The bi-annual survey is being undertaken as part of Council’s recently-adopted Economic Development Strategy 2013-16 in a bid to better monitor and understand business conditions and issues.

IRIS Research will be responsible for collating all the survey responses and preparing a report for council.

Chair of council’s economic development steering group, Cr Rob Turner, said it would be important to receive responses from a good cross-section of the business community to provide an accurate picture of local business confidence.

Cr Turner said the survey came at a time when there were major milestones in a number of local infrastructure projects including the Port Macquarie Airport upgrade,  Sancrox interchange and the Charles Sturt University (CSU) campus development.

“There is a very positive vibe in the community about future economic growth in opportunity,” Cr Turner said.

The survey will focus on a range of questions relating to confidence measures such as sales, profitability, capital expenditure, staff levels and overtime. Those businesses that have not been contacted by IRIS Research and who would like to take part in the survey are being asked to contact Susanne Ech, economic development officer, on  6581 8370 or email economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

The survey will close on April 4. Cr Turner said all responses would be treated with the utmost confidence.