Updates to government support for Queensland businesses and individuals (18 August 2021)
(Updated 18 August 2021)
As Restrictions for Impacted Areas across Queensland evolve, information regarding government support available for impacted businesses and individuals in Queensland is continually updating.
A summary of the information and details currently available is below and will be updated as more information becomes available.
We are committed to supporting businesses during this challenging time. For further information or assistance, please contact your Bentleys advisor.
Queensland Government 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants
Your business may be eligible for financial support through the Queensland Government’s 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants.
Grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 will be available to eligible small and medium businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and large tourism and hospitality businesses across Queensland affected by the August 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns (with a reduction in turnover of 30% or more during a nominated 7-day period including a lockdown day).
Under the joint Queensland and Australian Government $600 million support package, tiered payments are available, based on payroll size for eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations across Queensland.
These include:
- $10,000 grant to employing small businesses and not-for-profit organisations with an annual payroll in Queensland of less than $1.3 million
- $15,000 grant to employing medium sized businesses and not-for-profit organisations with an annual payroll in Queensland between $1.3 million and $10 million
- $30,000 grant to employing large sized tourism and hospitality focused businesses and not-for-profit organisations with an annual payroll in Queensland of greater than $10 million.
A $1,000 one-off grant to non-employing sole traders across Queensland has also been announced.
Who can apply?
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants have the following eligibility criteria:
Employing Queensland small businesses and not-for-profit organisations who:
- have a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum and have an annual payroll in Queensland of less than $1.3 million
- have been impacted by the South East Queensland lockdown commencing 31 July 2021 or the Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown commencing 8 August 2021 or any other lockdown in the month of August 2021 (with a reduction in turnover of 30% or more during a nominated 7-day period including a lockdown day).
Employing Queensland medium sized businesses and not-for-profit organisations who:
- have a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum and have an annual payroll in Queensland of between $1.3 million and $10 million
- have been impacted by the South East Queensland lockdown commencing 31 July 2021 or the Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown commencing 8 August 2021 or any other lockdown in the month of August 2021 (with a reduction in turnover of 30% or more during a nominated 7-day period including a lockdown day).
Employing Queensland large tourism and hospitality businesses and not-for-profit organisations who:
- are operating in the tourism and hospitality sector
- have a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum and have an annual payroll in Queensland of more than $10 million
- have been impacted by the South East Queensland lockdown commencing 31 July 2021 or the Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown commencing 8 August 2021 or any other lockdown in the month of August 2021 (with a reduction in turnover of 30% or more during a nominated 7-day period including a lockdown day).
Note: You are not restricted to lockdown areas for any of the above categories.
TEST YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR A BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT HERE
DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY & THE APPLICATION PROCESS ARE AVAILABLE HERE
Queensland Government Business Basics (Round 2) regional grants open at the end of August
Eligibility information and criteria will be released shortly for $5000 grants for eligible regional businesses for training, website upgrades, professional advice, marketing services or specialised business support.
The Business Basics grant round will open on August 31 and businesses are encouraged to prepare their application in advance.
Queensland Government Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lockdown Support Package
The Queensland Government has announced a $47.75 million support package to assist tourism and hospitality businesses impacted by lockdowns in Queensland and elsewhere.
A range of rebates and tax relief is available in the package including:
- Payroll tax deferral for six months
- State land rent deferral
- Fee waiver and refunds for commercial tourism daily passenger fees for tourism businesses that operate in a national park, conservation park recreation area or state forest
- 12-month fee waiver or refund of inbound tour operator fees
- Waiver of liquor licensing fees
- COVID-19 Marine Tourism Rebate for reimbursement of berthing fees for marine tourism operators at privately-owned or operated marinas.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TOURISM & HOSPITALITY LOCKDOWN SUPPORT PACKAGE HERE
Queensland Government COVID-19 Cleaning Rebate
A cleaning rebate is available to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organisations that have been listed as an exposure site by Queensland Health.
The Queensland COVID-19 Cleaning Rebate will help cover professional cleaning expenses (deep cleaning) by providing a rebate of up to 80% of cleaning costs, capped at $10,000 (excluding GST) per incident, where a business is identified as a COVID-19 exposure site by Queensland Health.
To claim, the cleaning must have taken place in the 2021-22 financial year and businesses must supply their business details, a copy of the cleaning invoice and a receipt or evidence of payment.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CLEANING REBATE HERE
Federal Government COVID-19 Disaster Payment – South East Queensland & Cairns and Yarrabah
Financial support of up to $750 a week is available for individuals who have lost work or income as a result of the lockdowns during the COVID-19 restrictions in South East Queensland from July 2021, and Cairns and Yarrabah in August 2021 .
Payments (backdated to the first-day of lockdown) will be made to eligible individuals who either lived or worked in the affected lockdown areas.
Individuals need to apply online.
APPLY FOR A COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENT HERE
Cairns Regional Council – Rates relief
Cairns region ratepayers experiencing difficulty paying debts for rates and/or water usage charges because of COVID-19 can apply for support.
FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT APPLYING FOR RATES RELIEF HERE
Federal Government COVID-19 business support
Details on Federal Government COVID-19 business support is broken down by state and territory on the Government’s website.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEDERAL GOVT BUSINESS SUPPORT
Queensland Small Business Commissioner – COVID-19 resources
The Queensland Small Business Commissioner has compiled and is updating, a comprehensive list of resources and support available for Queensland businesses.
Information for other states and territories
Visit the articles on the Bentleys website for information on assistance available to businesses in NSW and Victoria.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be relied on as advice. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs and seek professional advice before making any decisions based on this information.