The council will launch the “Growing the Cassowary Coast: Shopfront Improvement Incentive Scheme” in September, unveiling funding details, guidelines, and application procedures for businesses. The council will match property owners dollar for dollar up to $5000.
It follows the program running for two years (2018-2020) when the council approved 41 applications totalling $71,495. Property owners spent $270,000 on improvements.
Mayor Teresa Millwood told last week’s council meeting the scheme was “really good”.
She said the council often received complaints about how untidy some areas were looking but it didn’t involve council properties – they were privately owned.
Cr Millwood said the scheme was “very generous” and she urged business people and/or property owners to “get on board” and “clean and tidy up the region.”
She said it could “only have positive outcomes.”
Cr Renee McLeod said there was “a great uptake last time” and she was pleased that only local contractors could be used – “It can’t be out-of-towners”– so the money stayed within the Cassowary Coast.
She said she was looking forward to the region looking “a bit more spritely.”
Cr Ellen Jessop said she was concerned that the work had to be done within six months of the application but planning services manager Daniel Horton said the council would work closely with applicants to ensure the timeframes were met.
Mr Horton said “The Growing the Cassowary Coast Incentive Scheme Policy was proposed to work in partnership with commercial property and business owners to facilitate and support the revitalisation of shopfronts.”
“Improving shopfronts can positively influence the perception of the Cassowary Coast and create a more inviting and interesting place to live, work, shop, dine, invest and experience,” he said.
“The Growing the Cassowary Coast Scheme is aimed at encouraging building owners and business operators to invest in shopfront renovations and improvements for their building, using a grant to cover a portion of the costs. The scheme will also ensure that local businesses, and licenced tradespeople will gain work.”