The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) has partnered with Renew Australia to offer a space activation program tailored for towns across regional and remote Queensland. Councils with a population of less than 50,000, who are members of the Small Business Friendly Program were encouraged to apply to participate in this program, with the Renew Australia costs funded by the QSBC.
For more information about the program you can view and print the Regional Place Activation Program flyer.
The following councils were selected as part of the first cohort for the Regional Place Activation Program, which launched in August 2024:
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Renew Cassowary Coast
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council – Renew Hinchinbrook
- Livingstone Shire Council – Renew Capricorn Coast
- Mount Isa City Council – Renew Copper City CBD
Note, theses councils Renew projects completed on 31 August 2025.
The following six councils were selected for second cohort, which launched in November 2024:
- Banana Shire Council – Renew Banana Shire
- Barcaldine Regional Council – Renew Barcaldine Region
- Charters Towers Regional Council – Renew Charters Towers
- Douglas Shire Council – Renew Tropical Douglas
- Isaac Regional Council – Renew Isaac
- Winton Shire Council – Renew Winton.
Note, theses councils Renew projects completed in 27 November 2025.
How it works
The program involves collaborating with property owners to offer local creative small businesses and entrepreneurs rent free access to vacant commercial spaces in main streets and town centres. The overarching goal is to foster the evolution of local small businesses and cultivate more vibrant and active precincts.
The selected Councils are undertaking a do-it-yourself (DIY) space activation initiative using the Renew Australia affiliate model and accompanying services. Councils have access to licence agreements and operational, reporting and insurance support. This package includes a Micro Affiliate Membership, program training and ongoing guidance from the Renew Australia team.
Expression of Interest Now Closed
Creative Queensland small businesses in Banana, Barcaldine, Cassowary Coast, Charter Towers, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Isaac, Livingstone, Mount Isa and Winton council areas were invited to apply.
Renew classifies a ‘creative’ as anyone who makes or creates their own wares or IP. This incorporates fine arts, and also makers, designers, architects, growers, educators, performers, game designers and more.
Project managers contact details:
- Renew Banana Shire – project ended
- Renew Barcaldine Region – project ended
- Renew Capricorn Coast – project ended
- Renew Cassowary Coast – project ended
- Renew Charters Towers – project ended
- Renew Copper City CBD – project ended
- Renew Hinchinbrook – project ended
- Renew Isaac – project ended
- Renew Tropical Douglas – project ended
- Renew Winton – project ended
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If you have any questions, please get in touch with Renew Australia via email – space@renewaustralia.org.
