Helping hand: Governments dole out more cash to help soothe border woes
The Morrison and Palaszczuk governments have put aside their political differences to commit $52.8 million in further support to tourism and hospitality businesses caught up in the response to the NSW outbreak.
Lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne let to a 2 per cent slide in the economy during the September quarter. (AAP Image/Albert Perez)
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today said $14.55 million of the funding would go to businesses along the border in Coolangatta, Currumbin, Tugun, Currumbin Waters, Wallangarra, Goondiwindi and Mungindi.
“The impact on Queensland businesses along the border with NSW has been devastating,” the Palaszczuk said, while insisting the travel restrictions have helped contain the NSW outbreak of COVID-19.
“This package will provide a lifeline for a number of businesses doing it tough right now.
“With the Delta variant continuing to rage in Sydney, we’re investing in our economic recovery in Queensland to support local businesses to make it through the pandemic.”
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said some businesses “have done it particularly tough as they feel the impact of lockdowns and border restrictions”.
“But there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Frydenberg said.
“By sticking to the National Plan, agreed to by State and Territory leaders, we can safely ease restrictions and open up our economy.”
“And as we progress towards our vaccinations targets of 70 to 80 per cent, the Morrison government will continue to work closely with the Palaszczuk Government to support Queensland businesses through this challenging time.”
Palaszczuk this week said Australia as a whole, not individual states, needed to reach 80 per cent vaccination coverage to ensure restrictions could be safely lifted without causing an outbreak that would require lockdowns to contain.
