Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Latest Queensland Government COVID-19 update
Latest Queensland Government COVID Safe Roadmap
Financial Counselling Services for Queensland Tourism Operators
The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) has launched the Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service to support tourism businesses with valuable financial counselling services as they navigate through the impacts of COVID-19. This program will run from March 2021 to June 2022 and is led by DTIS in partnership with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
The new $2 million service will provide micro to medium-sized tourism businesses with free financial counselling to help them resize or change their business model, and will offer a rebate for businesses needing additional expert advice.
Businesses interested in accessing the Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service need to first complete the free Tourism Business Health Check. This will enable tourism businesses to quickly assess any areas of risk or financial distress and will provide a personalised and confidential report with recommended resources and actions.
The Industry Plan has been updated with the new checklist and details to guide tourism experience operators on how to comply with this new option.
Queensland Government’s COVID Hotline: 134 COVID
Businesses and the community can call the Queensland Government’s COVID hotline with any questions about the public health directions or COVID safe planning. You are encouraged to use the hotline first, as the hotline will provide a more immediate response to many questions.
COVID Safe preparation
Approved industry COVID-safe plans
QTIC Qld Tourism and Accommodation COVID-safe plan
COVID-Safe Industry Plan vs COVID CLEAN
FAQ’s
COVID safe preparation page
Safe Work Australia provides guidance material on operating in a COVID-19 safe manner.
The Australian Government’s 3-step framework infographic outlines the new ways of living and working to create a COVIDSafe society.
Chief Health Officer public health directions
- Federal Government COVID-19 App is available for download to assist with timely updates on decisions around COVID-19.
- Download the COVIDSafe App to help health officials quickly contact people who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
- Queensland Government COVID-19 website.
♦ Federal stimulus package for businesses and households. ♦
COVID-19 International Tourism Adaption Grant
(Opened 2 October 2020)
Queensland Government is providing $5 million to support regional businesses that have suffered losses of income due to international travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $10,000 (excluding GST) are available now to micro, small to medium tourism businesses who can demonstrate they have suffered losses of income because of the international travel restrictions.
QTIC’s clarification on accommodating visitors
Accommodation providers cannot promote “self-isolation packages” to Queenslanders. Non-resident visitors can be accommodated but have to adhere to all the relevant social distancing rules and other official health directives.
Business support
For an overview of Queensland Government support visit Business Queensland and contact the Department of Employment, Small
Business and Training hotline on 1300 654 687 and
[email protected].
For more information on Australian Government support talk over
the phone, live chat or email from 8am – 8pm through the
Coronavirus business support service; call 13 28 46 or email
Coronavirus business support.
ATO – Tax support for small business webinar series
A number of one hour sessions scheduled to discuss the stimulus package to help small business.
Job support loans – Qld Rural and Industry Development Authority
(QRIDA) has confirmed they are processing loans as quickly as possible. Applicants can track progress through the online portal, while a
decision is being made, and once the loan has been approved and documentation completed funds will be received within five
business days. Track your application status online | QRIDA FAQs
COVID-19 Business support video series
ACCC COVID-19 information for small business
Pay and leave during coronavirus
Alternative work arrangements during coronavirus
Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses
Queensland and Federal Government recovery packages
Indigenous tourism funding sources
Employee support
Farm jobs – Email FNQ Farmers with personal details and
they will forward to various farmers.
Backpackers & seasonal workers – Register at Harvest Trail
Sole trader support
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) helplines – banking,
business and personal distress support, general insurance and
HR advice.
Tourism and Events Queensland helplines
HR advice
HR advice from Phoebe Kitto, HR Dynamics
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) helplines for financial, distress, insurance and HR advice
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ)
ATEC resources (Australian Tourism Export council)
How to strengthen your business
Tourism e-school advice on innovating in a crisis
Tourism Tribe’s recovery advice
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) business advice
Austrade’s Guide to assist tourism businesses to prepare, respond and recover from a crisis
ACCC guidance for consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Market diversification and resilience grants
Business mentoring assistance for growth
Department of Home Affairs Updates
FAQ’s – Visa information, international students and more.
Personal support
Services Australia – Businesses & individuals
Mental health support services
If you are struggling at this challenging time, these online resources may help:
Life in Mind Australia – COVID-19 Mental Health Support
Beyond Blue – looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
How to maintain good mental health while social distancing
Lifeline or call 13 11 14.
National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC)
The Prime Minister announced the establishment of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission on 25 March 2020. The Commission has two key roles: to help minimise and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on jobs and businesses and to facilitate the fastest recovery possible once the virus has passed.
#ExploreTNQ
Some trees like to do things backwards ⏪ Located just a short drive from #Yungaburra on the @athertontablelands, this monster Curtain Fig Tree is estimated to be over 500 years old 😲🌳 ...
It’s not just rainforest that rolls into the ocean in @tropicalnorthqueensland ✨ In #CapeYork you’ll find red dirt & unbelievable beaches flowing into the ocean as well! 🌊 If you can’t ...
We talk a lot about the incredible sunrises up here, but have you caught a moonrise like this one before? 🌕✨ This is just one of the spectacular sights awaiting you at @jarramali_rock_art_tours ...
Have you ever driven the #SavannahWay? This epic three state journey traverses Tropical North Queensland showcasing the rugged diversity of the outback 🏜 One stop not to be missed is ...
If only every day could finish on a high like this 💫 This month only @yagurlitours has teamed up with @balloonaloft to trial a hot air ballooning experience over spectacular Gulf country 🌅✨ ...
With the beach right at your doorstep, there’s no better place to catch a cool sunset than #PalmCove 🌅✨ Just a short 30 minute drive north of #Cairns, this tiny beachside village isn’t all ...
If you haven’t already noticed, #Cairns is the bustling heart of @tropicalnorthqueensland ✨🌴 Don’t let that small-town vibe fool you, thanks to a distinctive multicultural mix, Cairns buzzes ...
After shooting to stardom on social media in 2016, the #CardwellSpaPool has remained one of the most famous stops in @tropicalcoastqueensland thanks to its beautiful blue waters 💙🌿
If ...
If you can think of the perfect place to relax & soak up some vitamin D, we’ll beat it by 10% 😉☀️ Wedged neatly between the Coral Sea & the @wettropicsworldheritage area lies the ...
Happy birds-day from some of @tropicalnorthqueensland’s feathered friends 🦜 Some might say that it’s a twitcher’s paradise around here, with nearly half of all of @australia’s bird species ...
