15 May 2020
At the Friday 15 May Special Council Meeting, Southern Downs Regional Council voted to waive rental accommodation licence fees and caravan park permit fees for 2020/21 as part of its Stage 1 of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Package.
The Economic Recovery Package is the first of several planned stages of assistance to be announced to help the community’s economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
One of the initiatives listed in the Stage 1 package is targeted at helping the tourism industry by waiving rental accommodation licence fees and caravan park permit fees for 2020/2021.
Councillor for Water, Tourism, Audit and Risk, Stephen Tancred said that the Southern Downs is a fantastic tourist destination that caters to various travellers’ interests.
“Whether it is a quiet weekend retreat, a fun family farm stay, or a delicious wine and food tour, the Southern Downs has something for everyone,” Cr Tancred said.
“The last few years have been really tough on our accommodation providers and tourism businesses. Between drought, bushfires, and COVID-19 small businesses have taken a severe hit.
“The first wave of Council support for tourism providers is fee waivers for accommodation and caravan parks. We have engaged with and listened to the needs of local operators, particularly the Granite Belt Wine and Tourism organisation”.
“If you operate a tourism business and would like to find out what additional support is available to you, you can view a number of resources on Council’s COVID-19 portal, or you can call Council on 1300 697 372 and speak to our Economic Development and Tourism team. Or why not take the time to book a meeting and come in and meet with the portfolio Councillor and recovery team to talk about your business and what support is needed?”
From Wednesday 20 May 2020, Council will open Recovery Hub Centres to support the community. These Hubs will operate for at least a month during which Council’s Recovery Subgroup Chairs and Co-chairs (staff of Council) will be supported by Portfolio Councillors to meet with stakeholders individually or in small groups and gather facts, feedback and information on COVID-19 recovery support required.
The Community Hubs will be located at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre Supper Room and the Warwick Town Hall. Social distancing will be maintained and a booking system will be used to help facilitate individual meetings. To make a booking to meet with Council Subgroup staff and or Portfolio Councillors, please contact Council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or at edu@sdrc.qld.gov.au.
You can find the COVID-19 Portal on the front page of Council’s website www.sdrc.qld.gov.au