Summertime Taskforce to help small business shine

The Palaszczuk Government has established a Summertime Taskforce to help councils support small businesses in making the most of the trading opportunities presented by the glorious Queensland sunshine.  

The Taskforce, which is led by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, will investigate how small businesses can expand trade to local outdoor areas to increase their floor space, grow trade and revenue, and revitalise local communities.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the Taskforce is part of the Big Plans for Small Business election commitment to make it easier to do business in Queensland.

“You can’t have a strong economy without strong small businesses, and that’s why we put backing small business at the heart of our $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Farmer said.

“Earlier this year I asked the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) to lead the Summertime Taskforce and explore how we can help businesses can move outdoors and offer things like on-street dining, to help revitalise our dining precincts and CBDs.

“The Commissioner has established an Industry Reference Group with a mix of representatives from peak industry bodies and associations, along with key individuals from Queensland Government departments.

“I’m also really pleased to have representatives from regional councils that have signed up to our fantastic Small Business Friendly Councils program; I know that they will be key in the success of this initiative.

“The Industry Reference Group, chaired by the QSBC, will bring subject matter expertise and access to industry networks and knowledge.

“The group will make proposals about how councils can help businesses make the most of the opportunities the Queensland weather brings.”

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead said she was looking forward to identifying new and innovative ways small businesses can establish a new outdoor footprint in local areas or expand their existing outdoor footprint.

“It is now more vital than ever for governments, peak bodies, and industry leaders to work collaboratively and find ways to better serve the Queensland small business community,” the Commissioner said.

“I’m excited to see what recommendations the Summertime Taskforce Industry Reference Group identifies to make it easier for small businesses to prosper in Queensland.

“We’ve witnessed Victoria pilot a similar concept throughout Melbourne’s CBD, urban and regional local councils. It involved using outdoor space to expand the capacity of businesses, so we’re looking forward to reviewing those key learnings to explore how Queenslanders could benefit.

“I am confident that the reference group will provide practical recommendations for the government to get on and implement.”

For information about the Queensland Small Business Commissioner visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbc

For other information on business support visit www.business.qld.gov.au or call the 24/7 Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211