Council announces new measures to support Noosa businesses

Noosa Council has announced a further raft of measures to support businesses through the evolving COVID-19 crisis.

Council’s Environment and Sustainable Development Director Kim Rawlings said Council would defer infrastructure charges until July 2021, with no interest payments applied.

“Council’s planning and building teams are geared up to assist and help facilitate projects and approvals to keep works and projects going,” she said.

“Council’s Planning and Building staff will work with business owners to develop a tailored approach to their individual circumstances. Our staff are continually exploring a range of ways to support business during this very difficult time.”

From today, local businesses that have shut down or scaled back can request an immediate stop on waste services to save on costs.

Businesses should lodge requests to halt waste services online via the waste section of Council’s website, or send an email

“Bins will stay on site for when businesses resume normal operations,” Ms Rawlings said.

Any business owner that is required to close its doors in these very difficult circumstances can obviously have their waste services cancelled immediately.

Council announced a support package last week to help local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes a range of commercial permit, footpath-dining and event fee waivers and refunds.

A weekly payment cycle for local and regional suppliers is helping ensure they’re paid faster.

“We are very pleased our local suppliers are taking advantage of this already, and we encourage them to get their invoices in to us as soon as possible so we can assist to keep cash-flow going.

“Tenants in Council-owned buildings are being sent details of the rent relief program.

“We’re contacting businesses that have footpath dining and trading permits, as well as commercial lease permit holders, to explain how our relief package will help,” Ms Rawlings said.

“Fees for cancelled events are being fully refunded as part of the support package.”

Critical to this range of support is the Business Roundtable Council has convened. The Roundtable meets again this week to discuss the evolving COVID-19 crisis.

Steered by Council, the group includes business association representatives, Sandy Bolton MP, Tourism Noosa, Noosa Business Mentors Network and local chambers of commerce.

Ms Rawlings said the latest meeting is to provide a direct line to State and Federal governments on business issues, impacts and gaps in support from all levels of government.

“We’re looking to work directly with the State Government through Sandy Bolton MP to identify the biggest issues facing local businesses and secure State support.

“Our Economic Development team has produced a suite of business continuity tools and resources to help local businesses,” Ms Rawlings said.

Council’s dedicated Business Support portal is constantly updated and provides a single point of information, resources and tools for business and individuals economically impacted.

“Specific information and resources are available and regularly updated for key sectors in our community, including hotels and licenses premises, cafes and restaurants, and general information for workers,” Ms Rawlings said.

The Buy Local section on the business portal links to where you can continue to support local business still operating and adapting to these changing circumstances. This information is updated regularly.

“There are specific government initiatives that support cash flow and small businesses that employ people, as well as a range of other programs. The website includes details about the latest Federal and State Government stimulus package,” Ms Rawlings said.

Council can also help businesses navigate the support options available. Send the Economic Development team an email

See Council’s Business and COVID-19 webpage.