Council developing Fraser Coast Buy Local campaign
A gift card that can only be used with local businesses will be the key element of a new ‘Buy Local’ campaign being developed by the Fraser Coast Regional Council and local Chambers of Commerce.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the ‘Open for Business Buy Local’ campaign was being developed following feedback from the COVID-19 business impact survey conducted by Council earlier this year.
“Buying local is the best way to support businesses on the Fraser Coast. It is great for the local economy, great for local jobs and great for our local communities,” he said.
Businesses keen to be a part of the program can sign up through the Council webpage or email economic.development@frasercoast.qld.gov.au to receive further information and express their interest.
“The gift cards can only be used at participating Fraser Coast businesses to encourage local spending and keep money in local communities,” Cr Seymour said.
“The cards can be bought from local participating businesses or online and can be given as gifts, raffle prizes or to help out a neighbour.
“Anyone can buy the cards. If grandma or your favourite aunt cannot get to the Fraser Coast for Christmas or a birthday, they can buy a card online and send it to their grandkids, nieces or nephews to spend in Fraser Coast shops.
“Any amount between $10 and $1,000 can be loaded on to the cards. The funds don’t have to be spent in one go and can be used to cover multiple purchases in multiple participating stores.
“We hope many businesses will sign on.”
More information about the Buy Local program and gift card will be available in coming weeks, along with a range of marketing collateral local businesses can use to highlight their involvement and spread the word about the benefits of buying local.
The Fraser Coast Buy Local campaign launch will coincide with the lead up to Christmas and will run for at least the next three years.
Council is utilising the Why Leave Town gift card program which was first launched in Narrabri in New South Wales in 2010 and is now used by more than 50 different local governments and Chambers of Commerce across the country.