Dear Members and Partners,
As you are all no doubt aware, the lockdown in SE Qld has been extended until 4pm Sunday 8th August, 2021. Whilst this is bitterly disappointing for members, we are well aware that there are many patrons out there that are at risk so the QHA are working with the Queensland Government to tackle this latest set-back just as we have for all of the others – with absolute professionalism from our members, partners and staff.
Below is the support package that is offered by the Government, and we believe that it will be useful for most members. Grants will be available to SME right across Queensland but also to larger businesses that are specifically in the hospitality and tourism industry in the 11 LGAs of South East Queensland – vitally important for QHA Members.
As always, we will be attempting to get you the best deal available and to ensure that you have as clear a message as possible.
This industry has excelled over the last 18 months, I hope we can steer you through this time as well.
Feel free to call on your QHA contacts, we are ready to help!
Cheers,
Bernie Hogan
Chief Executive Officer
LOCKDOWN HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR THE 11 SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS (LGA'S) UNTIL 4PM SUNDAY.
The 11 LGA’s are: Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.
PEOPLE IN THESE AREAS CAN ONLY LEAVE HOME FOR ONE OF THESE FOUR REASONS:
- To buy essentials like groceries or medications
- Work if you can’t do either from home
- Exercise locally
- Healthcare or to provide help, care or support.
Residents of these areas must also wear masks everywhere except at home.
HOTELS CAN OPEN FOR TAKE-AWAY FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Hotels can provide takeaway food and beverage services.
- There is to be no on-premise trading activity.
- Customers can order, pay and collect their take-away purchases from within the venue. Note – as people are required to wear masks outside, a ‘No Mask, No Service’ policy should be enforced.
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SUPPORT PACKAGES
The Queensland Government has announced a $260 million COVID Business Support Package: The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants for lockdown-impacted businesses in Queensland.
Businesses may be eligible for financial support through the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants.
- $5,000 grants will be made available to small and medium businesses across Queensland affected by the COVID-19 lockdown that commenced on Saturday 31 July 2021 and lockdowns in other states.
- 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.
More information, including guidelines and details of how to apply, will be available in the coming days:
More information, including guidelines and details of how to apply, will be available in the coming days: CLICK HERE
Available funding
You may be eligible to receive a grant of $5,000 (excluding GST). This grant may be used for business expenses.
Eligibility criteria
The grant provides support to employing small and medium businesses across Queensland impacted by the South East Queensland lockdown that commenced on 31 July 2021. Your business doesn't have to be located in South East Queensland, but you 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 having:
- a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum
- an annual payroll in Queensland of up to $10 million.
How to apply
More information on eligibility criteria will be available in the coming days. You will need to apply online with supporting evidence. Grants will be processed in the order government receives them. You will be paid the grant funds within 2 weeks of being notified that your application has been approved.
More information on how to apply, including the opening date for applications, will be available in the coming days: CLICK HERE
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
COVID-19 Disaster Payment - Financial support for Queensland workers
This is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 state public health order.
The Australian Government has announced extra support for people affected by Queensland COVID-19 hotspots and restrictions. Queenslanders in the 11 LGAs will be eligible to receive $750 per week if they lose 20 hours or more of work as a result of the lockdown. For those who lose between 8 and 20 hours, $450 will be handed out.
The application form will be available from Saturday 7 August.
The Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment webpage will be updated with more information once available: CLICK HERE
