Business permits and licences automatically extended

Fraser Coast businesses will have regulated permits and licences automatically extended as part of Council’s $1m coronavirus financial assistance package.

As part of the assistance package, Council also waived a range of fees and charges for local businesses, extended the due date for rates and will provide grants for sport and community groups that had to cancel events as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said businesses did not need to contact Council about permit and licensing extensions as the extensions would be processed automatically.

“It is a complex process so we appreciate business owners’ patience and understanding as we make these changes,” he said.

“The type of local businesses this will assist include food businesses such as restaurants, cafes, mobile vendors and food stalls, camping grounds and caravan parks, and businesses that trade on footpaths.

“The impact of coronavirus on Fraser Coast businesses and community will be far reaching.

“Council has committed at least a million dollars to deliver this financial assistance package but we know more may be needed and we will consider further measures as we put together the 2020/21 budget.”

The financial assistance package includes:

• Extending the due date for the current rates notice until 30 June 2020;
• A $500,000 grants program for sporting and community groups adversely affected by coronavirus restrictions, up to a maximum of $10,000 for each eligible group;
• Refunding all event application and permit fees for events cancelled as a result of coronavirus restrictions;
• Waiving of all airport related fees for commercial aircraft until 30 June 2020;
• Extending regulated premise licences and permits for six months at no charge;
• Providing a 100 per cent discount on new application fees for all regulated business activities up until 31 May 2020 and a 50 per cent discount from 1 June 2020 to 30 June 2020.

Council has also set up a portal to assist businesses to navigate and quickly check coronavirus financial assistance packages offered by all levels of government.

“There is a lot of information available as each level of government has launched programs to help businesses through these tough times.

“Our webpage brings together all of that information in one place.”

Anyone seeking more information and the latest advice about the coronavirus is encouraged to visit www.health.gov.au and www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Federal Government hotline on 1800 020 080.