Exclusive: Almost $55 million emergency funding to help Qld-NSW border businesses hurt by COVID

A $54.55 million emergency support package will be delivered to help Queensland-NSW businesses, targeting tourism and hospitality operators impacted by COVID restrictions.

A $54.55 million emergency support package will be delivered to help Queensland-NSW businesses, targeting tourism and hospitality operators impacted by COVID restrictions.

The Bulletin can reveal the Morrison Government and Palaszczuk Government reached agreement on the funding boost after marathon negotiations.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government recognised that the communities and businesses reliant on regular cross border trade were suffering.

Border bubble opens to Northern NSW essential service workers. Police at the Queensland border on Griffith Street Coolangatta. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“The impact on Queensland businesses along the border with NSW has been devastating,” the Premier told Parliament.

“This package will provide a lifeline for a number of businesses doing it tough right now.

“We’ll deliver $14.55 million in Border Business Zone Support to businesses along the border region in the areas of Coolangatta, Currumbin — Tugun, and Currumbin Waters and the towns of Wallangarra, Goondiwindi and Mungindi.

“With the Delta variant continuing to rage in Sydney, we’re investing in our economic recovery in Queensland to support local businesses to make it through the pandemic.”

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The package includes:

* $6.3 million to extend the existing COVID-19 Business Support Grants program

* $6.5 million to provide one-off Hardship Scheme grants of $5000 for employing businesses and $1000 for sole traders to recipients of the COVID-19 Business Support Grants in the border zone in the event of an extended border closure

* Up to $1 million to match the Gold Coast City Council and Destination Gold Coast’s ‘Play Money’ campaign, encouraging Gold Coasters to patronise border businesses

* $50,000 support for marketing campaigns in Coolangatta

* $700,000 for additional mental health support for business owners and their families in the border zone

* $40 million for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program to deliver one off grants of $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000 for small, medium and large employing businesses across the state which have experienced a reduction in turnover of at least 70 per cent for at least seven consecutive days between 1 July and 1 September.

Ms Palaszczuk said businesses within the border zone which were recipients of the COVID-19

Business Support Grants and had been significantly impacted by any possible extended border closure would be able to apply for one-off hardship grants.

Border bubble opens to Northern NSW essential service workers. Police at the Queensland border on Griffith Street Coolangatta. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

They ranged from of up to $5000 for an employing business and $1000 for a non-employing sole-trader, and would be available from mid-October.

“This package will help. But it’s also vital that we encourage more Queenslanders to support businesses on the border — particularly in communities like Coolangatta,” she said.

“Through today’s package, we’ll also supporting local marketing campaigns, starting with the Essentially Cooly initiative.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the enhanced support package would help businesses which have been particularly affected by ongoing border restrictions with New South Wales.

“Our existing $600 million 2021 COVID-19 Business Supports Grants package with the Federal Government has already put $60 million into the accounts of Queensland businesses and sole traders affected by recent lockdowns,” the Treasurer said.

“Now, we’re extending eligibility to include businesses along the border who’ve seen a reduction in turnover because of the New South Wales border closure.

“Today’s package will help businesses to stay afloat while border access is limited.”

The State Government last month announced a $47.75 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package to assist key tourism destinations.

Labor also launched a $20 million COVID-19 Cleaning Rebate to support small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations listed as an exposure venue by Queensland Health.

The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package comes on top of the Morrison Government’s $30.2 billion in direct economic support to Queensland households and businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Tourism and hospitality businesses on the Queensland and New South Wales border have done it particularly tough as they feel the impact of lockdowns and border restrictions,” he said.

“That’s why the Morrison Government is increasing support to these businesses and industries that need it most.”

“In total, the Commonwealth in partnership with the State Government, has committed around $600 million to small and medium sized businesses.”

“But there is light at the end of the tunnel. By sticking to the National Plan, agreed to by State and Territory leaders, we can safely ease restrictions and open up our economy.”

“And as we progress towards our vaccinations targets of 70 to 80 per cent, the Morrison Government will continue to work closely with the Palaszczuk Government to support Queensland businesses through this challenging time.”

“We will continue to work with the Palaszczuk Government to ensure the Queensland economy bounces back.”

For business support and assistance visit the Queensland Business website at www.business.qld.gov.au or call the Small Business Hotline 24/7 on 1300 654 687.

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