Western town sets up COVID-19 task-force for businesses

A SOUTHWEST region has assembled a new task-force to help local businesses through the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SHOP LOCAL: Supporting the new Shop Local resource kit are (from left) Visit Roma President Charlie Eames, Santos Maranoa Regional Manager Andrew Snars, Mayor Tyson Golder, Councillor Wendy Taylor and Commerce Roma President Cyril Peet.

A SOUTHWEST Queensland region has assembled a new task-force to help local businesses through the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maranoa Regional Council, based in Roma, has partnered with oil and gas giant Santos among other stakeholders like Commerce Roma to form the COVID-19 Recovery Task-force.

Maranoa Mayor Tyson Golder said one of the key elements of the task-force was the "buy local kit", which urged residents to shop at downtown stores and invest into the region.

"By having an initiative with a physical and online presence, we expect to create economic benefits to our region, stimulating customer spend and adding to job security for our residents," he said.

"Partnerships such as the COVID-19 Task-force are essential in ensuring a strong and dynamic business community."

Santos Maranoa regional manager Andrew Snars said the task-force was a step in the right direction.

"By building an awareness around the benefits and advantages of shopping locally, the initiative will engage local businesses to increase spend and consumer participation within their businesses,"

The news was welcomed by shop owner Tahnee Holland, who said shopping local was imperative to the sustainability of local businesses.

For more information, head to www.maranoa.qld.gov.au.

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