HOBART, AAP – Tasmanian businesses feeling the pinch from ongoing border closures will have access to an extra $50 million in state and federal government support.
The jointly funded grants package has been upped from $20 million to $50 million, it was announced on Tuesday.
The Tasmanian government is also providing about $20 million in relief by waiving charges including payroll tax, vehicle registration and Parks and Wildlife licence fees for some struggling operators.
Tasmania is closed to Victoria and NSW, the island’s two biggest domestic tourism markets, as well as the ACT, New Zealand and high-risk hotspots in other jurisdictions.
“There is no doubt the current border restrictions are having a significant impact on many of our businesses that rely on interstate and overseas visitation and trade,” Premier Peter Gutwein said.
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“While the initial support package has been successful in providing relief, we know that more needs to be done.”
The business support package will provide grants up to $50,000 based on annual turnover through funding rounds in October and November.
Tasmania has been quick to shut out mainland states and territories and has recorded just one coronavirus case, a NSW traveller in hotel quarantine, this year.
The state government says the support is designed to help businesses until travel restrictions ease under the national plan.
