Council Joins Small Business Friendly Initiative

Published 26 May 2021

Moreton Bay Region has become the largest council in Queensland to join the Small Business Friendly Council initiative.

Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner and local Chambers of Commerce joined Mayor Peter Flannery in Council Chambers to sign the charter today, as a commitment to continue supporting growth, resilience and innovation in small businesses.

“There was no way local businesses could have been prepared for the global market changers, border restrictions and forced business closures thrust upon them to protect Australia from the spread of COVID-19 and that’s why our Council acted swiftly to support our business community," Mayor Flannery said.

“Time is critical in a crisis, that’s why we immediately refunded food licence fees, introduced a local preference policy to weight Council contracts towards local businesses and staggered payment plans for anyone struggling financially - we just knew we had to do whatever we could to keep cash in our community and help maintain a sense of optimism.

“We are stepping up again today as a celebration of Queensland Small Business Month, by signing this Small Business Friendly Council charter.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy, so when small business succeeds, we all succeed - they are more likely to use local suppliers, hire locals, and create local opportunities.

"That's why our call to action is to 'Eat, Shop and Support Local' at every opportunity.

“Joining this initiative builds on our adoption of the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS), which is a 20-year blueprint for a bigger, bolder and brighter economy which will ultimately create 100,000 new jobs in the Moreton Bay Region through to 2041.”

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead said the signing of this charter celebrates the collaboration between local and state governments.

“We are delighted that Moreton Bay Regional Council has joined the Small Business Friendly Councils family,” Ms Adshead said.

“As one of the largest councils in Queensland, this commitment ensures small businesses within the region will be at the forefront of decisions Council makes.

“The signing of this charter compliments the valuable and ongoing work already broadly in place within the Moreton Bay Region and recognises the importance and role local businesses play in developing and diversifying our economy.”

President Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Brad Flynn said the charter will complement the valuable work and practices already in place and will enhance the business profile of the region.

‘’The adoption of the Small Business Friendly Council Charter is another step forward and demonstrates Moreton Bay Regional Council’s commitment to the REDS and to supporting local businesses and supporting #TeamMoretonBay,” Mr Flynn said.

The Moreton Bay Region has more than 28,000 small businesses creating local jobs, providing essential services and supporting sustainable communities.

To find out more about Council’s REDS, visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/REDS