Logan City Council has launched a new campaign that encourages the community to support local businesses as they continue their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown.

The Think Local, Buy Logan campaign follows a decision by Council to offer more than 1300 businesses a 50 per cent discount to their 2020/2021 licence renewal fees due next month.

The move will save local businesses collectively around $500,000.

It follows Council refunding more than $275,000 to more than 900 businesses for licence fees paid in 2019/2020 when the impacts of the pandemic began in March.

Council has further led the way building resiliency in their supply chainby awarding procurement contracts to six local suppliers.

Some contracts are for the next four years and across 12 suppliers in total are worth more than $2.5 million. The contracts include the supply of safety equipment, cleaning products, construction materials, landscaping and hardware.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Chair Councillor Jon Raven said Logan businesses need support now more than ever before.

A Council survey of nearly 200 Logan businesses revealed 87 per cent of them suffered ‘significant’ financial impacts from the pandemic shutdowns, with half of them losing more than $5000 each week in revenue.

Some lost up to $25,000 a week.

“Every dollar we spend in our city supports Logan businesses while maintaining and creating more jobs for locals,” Cr Raven said.

“When a crisis hits, the people of Logan always help each other. Recovery from this crisis is as simple as shopping locally, no need for shovelling mud or fighting fires. Let’s work together to rebuild our economy with a bit of retail therapy.”

The Think Local, Buy Logan campaign will be supported by its own Facebook group where business owners and residents can share local information, offer recommendations and promote special deals across the city.

The Facebook group will also include weekly competitions through to the end of August with $50 vouchers up for grabs to spend at local businesses.

Collateral including free posters and digital artwork for social media channels is available for those business that get on board the Think Local, Buy Logan campaign.

Council has also partnered with ASBAS Digital Solutions to offer free online training and mentoring for small businesses based in Logan.

The Get Local program aims to help businesses increase their visibility to local customers and provides practical tools for digital marketing and content creation.

It includes free weekly webinars and five one-on-one sessions with a business mentor.

The six local companies awarded Council procurement contracts are:

• Runsmart – A Meadowbrook company that specialises in branding and high-visibility clothing.
• Tradey’s – A work boots and work wear suppliers whose head office is in Browns Plains.
• Alpha First Aid – A specialist supplier based in Underwood.
• CNW – An electrical wholesaler based in Slacks Creek.
• David Robinson Landscaping Services – Based in Shailer Park for 35 years.
• 5 Star Timbers – Head office is in Woodridge.

Together, the six companies employ 66 people who also live in Logan.

David Robinson, the proprietor of his eponymous landscaping company, says securing a Council contract meant ‘everything’ to his company.

“Without that support it would be hard to see how we could survive,” Mr Robinson said.

The vast majority of his employees live in Logan and the company sources supplies from local companies whenever possible.

“It’s about giving jobs to local people, particularly younger people, so they are earning some money and don’t get stuck in a welfare rut.

“Supporting local businesses through awarding contract and launching the buy local campaign is a great initiative by Council and I hope everyone supports it.”