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Council measures helping CBD return to life

In January, Brisbane’s Lord Mayor announced $5 million in fee relief for struggling businesses. Council also waived or halved parking fees for February. Now fortunes are turning in the CBD.

Feb 28, 2022, updated Mar 24, 2022

Más Espresso owner Kristina Carson has seen her turnover dramatically ebb and flow during the pandemic.

“Pre-Christmas, we were just starting to hit our straps again. We were having record day after record day. Then came the unofficial lockdown order from the State Government to work from home.

“That absolutely killed us. We were trading at about 10 percent for the first couple of weeks in January, and then up to about 40 percent.”

Brisbane City Council’s waiving of outdoor dining and food safety fees has saved her CBD café around $1800 this quarter. She said this is helping the business to get back on its feet, retain staff and pay suppliers and landlords.

“We’re really grateful for the support.”

The $5 million relief package will see fees, rents and charges waived for Brisbane businesses and community groups who are being heavily impacted by the spread of coronavirus.

This adds to the $58.3 million already invested by Council into relief and stimulus measures.

Additionally, Brisbane City Council has turned off Brisbane’s parking meters and halved fees at its King George Square and Wickham Terrace car parks for .

“We’ve just started to notice a bit of a shift midway through February,” said Carson, who says other business owners have told her of a similar increase in trade.

“Whether that’s a direct reflection of the parking incentive – it may very well be.”

“It would certainly sway [employees] to come in if they know they can park for free. Even if they don’t have to be here for the whole day.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner shared the latest economic relief package along with free parking has been well received.

“Our relief package is benefitting a wide range of businesses and community groups, from hospitality and retail sectors through to the film sector.

“At this stage, the relief package impacts a range of fees, rents and charged for the first quarter of 2022 however we will continue to monitor the city’s economic recovery.”

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Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan supported the Council initiative.

“Businesses right across the state are facing COVID challenges, whether through impacts to the labour force, supply chain disruptions or changes in consumer behaviour and confidence.

“Any emphasis for consumers to get out and support Queensland businesses goes a long way in helping both the business sector and economy to recover long-term.”

While Council’s initiatives are helping to bring life back to the CBD, the CCIQ is also advocating for an easing of restrictions by the State Government.

“Removal of the mandate on businesses could assist with challenges those businesses as still operating under.”

Council’s support package has also been welcomed by Property Council Queensland Executive Director Jen Williams.

“The Lord Mayor’s announcement really will help all of those businesses located in the CBD, who’ve been doing it tough over a long summer of lower than expected foot traffic.”

She said some owners and managers of CBD properties had already offered rent waivers and other incentives to their tenants.

“These extra [measures] from the Lord Mayor really help with those other expenses that still occur day-to-day.”

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