CONTRIBUTED BY ROSS VASTA MP
The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached an 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.
The jointly-funded $70 million package includes:
- Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program – $40 million to provide a second round of grants to small, medium, and large employing tourism and hospitality businesses that received an initial grant from round one of the program.
- Iconic Tourism Grants – $30 million for grants of up to $4m to ensure that major tourism enterprises remain viable and are ready to scale up as visitation returns.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding agreement delivers positive outcomes for local businesses during a time when Queensland is closed off internationally and domestically from New South Wales and Victorian markets.
“Bonner is home to some of the sunshine state’s most breathtaking tourism gems including Moreton Island which is home to Tangalooma Island Resort,” Mr Vasta said.
“We are in an incredibly fortunate position here in Queensland to have the freedom to travel across the state and support our local tourism and hospitality businesses who have been working tirelessly during this time so we can continue making special memories with our friends, families and loved ones.
“To secure our recovery, the Morrison Government remains committed to seeing the tourism and hospitality industry expand on a local level; bettering the economy and livelihoods.”
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.
