The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) has partnered with Renew Australia to offer a space activation program tailored for towns across regional and remote Queensland. Councils with a population of less than 50,000, who are members of the Small Business Friendly Program were encouraged to apply to participate in this program, with the Renew Australia costs funded by the QSBC.
For more information about the program you can view and print the Regional Place Activation Program flyer.
The following councils were selected as part of the first cohort for the Regional Place Activation Program, which launched in August 2024:
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Renew Cassowary Coast
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council – Renew Hinchinbrook
- Livingstone Shire Council – Renew Capricorn Coast
- Mount Isa City Council – Renew Copper City CBD
We’re now pleased to announce that the following six councils have been selected for second cohort, which is commencing in November 2024:
- Banana Shire Council – Renew Banana Shire
- Barcaldine Regional Council – Renew Barcaldine Region
- Charters Towers Regional Council – Renew Charters Towers
- Douglas Shire Council – Renew Tropical Douglas
- Isaac Regional Council – Renew Isaac
- Winton Shire Council – Renew Winton.
How it works
The program will involve collaborating with property owners to offer local creative small businesses and entrepreneurs rent free access to vacant commercial spaces in main streets and town centres. The overarching goal is to foster the evolution of local small businesses and cultivate more vibrant and active precincts.
The selected Councils will undertake a do-it-yourself (DIY) space activation initiative using the Renew Australia affiliate model and accompanying services. Councils will have access to licence agreements and operational, reporting and insurance support. This package includes a Micro Affiliate Membership, program training and ongoing guidance from the Renew Australia team.
Expression of Interest Now Open
Creative Queensland small businesses in the Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Livingstone and Mount Isa council areas are invited to apply. Applications will remain open throughout the program.
Creative Queensland small businesses in the Banana, Barcaldine, Charters Towers, Douglas, Isaac and Winton council areas will be invited to apply in December 2024.
Renew classifies a ‘creative’ as anyone who makes or creates their own wares or IP. This incorporates fine arts, and also makers, designers, architects, growers, educators, performers, game designers and more.
Read the Renew Participant Readiness Checklist to understand what is involved as a small business project participant.
Apply Now – Expression of Interest
Please be patient as project managers work to secure vacant spaces by coordinating with property owners and agents. This process may take some time.
Project managers contact details:
- Renew Banana Shire – craig.tunley@banana.qld.gov.au
Renew Barcaldine Region – lillik@barc.qld.gov.au - Renew Capricorn Coast – economicdevelopment@livingstone.qld.gov.au
- Renew Cassowary Coast – Kendell.Bishop@ccrc.qld.gov.au
- Renew Charters Towers – akeen@charterstowers.qld.gov.au
- Renew Copper City CBD – ross.thinee@mountisa.qld.gov.au
- Renew Hinchinbrook – JMacPherson@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au
- Renew Isaac – Joel.Redden@isaac.qld.gov.au
- Renew Tropical Douglas – liz.schibig-edgar@douglas.qld.gov.au
- Renew Winton – anng@winton.qld.gov.au
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If you have any questions, please get in touch with Renew Australia via email – QSBC@renewaustralia.org.
