New gift card program keeps it local

Businesses are being urged to sign up for a new gift card system for use exclusively in the Moreton Bay Region.

Moreton Money encourages people to shop locally with its “closed loop” EFTPOS gift card that can only be used in the region at participating businesses.

The cards will be similar to gift cards that can only be used at outlets within Westfield shopping centres.

Mayor Peter Flannery says Council is supporting the initiative, which is being co-ordinated by six local chambers of commerce, with $10,000 Community Operational Support Grants to implement the scheme.

Support small business

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Moreton Bay economy and they’ve been doing a lot of heavy lifting over the past few years with COVID-19 and the disastrous recent flood events,” he says.

|“This is just one small way we can all show our support and help them to not only get back on their feet but start thriving again.”|

Mayor Flannery says businesses can sign up to be part of the Moreton Money program through their local chamber of commerce, which will facilitate the roll-out for members.

“Once we have enough businesses on board, residents will be able to purchase gift cards for their friends and family to use in (participating) Moreton Bay businesses like a regular gift card.

“This means the money and jobs stay in local hands, and with Christmas shopping looming, this is the perfect way to spoil that special someone while saying thank you to our hardworking local businesses.”

Working with chambers of commerce

Mayor Flannery says the gift cards will be valid for three years and can be used more than once until the credit is spent, allowing plenty of time to support businesses affected by the pandemic, flood events, staff shortages, and supply chain issues.

Why Leave Town has delivered the program across more than 75 communities in the past 10 years, with more than 165,000 gift cards sold.

Small businesses who want to cash in on the program and accept Moreton Money gift cards can register their interest here and they will be contacted by the nearest participating Chamber of Commerce.

Chambers taking part include North Lakes, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Samford, The Hills & Districts and Greater Caboolture.

Council has also marked the first anniversary of joining the Queensland Small Business Friendly Council initiative.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy, so when small business succeeds, we all succeed - they are more likely to use local suppliers, hire locals, and create local opportunities,” Mayor Flannery says.

|“We want to instil and celebrate community pride in the region’s business community and make sure the businesses grow and employ more of our residents.”|