Council encourages, be carbon tax-ready

The cost of transport under a carbon tax, along with the proposed reduction in the diesel fuel rebate sparked a few questions – and answers – at last Thursday’s first carbon tax workshop in Caloundra, organised and sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council.
A representative of one Coast company which relies on a large aluminium supply, as well as having major transport costs, was advised to contact his aluminium supplier for price estimates as one step in readying his company for the impact of the coming carbon tax.
A manager of Caloundra company Advance Refrigeration Technology also attended. Joanne Linnane said after the workshop that she gained some useful insights into the tax implications for small- and medium-sized business.
“As a national business involved in energy efficiency we are probably better informed, but for smaller businesses the workshops would be fantastic,” she said.
Council’s Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Lew Brennan said it was important for Sunshine Coast companies to stay ahead of the game, which was why council had organised the free workshops and for BDO Australia carbon tax expert Dylan Byrne to facilitate them.
“The Caloundra workshop raised issues regarding not knowing what the direct and indirect cost implications of the tax are going to be,” he said.
“BDO Australia is an independent and globally recognised leader in carbon accounting, and Dylan will take you through the steps to ensure your business is as carbon tax-ready as council.”
Mr Byrne will provide a thorough overview of the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future plan and work through many of the issues.
The next workshops will be held in Maroochydore and Noosa as below:
November 10
5 to 6.30pm: Maroochy Events Centre, Maroochy 3 Room, 1st Floor, Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore
November 17
5 to 6.30pm: The J, Foyer, Ground floor, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction
To register your attendance at a workshop, click on the link www.business.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au. Places are strictly limited to 40 per session so register early.