Scenic Rim Regional Council commits to Small Business Friendly Councils initiative

Representatives from all five Chambers of Commerce in the Scenic Rim supported the Council's co-signing of the Small Business Friendly Council Charter including Tamborine Mountain's Geoff Baldwin, Boonah District's Tony Richardson, Beaudesert's David Kassulke with Mayor Cr Greg Christensen and Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, Canungra's Monique Morcus, Beaudesert's Vanessa Skinner and Kooralbyn Valley's Belinda Barry and Terry Shields.

Small businesses in the Scenic Rim will receive added support from a new Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) commitment made by Scenic Rim Regional Council today.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Maree Adshead co-signed the SBFC Charter with Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Greg Christensen with support from the region's five Chambers of Commerce based in Beaudesert, Boonah, Kooralbyn, Tamborine Mountain and Canungra.

“This is vote of confidence for small businesses in the Scenic Rim and I am excited to see the positive effects this initiative will bring to the small businesses within the local community.” Ms Adshead said.

“Small businesses are still trying to recover from the impacts of COVID-19; we hope Council’s commitment to this initiative will help remind the local community to go local and support small businesses in their ongoing recovery.” she said. 

Mayor Christensen said small businesses are the backbone of the Scenic Rim economy. 

“Small business is a cornerstone of the Scenic Rim economy and community, making up more than 98.5% of the region's businesses. 

"Joining the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative reinforces the importance and relevance of the many activities and programs that Council already has underway to support small business." he said.

"This commitment to buy local is having a positive impact on small businesses, in financial terms, Council has already spent $9 million with local suppliers in the first six months of this financial year on contestable materials and services." Mr Christensen said.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said small businesses are the heart of the economy, and the heart of our communities.  

“That’s why, together with the Small Business Commissioner, we are travelling the state to hear from small businesses about what we can do to help support and grow your business.

“Whether it’s buying local or reducing red tape, we need to work together to support our small businesses and the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative is great way to progress this.” Ms Farmer said. 

Over the past few months, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner has been working with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), Councils such as Scenic Rim and Chambers of Commerce across Queensland in the development of localised charters to help small businesses.

“Small businesses are at the heart of Queensland communities; they make an essential contribution to the Queensland economy and are part of our social fabric.” Ms Adshead said.

“This is a commitment by Scenic Rim City Council and its partners to be mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community.” she said.

The SBFC charter has been developed in conjunction with Councils and is flexible to their local needs.  It includes a commitment to:

•    communicate and engage
•    raise small businesses profile and capability
•    support resilience and recovery
•    simplify administration and regulation (red tape reduction)
•    ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms
•    promote place-based activities.

“I have spoken with many Councils who are eager to embrace this initiative and hope as we build momentum, we can amplify the support for small businesses across Queensland.” Ms Adshead said. 

Find out more about the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) initiative at www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbc or by phoning 1300 312 344.

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Media Enquiries for the Queensland Small Business Commissioner can be directed to Carly Johnson 0484 604 008.

Media Enquiries for the Scenic Rim Regional Council can be directed to Tracey Hartmann on 0409 201 674 / media@scenicrim.qld.gov.au / www.facebook.com/ScenicRimRC