Support for Queensland businesses
Posted on August 17th, 2021
The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached a 50/50 funding agreement that will see the value of the Queensland COVID-19 Business Support Grants rise from $260 million to $600 million.
As part of the package additional support for businesses that have had a decline in turnover of more than 30 per cent will include:
- A $1,000 one-off grant to non-employing sole traders across Queensland
- Tiered payments based on payroll size for all businesses across Queensland:
- A $5,000 one-off, top-up grant to small business with payroll of less than $1.3 million
- A $10,000 one-off, top-up grant to medium sized business with payroll between $1.3 million and $10 million
- A $25,000 one-off, top-up grant to large sized tourism and hospitality focused businesses with payroll of greater than $10 million.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this new business support package recognises that the impact of lockdowns is felt right across Australia.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the agreement would boost support, not just for businesses that have been affected by recent lockdowns, but by those that continue to suffer because of lockdowns in other jurisdictions.
The $5000 COVID-19 Business Support Grants program opened to businesses across Queensland on Monday 16th August, but the agreement with the Federal Government is further support that means the Queensland Government will be able to extend support even further.
Applications for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants opened at 12pm (midday), 16 August and will close on 16 November 2021. All eligible businesses who apply for a grant during the 3-month application period will receive funding.
The Queensland Government has also announced a $47.75 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns in Queensland and other states.
The package is providing a range of rebates, fee and payroll tax relief measures to provide immediate support for tourism and hospitality businesses impacted by the recent COVID-19 lockdowns.
The $47.75 million package includes:
Payroll tax deferral
Eligible tourism and hospitality businesses that lodge payroll tax returns monthly can apply to defer paying their payroll tax liability due in August 2021 for 6 months. Find out more.
12-month state land rent deferral for tourism operators
Rent deferral is available for eligible tourism operators on state land for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. More information coming soon.
Fee waiver and refunds for commercial tourism daily passenger fees
Tourism businesses that operate in a national park, conservation park, recreation area or state forest, including whale watching operations, may have fees waived or refunded between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. More information coming soon.
12-month fee waiver or refund of inbound tour operator fees
This support is available to inbound tour operators for fee renewals up until 30 June 2022. Find out more.
Liquor licensing fees waived for 2021-22
Tourism and hospitality businesses can have their licensing fees for 2021–22 waived or refunded if they were licensed under the Liquor Act or Wine Industry Acts as at 30 June 2021. Find out more.
2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants expanded to include large tourism and hospitality businesses statewide
Large tourism and hospitality businesses statewide are now included in the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants of $5,000. Find out more.
COVID-19 Marine Tourism Rebate – Round 2 – 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022
Reimbursement of the berthing fees for marine tourism vessel operator at privately-owned or privately-operated marinas in regional Queensland. The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) is administering the COVID-19 Marine Tourism Rebate – Round 2. More information will be available soon on our website here. Please email your details to tourism@dtis.qld.gov.au if you would like to register to receive an update when applications open for this Rebate.
Businesses under financial stress are also encouraged to 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.
