Benefitting from the Boom? Experiences of Female Business Operators in Resource Towns of Southern Queensland

Abstract

This study investigates businesses operated by women in communities going through rapid socioeconomic changes resulting from a resource boom. The research addresses the underexplored area of challenges, opportunities, responses, influential factors, and resources used in businesses operated by women in such a context. The three core questions analysed are: viii My husband Shahid Muhammed Tawhid was supportive of my decision to start this mammoth task. His bitter and sweet words on my progress gave me the strength and courage to carry on. Thank you for being there and being patient. My mother, Soraiya Malik was virtually present-24/7. Thank you for giving your countless hours over the phone to hear all the troubles. When I was suffering from writer's block and lost all my hope, the words of Farzana Shabnam helped me to have the courage to sit and write. Thank you for being there and your words of encouragement. Thank you, Rebecca, Mirza, Tess, Liz, and the UQ cumulative impact project team. ix Financial support The tuition fees associated with research was supported by University of Queensland International Tuition Fee Award (UQI) and living allowance stipend supported by Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). Keywords Resource towns, coal seam gas industry, contextual changes, socioeconomic impacts, gender, women operated businesses in resource towns, strategic business responses, rural economies. x Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classifications (ANZSRC)