Rates relief for outback businesses hit by COVID-19 shutdown

Businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns in outback Queensland are being given a refund on their rates.

Drought - Queensland.Quilpie should be the heart of Queensland's sheep country but the killer drought gripping the southwest means even the butcher Cameron McConnell, pictured with wife Gina and daughter Alexis, 3, can't find local sheep to slaughter.Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

QUILPIE Shire has stepped in to ease the burden of COVID-19 shutdowns, by refunding rates for businesses doing it tough.

Travel bans and forced shutdowns have been a blow for nearly every business in the shire, and mayor Stuart Mackenzie said many business owners had told the council they were under financial stress without travellers spending in the district.

"After making contact with business houses to ascertain the extent of the impact and how they felt we could assist, Council believed that some sort of financial support was critical", Cr Mackenzie said.

"A number of business operators made various requests for rates concessions and other support.

"To ensure a simple process and to maintain equity across the board, Council resolved to offer a full rates concession to those who made application for the current rates period."

The decision has come from a special council meeting held late last week.

Affected business owners who have paid their rates and charges for the period January 1 to June 30, 2020, will receive a full refund on all rates paid; those who have been unable to pay will have their rates credited for the full amount that would otherwise have been due.

Quilpie Shire Council has confirmed it will review rates assistance again before the next levies are issued in August.

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