Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announces $5m in financial relief for Covid-hit businesses

With much of Brisbane CBD a ghost town as the state battles its escalating Omicron crisis, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced a multimillion-dollar relief package for businesses, sporting clubs and community groups.

Businesses, sports clubs and community groups will receive $5 million in financial relief to help them through the Covid pandemic as Brisbane remains a ghost town.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will unveil the fee relief on Wednesday that’s expected to help more than 5000 restaurants, cafes, sports clubs, and other organisations by removing a number of fees and charges for the first quarter of 2022.

And he’s called for the state government to follow the example with power bill rebates, or stamp duty and payroll tax concessions to further help embattled businesses.

It follows Opposition Leader David Crisafulli calling for similar relief last week from both the Palaszczuk and Morrison Governments.

Queen Street Mall all but empty on Tuesday. Picture: Tara Croser

Under Brisbane City Council’s package, food safety, outdoor dining, food truck and temporary food stalls, river moorings, film permits, advertising and live music fees will be among the charges eliminated.

Leasing costs for clubs and community groups operating on council land are also included.

The average CBD restaurant with outdoor dining would save more than $1800 and a suburban cafe that uses footpath dining would save nearly $700.

Commercial operators who lease council buildings will qualify for relief from a $400,000 pot if they can prove the current outbreak is causing financial hardship.

“Many business owners and community groups have told me that this is turning out to be the most difficult time of all since the pandemic began,” Cr Schrinner said.

Queen Street Mall in Brisbane CBD is quiet with city workers encouraged to work from home as Covid cases continue to increase. Picture: Tara Croser

“While there’s no formal lockdown and very few health orders in place, warnings about how people should limit their movements as the Omicron variant spreads through our community is having a devastating impact.

“Many businesses would have been counting on a bumper summer season to start making up for previous losses but instead they’re facing further declines in trade because their customers have vanished along with the support that was once available to them.“

He said the council was “stepping in to do what’s right”, pointing to the lack of people throughout the city right now.

Storia on Queen owner Donato Laurito backed the council fee relief as people stay away from Brisbane’s city centre. Picture: Brad Fleet

“Queen Street Mall is our state’s premier shopping destination and this time of year it should be teeming with locals and tourists,” the Lord Mayor said.

“While prior to Christmas things looked like they were returning to normal, our latest figures show foot traffic in Queen Street Mall is currently less than half pre-Covid levels.

“This isn’t just happening in Queen Street.

“It is also occurring in major shopping centres and suburban shopping strips.

“There’s a real risk of businesses closing and jobs being lost if this continues for much longer which is why Council is doing what we can.”

Cr Schrinner did not rule out providing more financial relief should the pandemic stretch on and it be required.