31 August 2021
Published 19 August 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council has doubled down on its commitment to helping the hospitality industry through the coronavirus pandemic, deciding to waive another year’s worth of food licence fees for small businesses.
Council today voted unanimously to issue food licence renewal notices with a full rebate applied for the period of the start of October 2020 to the end of September 2021.
Mayor Peter Flannery said extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures.
“Restrictions may have eased here in Queensland, but the effects of the lockdown are still being felt right across the region,” Mayor Flannery said.
“Waiving next year’s fees will cost Council about $800,000 on top of the $760,000 we already refunded as part of $33 million COVID-19 Stimulus already delivered.
“But it’s the right decision, as I’ve repeatedly said we don’t want anyone slipping through the cracks on the road to recovery.
“And I believe it’s Council’s responsibility to provide some certainty at this uncertain time.
“But nothing will help small businesses more than locals getting out and enjoying the amazing establishments and attractions around our region.
“Buy local, shop local, stay local because I cannot understate the devastating impact this pandemic has had on businesses – and we know we’re all in this together.
“The majority of businesses in our region are smaller operators owned by local families, which means their kids go to school with your kids, they might even be your neighbours, and right now they need our help.
“By waiving another year’s worth of food licence fees there’s one less bill to pay, so I hope that helps food businesses breathe a sigh of relief. “
Moreton Bay Regional Council has issued $33 million worth COVID-19 stimulus measures for the local economy to date.