Council refunds food licence fees for businesses hit by COVID-19

Businesses in the Goondiwindi region that require a Food Business Licence will have their fees for the 2020 calendar year refunded or waived by Goondiwindi Regional Council as part of a COVID-19 recovery package.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Lawrence Springborg made the announcement in Inglewood this morning. The refund will form part of a local COVID-19 community and economy support package that is currently being developed by Council.

Cr Springborg said the food licence fee refund was a way for Council to provide direct and immediate relief to businesses that are severely impacted by COVID-19.

“The accommodation and food services industry has been particularly hard hit during this past quarter, and we have over 300 people employed in that industry across our local government area” Cr Springborg said.

“This refund will benefit 90 local businesses. Right now, we’re finally at the point where restrictions are relaxing and customers are allowed once again through the doors of our local pubs, cafes and hotels - so this refund will ease the pressure at the industry gets back on its feet.”

Cr Springborg spoke with Sharon Reidy, the owner of Inglewood Coffee Shop and Tea Garden during his visit in Inglewood today.

Mrs Reidy said it had been a tough few months for the popular local coffee shop”.

 “I think every little bit of support helps to keep our shop operating, especially at this stage as we’re slowly trying to return to business as normal,” Ms Reidy said.

Cr Springborg said Council would announce further relief measures that will support and create local jobs and energise the local economy post-COVID-19 in the following weeks.

Local food businesses do not need to do anything to access the refund, as Council will be processing these automatically from next week.