Sunshine Coast businesses have welcomed the Queensland Government’s lockdown support package, but fear it won’t save some from going under.
The $5000 boost, announced Monday, was made after months of campaigning by the state’s business peak body groups which highlighted the devastating impacts of lockdowns and restrictions.
Acting CEO of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, Brady Sullivan, said it was a step in the right direction, but it would not be enough to restore confidence or recoup significant losses.
“Small business owners continue to bear the brunt of this pandemic,” Mr Sullivan said.
“We have been calling for a well-planned and proportionate response to snap lockdowns and restrictions so that business owners can prepare for these circumstances, but unfortunately many small businesses are telling us this package is too little, too late,” he said.
“We have been in contact with business owners and some are seriously considering shutting down indefinitely.”
The Caloundra Chamber has backed Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery Package since it was first called for in March this year.
This package would enable direct financial assistance of up to $25,000 to impacted businesses, to ensure their survival.
A recent survey of CCIQ members suggested that recent three-day lockdowns cost small business between $12,000 to $58,000.
The Queensland Government support announced on Monday represents just one fifth of CCIQ’s package and is a once-off payment.
Sunshine Coast News revealed the staggering impact on Maleny’s Shotgun Espresso cafe during the last snap lockdown.
Mr Sullivan said there were short-term and long-term concerns for businesses in the area.
“We recently undertook significant research into the financial and mental health impacts of COVID-19 on business owners and the data is clear,” Mr Sullivan said.
“The lack of confidence and financial stability is overwhelmingly causing business owners to feel increasingly vulnerable and is directly impacting the mental wellbeing of business owners.”
“Businesses need a clearly outlined strategy in place to ensure they have the confidence to keep trading and they need this certainty before lockdowns occur, not in response.”
The results of the Business Health Check Survey that was conducted in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast will be available in the coming weeks.
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Meanwhile, the State Government said the $5000 payments would go towards small and medium businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown, as well as lockdowns in other states.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the $260 million 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant program would help small businesses through the initial three-day lockdown.
“We know Queensland’s health response to COVID-19 has put us in the best possible position to recover from the pandemic, with nation-leading economic, jobs and retail sales growth,” the Treasurer said.
“But the lesson we have learned from COVID-19 is that we must always act fast and decisively.
“That’s why we were the first jurisdiction to declare a public health emergency and the first jurisdiction to announce business support measures for affected businesses, including tourism businesses.
“To date, Queensland’s economy has recovered quickly from short sharp lockdowns, but we have seen the damage the delta strain is causing in other jurisdictions.
“Until now, our lockdowns have been months apart, which has given businesses time to recover.
“But we understand two lockdowns within a month presents a new challenge, which is why I am announcing this package.”
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants of $5000 will be available to all industries across the state.
Minister for Minister for Employment and Small Business, Di Farmer, said the payments were in addition to: “all of the other support available for small businesses including our Business Basics, Business Boost and Business Growth grant programs, free Mentoring for Growth service, record investment in employment and training programs, online tools to make doing business easier and more.
“The Queensland Small Business Commissioner is also available to provide support and advice,” she said.
“I’d encourage all small businesses to visit www.business.qld.gov.au/supportgrant to make sure they’re taking full advantage of the range of support available in addition to these $5000 payments.”
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Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said lockdowns had been particularly challenging for Queensland’s tourism operators.
“What I’ve been hearing from regular meetings with operators and Regional Tourism Organisations is just heartbreaking,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
