Recently Achieve Business Dynamics was able to speak with Councillor Mike Brunker who has been appointed the Chair of the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Local Recovery Economic Sub Group. The goal for the Local Recovery Economic Sub Group is assessing the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie on our local businesses and industries, while guiding the overall economic recovery.
Cr Brunker makes no hesitation in suggesting that the cost of Tropical Cyclone Debbie on our region will ‘have a B in it’. So, with the damage bill expected to be in the billions for our region, it is important for each of our local business owners to take action and to minimise the financial damage to their businesses.
Cr Brunker shared with us the following five actions that he wants Business Owners to take right now:
- It is vitally important to look after your own finances and your businesses cashflow. Currently the big 4 banks are offering business owners the opportunity to defer loan and credit card payments, so take advantage of this if you need to.
- Make the most of the disaster assistance that is currently available from the State and Federal Government. Achieve Business Dynamics can guide our local business owners in accessing this funding and applying for it.
- Keep an eye out for more financial assistance becoming available too. The Local Recovery Economic Sub Group recently asked small business to contribute to a survey that was aimed at getting State and Federal Government to release access to a higher level of funding known as Category C or Category D Disaster Funding. We are expecting an outcome for this by Mid-May, so stay tuned.
- Do what you can to shop local! We understand that it is hard to keep spending when your own personal circumstances are being challenged, but we need to do what we can to support each other throughout the recovery period. That includes using our local contractors. Now if our local contractors have too much work on, then I really encourage the community to use the contractors in the next available town, for example Mackay, Ayr or Townsville.
- If you operate within the food or retail sector, and you are located in the cyclone area, then in the future you need to invest in a generator. If you have a generator that you can crank up the next day, then you have the potential to make large amounts of money and be less affected by disasters. You just need to be prepared.
I think we’d all agree that there are some gem’s in Cr Brunker’s advice for each of us.
We also just want you to know that Achieve Business Dynamics are working closely with Council and our local Business and Economic Groups to ensure that you are aware of the support that is available to your business as soon as possible. Therefore, please stay tuned to our Facebook Page for important announcements. We are also available to discuss the impacts on your business anytime.
