The Morrison Government’s Gold Coast MPs have secured further funding to help save the Gold Coast’s most iconic tourist attractions and hospitality businesses suffering due to ongoing border closures and lockdowns.
The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached agreement to further target $70 million from the $600m COVID-19 Business Support Package.
This comes a fortnight after the introduction of a $52.8 million emergency support package to assist the Gold Coast following the hard border restrictions with New South Wales imposed by the Queensland Government.
Under the $70 million package, $30 million will be targeted at supporting Queensland’s iconic tourism attractions. $40 million will be used to provide a second round of grants to small, medium and large employing tourism and hospitality businesses that received an initial grant from the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said the targeted support would go where it was most desperately needed.
“I know how tough things are right now. That’s why I’ve been advocating – alongside my Gold Coast LNP colleagues – for more support for our local businesses,” Mrs Andrews said.
“It has been devastating to see our hotels, attractions, restaurants and shops suffer through another school holiday period – when they should be overrun with interstate tourists.
“We know visitors – from Sydney, Melbourne and beyond – will head straight for the Gold Coast when borders re-open. This targeted support will ensure they’re ready to scale up as we move through the National Plan and visitors return.”
“The new support comes on top of the $30.2 billion the Morrison Government’s already provided as direct economic support to Queenslanders since the start of the pandemic.”
Member for Fadden Stuart Robert the welcomed the $70 million rescue package saying it would save some of Australia’s most iconic and loved attractions but called for greater certainty for the community.
“This package will help save some of our most iconic attractions from certain ruin, it is welcome support for the many businesses facing difficult days and will save Gold Coast jobs,” Mr Robert said.
“It is something I am proud to have fought hard for alongside my federal Gold Coast colleagues.
“Our city can’t live like this forever we need everyone to stick to the National Plan, agreed to by State and Territory leaders, safely ease restrictions and open the Gold Coast economy for good.’”
Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell MP the said the support package is a critical lifeline for the Gold Coast at a time of significant uncertainty.
“Many tourism businesses are on their knees at the moment with the local tourist economy significantly impacted by border closures,” Ms Bell said.
“This support will help some of our most iconic attractions and businesses get through the coming weeks, but we need the long-term solution.
“Gold Coast businesses now know the Queensland Government does not support opening for Christmas. We need to know when vaccinated tourists will be allowed to safely spend money on the Gold Coast again. I urge the Premier to stick to the National Plan and give much needed certainty to Gold Coast business.”
For more information on the program go to: Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport
