Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council is developing an 18-month trial to grow Bungendore’s businesses. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
It’s a harsh business environment in Bungendore — but the local council is investigating an 18-month stimulus trial to ease entry for new traders.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) Councillor Mark Schweikert put forward his proposal at a recent meeting, saying several businesses had reported a return to COVID-like conditions.
“The reason I brought this to council is that, probably in the last three years or so, Bungendore has lost seven businesses — we’re about to lose three more,” Cr Schweikert said.
“In some respects for this trial, Bungendore makes [for] quite a fertile ground to actually get some results from this.”
It means QPRC will push ahead with investigations into the targeted measure, which aims to ease the financial costs of setting up a new business in the town’s CBD.
Cr Schweikert said the trial was deliberately designed to focus on new businesses.
“It’s not going to look at supporting current businesses,” he said. ”Essentially, if you can get more businesses in, you’ll get a critical mass, which then becomes self-supporting.
“That’s why we have shopping centres, because all the shops are in one spot. That’s why people go there.”
Under his plan, businesses that open their doors during an 18-month trial period will be refunded half of the council’s fees and charges.
Council documents state this could include fees for development applications, food inspections and developer charges.
That refund will be paid in the next financial year and included in the council’s budget discussions.
Cr Mareeta Grundy said the program could be a “heart starter” for businesses.
“We’re not signing up to anything — we’re examining the options … Bungendore businesses are really struggling,” she said.
“We are in a position to look outside the square and do something innovative and supportive.”
Cr Schweikert said that, depending on the trial’s success in Bungendore, it could be extended into other areas.
“It can move to Braidwood, it can go to Jerra … We’ll have all the results that we need to actually know how to make this happen in full.”
Queanbeyan business owner Anthony McDonald told Region that he would welcome an expansion into his town.
“I think anything that councils and governments can do to promote small businesses should be applauded,” he said of the trial.
“There’s no question that the failure rate of small businesses is high and cash flow is one of the biggest issues … QPRC is perfectly positioned to give businesses a hand.”
Mr McDonald said that while similar support for more established businesses could be rolled out as part of a separate program, it was unknown whether the council’s budget had scope for multiple projects.
“There’s an argument for helping existing businesses, but I don’t know if it should be at the expense of helping new businesses.”
The council is expected to receive regular reports during the trial (and update the community on its uptake and economic impacts).
