Queensland tourism industry to benefit from $70m joint federal state grants

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached agreement to further target $70m from the State and Federal Governments $600m support package to boost support for Queensland’s major tourism and hospitality businesses who continue to face significant hardship.

Under the agreed package, $30 million from the State and Federal Governments $600m support package will be targeted at supporting Queensland’s iconic tourism attractions and $40 million will be used to provide a second round of grants to small, medium and large employing tourism and hospitality businesses across the state that received an initial grant from the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program.

Iconic Tourism Grants

Grants of up to $4 million will be available to ensure that major tourism enterprises remain viable and are ready to scale up as visitation returns.

Eligibility criteria for the iconic tourism grants will include:

• Being key drivers of significant interstate and/or international tourism, as well as major employers.
• Nationally significant tourism operators and attractions, such as major theme parks and major reef tourism operators.
• Demonstrating a 50% reduction in turnover and visitation over the 3 month period from 1 July to 30 September 2021, compared to pre-COVID.
• Businesses to maintain their staff levels through the assistance period, to the end of 2021.

Second Round of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program

A second round of grants of $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000 will be available for small, medium and large employing businesses across the state that have experienced a reduction in turnover of at least 70 per cent for at least seven consecutive days between 1 July and 30 September.

As described above, Major Tourism enterprises that receive a iconic tourism grant will not be eligible to receive a further grant under the Second Round of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said funding agreed between State and Federal Governments will ensure Queensland retains its position as Australia’s premier holiday destination, and follows $14.2 billion in stimulus.

“Because we have successfully kept COVID out of our state, Queenslanders are free to travel within Queensland and support tourism businesses,” Mr Dick said.

“Our borders are also open to tourists from South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

“However, with international border closures, and markets from New South Wales and Victoria closed off due to the ongoing COVID outbreaks, our tourism industry continues to suffer impacts from the pandemic”

“National Cabinet continues to consider evidence as to when travel can occur safely and more freely, and these grants will help the tourism industry retain strength until that time.”

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

“The Morrison Government understands the significant impact lockdowns and border closures have had on business, but especially on those in the tourism sector in Queensland.

"This key funding is a part of our joint $600 million commitment with the Queensland Government, for small and medium sized businesses.

"A successful, growing and vibrant Queensland tourism industry depends on all Australians doing the right thing and getting vaccinated.  Governments must also hold up their end of the bargain and stick to the plan agreed at National Cabinet that will see restrictions ease and our borders open up as we reach our vaccination targets of 70 to 80 per cent.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said, “the best thing we can do for our tourism businesses is to get tourists back spending money.”

“The Morrison Government’s investment will provide financial support to these iconic Queensland tourism businesses to help ensure the industry is ready to rebound as our nation eases restrictions as our vaccination rates hit key milestones.”

For more information on the program go to: Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (dtis.qld.gov.au)

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