Bundaberg Regional Council had a presentation on Monday from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to discuss Council becoming a “Queensland Small Business Friendly Council”.
Commissioner Maree Adshead said Council has an important part to play in the support of small businesses.
“Small businesses are at the heart of the Queensland economy and our regional communities,” she said.
“These businesses create local employment opportunities, provide essential goods and services and play a critical role in the social fabric of our regions.
“The Queensland Government recognises that many of the interactions that small business have with government are at a local level, and that local councils have a significant role in influencing how businesses in their area start and grow and how resilient they are to economic disruptions.
Cr Greg Barnes, who is Council’s COVID Recovery portfolio spokesperson, said it is more important to support small business now than ever before.
“One of the COVID recovery group’s main goals is to support small businesses to survive and thrive in these trying times,” Cr Barnes said.
“The support of the State Government through the Queensland Small Business Friendly Council’s initiative is definitely a step in the right direction.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey was very enthusiastic about the initiative.
“We are totally committed to small business and we’re very interested in being the first Council to sign up under the new Commissioner’s role.
“The first thing would be to develop a charter, which could include important facets like promoting small business, buying local and ensuring prompt payments, which we are already committed to.
“Once confirmed, we would develop a 10 point plan and then look at funding opportunities from the state to implement these initiatives.
The Commissioner was pleased with the outcomes from the meeting.
“We’re keen to establish great relationships in the region,” she said.
“Distance is no longer an issue, with the “zoom factor”.
“We would love to have Bundaberg Regional Council on board to promote themselves and the small businesses in the region.”
