How the support will help region

STIMULUS packages have provided a welcome economic respite from the crippling coronavirus impact on the Far Northern tourism sector, however concerns remain that low income earners may slip through the cracks.

Yesterday it was announced certain Centrelink benefit recipients will receive a one-off payment of $750 through Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s coronavirus stimulus package worth $1 billion for communities affected by coronavirus.

The Federal Government also waived an environment management charge for tourism businesses operating in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the rest of the year.

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the initiative would provide much needed relief for the tourism industry.

“Tourism operators told me this is one measure that will provide immediate relief for them and one that I am extremely pleased to see delivered,” he said.

Advance Cairns executive chairman Nick Trompf said the waiver would save operators millions of dollars.

He said he did not want people to leave the Far North so that when the coronavirus was over there would be no good people left in the region.

“It won’t be long-term armageddon, but in the shortterm it is extremely painful for many people in business.

“There’s been a billion dollars announced for regions specifically impacted, not all of which has been allocated in (yesterday’s) announcement.”

Queensland Labor Senator Nita Green said the package was the kind of support needed by a struggling industry.

“The Morrison government have waited long enough, they must move to implement this package quickly and thoroughly to protect local businesses and the regional jobs they sustain,” she said.

Centacare FNQ director Anita Veivers welcomed the $750 payment.

“My concern is for those people in our community who are underemployed and may have insufficient leave available to cover a period of quarantine, and those who may have reduced hours due to the economic downturn,” she said.

Cairns and District Senior Citizens Association president Alison Worrell said more support was needed.

“We have to buy hand sanitiser, you have to get antiseptic wipes and watch our diet even more, and it’s taking its toll.”

Mr Morrison last night told Australians “we’ll get through this together”.

“While Australia cannot and is not immune to this virus, we are well prepared and we are well equipped to deal with it, and we do have a clear plan to see Australia through,” Mr Morrison said.