Covid-19 News Updates

Record daily cases and Geelong in lockdown after Victoria unveils freedom roadmap

Victoria has hit a new daily case record from the latest COVID-19 outbreak, with 567 infections acquired locally today after the three local government areas (LGAs) of Geelong, Surf Coast and Mitchell Shire went into lockdown overnight.

However, lockdown-weary Victorians have something to look forward to now after a roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions was delivered yesterday, detailing what life will look like once key vaccination targets are hit.

Based on expert modelling from the Burnet Institute, the roadmap is set against COVID-19 thresholds including hospitalisation rates and is subject to public health advice and health system capacity.

Over four different stages Victoria will gradually reopen, but many venues will only accept attendees that have received the vaccine.

In addition, once certain targets are hit for double-dose vaccination, public and private gatherings will be able to accommodate more people, with Premier Daniel Andrews hoping up to 30 people will be able to gather by Christmas.

“While we’re no longer aiming for COVID zero, it’s imperative we don’t jeopardise our health system as we open up – too many Victorians rely on it every day,” Andrews said.

“The COVID-19 thresholds detailed in the Roadmap will be important measures to maintain as we move through the different stages in order to safeguard the health system. There will be a “guard rail” system in place, which will allow our public health team to adjust restrictions if hospital admissions become too high.”

Andrews also said the roadmap details there will be a time at which unvaccinated Victorians will be “left behind”, but for those that do get the jab it is expected that more freedoms will be available come Summer.

“As we’ve flagged before, there will come a time when Victorians who choose not to get vaccinated will be left behind – that time has now been firmly set in the Roadmap,” Andrews said.

“When Victoria reaches 70 per cent double dose vaccination, changes will include an increase in numbers for public gatherings outdoors, funerals, weddings and religious gatherings – with larger caps for people who are fully vaccinated.”

The four stages of Victoria’s roadmap to freedom

Phase A: 80 per cent single dose

Once Victoria hits 80 per cent of its eligible population having received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine people will be able to get outside to catch-up with friends.

The state expects this to occur on 26 September 2021, and will also allow for regional Victoria to leave lockdown.

In metropolitan Melbourne:

• You can play basketball, golf, tennis, cricket and other outdoor recreation activities together - with the same limits as picnics. Accessing facility must be contactless,
• Personal training resumes for up to five fully vaccinated people outside.

In regional Victoria:

• Final years VCAL students can return to on-site learning,
• Masks can be removed during beauty services by the client if the service requires it.
• Schools in Melbourne are also planned to reopen on 5 October, with on-site learning for VCE Units 3/4 and final year VCAL and IB students to resume on 6 October.

Phase B: 70 per cent double dose

Once 70 per cent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated, the lockdown in Melbourne will end. This is anticipated to occur around 26 October.

Once this happens, more social and recreational activities will open up for those who have been fully vaccinated.

Social and recreational

In metropolitan Melbourne:

• Reasons to leave home and curfew no longer in place.
• 10 fully vaccinated people can gather outdoors, community sport training returns for minimum required to hold training.
• Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues can open to 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors.

In regional Victoria:

• Community sport returns indoors for minimum number required.
• Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues are open indoors to 30 fully vaccinated people.

Education

In metropolitan Melbourne:

• All school students return on-site at least part-time.

In regional Victoria:

• All school students return onsite at least part-time.

Religious ceremonies

In metropolitan Melbourne:

• Funerals are allowed for 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 fully vaccinated outdoors.
• Weddings allowed for 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors.

In regional Victoria:

• Funerals and weddings are allowed for 30 fully vaccinated people indoors and 100 fully vaccinated outdoors.

Hairdressing, personal care

In metropolitan Melbourne:

• Open for up to 5 fully vaccinated people.

Phase C: 80 per cent fully vaccinated

At 80 per cent of the state’s eligible population fully vaccinated, regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will come together under the same rules.

This is expected to occur around 5 November, and will see more people permitted to gather together at home, all retail will reopen, and fully-vaccinated workers can return to the office.

