During the first day of Queensland Parliament resuming today, the State Government made a number of announcements breaking down it's $4 billion COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
Key measures under the plan include:
- $100 million for Small Business Adaption Grants of up to $10,000 to support businesses through the pandemic
- A $400 million Accelerated Works Program to deliver new road, bridge and pavement sealing works across the state (in the Townsville North Queensland region, $8.9 million has been committed to widen the Herveys Range Developmental Road near Townsville – 14 jobs)
- A further $200 million in 2020-21 for a Works for Queensland program to help councils with their economic recovery efforts
- $50 million for tourism infrastructure and a domestic tourism campaign
- An $11.25 million expansion of the Household Resilience Program in cyclone affected areas
The $10,000 Small Business Grants initiative is a welcomed announcement for so many of our local businesses that have been highly impacted by COVID-19 shutdown restrictions, and this Grant aims to help adapt and sustain their operations, and build resilience. The State Government has outlined that the Grant can be used for:
- Financial, legal other professional advice
- Marketing and communications activities
- Digital or technology strategy development
- To purchase specialised digital equipment or business-specific software to help move the business online.
Applications are open now but will close when funding has been exhausted. Further information and eligibility criteria can be found HERE.
The Premier also today announced a $14.8M commitment towards the CopperString 2.0 project, fast tracking construction of connecting the North West Minerals Province with the national electricity market. This is a significant project that will drive down the high costs of power in the North West and ensure a future for minerals, mining and advanced manufacturing across our region. Importantly, it will also unlock investment opportunities throughout the North West corridor and the communities on that line. We acknowledge the CopperString team, Scott Stewart MP, Aaron Harper MP and Coralee O'Rourke MP for the announcement, and the Katter's Australian Party in particular for their strong advocacy on this project. More HERE.
Treasurer Cameron Dick also announced today that the State Government will not be handing down a budget prior to the 31 October State Election and will instead deliver a COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review in September. More HERE.
We welcome the State Government's update today outlining the first stage of their economic recovery roadmap and note with interest the Premier's intent to continue reviewing restrictions at the end of each month. This is critical to ensure our community can get back into jobs, businesses doors reopened, and industries firing again.
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