Extra $70m in Covid-19 cash help for tourism and hospitality businesses, cleaning fee rebate

Coronavirus ravaged businesses across two key sectors are in line for a massive $70m cash injection, under a new tranche of state government support.

Tourism and hospitality businesses across the state are in line for a $70m cash injection, under a new tranche of state government support.

Building on last week’s $260m business support package, the state government will on Tuesday announce another package, to be split into two parts.

Nearly $50m has been set aside for the tourism and hospitality industry and $20m for a “Covid-19 cleaning rebate” to help the business sector.

For the tourism and hospitality sector, licensed venues will have liquor licensing fees for the 2021-22 financial year waived or refunded, with the measure to cost $22m.

Eligibility for the $5000 one-off payments announced last week for large tourism and hospitality businesses in the 11 locked-down council areas will be expanded statewide.

Those in the sector impacted by recent lockdowns can also defer payroll tax payments for August for six months. Those who have paid for August can defer their September payments.

The government will also waive, refund or defer a “range of fees” for eligible tourism and hospitality businesses, including whale watching outfits or those that operate in government parks.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick. Picture: Glenn Hunt

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the package was the result of “close consultation”.

“We have listened to what business has to say and we know the measures deliver immediate cash flow assistance,” he said.

The rescue package comes a day after Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Covid-19 had been “death by a thousand cuts” for the industry as he called for immediate financial support from the state and federal government.

An extra $20m has been ­allocated to a new “Covid-19 Cleaning Rebate”, which will help cover 80 per cent, or up to $10,000, of the costs of a deep clean each time a small and medium business or not-for-profit organisation is flagged as an exposure site.

Tourism ventures in places like Fitzroy Island, in Far North Queensland, will have access to new state government financial support. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

Meanwhile, people in Cairns and Yarrabah impacted by the snap three-day lockdown will be eligible for federal government help, after the areas were declared commonwealth hotspots.

Eligible people will receive $750 a week if they have lost 20 or more hours of work, and $450 a week if they have lost between eight and less than 20 hours of work, or a full day.

People who receive income support can also claim to receive an extra payment of $200 if they have lost more than eight hours of work and meet the other requirements.