Social and recreational

• Up to 10 people (including dependants) are permitted at your home.
• Up to 150 fully vaccinated people can dine indoors, and up to 30 can gather in public outside.
• Indoor community sport open for minimum number required.
• Masks are only required inside.
• Pubs, restaurants and cafes can open for seated service only, up to 150 fully vaccinated people inside and 500 outdoors.

Work

• Work from home if you can, but you can go to work if fully vaccinated.

Education

• Early childhood education and care is open.
• All students return to school with additional safety measures in place.
• On-site adult education returns for fully vaccinated Victorians.

Religious ceremonies

• Weddings, funerals, and religious services return for 150 fully vaccinated people indoors, and 500 outdoors.

Hairdressing, beauty, personal care

• Open for fully vaccinated people.

Retail

• All retail open.

Phase D: 80 per cent double dose

Once 80 per cent of Victorians aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated, expected to occur on 19 November, restrictions will align to the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response, as agreed to by National Cabinet.

At this stage, the state will permit 30 visitors to the home.

“We know how important getting to the end of the year and being able to celebrate Christmas will be for so many,” Andrews said.

“That’s why we are working towards having 30 visitors to the home by late December – and with travel across both interstate and international borders open again, many families will be able to reunite.”

Peak industry bodies have welcomed the Victorian Roadmap which gives businesses a glimmer of hope, but further clarity on certain issues has been requested.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra said whilst it’s pleasing that hairdressers and personal care services can reopen at 70 per cent double dose, other discretionary retail businesses face a longer wait, limiting their ability to trade in the lead up to the all-important Christmas period.

“Victorian businesses have been desperate for hope and certainty out of the ongoing Delta devastation, and whilst the roadmap details what life will look like after lockdown, it’s disappointing that most of discretionary retail faces a longer wait to reopen,” Zahra said.

“Discretionary retail has been the hardest hit throughout the pandemic. Many small retail businesses are on the brink of financial, emotional and mental health collapse. Sadly, they’ll be closed for at least another seven weeks, while other sections of the economy can open and trade at 70 per cent double dose.

“We appreciate the health and safety of the community needs to come first, but we can’t hide our concern for vulnerable retailers who will have been continuously closed for 13 weeks in total – which will sadly be unsustainable for some. In NSW, retail businesses, along with hospitality and hair and beauty services will reopen when 70 per cent of their population is fully vaccinated.”

Zahra also said he would welcome more detail about how proof of vaccination will work and be enforced, especially in retail settings.

“There’s some important details to be finalised with the Victorian Government around how proof of vaccination will work and will be enforced,” he said.

“Front-line retail staff have unfortunately been the victims of increased customer aggression as a result of the QR code and mask mandates, and while these instances are in the minority, asking for a customer’s vaccination history will certainly elevate this concern.

“It’s important that retailers have the backing of law enforcement agencies so they can manage the safe reopening of their businesses.”

The Property Council of Australia Victorian executive director Danni Hunter also welcomed the roadmap, labelling it “sensible” and “balanced”.

“After 230 days of lockdowns, Melbourne’s CBD has been devastated by the pandemic. Many businesses have closed, office occupancy and vacancies are at record high levels and the city is on life support. This plan balances the health challenge with the social and economic challenge and gives Victorians hope,” Hunter said.

“The plan to allow vaccinated workers to return to the office from November 5 is a welcome beacon of hope which will keep CBD business holding on, and within weeks we’ll be able to start to turn Melbourne from a ghost town into the world’s most liveable city once again.”

Geelong, Surf Coast & Mitchell Shire in seven-day lockdown

In addition to releasing the roadmap yesterday, the Victorian Government reimposed lockdown restrictions on the three LGAs of Geelong, Surf Coast and Mitchell Shire.

Commencing at 11.59pm last night, the restrictions are the same as those in Ballarat and metropolitan Melbourne, excluding the curfew.

The state’s health authorities are concerned about the large caseload in Greater Geelong and Mitchell Shire, with 17 and 15 active cases in these LGAs respectively as of 18 September.

