Queensland Government Industry Recovery Package announced

The Queensland Government has acted quickly following advice from industry about how tough business has been after the virus struck in January.   

The package is intended to provide immediate relief to impacted businesses and help them sustain jobs while work is done to contain COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Immediate Industry Recovery Package provides targeted financial support and advice; promotes Queensland through marketing and media activities; and provides counselling and support to businesses and students.

Support for small business and exporters 

• A suite of initiatives will be available to support small businesses to build resilience, grow and succeed, including: 
  • resilience workshops in partnership with local peak bodies to build the financial resilience of small businesses
  • business mentors to provide targeted advice to impacted small business 
  • Small business hotline (1300 654 687) to direct small businesses to support options and provide updates and advice.
• The $1.1 million Market Ready initiative will: 
  • provide tailored export advice to SMEs on leveraging opportunities in the Chinese online market
  • support brand development through provision of market intelligence and expert advice for exporters looking to enter new markets
  • host China market development forums to provide practical expert advice

Industry specific support

• $500,000 fisheries market diversification grants will provide for additional infrastructure on boats or onshore facilities to help businesses pursue new market opportunities
• The Government will extend the catch area for tropical rock lobster for three months to reduce operating costs for quota holders and enable market expansion
• The Government will temporarily waive fishing boat license fees and quota fees for tropical rock lobster and coral trout.
• There will be fees and charges relief for tourism operators and hospitality businesses including: 
  • waiving application fees for some variations to liquor licenses
  • waiving registration fees for Inbound Tour Operators
  • waiving of Daily Fees for Commercial Activity Agreements & Permits
  • rebate on Marina Charges and Passenger Levies
  • deferral of Tourism Lease Rent Payment.

Marketing and promotion

There will be a suite of marketing activities to target new markets and strengthen development in existing markets through: 

• $7 million to align with Tourism Australia to promote Queensland to international markets
• $4.8 million targeted tourism campaign to promote travel to Tropical North Queensland and the Gold Coast, to support recovery from the sharp decline in international tourism
• $2 million Study Queensland campaign to diversify the international student market and support re-entry from Chinese students
• The $500,000 #EatQLD campaign will encourage Queenslanders to buy local seafood and other agricultural products.

Student support and counselling 

• An additional $1 million is available to increase student support services across Queensland to help impacted students returning to study. This support includes providing information, advice and referrals on health care, employment, budget management, accommodation and legal service, as well as connecting students to social events and activities.

The Queensland Government is seeking matched commitment from the Commonwealth Government to support these important industries.

Further information on these initiatives is available at www.qld.gov.au/industryrecovery or by contacting 13 QGOV (13 74 68).