Chamber eagerly awaiting council’s business relief package

THE Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is eagerly awaiting the announcement of Toowoomba Regional Council’s small business relief package.

Margaret St in Toowoomba is quiet as travel and stay at home restrictions of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic are felt, Friday, April 10, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

THE Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is eagerly awaiting the announcement of Toowoomba Regional Council’s small business relief package.

President Harrison Humphries said that at a minimum, the chamber wanted to see the waiver of levies, permit fees, and parking fines, as well as rate relief for the business community.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our region providing household incomes and they need immediate relief in these challenging times,” he said.

“While such actions by the council will bring some short-term relief to local small business and prevent closures, the newly elected officials need to think long-term to secure small business survival as we work through this pandemic.

“One way to do that is to ensure the Toowoomba Chamber’s five key priorities outlined prior to the local government election are implemented now, such as helping small business navigate approval processes, red tape reduction and a business incentive scheme.”

Mr Harrison said the priorities needed to be funded as quickly as possible.

“With 86% of all businesses anticipating adverse impact by COVID-19, we urge the Toowoomba Regional Council to utilise independent organisations like the chamber to help council deliver for local small business and the community,” he said.

“The Chamber, as a key stakeholder, looks forward to being involved in the discussion and finalisation of any economic relief package for local small business.”