“If you’re in Geelong, Surf Coast or Mitchell Shire, follow the restrictions, get tested if you have symptoms, and get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Regional communities have overcome outbreaks before – and this will be no different,” Premier Andrews said.

Updated at 10.08am AEST on 20 September 2021.

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Two regional NSW LGAs sent back into lockdown

The regional New South Wales local government areas (LGAs) of Hilltops and Glen Innes will go back into lockdown tonight due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk.

The stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has been in the Hilltops LGA including Young and surrounding areas since 3 September, and the Glen Innes LGA since 13 September.

For both LGAs the seven-day stay-at-home order is to come into force from 6.00pm tonight.

Glen Innes' local MP and NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall made the announcement on Facebook, and said the NSW Chief Health Officer recommended the restrictions come into place to protect the local community.

“I am very sorry and realise this was not the news many of you were wanting to hear, especially small business owners, and I fully appreciate the stress and strain this will place on you,” Marshall said.

“However, in response to the COVID case and the fact that the individual had been active in the community while infectious, the NSW Chief Health Officer convened an independent panel of medical experts to review all the information relevant to the case in Glen Innes.”

The rules for the lockdown will be the same as the regional LGA’s previous restrictions, which were lifted last Thursday.

At the time, the NSW Government said future lockdowns would be for a period of two weeks, but Marshall said in his statement that a panel of independent medical experts recommended just one week for Glen Innes Severn.

"As announced at the time lockdowns were lifted across our region recently, if a case appeared which was active in the community, that LGA would be placed into a 14-day lockdown. Only seven days has been recommended and agreed for the Glen Innes LGA based on the level of risk posed to the community,” Marshall said.

Everyone in the Hilltops and Glen Innes LGAs must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home. 

People who are fully vaccinated can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation as long as all of those aged 16 or older are fully vaccinated.

Updated at 2.56pm AEST on 17 September 2021.

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NSW to trial home quarantine program for overseas arrivals

175 fully-vaccinated people will take part in a home quarantine trial in New South Wales that the State hopes will eventually replace the hotel quarantine system once vaccination rates globally rise.

The trial, which will begin at the end of September, will see 175 people quarantine in their homes for seven days instead of two weeks in a hotel on arrival from overseas.

According to the State’s Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the trial represents a step toward Australia being able to reopen its international borders.

“The New South Wales Government has already started work on planning our 80 per cent plan - what happens at 80 per cent double dose,” Berejiklian said.

“One of the things we expect to occur at 80 per cent double is to consider our international borders, that is coming back home through Sydney Airport, but also our citizens having the opportunity to go overseas when previously they weren’t able to.

“It’s really opening the door to what home quarantine will look like for us moving forward for this returning Australians who have got double dose vaccinations.”

Under the plan, which is based on evidence collated from South Australia’s similar home quarantine trial, the NSW Government will use an app on smartphones to ensure people are at home during the seven-day period.

The app will use face detection to enable police to check in on those that should be quarantined, which is the same model currently used in South Australia.

Further, the NSW Government will partner with Qantas to enable air crew and staff to be included in the home quarantine trial.

Participants in the pilot will have had both doses of a TGA-accredited COVID-19 vaccine and will be selected by NSW Health, based on a risk assessment framework, and may include some NSW residents and some non-Australian residents in addition to some Qantas air crew.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the pilot would help secure Australia’s safe reopening plan.

“This is the next step in our plan to safely reopen, and to stay safely open,” the Prime Minister said.

“NSW has carried the lion’s share of quarantining returning Australians and will be leading the way with this trial that could set the standard for the next phases of the way we live with COVID-19.

“This could mean more families and friends being able to reunite more quickly, more business being able to be done here, and more workers for key industries being able to fill critical jobs.”

NSW today reported 1,284 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths of people with the coronavirus.

Updated at 11.44am AEST on 17 September 2021.

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City of Melbourne to consider introducing vaccine passport

City of Melbourne councillors will vote next week on the introduction of a vaccine passport to enable the safe reopening of hospitality, arts and entertainment venues in the Victorian capital.

