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Dear Businesses
Noosa Council, in conjunction with local State MP, Sandy Bolton, hosted the second Business Roundtable last Friday to discuss all levels of government response to the economic impacts of Coronavirus in our community.
The Business Roundtable consists of Sandy Bolton MP, Noosa Council CEO, Senior Council staff, Tourism Noosa, Business Association and Industry association representatives, and State Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training representatives.
The group discussed and agreed a series of key actions to respond to the immediate challenges the Noosa business community is currently facing. These initiatives included:
- Increased police presence around key precincts to ensure surveillance and safety given increasing number of vacant buildings.
- Council Business and COVID webpage to provide one point of information regarding Business packages and support for the local community.
- Federal, State, Local Agencies and Business Associations have committed to connect to coordinate advisory and support information and communications.
- Emotional welfare for employee and business owners is a key priority with Council and State government exploring options.
The State Government Business Hotline is 1300 654 687. This hotline is available for immediate advice for small businesses.
In addition, Noosa Council has implemented the following support mechanisms for local business:
FREE Business Mentors Noosa Hotline - 5430 6652
Business Mentors Noosa is providing a Free General Business support Hotline. Businesses can call 5430 6652. Mentors will be available from Tuesday 31 March.
Business Checklist
This checklist provides a series of questions for business owners to work through addressing key areas to consider in response to the COVID-19 virus and its associated impact, potential risks and opportunities. Give the avalanche of information, the checklist provides business owners with a guide to follow to survive and is primarily aimed at owners and managers of small businesses in the Noosa Shire.
Subsidised Business Support Panel
A panel of local business consultants has been to established to provide subsidised services to support and advise our local businesses. The advisers can provide advice on business continuity, sustaining your business and other considerations and impacts. Experts in the following areas have been engaged and are available to support businesses. Council is providing a subsidy of 50% to those who wish to take up this service.
- Business Continuity
- HR
- Marketing and Communications
- Innovation and Business Models
Business Support Panel Details
A second round of support packages have also been released from Noosa Council, including a commitment to defer infrastructure charges until July 2021 with no interest payments. Businesses that have shut down or scaled back can also request an immediate stop on waste serves to save on costs. Media release
This information and more can be found at Council's Business and COVID-19 webpage.
It is expected a third round of Federal Government stimulus will be announced this week. Make sure to keep posted on the changes at Council’s Business and COVID-19 webpage.
Importantly, we urge everyone to make sure their mental health is being looked after. Keep in touch with your friends and family (virtually) and if necessary please reach out to Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 or any of other mental health services available.
The Business Round table is meeting again this Friday, we encourage you to please contact your Association Representative with issues or questions you would like followed up. Alternatively you can email economicdevelopment@noosa.qld.gov.au.
Most of all, stay safe, stay strong and stay apart.
Kind regards,
Kim Rawlings
Director Environment & Sustainable Development
Noosa Shire Council
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