The Chronicle

‘Confrontin­g’ survey reveals $10m losses for border businesses

- MEG GANNON

A CONFRONTIN­G survey conducted by a border region has revealed that 93 per cent of respondent­s indicated they would lose precious revenue, and 60 per cent have had to reduce hours, or even terminate staff.

They estimate an economic impact of at least $10 million over the next three months and anticipate that will rise.

It’s been just one heartbreak­ing effect of the border restrictio­ns, according to Goondiwind­i Regional Council mayor Lawrence Springborg.

It’s for this reason that local businesses in and around the Queensland – New South Wales border zone are being urged to apply for support funding to keep their businesses afloat.

Mr Springborg said he had written to the State Government to request all border towns be included in support payments at this time.

“At the moment, it appears to be restricted to a very select Goondiwind­i postcode area, and council is therefore strongly advocating for the inclusion of other border towns in our region such as Talwood, Texas and Yelarbon, whose residents and businesses have been just as impacted by these border restrictio­ns as businesses in Goondiwind­i,” he said.

Affected businesses may be eligible for up to $35,000 in support payments through two separate grants: the 2021 Covid-19 Business Support Grant and the Covid-19 Border Business Zone Hardship Grant.

For informatio­n about specific eligibilit­y criteria, including a map of the eligible border regions, visit: https:// www.business.qld.gov.au/ starting-business/advicesupp­ort/grants/covid19sup­port-grants.

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