Centre facing inquiry

BUSINESS incubator and advisory service Townsville Business Development Centre is under a cloud with its CEO having resigned and the board conducting an investigation into its operation.

The interim chair of the organisation’s board, local businessman Greg Leslie, confirmed CEO Sharyn Brown had resigned but stressed the centre, which employs two people, was continuing to operate and was “not going anywhere”.

“The centre, as an incubator, is still running as it has done for 20- odd years,” Mr Leslie said. “We provide affordable rents for businesses wanting to start.”

The previous chair, lawyer Brendan Gaeta, and a board member, Townsville councillor Maurie Soars, both stepped down from the board in December.

Mr Leslie and Cr Soars confirmed an investigation was under way but declined to provide details on what that investigation entailed.

“As the newly appointed and current chair I am working closely with various people and organisations, including the previous chair and external advisers, to navigate the best outcomes for all parties,” Mr Leslie said. “I cannot provide details on this matter while an investigation is being conducted and advices ( are) being obtained.

“It would be inappropriate for me to comment or provide an opinion at this time.”

The council owns the centre’s Condon premises and is understood to provide the property at a peppercorn lease to the not- for- profit memberbased organisation so it can provide low- cost rents to startup businesses without the need for long- term lease agreements.

“I understand an investigation is taking place but any further questions need to be directed to the board,” Cr Soars said in a statement.

“Currently, ( the) council has no representative on the TBDC board.”

TBDC has been funded by the Federal Government to deliver advisory and fee- for- service business advice.

Townsville- based federal MP Cathy O’Toole said the Government had reviewed funding for business incubators and had switched support from “core” business advice to training in online sales, cyber security and digital marketing.

“I would suggest the Government has not considered what these changes in funding mean for small business centres like the one we have here,” Ms O’Toole said.

Ms Brown could not be contacted for comment.