Local businesses announce closure due to COVID-19
Posted on March 26th, 2020
With widespread closure of businesses being enforced over the past days, the Capricorn region has been inundated with the temporary reduction of hundreds of business services as they shut their doors until the Coronavirus curve is flattened.
Corporations, business owners and employers are all taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, and as the number of cases continues to climb across our destination, we are seeing more and more businesses calling it quits for the short term.
While the full financial impact of the outbreak on all local businesses is still revealing itself, Manager, Amanda Hinton and her team from the Capricorn Caves have packed up their hiking boots and torches, after making the decision to place public tours through their impressive limestone cave system on hold for the immediate future.
“With the incoming restrictions from the government and in the best interest of the community, we have closed to the public immediately until further notice, but staff are still contactable via email,” said Amanda.
“We are very proud of all of our team who have handled this very difficult time with great dignity, and we thank each and every one of them.”
“We look forward to the day we are able to reopen our gates and once again provide memorable experiences for our local community and visitors from around the world again.”
Despite the devastation overwhelming our local businesses at this time, under the restricted measures, cafes and restaurants in a position to offer takeaway and delivery services, will be able to remain open.
Across the Capricorn Coast, Rockhampton and Central Highlands regions, there are more than 200 businesses ready to dish up their cuisines.
Chef, Matt Smith from The Waterline Restaurant is proud to be continuing to serve his award- winning dishes and will not be compromising any standard of quality, despite being forced now to provide meals in takeaway containers.
“Our signature meals across breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on offer so we are encouraging locals to take home their favourite meal with a coffee, a bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer, to support local business and enjoy the experience of dining out while not being able to actually do so.”
Businesses working in the takeaway and delivery space are currently being compiled and listed on the website – https://capricornenterprise.com.au/2020/03/takeaway-options-from-your-favourite-venues/ (approx. 200) for the community to access, and is being updated constantly as required. Additionally, any cafes, restaurants or other businesses who are providing options for meals are encouraged to promote their product through the ‘Support Local, Buy Local’ Facebook page (nearly 4000).
Amid the current emergency encircling this new era in history, Capricorn Enterprise continues to work around the clock with local business and industry to ensure that the most up-to-date information is being provided.
“We are speaking regularly with our members and supporting them through this very tough time,” said Mary Carroll, CEO Capricorn Enterprise.
“And while some businesses are feeling the pressure and having to close their doors, we are also speaking with a number of innovative owners who are finding opportunities to change the way they conduct business.”
Warren from Saleyard Distillery in Rockhampton is one small business who is ‘thinking outside the box’.
“We have been considering for some time now branching out into a botanical line of handwash and sanitiser and are fortunately in a unique position to use our current ingredients to manufacture this essential product,” said Warren.
“We are now living in a world where all business and industry are going to see a shift in the way they have previously worked, and we all need to become pioneers for new opportunities.”
