Business
29 October, 2025
Shopfront program win
THE Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Shopfront Improvement Program is to be substantially expanded.
Councillors voted to increase funding from $40,000 to nearly $205,000 to meet strong demand from local businesses and drive economic growth across the region.
The program offers matched dollar-for-dollar funding of up to $5000 per applicant to undertake shopfront upgrades such as painting, signage, lighting and accessibility improvements.
Priority was given to projects in Mission Beach, responding to specific local challenges such as infrastructure disruptions and recent severe weather. This targeted approach ensures support reaches those most in need.
The 2025 round 1 attracted unprecedented interest with 56 applications submitted, representing shopfront upgrades worth $1.55 million and seeking support for facade improvements, lighting, accessibility enhancements, and other improvements that contribute to businesses’ overall ability to be part of attractive, vibrant, and economically active town centres throughout the Cassowary Coast.
For every $1 invested by council, $6.59 is expected to flow back into the local economy and directly support local trades and services operating in the Cassowary Coast. This demonstrates that Council’s increased contribution is directly helping local businesses to support each other.
Mayor Teresa Milwood highlighted the program’s importance to local businesses and the region’s economy.
“The program is actually designed to revitalise our precincts, our local business areas within all of our towns, funding improvements such as beautifying our shopfronts that encourages foot traffic, boosts sales and enhances our public safety,” Cr Millwood said.
“It also supports the need for improving local jobs, which strengthens our economy through using our local tradespeople,” she said.
“It’s a win for business and the community and the future of Cassowary Coast.”
This is a key initiative under council’s Growing Stronger Together 2033 strategy, aimed at revitalising commercial precincts, supporting local jobs, and stimulating economic activity across the region.
Council will notify all applicants in coming days.
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