The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached an agreement to further target $70m from the State and Federal Governments $600m support package to boost support for Queensland’s major tourism and hospitality businesses who continue to face significant hardship.

This new package will support Bonner businesses to stay open, retain their strength and keep locals employed.

The jointly-funded $70 million package includes:

• Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program – $40 million to provide a second round of grants to small, medium, and large employing tourism and hospitality businesses that received an initial grant from round one of the program.
• Iconic Tourism Grants – $30 million for grants of up to $4m to ensure that major tourism enterprises remain viable and are ready to scale up as visitation returns.

 Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding agreement delivers positive outcomes for local businesses during a time when Queensland is closed off internationally and domestically from New South Wales and Victorian markets.

“Bonner is home to some of the sunshine state’s most breathtaking tourism gems including Moreton Island which is home to Tangalooma Island Resort,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are in an incredibly fortunate position here in Queensland to have the freedom to travel across the state and support our local tourism and hospitality businesses who have been working tirelessly during this time so we can continue making special memories with our friends, families and loved ones.

“Queensland is currently open to South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In the lead up to the summer months, we look forward to welcoming more Australians to the state and encourage them to explore Bonner’s unrivalled natural marine playgrounds.

“To secure our recovery, the Morrison Government remains committed to seeing the tourism and hospitality industry expand on a local level; bettering the economy and livelihoods.”

The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package comes on top of the Morrison Government’s more than $30.2 billion in direct economic support to Queensland households and businesses since the start of the pandemic.

“The Morrison Government understands the significant impact lockdowns and border closures have had on business, but especially on those in the tourism sector in Queensland,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.

“This key funding is a part of our joint $600 million commitment with the Queensland Government, for small and medium sized businesses.

“A successful, growing and vibrant Queensland tourism industry depends on all Australians doing the right thing and getting vaccinated.  Governments must also hold up their end of the bargain and stick to the plan agreed at National Cabinet that will see restrictions ease and our borders open up as we reach our vaccination targets of 70 to 80 per cent.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said, “The best thing we can do for our tourism businesses is to get tourists back spending money.”

“The Morrison Government’s investment will provide financial support to these iconic Queensland tourism businesses to help ensure the industry is ready to rebound as our nation eases restrictions as our vaccination rates hit key milestones.”

For more information on the program go to Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (dtis.qld.gov.au)

The Morrison Government has launched a $5 million campaign across national advertising, TV and event sponsorships to encourage Australians to book a holiday in Australia this year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the advertising blitz was about promoting domestic holidays to support our local tourism jobs and businesses.

“The campaign will feature Australian destinations, tourism products and experiences from every state and territory in national advertising, TV program and event sponsorships, publisher created content and in-program editorial integration,” Mr Vasta said.

“Everyone deserves to take a break this year and it doesn’t matter if you book a holiday down the road or on the other side of the country, you’ll be supporting Australian businesses and workers.”

Mr Vasta said JobKeeper saved tourist businesses like Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island in Bonner, however, with the school holidays over and wage subsidies wrapping up, it was still important to back our local businesses.

“You can always enjoy a day trip or long weekend away to take a break and keep supporting Australia’s tourism industry,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our tourism industry is so important because it supports more than 666,000 local jobs and every dollar spent on an Australian holiday this year will help our tourism sector.

“When you do book your holiday this year, go to one of Bonner’s local travel agents to help support them because they’re also doing it tough because of COVID-19.”