With a number of businesses left reeling from the wild weather over the weekend, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will provide assistance to those who were impacted by the storm.
To help local businesses affected, TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said Council would waive commercial waste fees until Friday 28 January for businesses and residents directly impacted by the storm.
"Waste generated, as part of the clean-up, will be accepted at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility and the Toowoomba Waste Management Centre free of charge," Mayor Antonio said.
Water and Waste Portfolio Leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield said we know how much work goes into cleaning up after a storm event of this nature and hope to help in any way we can. The last thing we want businesses and residents to worry about is paying for the disposal of waste generated from this storm event.
"When dropping off commercial waste at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility and Toowoomba Waste Management Centre, customers will be required to complete a declaration at the gatehouse for tracking of waste. Please be patient at the facilities as it's likely to be busier than usual," Cr Sommerfield said.
Ms Kate Venables President of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce said it is great to Toowoomba Regional Council taking action to support these businesses in need.
"At a time when business confidence is very low, every little bit of assistance is considered a great reward," Ms Venables said.
"We thank Toowoomba Regional Council for their swift response to mother nature."
In addition, Mayor Paul Antonio said our parking enforcement officers would use their discretion in relation to any additional on-street parking requirements for businesses impacted by the storm.
"Like many other buildings in Toowoomba, we've experienced damage to a number of our own facilities due to the severe storm that hit the city over the weekend and we ask for patience while we assesses the damage," Mayor Antonio said
"We're working hard to ensure there's minimal impact to service levels for our community, however, Milne Bay Aquatic Centre and the Art Gallery will remain closed until further notice.
"Unfortunately, the two facilities were damaged, but our crews are working as quick as they can to get them back open to the public.
"We know how fierce summer storms in Queensland can be. The storm over the weekend is a reminder of what Mother Nature can do and how important it is to be prepared.
"I'd like to remind people that if there are fallen trees and debris on the roads, please let our staff know so we can get it removed."
