Short-term impact of COVID-19 documented in survey

A business impact survey released by Burdekin Shire Council’s Economic Development team, released two weeks ago, received 76 responses from local businesses and sporting or community organisations directly affected by COVID-19.

The survey called for responses from all sectors from accommodation and retail to agriculture, travel and trade services.

Burdekin Shire Council Economic Development Officer Eliza Lovell said the results outlined how widespread the effects of a pandemic announcement were on local businesses even in its very early stages.

“Council released the first COVID-19 Impact Survey a week after the declaration of a pandemic in order to ascertain the short-term impact on businesses in the Shire, with a view to gather responses at regular intervals to gauge long-term trends,” Mrs Lovell said.

“The feedback from survey one is very clear: we may not be a capital city, we may have not had any cases locally when these responses were collected, but the effects on revenue, visitors and staff hours saw an immediate decline in many areas.

“Going forward, we are looking at new ways to support small businesses in the coming months through the adaptation of existing services as well as the adoption of new ones. While all in-person Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) workshops have been cancelled until further notice, we are in discussions with the provider to deliver them online.”

Council’s Economic Development team will continue to update its small business database on the release of grants and funding, online workshops and webinars, and further information on slowing the spread of COVID-19. Email subscribers will also receive future business impact surveys and a snapshot of results from previous ones.

The next business impact survey will be released this Friday, 17 April. Any businesses wishing to be added to the mailing list should email economic@burdekin.qld.gov.au.