The Queensland Government is reviewing the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 to ensure it continues to support the needs of lessors and lessees.

This regular review provides an important opportunity for all stakeholders in retail shop leasing to share their ideas and insights and help improve how the legislation works for everyone. 

We invite you to have your say by either:

• completing a short survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete
• emailing a formal submission to RetailShopLeasesActReview@desbt.qld.gov.au.

The survey closes on 11 September 2026, so we encourage you to have your say before then.

Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping recommendations to ensure the legislation remains effective and responsive to the needs of those involved in retail leasing.

For more information about the review and the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994, please visit the Business Queensland website: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/premises-location/retail-shop-leases.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at RetailShopLeasesActReview@desbt.qld.gov.au.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important review.

Lunchtime webinars are back!

Running a small business can be demanding and sometimes looking after your own wellbeing can get pushed to the bottom of the list. Our Small Business Wellbeing Team is back this August with another series of free lunchtime webinars.

These webinars are designed to help you pause, reflect and make positive changes that support both your business and your wellbeing. Each session covers a different topic and is led by a Wellbeing Coach.

Upcoming sessions

• How to set healthy boundaries – Tuesday 18 August at 12pm
• Motivation to manage stress – Tuesday 25 August at 12pm
• Thriving without perfectionism – Thursday 27 August at 12pm

Take a break, grab your lunch and join online for some meaningful discussion.

Have your say about the Draft Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan & Infrastructure Plan.

• The Crisafulli Government has released the draft Regional Plan for the Wide Bay Burnett, which sets out the 20-year vision for the region.
• The draft Regional Plan sets a target of delivering up to nearly 49,000 new places to call home for more Queenslanders by 2046.
• Community is invited to have their say on the draft Regional Plan.

Find out more and have your say!

The Wide Bay Burnett is one of Queensland’s most diverse and productive regions. From coastal cities to rural communities, the region is well placed to accommodate growth, attract new residents and support expanding industries. It encompasses the local government areas of:

• Bundaberg Regional Council
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
• Fraser Coast Regional Council
• Gympie Regional Council
• North Burnett Regional Council
• South Burnett Regional Council.

Wide Bay Burnett’s population is projected to grow to around 414,775 people by 2046. With population growth concentrated in key centres and an ageing population, there is an opportunity to deliver well-planned communities to support current and future residents.

There are a range of government subsidies as well as VET Student Loans and payment plans that could make training at TAFE Queensland more achievable than you might think.

Start your journey today!

You could be future-proofing your career with the hands-on skills employers want in 5 easy steps.

1. Select – Choose your preferred study mode and intake for your course and click Apply.
2. Confirm – Review and confirm your course details (e.g. campus and start date) are correct.
3. .Log in – Register or log in to our Student Portal where you’ll complete your application.
4. Upload – Enter your details and upload eligibility documents as required.
5. Submit – Review and submit your application, then celebrate!

Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait! Secure your place and discover your greatness in 2026.

See our top pick for courses: Certificate II in Health Support Services

Decarbonisation Fund from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)

The SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) is now open, providing $10 million in co-investment funding to help small and medium-sized manufacturers transition from fossil fuel-powered processes to electric alternatives and other decarbonisation initiatives.

Eligible projects can receive between $400,000 and $1 million, with AMGC contributing up to 50% of project costs on a matched funding basis.

The fund is focused on three key manufacturing areas:
Surface Treatment
Process Steam
Metals Processing

Funding can support:
Equipment and process upgrades or replacements
Workforce training
Updated certification and compliance requirements
Knowledge sharing to help accelerate decarbonisation across the manufacturing sector

Projects must demonstrate a pathway to commercial viability and deliver measurable emissions reductions.

Applications are open until 31 December 2028 or until funds are fully allocated.

For manufacturers considering electrification or low-emissions process improvements, this is a valuable opportunity to invest in productivity, resilience and sustainability.

Learn more and apply: SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund – ADVANCED MANUFACTURING GROWTH CENTRE

2026 South Burnett Training and Business Awards plays an important role in recognising and celebrating the achievements of our local trainees, apprentices and businesses.

See attach for Sponsorship Prospectus, which outlines the sponsorship opportunities and benefits available this year.

This year’s awards will be held on Saturday, 26 September, at the Kingaroy Town Hall, and looking forward to another fantastic evening celebrating excellence across the South Burnett.

For more information, see the South Burnett Training and Business Awards website HERE.

Small Business Financial Consulting Service – July 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to July and the start of a brand new financial year for most small businesses in Queensland. A fun fact that many operators don’t realise is that whilst 1 July to 30 June is the default financial year in Australia, there are a few different dates that businesses can run their financial year. These include the calendar year or aligning with a Business Activity Statement (BAS) quarter. Importantly, to change your financial year-end, you would need to seek advice from a qualified accountant who can support you to apply to the ATO.

