Regional Queensland businesses facing tough decisions in face of latest rates rise
Small businesses in regional Queensland are struggling with rising operational costs and interest rate hikes, leading to price increases for consumers. Business owners report that the combination of higher debt servicing and new regulations, such as the ban on card surcharges, is severely impacting their profitability.
Why it matters
The economic strain on small businesses highlights the broader impact of monetary policy and inflation on local economies.
Nick and Amanda Kuhn say it is a "fine balancing act" to juggle rising business expenses and keeping prices affordable for consumers. ( ABC Wide Bay: Olivia Nunes-Malek )
Queensland businesses say they are being forced to push up prices for customers as they battle to cover increasing expenses.
They are warning that repeated interest rate hikes and a recent ban on card surcharges will put pressure on small operations.
An economics expert says the tougher conditions and higher prices could stretch until 2028.
Link copied Share Share article Nick and Amanda Kuhn run an organic egg business in the rural town of Tiaro, about 220 kilometres north of Brisbane.
The pair say their family-run operation has been struggling to slow the "snowball effect" of rising costs.
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