Douglas Chamber digs in to help Shire businesses

COVID-19

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Karen Smith-Marron, Secretary, Douglas Chamber of Commerce. Image: supplied


The Douglas Chamber of Commerce today appealed to Douglas Shire businesses to advise how they are being impacted by Covid-19 and the recent Cairns lockdown, which came into effect at 4pm on Sunday.

Chamber secretary Karen Smith-Marron said they have the government’s attention and it is important to make our voices heard.

“They want to know what is happening on the ground in the regional areas, so the more accurate information we can provide the stronger the message.

“The more feedback we have from local businesses on what is happening locally and what is affecting their business, is crucial and we can convey this kind of information,” she said.

Ms Smith-Marron said with the recent lockdowns in the Southern States, SE Queensland and now Cairns, we know our local businesses are doing it tough.

“We know, because we are local business owners who are also feeling the pinch. We are all fatigued mentally, physically and financially from the rollercoaster ride of Covid-19 but we are not alone on this one.  

“The Chamber has been advocating and ensuring our voice is heard in the north about difficulties facing our small business operators, along with support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland and Cairns Chamber of Commerce,” she said.

The Chamber held a team meeting this week with Di Farmer, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development as well as Warwick Agnew, Director General Department of Small Business and Training, CCCIQ representatives and FNQ Chambers of Commerce.

Entsch

“With concerns that the recent support packages appear to have targeted the SE Queensland and those regions directly affected by Covid 19, we were pleased to hear Minister Farmer confirm the support packages have been extended to include businesses which have been impacted by recent lockdowns and border closures.”

Ms Smith-Marron said the Cairns Chamber had been in contact with Warren Entsch, the Federal Member for Leichhardt, advocating for some type of JobKeeper, or similar support for businesses in the Far North. The State Government was encouraged to support the business community in advocating for this support for Small business.

“It was mentioned (to Entsch) that while the Douglas Shire is not in lockdown, we have been heavily impacted due to Cairns being our gateway.

“As far as I am aware Cairns Airport in not a red zone and I asked for some clarification as to whether guests can still transit through Cairns airport to be collected and taken directly to Port Douglas.

“Unfortunately we do fall under the Cairns banner due to the airport so if this lockdown continues, we need to be able to advise guests that they can still fly and travel to Douglas Shire if there are no travel restrictions on them or us.”

The Chamber also advises that if you are experiencing financial difficulties, there is assistance. The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training offers a free Concierge Service with one-on-one Financial Counselling available over the phone.

Contact Cindy Perry from Department of Employment Small Business and Training at [email protected] or 07 40373987; mobile: 0468 512 214.

“We are also confirming dates for some representatives from Rural Financial Counselling Services to visit Port Douglas and Mossman/Daintree area in the coming week. Please contact us if you would like to secure a date and time for this service,” said Ms Smith-Marron.

Current support 

The recently announced grant that will be open for applications mid-August is available for SEQ and regional small and medium sized businesses, as well as large businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors within the 11 LGAs under lockdown, subject to the eligibility criteria

 
2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants 

To be eligible for the $5,000 you have to have experienced a minimum 30 percent decline due to lockdown.

Small and medium businesses are defined as:

  • Businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum and have an annual payroll in Queensland of up to $10 million;
  • Sole traders that are employing businesses will be eligible for the grants if they are not receiving, or are not eligible to receive, income support through the Australian Government’s disaster payment.  

Only employing businesses are able to apply for either of these grants.

Currently non-employing sole traders can access the COVID-19 Disaster Payment - Queensland - Services Australia

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