A message from the CEO... 
These are extraordinary and unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone who is being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following information will hopefully assist you and your business in your planning to deal with this evolving situation and weathering the very uncertain times ahead.
There has been a number of announcements over the past 48 hours, in particular to events, cruise ships and visitation, that we know has had an immediate impact on your business. We need to prepare and plan for further restrictions on our business community and our general way of life until the health situation and longer term management is clearer. We understand several businesses are already under intense pressure and I want to assure you that we are raising your concerns with our Members of Parliament and with all three levels of government to ensure economic response packages and business support programs are tailored to our business community and where exactly you need it most.
Data and information is key right now and I want to thank all our businesses for completing our surveys so far and encourage others to do the same. We have been inundated with feedback, with this data critical in ensuring ourselves and government understand the situation on the ground. I also encourage you to call and email us if you wish to discuss anything further.
Townsville Enterprise acknowledges and supports the hard decisions recently made by the Federal and State Government guided by our nation's senior health officials. We do understand it is about flattening the curve to ensure our nation’s health system is able to cope with the more serious cases.
We respect the evolving nature and seriousness of this pandemic and are confident the Townsville North Queensland region will stay strong to work through this challenge together, as we always have in times of adversity.
Please find below a Townsville Enterprise operational update, survey link, current support packages recently announced by our State and Federal Government, and links to further information.
In recent years our region has been through drought, floods and cyclones and we will get through this as well. It will not be easy, it will not be overnight, but we need to keep pushing forward and here at Townsville Enterprise we will do whatever it takes to support our members through this period and these challenging times ahead.
Patricia O'Callaghan
Chief Executive Officer
Townsville Enterprise
TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE OPERATIONAL UPDATE
We are working closely with all levels of government and key stakeholders to strike the right balance between community safety and a strong economy. In the course of doing so we are staying very close to our members in understanding the frontline business impacts of this global health emergency and providing relevant information and expert advice most beneficial to our members. With that in mind, please find below Townsville Enterprise current activities and announcements:
COVID-19 INFORMATION SESSION
On Thursday 19 March we will host an online information session on the COVID-19 pandemic and how you can best prepare your business for the potential impact to your day-to-day operations. The session will feature a Q&A with representatives from Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers, PVW Partners and Northern Australia Primary Health Limited for clear and concise advice. Livestream details provided shortly.
Townsville North Queensland Tourism Futures Forum - POSTPONED
The 2020 Townsville North Queensland Tourism Futures Forum, scheduled for Friday 27 March at The Ville Resort-Casino has been postponed. A revised date will be announced as soon as possible with all purchased tickets remaining valid for the event. If you do require a refund, please email tel@tel.com.au and we will assist with your request. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you and appreciate your understanding during this time.
Visitor Information Centres & Townsville Enterprise Volunteers
Townsville Enterprise has suspended all Visitor Services, at Elliot Springs and in the Townsville CBD, for the next 30 days to ensure the safety and well-being for all our volunteers and staff. To ensure we are still able to deliver information to visitors we have diverted the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) phone and email to our Visitor Services Executive Megan Hawke to manage enquiries during this time.
Cruise Ships
All international cruise ships have been banned from docking in Australia for 30 days from yesterday. Townsville had three planned cruise ships during this time which have now been suspended.
Understanding the impacts on your business - MEMBER SURVEYS
TOURISM:
Across the globe and nation, the tourism industry has been one the most immediately impacted sectors from Coronavirus and we are now seeing significant cancellations and a slow down in pre-bookings on a local level. To assist our efforts regarding the Coronavirus response and recovery for this sector, we have issued a survey to all tourism, events and hospitality members to understand the impacts currently being felt. If you have not received this survey this morning, please email lisa.woolfe@tel.com.au to receive the link.
BROADER INDUSTRY:
We acknowledge that as this situation escalates, significant impacts will be felt across nearly every industry in our region in some shape or form. With that in mind we have also developed a survey for our members across all industries to better understand the broader economic impacts currently felt across our region and anticipated future challenges from Coronavirus. Click here to complete the survey.
This information collated from both surveys will be integral to providing crisis updates to relevant government departments and will greatly assist Townsville Enterprise in providing effective support during this crisis. Importantly, this feedback and data captured will help shape our positions and advocacy agenda for all three levels of government moving forward and delivering effective recovery campaigns at the appropriate time.
Townsville Enterprise Office Procedures
Townsville Enterprise is currently reviewing its office procedures with staff health and safety paramount. Potential measures currently under consideration are working from home arrangements, reducing travel and limiting face-to-face meetings that can alternatively be conducted via teleconference or Skype. We will keep our members and partners informed, and encourage you to continue to direct any enquiries as usual either through your account manager, emailing tel@tel.com.au or phoning Townsville Enterprise on (07) 4726 2728.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC RESPONSE
The Federal Government’s $17.6B economic response to address the economic impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak is designed to support business investment, help small businesses manage short-term cash flow challenges, and provide targeted support to individuals and assistance to the most severely affected communities and regions. Please find the economic stimulus breakdown below, and click here to view the summary document from Treasury.
Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses here at Business.gov.au - this site will be updated as new information is available.
Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off
The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). This applies from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, for new or second hand assets first used or installed ready for use in this timeframe.
Backing Business Investment
A time limited 15 month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions. This applies to eligible assets acquired from 12 March 2020 and first used or installed by 30 June 2021. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset cost.
Boosting cash flow for employers
Provides $25,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $2,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million that employ staff. The payment will be tax free. More information
Supporting Apprentices and trainees
If you employ an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020. More information
Employer finance and business obligations
Find out how to meet your employer finance, business obligations and isolation requirements if you're affected by the Coronavirus.
QUEENSLAND SUPPORT PACKAGES
- The Queensland Government has announced a $27.25M package to provide immediate assistance to help Queensland manage the impacts of Coronavirus.
- The Queensland Government's Business Queensland is providing a range of support measure for small businesses in the state including mentoring sessions, financial workshops and industry support.
- The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has released a range of initiatives to support businesses including free consultations with professionals in the areas of finance, business distress, insurance and HR.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT HERE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Click here to find out how the Federal Government's Department of Health is monitoring and responding to the outbreak, how you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia, and what to do if you have symptoms. Here you can also keep across the latest official medical advice and case numbers.
