Published January 2025
Three industry leaders in Brisbane have given us their outlook for business, music and fashion!
Music
2024 was a pretty challenging time for the music industry – as many would have heard, some of Australia’s biggest music festivals and many venues have fallen in the face of the cost of living crisis.
In Fortitude Valley, most of our legendary venues are still kicking on, though – and the opening of Crowbar Brisbane on the old Zoo site means that we again have a thriving venue succeeding at a historically important site.
How does 2025 look?
Well, the shift towards focussed genres means that specialist venues and events should continue to do well, as digital streaming gives people more of what it knows you already like, whether that’s country, heavy or EDM.
Tastes seem to be changing, as Gen Z-ers move away from alcohol as a part of their entertainment choices – and will night clubs and music venues survive that?
Australian artists will hopefully start to see some growth, as the last few years have been incredibly difficult – and that might mean some government intervention to ensure that streamers are actually giving Australian artists a fair go.
Will an industry that relies on discretionary income recover, in spite of tightening belts and increased inflation? Well – that could be the biggest question that 2025 will answer.
Business
Brisbane is poised for significant economic and developmental strides in 2025, building upon its recent robust performance. The Queensland Government forecasts a 3% economic growth for both 2023-24 and 2024-25, indicating sustained economic momentum.
The property market is expected to be a key driver of this growth. Projections suggest a potential increase in property prices ranging from 6% to 14%, fuelled by sustained demand and limited supply.
Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of Brisbane’s growth strategy. The city’s commitment to enhancing transport and urban facilities is evident in projects like the Brisbane Metro and the Cross River Rail. These initiatives are designed to improve connectivity and support the anticipated population increase. Additionally, the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are acting as a catalyst for further infrastructure investments, with significant urban renewal plans proposed for under-utilised areas such as Chermside and Moorooka’s Magic Mile.
However, challenges persist. The construction industry is grappling with rising costs and labour shortages, which could impact project timelines and budgets. Escalating construction costs in Brisbane are likely to persist due to ongoing capacity and labour shortages, potentially affecting the timely and cost-effective completion of Olympic-related projects.
In summary, Brisbane’s outlook for 2025 is characterized by promising growth prospects, particularly in the property sector, underpinned by strategic infrastructure developments. Nonetheless, addressing construction industry challenges will be crucial to sustaining this growth trajectory.
Fashion
I have this new year sense of calm which is so welcome after the rollercoaster the past 12 months.
This calm will be reflected in plenty of wardrobes this year too as earthy, grounded styles dominate the trends into 2025.
Brisbane designers lead the charge here – natural fibres for a tropical climate, still with lots of colour, but fashion that can breathe – and don’t we all need it headed in to 2025.
Fashion Queensland’s projects this year will continue to highlight the best of Brisbane and Queensland design. A brief insight into what’s coming includes the 10-year anniversary of Brisbane Fashion Month (Queensland’s largest showcase of local designers each October), a stunningly show for the Ekka Natural Fibres Fashion Parades (keep an eye out for some new categories this year and stand-out performances) and speaking events that connect and inspire.
In the bigger picture, the push is further toward local and ethical fashion. Brisbane Arcade remains a hub, welcoming two stars Astille and Milly Zu in 2024.
Ethical Clothing Australia accredited designers Chamani, Juliette et Felicity and manufacturer Ethical Edge are doing incredible work also.
We have so much opportunity at our fingertips and as we push into this next growth season of Brisbane, there’s incredible opportunity for fashion.
Happy new year and cheers to starting 2025 in style.
