Caloundra Chamber Backs Calls for Business Support Package

1 July, 2021
Author: Submitted Story

As the Sunshine Coast enters day two of lockdown, the Caloundra Chamber of  Commerce have thrown their support behind calls to deliver immediate financial  support for impacted businesses. 

This comes after Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) notified every  Queensland MP of their proposed Hotspot Recovery Package for Business of up to  $25,000.  

Acting CEO of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, Brady Sullivan believes that  immediate financial assistance must be delivered now to ensure that small and family  business owners do not bleed out over the course of lockdown events.  

“We strongly support the conversations that CCIQ are currently having with Government at all levels in regard to the immediate consideration of hotspot recovery  financial support for small business,” Brady Sullivan says.  

“We know that small operators represent 97% of all business in Queensland and it is  them who have taken on the brunt of this pandemic on behalf of the rest of the State.”  

“I have spoken to a number of business owners who have already lost thousands of  dollars worth of revenue, have been forced to send staff home and who have had their  confidence obliterated.” 

“All levels of Government must act now so that business owners can not only get  through this lockdown, but so that they have the confidence to face whatever comes  next.”  

This proposed support package was initially put to Government by Peak Industry  Group, CCIQ in March during the Greater Brisbane Lockdown with similar support being  offered in Victoria, Western Australia and now New South Whales.  

Brad McKenzie, part of family owned Business Performance Auto Electrics and Air  Conditioning, says that the impacts of the lockdown have already extended into the  following week.  

“We have not only wiped the majority of bookings off the list for this week but are  taking a number of calls cancelling bookings for next week too,” Mr McKenzie says.  

“We are going to be feeling the effects of this lockdown long after things open back  up.” 

A CCIQ survey of businesses which went live after the lockdown announcement has  received over 450 responses with 96% of businesses supporting the need for a targeted  lockdown recovery package.