Key reason Toowoomba businesses are struggling in wake of lockdown
Toowoomba leaders have called on for more support to Garden City businesses who are, despite not being in lockdown, are suffering due to impact of restrictions in neighbouring regions.
Toowoomba
Don't miss out on the headlines from Toowoomba. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Toowoomba region has narrowly escaped lockdown restrictions following the explosion of the Delta variant of coronavirus in the state’s capital, but that doesn’t mean businesses aren’t reeling from the impacts of locking down the south east corner of the state.
City businesses are having to recover from cancellations and less foot traffic as dozen of Toowoomba residents have gone into self-quarantine in the wake of the lockdown mandate in 11 key LGAs, including the Lockyer Valley only 15 minutes away from the city’s CBD.
$5000 grants have been offered to city businesses struggling in the wake of the south east Queensland lockdowns, which was extended until Sunday.
Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl says it’s not enough.
“We do not think, the $5000 will be enough to contribute to long-term survival and are very
concerned that an estimated 60 per cent of businesses will not be able to access Covid support payments made available to those impacted during the most recent lockdown,” he said.
“The Toowoomba Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland are anxious that non-employing sole traders are not eligible to access payments of
$5,000.
“Sole traders who do not meet the $75,000 annual turnover threshold should be eligible to
access the assistance”.
Popular CBD cafe Copper Bench announced they would be operating under reduced hours until August 5, citing the SEQ lockdowns as the reason for reduced foot traffic and business.
Have you lost business as a result of the SEQ lockdowns? Email news@toowoomba.com.au.
More Coverage
Gallery: 2025 Toowoomba prep students reveal dream jobs
School’s in for 2025, and some of Toowoomba’s tiniest students have revealed what they’d like to be when they grow up as they head to class for the first time this week. Our mega-gallery here:
Slow-moving grass fire heading up Toowoomba Range
Queensland Fire Department crews and Toowoomba Regional Council staff are working to stop a fire burning near Table Top Mountain.
Saving this number could save your life
Police are calling on residents to save this vital number in their phones in the hope that it will help separate emergency alerts from the deluge of scam text messages that are the scourge of every phone user.
‘Reeling’: Mate’s shock after dad found guilty of killing daughter
All 14 people charged over the 2022 death of Elizabeth Struhs have been found guilty of manslaughter, but questions remain about how a loving father could watch his daughter die.
Watch: Teens armed with hatchet steal $20k worth of cigarettes
A Newtown service station was hit in the early hours of Wednesday, with several young offenders forcing their way in and stealing a large amount of cigarettes.
‘We go as a team’: Humble firey’s response to national bravery award
A retired police sergeant turned volunteer firefighter, Bill Brennan has received his second national bravery award for outstanding service to the Darling Downs community. Here’s why.