Business owners in Townsville have just three weeks left to get their applications in for grant funding to activate city streets through improving the attractiveness, vibrancy and safety of their building.
The grants form part of Townsville City Council's City Activation and Jobs Growth Policy, which was designed to generate investment and create employment opportunities for Townsville.
Planning and Development Committee chairperson Mark Molachino said the policy had four components, and component three included up to 50 per cent of eligible repair work to a building, shopfront façade or building retrofit covered through a grant.
"Eligible businesses should seriously consider how they can make their buildings more attractive through the City Activation and Jobs Growth Policy grants," Cr Molachino said.
"This is a great opportunity for businesses in the CBD or the city fringe area to have a grant cover up to 50 per cent of their repair work up to a maximum of $30,000.
"Through this kind of funding you could revamp the appearance of your business and entice more foot traffic towards your products, whether that's coffees or clothes or anything in between."
Cr Molachino said there was a limited time frame for business owners to get their applications in.
"If you think you fit the criteria for these grants, make sure you get your application in to Council by 12 September," he said.
"The assessment of applications will be a competitive process, so make sure you put your best proposal forward.
"If you want to know more about planning approvals you can arrange a pre-lodgement meeting with Council's team by visiting the e-planning page on Council's website to fill out the pre-lodgement form.
"These meetings can help steer you in the right direction for your written proposal and help you better understand the planning approval process."
Mayor Jenny Hill said Council was committed to activating Townsville's city centre as well as surrounding areas.
"Council is proud to provide incentives to locals through its City Activation and Jobs Growth Policy, which helps ensure there are employment opportunities for locals," Cr Hill said
"Along with the modernising of buildings, the policy also includes waivers of Council chargers for eligible projects and rental subsidies for eligible businesses opening in the city. If you think your business can benefit from the policy head to Council's website to learn more."
Applications for the City Activation and Jobs Growth Policy Component Three close at 5pm on 12 September.
