Council Adopts New Economic Development Charter and Small Business Supports

Longreach Regional Council has adopted an Economic Development Charter aimed at encouraging growth and supporting local businesses. 

The Longreach Regional Council Economic Development Charter, adopted at Council’s September meeting in Longreach last Thursday, outlines an operational approach to economic development balancing the roles of business, community, and government. In the document Council acknowledges its role as a key economic partner, focusing on providing essential public services, supporting local businesses, and creating a conducive environment for investment. The document aims to address challenges and unlock opportunities in line with Council’s own commitment to supporting small business and community development.

The Charter emphasises the distinct roles of three pillars of economic development: business; community; and government. It highlights the critical contributions of each sector and underscores the importance of their interactions to achieve economic prosperity. 

The Economic Development Charter emphasises the importance of reinvestment, collaboration, and innovation by the local business community, while also highlighting the role of individuals and community groups. For Council, the Charter identifies outcomes that stimulate economic growth, including targeted infrastructure investments, land use planning, and procurement policies that support local businesses. The document also describes Council's renewed commitment to supporting small businesses through the Queensland Small Business Friendly Program, recognising the essential role of small enterprises in the local economy. 

Mayor Tony Rayner said it was important to acknowledge that everyone has a role to play.

“It’s not realistic to hope for some kind of ‘economic saviour’ to swoop in and grow the economy overnight” he said. “It takes a combined effort every day by businesses, the community at large, and all three levels of government to drive prosperity in any economy.

“This Economic Development Charter is about Council saying, to the community and other stakeholders, ‘here’s how we’re going to do our bit’.”

The Mayor said rather than focus on any one industry, it was important to recognise small business as the backbone of the region’s economy.

“We want to be inclusive and support all businesses in our region to grow and innovate” he said. “That’s why earlier this year we signed up to the Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s Small Business Friendly program.

“Small businesses are critical to the success of our region, and the targeted supports from the Charter will be designed to help them succeed.” 

As one of five key outcomes, the Charter outlines targeted supports for small business comprising grants, networking, and referrals. Council recently introduced a monthly Small Business Update, containing links to information and referral services for third-party small business supports. In addition, it will launch a Quarterly Business Breakfast series aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the local business community. These breakfasts will serve as a platform for business owners, Council representatives, and industry experts to engage in discussions on key topics such as financial management, digital literacy, and customer service. 

Mayor Rayner said the absence of a chamber of commerce in Longreach was identified as a challenge.

“With no chamber, businesses lack effective advocacy and representation, making it harder for government to meaningfully engage with them. We’re hoping the new Quarterly Business Breakfasts will at least give businesses an opportunity to meet each other and have conversations about what they’re up to.

“You never know where these things can lead, the main thing is to give them a chance to get together once in a while.”

Council says a new Small Business Friendly Grants program will also launch soon. The first round of the initiative will be focused on website development and aims to increase the number of businesses in the Longreach region with an online presence. Eligible businesses will be able to apply for up to $2,000 in funding, which must be matched by the business. The grants will prioritise businesses without an existing website, helping them develop or upgrade a website to improve customer experience and expand their reach.

More information about the Small Business Friendly Grant program and Quarterly Business Breakfast will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Longreach Regional Council Economic Development Charter is available from Council’s website at longreach.qld.gov.au/economy.