The new financial year is a great opportunity to review the past 12 months to see what worked well, what didn’t and where there are opportunities to improve. In addition, it is the right time to be developing and implementing a budget and a plan for the year ahead. Important things to consider are your ATO obligations, your profitability/profit margin, your pricing and expenses. With operating costs continuing to rise across the board, it is important that your pricing reflects your actual costs, as it is very easy to slip into negative territory.

A further timely reminder that from 1 July 2026, employers are now required to pay employee superannuation contributions each payday, instead of quarterly. This is a major legislative reform in Australia, that will have cash flow implications for many businesses. For further information, please see the ATO Website.

Throughout June, you may have noticed the team delivering an increasing number of in-person workshops and online webinars, providing valuable information to support you in running your small business. This is not a one-off and we’ll continue delivering these initiatives monthly. This month, we’re hosting a free webinar series to help small businesses understand their options for managing commercial rent challenges and financial pressure, featuring guest presenter Peter Maddock from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s office. Our team will also be hosting two in-person workshops in Yeppoon and Esk for small business owners looking to take the guesswork out of their business finances.

Feeling the pressure of rent costs?

Rising operating costs and cash flow challenges can make it difficult to keep on top of your commercial rental obligations. To help small business owners better understand their options, we are hosting a free webinar series featuring guest presenter Peter Maddock from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s office.

These practical webinars will cover:

• understanding your options and responsibilities under a commercial lease
• how to approach conversations about rent and payment arrangements
• support and dispute resolution services available to small businesses.

Whether your business is currently experiencing rent stress or you simply want to be prepared for potential challenges, attendees will leave with practical information, tools and resources to navigate commercial rent challenges.

Sign up for one of these free webinars at a time and day that best suits you:

• Tuesday 28 July, 8:30am
• Wednesday 29 July, 12pm
• Thursday 30 July, 4pm

Register HERE.

New financial year, time for a business check-up

Now is the perfect time to be proactive and employ some sound business practices to prepare for the new financial year and for your tax return.

To support you, here are some things to consider when reviewing your business practices.

• How well are you managing your cash flow? Do you have peaks and troughs? Can you identify when these will occur? Can you put plans in place to help smooth these out?
• Do you know your record-keeping obligations and are you meeting these obligations? A good starting point for this is the ATO record keeping evaluation tool.
• Are you making the best use of digital tools that assist in improving efficiencies in your day-to-day operations and record keeping?
• When was the last time you reviewed your business plan?
• Have you considered the impact of the increase in running costs and do you need to increase your prices?
• Is your current marketing strategy effective? Has the market changed and has your business changed with it?
• Are you meeting your employment obligations?

If your small business is experiencing financial difficulties and you would like support to complete a review or better understand business planning, reach out to your local Small Business Financial Counsellor for impartial, confidential and free support.

Take the guesswork out of your business finances

Want to better understand your numbers and improve profitability? Join us for a free practical workshop designed to help you make confident business decisions.

Presented by our ‘Numbers Guy’ Nicholas Hess, this interactive session will help you understand your business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and build your confidence in managing your business’s finances.

Upcoming workshops

Yeppoon
Wednesday 5 August, 5:30pm – 7:30pm 
This workshop is delivered in collaboration with The T@ble Capricorn Coast Business Community.

Esk
Wednesday 19 August, 9am – 11am
This workshop is delivered in collaboration with the Somerset Regional Council.

What to expect when you reach out for wellbeing support

Running a small business means carrying a lot, from making big decisions and managing day-to-day challenges to looking after the people who rely on you. Sometimes, the pressure can build up and it’s not always easy to know where to turn for support.

Our Small Business Wellbeing Coaches provide tailored, confidential and free wellbeing coaching to build resilience, confidence and clarity for every day.

This month, we’re answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our service and what you can expect when you reach out.

What is wellbeing support?
Wellbeing support is a chance to talk through what’s happening in your business and life with someone who understands. Our Wellbeing Coaches provide tailored support to help you reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Who is wellbeing coaching for?
Wellbeing coaching is for small business owners who want to improve their overall wellbeing, build positive habits, manage everyday pressures or create a better work-life balance.

What happens in the first session?
Your first session is simply a conversation. Your Wellbeing Coach will take the time to listen, understand your situation and help you identify the next right step.

How many coaching sessions will I need?   
The number of sessions will depend on your individual needs, your Wellbeing Coach will work with you to determine the right level of support and help you make the most of your sessions.

