Moreton Bay Regional Council has given the hospitality industry a COVID-19 stimulus by waiving another year of food licence fees for small businesses.
Council today voted unanimously to issue food licence renewal notices with a full rebate for the period from the start of October 2020 to the end of September 2021.
Mayor Peter Flannery said extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures.
“Restrictions may have eased here in Queensland, but the effects of the lockdown are still being felt right across the region,” Mayor Flannery says.
“Waiving next year’s fees will cost Council about $800,000 on top of the $760,000 we already refunded as part of $33 million COVID-19 Stimulus already delivered.
“But it is the right decision, as I’ve repeatedly said we don’t want anyone slipping through the cracks on the road to recovery.
“And I believe it’s Council’s responsibility to provide some certainty at this uncertain time.
“But nothing will help small businesses more than locals getting out and enjoying the amazing establishments and attractions around our region.
“Buy local, shop local, stay local because I cannot understate the devastating impact this pandemic has had on businesses - and we know we’re all in this together.
“The majority of businesses in our region are smaller operators owned by local families, which means their kids go to school with your kids, they might even be your neighbours, and right now they need our help.
“By waiving another year’s worth of food licence fees there is one less bill to pay, so I hope that helps food businesses breathe a sigh of relief.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council has issued $33 million of COVID-19 stimulus measures for the local economy to date.
Keep up to date with more news here
Bribie-based organisation Hairdressers with Hearts has launched an Australian-first training program to help victims of domestic and family violence and elder abuse…
South East Queensland’s Mayors have joined forces to call for urgent action on key transport and liveability projects in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.…
Moreton Bay Region Weather • 16-5-2022 • Nick Crockford
Last week's torrential rain wrecked Moreton Bay Region events and had many weather gauges filling fast. Here's the rainfall figures for last week.…
Local News • 16-5-2022 • Ashleigh Howarth
A popular walking group that aims to improve men’s health has celebrated a big milestone, notching up their 250th walk. Find out more about the group here …
Local News • 16-5-2022 • Jodie Powell
Just Better Care Brisbane North is settling into its new home at Arana Hills and continuing to deliver aged care, disability support and social and lifestyle support. Find out how they can help...…
Local News • 16-5-2022 • Ashleigh Howarth
As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week, we catch up with Mark ‘Buster’ Keeton to find out why helping others is important to him. Find out all the incredible work Buster does and the four organisations he volunteers at here …
Moreton Bay Region Weather • 16-5-2022 • Kylie Knight
Personal hardship disaster assistance has been extended to residents affected by recent severe weather and flooding in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area. Here’s how to apply…
Local News • 16-5-2022 • Nick Crockford
Nominations for the 2022 Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards are now open.…