CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE UPDATE
Having requested this of the Minister for Environment in 2019, it is fantastic that wine and spirit bottles will be included from 1 November 2023. Please continue to recycle these per normal until then. Further information is available including a FAQs at www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/wine-and-spirit-bottles.
LOCAL FREE CREATIVE VIDEO CONTENT TRAINING EVENT
Being held on Thursday 25 May between 6 and 8pm at the Peregian Digital Hub, 253-255 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. This free event offers expertise on how to grow and promote your business through creative video content. It is being hosted by the local Community Banks in partnership with the team from Sunny Coast Showdown. RSVPs can be sent to 0492 970 507.
FREE WORKFORCE COURSE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The QLD Government and the University of Sunshine Coast have partnered to offer a planning course to help small and medium-sized business owners, and managers find the right people, with the right skill at the right time to support their business. Discover more information including registration at www.usc.edu.au/study/courses-and-programs/business-short-courses-and-microcredentials/workforce-planning. Further resources for workforce planning can be found at https://jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au/workforce-planning-connect
GROWTH GRANTS
Applications are now open until 2 June for small and medium-sized high-growth businesses to buy specialised equipment, enabling them to unlock growth potential, increase production and expand their workforce. You may be eligible for a single up-front payment of up to $75,000 with further information available at www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/growth-fund.
EXTRAORDINARY DISASTER ASSISTANCE RECOVERY GRANTS
The closing date for applications has been extended until 9 June for those who were affected by the flooding, 22 February – 5 April 2022, season. Up to $75,000 is available for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations. For criteria and to apply; https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/extraordinary-disaster-assistance-recovery-grants-south-east-queensland-rainfall-and-flooding.
ACCESSIBLE TOURISM GRANTS
Applications are now open until 31 May of between $25,000 to $500,000 to support small to medium sized tourism and events businesses to improve accessibility through infrastructure upgrades, assistive equipment and technology. Further information can be found at www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/accessible-tourism/year-of-accessible-tourism.
BUSINESS NEWSLETTER
Businesses/ Organisations or individuals within the North Coast Region, which includes the Noosa Electorate, can subscribe at www.bit.ly/NorthCoastBusinessLinkSubscribe to receive fortnightly updates on events, programs and funding opportunities located within North Coast communities.
QLD SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER
Provides dispute assistance and mediation for small businesses. Although they cannot arbitrate matters, make rulings, give directions or issue orders, they will work with you in good faith to help you explore your options and find an informal resolution to your dispute. Contact information and further can be found at https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/business-disputes.
BUSINESS LICENCING INFORMATION
There has been ‘one-stop-shop’ set up with all information regarding licencing, permits and other regulatory information for all levels of government. The service is called Business launch pad which can be found at For further resources/ contacts, you can visit the Queensland Small Business Commissioner at www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/qsbc.
ARE YOU A BUSINESS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH STATE GOVERNMENT?
Please feel free to contact my office anytime on 5319 3100 or via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. Keep up to date on our latest efforts by subscribing to our email newsletter at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters. We also have information and updates on many local matters available at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360.