New invoice policy makes positive business impact
Date published: 16 April 2020
Townsville City Council’s new invoicing policy to pay contractor invoices within 14 days where possible has been praised by businesses as they forge forward during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The policy is part of a multimillion-dollar support package to throw support behind more than 300 contractors currently employed by Council.
Lock It Up Townsville co-director Catherine Binder said there were a lot of changes to the way business was done with social distancing restrictions, however her team was pleased with the new policy.
She said her business, which has five staff members, had been contracted by Council for the last 10 years.
“The shorter payment terms will assist greatly in the sustainability of our business, helping ensure staff and suppliers are paid on time during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Binder said.
“As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we have taken proactive measures and decided to temporarily change our shop front trading. We feel it is necessary to implement these changes to keep our staff and families safe through these uncertain times.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was a small but effective measure that was creating a positive impact for local businesses.
“Council’s decision to pay our contractors within 14 days where possible is a practical measure to help reduce cash flow burden during what is already a very stressful time for employers and employees,” Cr Hill said.
“This pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before, which is why Council is doing its part to support our contractors and suppliers through this event. The feedback we’ve had through from our contractors has been phenomenal.
“It’s important that we continue supporting our local businesses, as we are doing this through our Support Local Townsville platform online and by reducing our development application fees and infrastructure charges to continue progressing with development in our city.
“I am also encouraging locals to do their best to support our local businesses where possible by getting takeaway food, buying fresh produce and goods, and practicing social distancing while doing so.”
For more information about how Townsville is adapting to life during COVID-19, head to Townsville Shines.
