Council has endorsed $60,000 in funding over the next two years to support the work of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
In making this decision, Council has recognised a collaborative approach is needed to achieve a strong and diverse economy, and that partnering with the Chamber provides an avenue to focus on the needs of small business.
With almost 600 financial members, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce is the largest regional Chamber in Queensland, and is already a key partner in supporting Council's advocacy initiatives.
Notably, the Chamber worked with Council on securing $215 million in State and Federal Government funding for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project.
The new sponsorship agreement will allow for the Chamber to increase its activities and facilitate greater collaboration on strategic advocacy in support of local small businesses.
Importantly, Council and the Chamber are co-signatories to the Queensland Government's Small Business Friendly Council Charter, which was endorsed by Council on 10 February 2021.
Under the new sponsorship agreement, Council and the Chamber will hold quarterly meetings to discuss advocacy and small business priorities relevant to this Charter and to identify and progress other areas of mutual interest.
Council will also be invited to join the Chamber's Advocacy Sub-Committee as a non-elected member, and Council's Director Economic Development & Advocacy will be a member of the Chamber-led Regional Jobs Committee.
Under the terms of the agreement with the Chamber, there is a further two-year option which can be exercised at Council's discretion.