If you’re feeling the pressure of running a small business, reaching out for support can be the first step towards feeling more in control. Contact our Small Business Wellbeing Support team today.

Card surcharge rules are changing

From 1 October 2026, business will no longer be able to pass on credit card surcharges to customers for Visa, Mastercard and eftpos payments.

Small businesses will need to consider how they will manage these new costs. Simply, renaming a surcharge as an ‘admin fee’ or ‘service fee’ may constitute misleading conduct under Australian Consumer Law.

One simple habit that pays off all year

The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to review your small business record-keeping practices to ensure you have organised and up-to-date information about your business.

Keeping your records organised doesn’t just make tax time easier. It helps you stay on top of cash flow, make better business decisions and have the information on your financial position in real time.

Up-to-date records also help you meet your ATO obligations, make tax time smoother and ensure you have the information you need when speaking with your accountant, applying for finance or checking in on the health of your business.

If you’re still relying on paper files, now could be a good time to switch to a digital system to make storing, finding and backing up your records much easier.

A little time spent getting organised now can save you a lot of stress later.

Looking for tips? The ATO has a range of practical resources to help you keep your business records on track.

Payday Super is here

From 1 July 2026, employers will need to pay eligible employees’ super at the same time as wages under the new Payday Super requirements. 

If your cash flow is already under strain, ensuring you meet the new Payday Super payment requirements may put more pressure on your business. Check in with the Small Business Financial Counselling team for free and confidential support to review your position and future planning.

For more information on Payday Super, visit the ATO’s Payday Super resources.

Get Ahead Of It: New webinar series launched for Queensland Farmers Rural Financial Counselling Service

Southern Queensland (RFCSSQ) has today announced a free monthly webinar series designed for farmers to get ahead of emerging local and global challenges on the land and be better prepared for the future.

The Get Ahead Of It webinar series will offer practical, up-to-the-minute information and guidance to primary producers, delivered by trusted experts including local Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs).

Get Ahead of It aims to help primary producers to do exactly that. To give them the confidence to seek the help that is available before financial, business or personal pressures risk becoming a significant crisis.

See the Media release for more information:

The ATO’s online resource, Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business, offers free, professional courses designed to help small businesses build knowledge in tax, superannuation, and business management.

We have promoted this resource and supported thousands of small business owners by presenting over 40 webinars over the past year through local councils like yours with:

• 80% of attendees planning to make changes to the way they manage their tax and super commitments because of attending a masterclass.
• 96% of attendees recommending the masterclass to another small business owner.

Following on from the success of these webinars, we’re excited to invite you and your members to our next upcoming Masterclass series. As small business owners begin to lodge their income tax returns, we have added some topics to help businesses strengthen their operations and meet their obligations with confidence. Additionally, small business owners will be able to send through any questions they have in advance when registering.

Each session will focus on key topics that matter most to business owners, including:

•      Starting a small business

•      Goods and services tax (GST)

•      Claiming small business tax deductions

•      eInvoicing

•      Cash flow for small business success

•      Claiming deductions for your home-based business

•      Super guarantee employer obligations

Please find below a short article with links to registration. We’ve also attached digital images that you can include in your newsletter or other member communications to help promote the webinar series.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll also send you a reminder at the beginning of May that you can share with your members.

Training for small business success

Looking to improve your skills or have a question on business planning, finances, record keeping, or registrations? Want to know how to successfully meet your tax obligations? Or simply want to understand what’s required to start a small business?

Essentials to strengthen your small business is a free online learning platform offering over 30 short courses on topics such as starting a small business, cash flow, deductions, GST, superannuation, and more. To complement these resources, the ATO is hosting a Masterclass series throughout August and September to help you understand the essentials of running a successful business.

You can find and register for all the upcoming sessions HERE.

Kingaroy Aerodrome Masterplan

South Burnett Regional Council is seeking your input to help shape the long-term future of Kingaroy Aerodrome.

A planned aerodrome is vital not only for serving the community today, but for supporting future economic growth particularly as new and emerging businesses look for efficient ways to move people and products.

The Kingaroy Aerodrome Masterplan sets out a vision to guide this growth, addressing both on-aerodrome needs such as safe operations, future expansion, sustainability and compliance, and off-aerodrome planning including how the aerodrome can co-exist with surrounding land uses.

This important document will guide how the airport develops over time, helping Council plan infrastructure and land use while attracting investment and opportunities.

Your feedback will play a key role in ensuring the Masterplan reflects community priorities and aspirations.

Date: Friday 31 July 2026
Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Venue: Kingaroy Terminal Building, Warren Truss Drive Taabinga
BBQ Sausage sizzle will be provided from 11.30am to 1.30pm

For more information, see the South Burnett Regional Council Website HERE.