Rockhampton officially becomes a Small Business Friendly Council

Small businesses in Rockhampton are set to benefit from a new Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) commitment made by Rockhampton Regional Council today. 

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer welcomed Rockhampton to the growing list of councils that have signed up to the charter.

“Small businesses are the heart and hubs of our local communities and are crucial to our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Farmer said.

“They are our families, our friends, our neighbours and they keep our communities strong.

“It’s fantastic that so many councils have committed to the small business friendly charter, with many others lining up to join them.

“By signing the Small Business Friendly Council charter, councils commit to support small businesses in their communities and help to reduce red tape.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said he welcomed the commitment from Rockhampton Regional Council.

“I know that Rockhampton Regional Council does a lot of work to support small businesses across the region, and this is a way for them to do even more," Mr O'Rourke said.

“I want to commend Mayor Tony Williams and the whole council for signing up to this important initiative, and as the local member I will continue to work alongside the council for the benefit of small businesses in Rockhampton.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said Rockhampton Regional Council is excited to demonstrate its commitment to local small businesses by officially becoming a Small Business Friendly Council.

“Small businesses are at the heart of the Rockhampton regional economy,” Mayor Williams said.

They create local jobs, grow the local economy, and provide essential goods and services. But just as important, small businesses help create attractive, liveable communities.”

“We want to support our small business sector in environments where they just don’t survive but thrive.

“Council’s signing of the Charter as a Small Business Friendly Council is part of our commitment to local small business.”

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, who today co-signed the SBFC Charter with Mayor Tony Williams and Capricornia Chamber of Commerce President, Phil Henry, said the council had committed to engage, promote, and support the small businesses within their region.

“The signing of this charter marks a commitment to put small business needs and priorities at the forefront when making important decisions,” Ms Adshead said.

“It also marks the commencement of a collaborative journey, which has been reinforced with the Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke witnessing the signing of the SBFC charter.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all concerned to bring real benefits to the local small business community in the Rockhampton region.”

The Commissioner said small businesses operating in other council areas are already benefiting from their council signing the charter.

“An outcome one of our first small business friendly council regions is benefiting from is a streamlined application process which has reduced the processing time from 4-6 weeks down to one day,” Ms Adshead said.

“Helping the network of councils to benefit from each other’s learnings and experiences is a key feature of the SBFC initiative.”

The SBFC charter has been developed by the Palaszczuk Government in conjunction with councils and aims to recognise and encourage the support of local councils to actively support small businesses to recover and build resilience following disaster and economic challenges.

There are currently 17 SBFCs across Queensland. When a council signs the SBFC charter they are pledging 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.

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 contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211