Shopfront Improvement Program

NOTE: Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Before completing this application form, please read the Growing the Cassowary Coast, Shopfront Improvement Program Guidelines. 

This section of the application form is designed to help you, and us, understand if you are eligible for this grant. It is crucial that you complete these questions before any others to ensure you do not waste your time applying for an unsuitable grant.

Depending on the grant you have selected you may be asked to provide the following information:

• Proof of public liability insurance
• Evidence of Owner permission for works
• Quotes for services or items
• Project details such as proposed works, timeframes
• Permits or appropriate approvals

If you have any questions in regards to these eligibility criteria, please contact economicdevelopment@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 1300 763 903 and ask to speak with our Economic Development Team. 

The Growing the Cassowary Coast Shopfront Improvement Program seeks to support the revitalization of commercial building facades and shopfronts across designated areas within the Cassowary Coast Region. By partnering with commercial property and business owners, the program aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of town centers, fostering vibrant communities and creating an attractive place to do business.

This initiative aligns with the goals of the Council’s 2033 Growing Stronger Together Economic Strategy.

Program Objectives

• Enhance the appearance of shopfronts and building facades to improve streetscape aesthetics.
• Promote economic growth by making town centers more inviting for residents, tourists, and investors.
• Stimulate local business activity by encouraging property owners to undertake shopfront improvements that generate interest and activity into their commercial property.
• Support local tradespeople by ensuring that improvements are carried out by businesses and licensed contractors based in the Cassowary Coast region.

Eligible Areas

This program applies to existing commercial buildings within the following designated areas:

• Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach, and Cardwell Central Business District (CBD) Precincts, Business Fringe Precincts, and Local Business Precincts as defined by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015.
• Commercial buildings with frontage to the Bruce Highway or Tourist Routes identified within the Scenic Amenity Overlay Mapping of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme.

For all eligible areas please view the Shopfront Improvement Policy (Link)

Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) apply to Council’s Shopfront Improvement Grants Program.

s4(2) The local government principles are—

(a) transparent and effective processes, and decision-making in the public interest; and

(b) sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services; and,

(c) democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement; and

(d) good governance of, and by, local government; and

(e) ethical and legal behaviour of councillors, local government employees and councillor advisors

Total Program funding for the 2024-2025 financial year is $100,000 with round open until all funds have been committed.

The program offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $5,000 per project. The applicant’s financial contribution must be in cash (not in-kind) and will be matched by Council’s grant. If applicants wish to contribute additional funds beyond the $5,000 match, they may do so.

Special Provision for Renew Cassowary Coast Program Participants

Applicants who have signed a license agreement under the Renew Cassowary Coast Program are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in funding without a co-contribution requirement. This special provision is capped at 4 successful applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding, applicants must:

• Be the owner or tenant of a commercial building within the eligible areas, with the owner's consent if applicable.
• Propose improvements visible from the street that enhance the appearance of the building’s facade.
• Obtain any necessary building or planning permits before commencing work, ensuring compliance with WorkSafe Queensland regulations where applicable.
• Use licensed contractors and tradespeople who are physically based within the Cassowary Coast region.
• Have or obtain appropriate insurances (e.g., public liability insurance).
• Complete the improvement works within six months of signing the funding agreement with the Council.

Eligible Improvement Works

All improvement works must be external and visible from the street and may include:

• Improvements to branding/ advertising;​
• Adding external materials, treatments that provide attractive detail​;
• Improving accessibility; ​
• Window treatments;​
• Repair, replacement or new awnings​;
• Improvements to under awnings;​
• Adding greening elements, green walls, window boxes​;
• Improvements of frontages that interact with the street​;
• Preservation of internal features in publicly visible areas;​
• Internal and external display lighting​;
• Cleaning
• Painting
• Landscaping

Other Shopfront Improvement works proposed by an applicant that reflects the intent and purpose of the Shopfront Improvement Scheme.

Assessment

Application Process

1. Submit an application through the Council’s SmartyGrants platform, including:
• Detailed project proposal and cost estimates.
• Confirmation of Owners approval if tenant is the applicant.
• Photos of the existing shopfront.
• Quotes from local, licensed contractors.
2. Assessment: Applications will be assessed by a panel against the program’s objectives and eligibility criteria. Successful applicants will be notified and required to enter into a funding agreement.
3. Execution: Upon completion of the project, applicants must submit:
• Photos of the completed work.
• Signed confirmation that the project has been completed.
• Invoices from contractors.
• Consent for Council to use before and after images for promotional purposes.
4. Acquittal: If the project is not completed within the agreed timeframe, applicants will be required to return the grant funding to Council.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following:

• Alignment with program objectives: The extent to which the proposed improvements contribute to the visual appeal of the streetscape and support economic revitalization.
• Financial commitment: The applicant’s contribution and the overall cost-effectiveness of the project (not applicable to Renew Cassowary Coast Program participants).
• Use of local resources: Preference will be given to projects using local contractors and materials.

Growing the Cassowary Coast - Shopfront Improvement Guidelines

Structural Changes and Council Support

All applicants are encouraged to seek Council support if considering any structural changes, such as the installation or modification of awnings or other external fixtures. Council recognizes that these types of improvements may require additional approvals and technical advice.

To assist with this process, Council is happy to arrange site visits to better understand the improvements you are planning to undertake and provide guidance on the necessary steps, including any permits or compliance requirements. This service aims to help streamline the application and approval process, ensuring that your improvements align with the regulatory framework while enhancing the overall streetscape.

Applicants are strongly advised to contact the Economic Development Department early in the planning stages of their project to take advantage of this service.

For further assistance, please contact the Cassowary Coast Regional Council at 1300 763 903 or email economicdevelopment@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

If you do contact us throughout the application process, please quote the application number below:

By proceeding with the application I confirm that I have read the Program Guidelines and the Growing Stronger Together 2033 - Economic Development Strategy and that my organisation is eligible to apply.