The temporary scheme, which would allow vaccinated Melburnians to enter venues as soon as possible, would make the city one of the first municipalities in the state to go down the route of a vaccine passport.

“The City of Melbourne has been doing everything it can to get more Victorians vaccinated because it’s the path to reopening our city,” City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“The introduction of the proposed health pass would allow vaccinated and exempt Melburnians to enter participating restaurants, pubs, clubs and other venues. All staff at participating businesses will need to be vaccinated to be part of the scheme.”

The scheme would operate until vaccination levels are sufficient to lift health restrictions.

“Nowhere in Australia has been hit harder by devastating lockdowns than Melbourne, and our businesses should be the first in line to reopen safely. They’re prepared to do whatever it takes,” the Lord Mayor said.      

The pilot program is being championed by the Night Time Economy Advisory Committee (NTEAC) who are calling on the Victorian Government to let venues such as pubs, clubs and other venues reopen sooner.

City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell said the time was right to explore options to safely reopen city businesses to protect livelihoods.

“Our city’s businesses have been crippled after six lockdowns and the earlier businesses can reopen, the quicker our city can recover,” Campbell said.

“This is a temporary measure that will get our businesses back on their feet sooner while we continue to work towards vaccination targets.”

NTEAC Chair James Young said trialling a health pass system would minimise health risks and get businesses open safely, sooner.

“First and foremost, we want staff in our venues to be safe. We want patrons to be safe. We don’t want anything to jeopardise that safety,” Young said.

“An opt-in trial in the City of Melbourne is the perfect opportunity to identify and resolve issues in partnership with industry and Government.

“It would require streamlined technology and processes to minimise the compliance burden on businesses and venues of all sizes, and to ensure the system is rolled out quickly and effectively.”

Councillors will vote on whether they will advocate for the health pass at the Future Melbourne Committee on Tuesday 21 September.

Updated at 10.00am AEST on 17 September 2021.

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Queensland reinstates border restrictions with Lismore

After the New South Wales Government sent the cities of Lismore and Albury back into lockdown last night the Queensland Government has reinstated border restrictions with Lismore.

As of 6pm last night the City of Lismore is once again part of the restricted New South Wales border zone, just one week after the border bubble made a return.

The restrictions mean anyone who has been in the local government area (LGA) of Lismore in the last 14 days cannot enter Queensland.

“It is critically important that anyone who has been in the City of Lismore in the last 14 days does not enter Queensland,” Dr Young said.

“Those currently in Queensland who have been in the Lismore area in the last 14 days should come forward, get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

“We know the situation can quickly escalate with this virus, which is why it is important we respond appropriately.”

Only limited groups of people will be able to enter Queensland if they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot. This includes people accessing essential health care, complying with court orders, fulfilling child custody arrangements, or those people endorsed to enter as specialist workers.

Because of lockdown restrictions in Lismore, Southern Cross University yesterday announced its campus in the city would close until at least 24 September.

Updated at 9.25pm AEST on 17 September 2021.

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Albury and Lismore to go back into lockdown tonight for one week

The local government areas (LGAs) of Lismore and Albury will go back into lockdown from 6pm today for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk according to NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

Meanwhile, the LGAs of Bega, Blayney, Bogan, Cabonne, Dungog, Forbes, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Parkes, Singleton, Snowy Monaro and Upper Hunter will have lockdown restrictions lifted from 1pm today.

The Deputy Premier said the seven day lockdown for Albury and Lismore is because three cases have been detected in the border region which NSW Health cannot identify sources for.

“I know residents in these areas just had stay-at-home orders lifted and having to go back into lockdown is beyond frustrating, but this action is necessary due to positive COVID cases,” Barilaro said.

“Everyone in the Albury and Lismore LGAs must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home.”

Albury and Lismore residents who are fully vaccinated can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation so long as all of those gathering are aged 16 or older.

The update comes as NSW recorded 1,351 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths, one of which will be investigated by the coroner.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are now more than 15,000 people with COVID-19 who are being cared for in the State’s health system.

The announcement comes two days after the State Government extended support payments to assist workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.

