David Janetzki, Trevor Watts call on Queensland Government to support businesses struggling during Covid

With Toowoomba small businesses struggling as Covid fears keep customers away, the sector has made a desperate plea for support from the State Government.

Of a morning and afternoon, stock would typically be flying from the shelves of Brumby’s Bakery Wyalla.

But as Toowoomba experiences its first major Covid outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic, sales have declined dramatically.

“I’ve cut production down by a quarter and I’ve still got things left over,” owner Denise Statham said.

“They don’t go to waste, they get picked up by charity of a morning but I can see just how quiet things are when I’ve cut what we make and still have things left over.

“The afternoons are a lot quieter; the mornings are a lot quieter. So, the downturn is there in terms of dollars, but so would everybody else and I know I’m not the only one. I am sure the whole town is quiet.

“Last time around they gave out all this money, and this time when we are affected nothing has been mentioned and it’s hard. We will keep plugging along, but it would be nice if the government could help us along the way.”

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki, Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts and Brumby's Wyalla Plaza owner Denise Statham.

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts has called on the State Government to step up to the plate and support the small and family business sector.

“It is time for a competent Queensland Government to step up and put a package on the table,” he said.

“They’re all too quick to tax businesses in good times and go after businesses to fund various projects they might have, but it is now time to support the life blood of Queensland … Our small businesses.”

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki said he believed we must support our small and family businesses now to solidify their future.

“We do not want small and family businesses falling at the final hurdle,” he said.

“Every small business owner pours their heart and soul into their operation.

“This is the toughest test for our small and family businesses, and we want them to be here long into the future.”