RELIEF ON THE WAY

BILLIONS of dollars in economic relief will flow to the hippocket of struggling Gold Coasters – and leaders promise there is more to come.

State Government and Gold Coast City Council have unveiled stimulus packages to cushion the financial blow of the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s $4 billion package includes $200 shaved off household utility bills and $500 million to assist workers who lose jobs or income, and payroll tax exemptions.

Mayor Tom Tate plans to freeze rates and charges to provide relief: “We are here to help, so where do we go from here? This is not a one-off. In the long haul it is my intention to freeze rates.”

BILLIONS of dollars in economic relief will flow to the hippocket of struggling Gold Coasters – and leaders promise there is more to come.

Both the State Government and Gold Coast City Council yesterday unveiled stimulus packages designed to cushion the financial blow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s $4 billion package includes $200 shaved off household utility bills, the waiving of liquor licencing fees for venues that have had to close their doors, up to $500 million to assist workers who lose their job or income, and payroll tax exemptions.

“For small and medium businesses and large businesses specifically impacted by COVID-19, we will refund two months’ worth of payroll tax,” Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said yesterday.

“Additionally, we’re giving small and medium businesses a three-month payroll tax holiday, and a further six-month payroll tax deferral for any of these Queensland businesses.

“Combined with the payroll tax deferrals we’ve already announced, it means no Queensland business impacted by COVID-19 will need to make a payroll tax payment this year.

The State Government will also tip in $1.2 billion into Queensland hospitals to expand fever clinics, help emergency departments and acute care services.

Mayor Tom Tate yesterday unveiled about $3 million of measures to help Gold Coast businesses. They include:

● Waiving roadside dining fees, backdated to February 1 until at least June 30.

● Waiving development application fees relating directly to the COVID-19 situation. For example, to allow existing restaurants converting to a takeaway service.

● Waiving film application fees until June 30.

● Waiving rents for businesses with commercial leases on city premises, backdated to March 1.

● Waiving fees to commercial vessels from February 1.

● Waiving fees for any bookings of council facilities, venues or parks which had to cancel due to COVID-19. This is backdated to February 1. All refund policies will be relaxed to accommodate full refunds.

Cr Tate told the Bulletin last night he would today announce a second round of stimulus, this time primarily aimed at households. He said he intended to freeze rates and charges in a bid to provide some form of relief.

“We are here to help, so where do we go from here? This is not a one-off support plan. In the long haul it is my intention to freeze rates,” he said.

Council is also feeling the economic pinch, being forced to stand down staff after closing its sporting and community centres.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP, SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? THIS IS NOT A ONE-OFF SUPPORT PLAN

MAYOR TOM TATE