Switched on to region’s needs

If you’ve lived in the Far North for any length of time, you’ll be familiar with the business Babinda Electrics.
Starting in 1968 in the sugar town of Babinda, 60km south of Cairns, this Far Northern success story has grown to become one of Queensland’s most respected electrical and mechanical contractors, employing more than 100 staff throughout Cairns and the Torres Strait.
The business specialises in commercial construction and there isn’t a major industry in the region that doesn’t have their paw prints on it.
Owner and director Greg Smith, whose father John (now retired) started the business, has experienced the ups and downs of the economy over the years and believes the current fuel crisis will have far-reaching impacts on trades.
In the short-term it is the 55% increase to the fuel bill which is hurting.
But it’s the longer-term effects on supply chains that he’s really keeping his eyes on, and particularly cable and conduit, an essential product used to protect and route electrical wiring.
“This doesn’t only affect us in the electrical industry, but also other trades and services such as the plumbing industry. We service a lot of subdivision works. So, what happens when there’s no more conduit?”
It’s a good question.
In the meantime, what does the boss of this trusted FNQ business do?
“We keep doing what we can do and just get on with the job.”
Greg is a big believer in the power of Advance Cairns’ network and its advocacy for the Far North.
“It campaigns for those big infrastructure projects that we all benefit from and that’s why we want to put back in.”
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