It's welcomed news today that Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Treasurer Cameron Dick announced that the Queensland State Government will provide one-off $5,000 payments to small and medium businesses across Queensland affected by the South East Queensland (SEQ) lockdown that commenced on Saturday 31 July 2021.
Business don't have to be located in SEQ but must have experienced at least a 30% reduction in turnover as a result of the lockdown. Grants are also available for large businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector operating in the 11 local government areas in the lockdown, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Small and medium businesses are defined as businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum and have an annual payroll in Queensland of up to $10 million.
This is a step in the right direction after we have been calling for industry support following Townsville's lockdown, interstate border closures, and continued restrictions still placed on operators. Although Townsville is not currently locked down we have always said that being 'locked out' is just as damaging to our business community and tourism industry, and if there are further lockdowns and prolonged impacts more will be needed to keep them alive.
Applications for grants will open from mid-August, with information available on this Business Queensland webpage in coming days.
UPDATE FROM THE CEO.... 
Whilst these snap lockdowns have proven an effective tool in managing COVID outbreaks, and the need for their implementation is understood, it doesn’t make the day to day pain and the flood of cancellations any easier for small business, particularly in the tourism, events, and hospitality sector who have faced 18 months of challenges.
This is why Townsville Enterprise has continued to have a strong and consistent voice for the business community. For more than a month, as Townsville faced a lockdown and border closures from key markets, we have been calling for all levels of Government to provide support to local operators. During this time we have welcomed the direct engagement with the Minister for Tourism, Treasury, Minister for Small Business, and our local MPs as we provided regular industry updates, data, and on the ground sentiment.
With the industry facing historically soft August bookings and today’s extension of the South East Queensland lockdown further impacting visitation and travel confidence, the need for support is now. We welcome the announcement today from the State Government for some industry assistance for any Queensland businesses financially impacted by the pandemic.
We will continue to work with all levels of Government and reminding them to not lose sight of the future. When the time is right, we will need incentive schemes to reignite the industry as we cannot shift focus from critical tourism infrastructure opportunities.
Claudia Brumme-Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Townsville Enterprise
QLD COVID-19 UPDATE (Monday 2 August 2021)
- Queensland has recorded 15 new cases of COVID-19 today, with 13 linked to the Indooroopilly Delta cluster (two in hotel quarantine).
- The Southeast Queensland lockdown has been extended until 4pm Sunday 8 August.
FURTHER SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Tourism Business Financial Counsellors
Businesses can also contact one of the Queensland Government-funded Tourism Business Financial Counsellors or COVID-19 Small Business Counsellors who can assist with identifying potential sources of funding and business support. The counsellors provide free confidential assistance to businesses with understanding their finances, accessing government assistance, dealing with debt and referrals for additional support. To find your region’s local Financial Counsellor click HERE.
QTIC Tourism Support Webinar
Following the recent SEQ lockdown and business support announcement, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is hosting a webinar for the industry today 3 August from 3.15pm-4pm. The Queensland Government’s business support package, previously announced by the QLD Treasurer, Hon Cameron Dick, will be administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
To discuss further details and for the opportunity to submit questions, please register for this webinar HERE to hear from:
- Hon Di Farmer, Minister for Employment, Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
- Warwick Agnew, Director-General, Department of Small Business and Training
If you are unable to attend this webinar, a recording will be made available.
