Chamber Chat

In the weeks since Chamber last provided an update, so very much has changed in the Hinchinbrook Shire, as a result of the February rain event.

Now as our community slowly commences the process of rebuilding lives, homes, businesses and more broadly our community, we know the journey ahead will be at times difficult and challenging.  

Having acknowledged that, we also know that as a community, we have always come together to support, encourage and work together, when and as required and we know with absolute confidence, that in time we will recover and rebuild.

Many of our local businesses have been significantly impacted as a result of this flooding event and because of this, Chamber commenced the process last week of undertaking an initial survey to gain a better understanding of specific impacts, to enable data to be available more immediately to raise awareness to government agencies and visiting politicians.  

Once the roads were able to open, there has been a strong and immediate response from insurance companies, government support agencies and other organisations offering to provide any assistance to the community, as it commences its recovery.
 
This week’s Chamber meeting provided an excellent opportunity to bring together many of these representatives and connect them to the business owners who were able to attend.  The evening provided a broad oversight of the grants, support and services currently available locally and gave assurance that help is here to assist those who have been impacted.

One of the key messages provided was the need for the business community to complete the Queensland Government survey, which will provide critical information regarding impact and its economic effect.  This survey data will provide evidence to the government, when formulating the level of funding support that may be offered moving forward.  All business are strongly encouraged to complete this survey, if they have not already done so:-
Disaster impact surveys | Business Queensland

For anyone who was unable to attend this meeting or for those who require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Administration Assistant Christina Spencer on 0407569550 or President Mary Brown on 0409356252 or email admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.

Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown