.3%
Hunter 13.2% 83.8% 2.9%
Illawarra 11.5% 79.5% 9.0%
Inner Sydney 9.8% 82.4% 7.8%
Mid-North Coast 11.1% 83.3% 5.6%
Northern Rivers 10.0% 86.7% 3.3%
Riverina 10.7% 89.3% 0.0%
Sydney North 9.8% 80.5% 9.8%
Sydney South 0.0% 93.3% 6.7%
Sydney West 7.8% 86.3% 5.9%
18
Number of Employees – Regional Results
Current Number of Employees (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 10.3% 62.1% 27.6%
Hunter 13.2% 51.5% 35.3%
Illawarra 17.9% 59.0% 23.1%
Inner Sydney 5.9% 64.7% 29.4%
Mid-North Coast 13.9% 61.1% 25.0%
Northern Rivers 3.3% 86.7% 10.0%
Riverina 3.6% 71.4% 25.0%
Sydney North 14.6% 61.0% 24.4%
Sydney South 16.7% 53.3% 30.0%
Sydney West 17.6% 49.0% 33.3%
Expected Number of Employees (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 13.8% 62.1% 24.1%
Hunter 8.8% 69.1% 22.1%
Illawarra 14.1% 57.7% 28.2%
Inner Sydney 5.9% 68.6% 25.5%
Mid-North Coast 2.8% 83.3% 13.9%
Northern Rivers 0.0% 83.3% 16.7%
Riverina 10.7% 67.9% 21.4%
Sydney North 14.6% 58.5% 26.8%
Sydney South 6.7% 66.7% 26.7%
Sydney West 9.8% 58.8% 31.4%
19
Hours Worked by Employees – Regional Results
Current Hours Worked by Employees (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 24.1% 41.4% 34.5%
Hunter 25.0% 54.4% 20.6%
Illawarra 14.1% 60.3% 25.6%
Inner Sydney 15.7% 68.6% 15.7%
Mid-North Coast 13.9% 66.7% 19.4%
Northern Rivers 16.7% 63.3% 20.0%
Riverina 17.9% 64.3% 17.9%
Sydney North 24.4% 48.8% 26.8%
Sydney South 23.3% 40.0% 36.7%
Sydney West 21.6% 43.1% 35.3%
Expected Hours Worked by Employees (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 17.2% 58.6% 24.1%
Hunter 26.5% 60.3% 13.2%
Illawarra 19.2% 51.3% 29.5%
Inner Sydney 9.8% 70.6% 19.6%
Mid-North Coast 13.9% 69.4% 16.7%
Northern Rivers 13.3% 60.0% 26.7%
Riverina 21.4% 60.7% 17.9%
Sydney North 24.4% 56.1% 19.5%
Sydney South 20.0% 40.0% 40.0%
Sydney West 23.5% 49.0% 27.5%
20
Capacity Utilisation – Regional Results
Current Capacity Utilisation (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 27.6% 51.7% 20.7%
Hunter 25.0% 45.6% 29.4%
Illawarra 25.6% 56.4% 17.9%
Inner Sydney 25.5% 51.0% 23.5%
Mid-North Coast 13.9% 63.9% 22.2%
Northern Rivers 23.3% 40.0% 36.7%
Riverina 25.0% 53.6% 21.4%
Sydney North 31.7% 39.0% 29.3%
Sydney South 23.3% 30.0% 46.7%
Sydney West 25.5% 33.3% 41.2%
Expected Capacity Utilisation (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 37.9% 41.4% 20.7%
Hunter 19.1% 72.1% 8.8%
Illawarra 17.9% 62.8% 19.2%
Inner Sydney 25.5% 62.7% 11.8%
Mid-North Coast 8.3% 72.2% 19.4%
Northern Rivers 20.0% 46.7% 33.3%
Riverina 17.9% 64.3% 17.9%
Sydney North 24.4% 53.7% 22.0%
Sydney South 26.7% 43.3% 30.0%
Sydney West 21.6% 54.9% 23.5%
21
Investment in Buildings, Technology, Plant & Equipment – Regional Results
Current Investment in Buildings etc (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 10.3% 62.1% 27.6%
Hunter 16.2% 57.4% 26.5%
Illawarra 20.5% 46.2% 33.3%
Inner Sydney 11.8% 51.0% 37.3%
Mid-North Coast 8.3% 66.7% 25.0%
Northern Rivers 10.0% 53.3% 36.7%
Riverina 28.6% 46.4% 25.0%
Sydney North 17.1% 51.2% 31.7%
Sydney South 26.7% 40.0% 33.3%
Sydney West 17.6% 52.9% 29.4%
Expected Investment in Buildings etc (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 6.9% 62.1% 31.0%
Hunter 17.6% 60.3% 22.1%
Illawarra 17.9% 55.1% 26.9%
Inner Sydney 3.9% 70.6% 25.5%
Mid-North Coast 11.1% 63.9% 25.0%
Northern Rivers 10.0% 56.7% 33.3%
Riverina 28.6% 35.7% 35.7%
Sydney North 14.6% 58.5% 26.8%
Sydney South 6.7% 70.0% 23.3%
Sydney West 7.8% 58.8% 33.3%
22
Ease of Access to Finance – Regional Results
Current Ease of Access to Finance (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 0.0% 55.2% 44.8%
Hunter 2.9% 72.1% 25.0%
Illawarra 2.6% 65.4% 32.1%
Inner Sydney 3.9% 66.7% 29.4%
Mid-North Coast 0.0% 69.4% 30.6%
Northern Rivers 6.7% 70.0% 23.3%
Riverina 3.6% 75.0% 21.4%
Sydney North 2.4% 70.7% 26.8%
Sydney South 3.3% 56.7% 40.0%
Sydney West 3.9% 66.7% 29.4%
Expected Ease of Access to Finance (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 0.0% 65.5% 34.5%
Hunter 4.4% 80.9% 14.7%
Illawarra 5.1% 70.5% 24.4%
Inner Sydney 3.9% 84.3% 11.8%
Mid-North Coast 2.8% 80.6% 16.7%
Northern Rivers 10.0% 70.0% 20.0%
Riverina 3.6% 75.0% 21.4%
Sydney North 4.9% 70.7% 24.4%
Sydney South 6.7% 76.7% 16.7%
Sydney West 2.0% 74.5% 23.5%
23
Cost of Finance – Regional Results
Current Cost of Finance (past 3 months, compared with previous 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 20.7% 58.6% 20.7%
Hunter 4.4% 57.4% 38.2%
Illawarra 14.1% 57.7% 28.2%
Inner Sydney 11.8% 60.8% 27.5%
Mid-North Coast 11.1% 52.8% 36.1%
Northern Rivers 13.3% 53.3% 33.3%
Riverina 3.6% 46.4% 50.0%
Sydney North 9.8% 56.1% 34.1%
Sydney South 23.3% 43.3% 33.3%
Sydney West 7.8% 56.9% 35.3%
Expected Cost of Finance (next 3 months, compared with past 3 months)
Up Same Down
Central Coast 17.2% 62.1% 20.7%
Hunter 4.4% 75.0% 20.6%
Illawarra 12.8% 65.4% 21.8%
Inner Sydney 5.9% 72.5% 21.6%
Mid-North Coast 11.1% 75.0% 13.9%
Northern Rivers 3.3% 76.7% 20.0%
Riverina 0.0% 64.3% 35.7%
Sydney North 14.6% 63.4% 22.0%
Sydney South 13.3% 70.0% 16.7%
Sydney West 11.8% 74.5% 13.7%