The additional funding will see the COVID-19 emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants expanded across all of NSW.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funds will assist workers and vulnerable people under financial strain due to the COVID-19 restrictions across the State.

“The expansion and extension of the emergency hardship payment will provide assistance to people across all of NSW who are under severe financial strain but are not eligible for other support payments and grants,” Barilaro said.

“The test and isolate payment will help people to test early and isolate if they have COVID symptoms. This payment will help take the pressure off if an individual does not have access to leave entitlements or other support payments.

“Grants for culturally and linguistically diverse groups have also been expanded to connect multicultural communities with essential services throughout the pandemic.”

Updated at 11.48am AEST on 16 September 2021.

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Ballarat back in lockdown tonight over concerns virus widespread in community

The Victorian Government has ordered the City of Ballarat to go back into lockdown from tonight over concerns COVID-19 is more widespread in the community than positive cases indicate.

The City today has four new positive cases, but it is wastewater detections and multiple exposure sites that have the Victorian Government concerned.

“There are a growing number of signals in Ballarat that are of real concern to our public health officials, of particular concern are the multiple waste-water detections in the Ballarat area that are not accounted for by the current positive cases,” the Victorian Government said.

“Those detections have been identified across the city.”

As such, from 11.59pm tonight the City of Ballarat will have the same restrictions (except for the curfew) in place as metropolitan Melbourne. The lockdown is expected to last for seven days until 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 September.

Meanwhile, the regional hub of Shepparton will exit lockdown from 11.59pm, with settings being downgraded to match the rest of regional Victoria.

“We know this will be disappointing for the Ballarat community, but we’d rather get on top of these cases, open up again as quickly as possible, than let cases get out of control in the area,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“It’s so important that people in these LGAs continue to check for exposure sites near them, get tested if they have any symptoms at all and most important – get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

In total, Victoria reported 423 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 today, while two people have died from the virus.

Updated at 2.08pm AEST on 15 September 2021.

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Northern Australian businesses set to receive $111.9 million boost

A $111.9 million boost will be delivered to Northern Australian businesses via two new business development grant programs, with applications to open in early November.

Covering to up 50 per cent of the total cost of individual projects, the Northern Australia Development Program will be separated into two streams.

Stream one will target small to medium entities with business expansion and diversification grants between $50,000 to $2 million.

Stream two will offer corporations between $3 million and $10 million to establish a new industry or grow an existing one.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the investment is needed to drive the development of diverse and profitable businesses and create jobs in the region.

“These grants will help businesses to fund new capital expenditure investments like the construction of infrastructure or assets, or to undertake business planning and feasibility studies,” Littleproud said.

“Growing existing, emerging, and new industries in the north will contribute to transformational change and make it a more attractive place to invest and do business.”

Grants are anticipated to be awarded in February 2022, with the eligibility guidelines to be released at the end of this month.

Townsville-based Senator Susan McDonald said she is committed to driving the vision of a stronger and diversified northern Australian economy.

“Northern Australia has more than 96,000 businesses, 1,100 of which are Indigenous-owned,” said McDonald.

"It is a great place to work, live and do business and I am excited about the unique prospects this program can deliver”.

Updated at 2pm AEST on 15 September 2021.

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NSW hits 80 per cent for first vaccinations, curfew restrictions to ease

New South Wales has today hit a major milestone with 80 per cent of the population aged 16 and over having received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, giving the State confidence to ease some local restrictions.

While it will still be some weeks until 80 per cent of the State’s population are fully vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 47.5 per cent have received two jabs.

The news has given Premier Gladys Berejiklian reason to ease the curfew restrictions currently imposed on local government areas (LGAs) of concern in Sydney from tonight, but all other restrictions will remain until more people get the immunisation.

“Pleasingly, today, our state hits the milestone of 80 per cent first dose vaccination - an incredible milestone given the journey we’ve all been on,” Berejiklian said.

“I can’t thank the community enough for responding in such a positive way for our calls to get vaccinated.

