Business survey gauges COVID-19 impacts

Noosa businesses are being asked to help shape the recovery of the local economy by taking part in a COVID-19 business survey.

A collaboration between Council and business associations, the survey will help Council and Tourism Noosa to support, and lobby on behalf of, business across the shire.

Mayor Clare Stewart said it’s important to understand how the pandemic has impacted local businesses.

“We recognise that this has had significant impacts on the local economy, so we really need the information to help shape the next round of Council’s support, and to inform policymakers. This survey will help to ensure we are helping and supporting businesses across our shire as best we can through this crucial recovery stage,” she said.

Council hopes to hear from as many industry sectors as possible.

The survey will be sent to Noosa businesses and be made available on Council’s website.

The survey drills down into the level of financial loss businesses have incurred since March because of coronavirus, what changes have been made and how many jobs have been lost during the lockdown.

Local business owner and Noosaville Business Association Vice President, Tom Rock, said the survey will help ‘identify opportunities for recovery.

“Every business counts in the recovery phase, so it’s important that owners take the time to complete the survey and be as honest as possible,” he said.

Noosa Junction Association member and operator of CLO Studios, Chloe Tozer, said the survey will help provide a realistic picture of the climate here in Noosa.

“We all have a lot going on at the moment, but if we could take 10 minutes to complete the survey, it will provide valuable local insights and potential opportunities for recovery,” she said.

The survey has been developed in consultation with members of the Business Recovery Roundtable, comprising local business associations, Tourism Noosa, Noosa Business Mentors Network and local chambers of commerce, plus Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.

Ms Bolton said comprehensive data was an invaluable tool in guiding business recovery.

“We want to better understand the impacts that COVID-19 has had on our businesses to ensure we are providing what is actually needed. This survey is critical in informing Council and government in how best to support them now and through the challenges ahead,” Ms Bolton said.

Cr Stewart said Council remained committed to helping the community and business through the challenging recovery phase.

“It needs to be a collaboration, and a business owner’s insights will certainly help us with planning and refining our ongoing response efforts,” she said.

Council has committed millions of dollars through a range of support initiatives and community programs. The COVID-19 Business Survey is another important tool in the response phase.

The survey is available on Council’s website https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/DfCNa4