The region’s businesses have an opportunity to be heard and speak about the issues they faced- or are still facing – in the wake of this year’s natural disasters by taking part in a survey being conducted by Bundaberg Regional Council.
Council, in conjunction with North Burnett Regional Council and supported by the Queensland Government, is urging local businesses to take part in the short online survey (URL) designed to identify the scope and scale of businesses affected by the floods and tornadoes in January.
Economic Development portfolio spokesperson Cr Greg Barnes said the results of the survey will be used to measure the direct and indirect impacts the natural disaster had on the local industry.
“This study will give both Bundaberg and North Burnett Regional Councils a better understanding of exactly how businesses were and still are affected by the floods and tornadoes,” Cr Barnes said.
“Along with the significant impact on residents in communities including Childers, Gin Gin, Bundaberg and a number of our coastal centres, the fallout from these weather events was significant and in some instances, is still being felt across the affected regional economies. January’s natural disasters directly impacted retail, tourism, farm infrastructure, related agricultural production, and caused widespread supply disruptions.
“The damage caused to business and industry in the region was extensive, not only through the direct impact on buildings and property but also through the loss of income due to forced closures and the resultant effect on suppliers.
“In order to get an accurate snapshot of the current state of play of businesses in the region following the disasters, we’re urging all businesses in both the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions to complete the survey, regardless of whether they were directly inundated by the flooding and storm damage.”
Cr Barnes said Council waited until now to begin the survey in order to provide businesses with enough time to assess the amount of ongoing effects from ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.
“Moving forward, the valuable information gathered by the survey has the potential to be used to secure increased resources and support for businesses within these regions” Cr Barnes said.
To take part in the survey which is estimated to take around 10 minutes to complete, visit www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/economicsurvey or you can call into any one of Council’s 4 Customer Service Centre’s to collect a hard copy version. All survey forms need to be completed and lodged by Friday 19 July.
Cr Barnes said Council waited until now to begin the survey in order to provide businesses with enough time to assess the amount of ongoing effects from ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.
“Moving forward, the valuable information gathered by the survey has the potential to be used to secure increased resources and support for businesses within these regions” Cr Barnes said.
To take part in the survey which is estimated to take around 10 minutes to complete, visit www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/economicsurvey or you can call into any one of Council’s 4 Customer Service Centre’s to collect a hard copy version. All survey forms need to be completed and lodged by Friday 19 July.