“We know that if this trend continues, once we open up at 70 per cent double dose, that first dose rate will be high enough for us to feel confident that we won’t overload the hospital system and that we will enjoy those freedoms we’re all looking forward to.”

The Premier also mentioned some communities in Western and South Western Sydney have vaccination rates close to 90 per cent.

“Just an outstanding result compared to where we’ve been and where we are today,” she said.

It comes as NSW reported 1,259 cases of locally acquired COVID-19 and 12 deaths.

While curfew restrictions will ease in LGAs of concern, the Premier urged residents to continue abiding by the remaining rules.

“We can’t move on anything else just now. We need everybody to hold the line,” the Premier said.

“Please make sure that if you do live in those local government areas of concern that you’ll stick to every other rule that’s in place.

“We’ve seen a stabilisation in the last few days and we don’t want that trend to go the wrong way. We still have work to do, we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Meanwhile, Queensland has today announced anyone over the age of 60 will be allowed to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as part of its "super Pfizer weekend".

As part of the vaccine blitz, vaccine hubs across the state will allow walk-ins. 

It comes after Western Australia expanded Pfizer eligibility to the same age group, while South Australia expanded Pfizer access to all of those aged 12 and over last Saturday.

Updated at 11.33am AEST on 15 September 2021.

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Queensland border bubble businesses to receive funding boost

Queensland Businesses suffering due to border restrictions with New South Wales will receive $52.8 million in funding from an emergency support package delivered by the State and Commonwealth governments.

The multi-million-dollar funding injection will provide targeted support to tourism and hospitality businesses still facing significant hardship as a result of border closures.

"Tourism and hospitality businesses on the Queensland and New South Wales border have done it particularly tough as they feel the impact of lockdowns and border restrictions,” Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.

"But there is light at the end of the tunnel. By sticking to the National Plan, agreed to by State and Territory leaders, we can safely ease restrictions and open up our economy.

“We will continue to work with the Palaszczuk Government to ensure the Queensland economy bounces back.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Government recognised the communities and businesses reliant on regular cross border trade were suffering.

“The impact on Queensland businesses along the border with NSW has been devastating,” the Premier said.

“This package will provide a lifeline for a number of businesses doing it tough right now.

“With the Delta variant continuing to rage in Sydney, we’re investing in our economic recovery in Queensland to support local businesses to make it through the pandemic.”

The package will see $14.55 million in Border Business Zone Support delivered to businesses along the border region in the areas of Coolangatta, Currumbin – Tugun, and Currumbin Waters and the towns of Wallangarra, Goondiwindi and Mungindi.

The joint Federal-State package includes:

• $40 million for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program to deliver one off grants of $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000 for small, medium and large employing businesses across the state that have experienced a reduction in turnover of at least 70 per cent for at least seven consecutive days between 1 July and 30 September.
• $6.3 million to extend the existing COVID-19 Business Support Grants program
• $6.5 million to provide one-off Hardship Scheme grants of $5000 for employing businesses and $1000 for non-employing sole traders to recipients of the COVID-19 Business Support Grants in the border zone in the event of an extended border closure

State elements include:

• Up to $1 million to match City of the Gold Coast Council and Destination Gold Coast’s ‘Play Money’ campaign, encouraging Gold Coasters to patronise border businesses
• $50,000 support for marketing campaigns in Coolangatta
• $700,000 for additional mental health support for business owners and their families in the border zone

The Premier said businesses within the border zone that were recipients of the COVID-19 Business Support Grants and had been significantly impacted by any possible extended border closure would be able to apply for one-off hardship grants of up to $5,000 for an employing business and $1,000 for a non-employing sole-trader.

These special hardship grants will be available from mid-October 2021.

“This package will help. But it’s also vital that we encourage more Queenslanders to support businesses on the border – particularly in communities like Coolangatta,” the Premier said.

“Through today’s package, we’ll also supporting local marketing campaigns, starting with the Essentially Cooly initiative.”

For business support and assistance visit the Queensland Business website at www.business.qld.gov.au or call the Small Business Hotline 24/7 on 1300 654 687.

Updated at 12.41pm AEST on 14 September 2021.

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