General News
3 September, 2025
Mission possible
SHOP owners, mostly in the Mission Beach area, might be eligible for grants of up to $5000 to help spruce up their shop fronts, improve accessibility and install security measures, such as CCTV systems.
Since April last year, Mission Beach has endured major disruptions to its main street shops and businesses due to extensive council drainage and infrastructure works.
Now, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is offering to match dollar-for-dollar shopfront improvements of up to $5000 spent by the owners and/or operators.
The new program which opened this week, follows on from a similar one last year under which 20 applicants region-wide were successful in gaining grants.
Councillor Renee McLeod told The Observer that there were strict conditions which ensured only truly locally-based contractors and suppliers must be used for the grants to be approved.
“We had strong economic returns from the previous round,” she said. “For every $1 invested, $3 was returned to the local economy.
“The Growing the Cassowary Coast Shopfront Improvement Program, not only contributes to business revitalisation, but also to local job creation and to broader regional economic growth,” Cr McLeod said.
“It could be just painting, or new windows, improved lighting, new awnings or upgraded accessibility and security measures.”
The renewed round was approved at the August council meeting and opened on Monday, September 1.
Although the grants will not be confined to Mission Beach, the 2025–2026 round will “exercise discretion to prioritise the Eligible Zone: Township Zone, Mission Beach Local Plan –Tourism Precinct in recognition of extenuating impacts caused by the major drainage project and severe weather events”.
“This recommendation was supported by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and forms a key action of the Mission Beach Business Recovery Plan demonstrating council’s commitment to supporting financially impacted businesses,” a council report said.
“By encouraging shopfront improvement works that provide attractive detailing, ensure accessibility, deter criminal activity, and showcase each business’s unique services, the program delivers benefits well beyond a simple return on investment calculation.
“These works help drive foot traffic into local businesses, boost sales, encourage reinvestment, and create safer, more vibrant precincts.
“They also strengthen the resilience of businesses through security upgrades such as CCTV and lighting, while contributing to the overall appeal of the Cassowary Coast as a destination for both visitors and investors.”
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