New charter locks in support for local businesses
DOUGLAS Shire Council will formalise its commitment to the region’s 1377 locally owned businesses by signing the Small Business Friendly Charter.
Councillors today agreed to join the Queensland Government’s Small Business Friendly Councils initiative, recognising local small businesses role in creating attractive, liveable communities.
The SBFC initiative recognises local Councils that are actively supporting small businesses in their region and helping small businesses recover and build resilience following disasters and economic challenges.
The Charter is a non-legally binding set of commitments which councils can agree to in support of a prosperous small business sector within their community.
Some commitments include reducing red tape, raising the profile of the sector and increasing engagement with small business owners, to name a few.
Council believes small businesses are at the heart of the Douglas economy and support for the sector is recognised in Douglas Shire Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2021-2024.
A ceremonial signing event involving the Commissioner, Maree Adshead, will be arranged to launch the initiative later this year.
You can read more about the Small Business Friendly Charter Here.
Support for Humpback Whale Research
A RESEARCH project will raise the profile of humpback whales off the coast of Douglas.
Douglas Shire Council approved a variation to grant funding awarded to Great Barrier Reef Legacy to support their Humpback Whale Community Research Project.
The project creates a dedicated Humpback Whale Spotting Network that is community-led bringing together tourism operators and crew, citizen scientists, fishermen, boaters and the general public to focus on a natural phenomenon in our region.
It will increase awareness and education for all involved through stories of sightings, data, photos and videos specific to the Great Barrier Reef.
Visit douglas.qld.gov.au/council-meetings/ to read the full agenda and minutes when they become available, or re-watch the Council Meeting below.