Local businesses impacted by last week’s COVID restrictions will be eligible for State Government financial support.
The government announced it would provide additional financial support to Lower South East businesses impacted by additional trading restrictions brought in last week.
A Regional COVID-19 Support Grant – Lower South East will be introduced for impacted businesses in the local government areas of Mount Gambier, Grant District and Wattle Range, targeted to tourism and hospitality businesses and other businesses experiencing at least a 30% reduction in turnover.
Grants of $3000 for eligible employing businesses and $1000 for non-employing businesses will be available.
The announcement was welcomed by Member for MacKillop Nick McBride, who has been vocal in his support for regional communities during the pandemic.
“Restrictions on activities and movement associated with managing the risk of COVID-19 in the Limestone Coast and border communities have, and continue to be tough on business, individuals and families,” Mr McBride said.
“I know how very difficult this period has been for our cross-border community members, business, tourism operators and families.
“The importance of the return of the 70km Cross Border Bubble for our cross-border community cannot be understated.
“The decision of the State Transition Committee to release the City of Mount Gambier, Grant District Council and the Wattle Range Council from level 3 restrictions has been most welcome.”
Mr McBride said he would like to thank the community for its “patience and resilience in navigating the challenges the reduced border bubble and activity restrictions has brought”.
“I had been working to seek support for our tourism and business sectors and am very pleased that this critical funding support has been delivered,” he said.
“This funding is important, I know the restrictions have hit businesses hard, especially when they could have been taking advantage of enhanced trade during the busy school holiday period.
“I encourage impacted businesses to apply.”
Treasurer Rob Lucas acknowledged the restrictions had been enforced during a usually busy period in the region.
“Tourism and hospitality businesses in the Lower South East in particular have done it tough this week, with additional trading restrictions brought in from Monday, and a reduction in the cross border corridor,” he said.
“The government continues to do all it can to save as many local jobs and businesses as possible, and our cash grant programs are part of our strong economic recovery plan.
“Our COVID recovery plan is focussed on standing shoulder to shoulder with small businesses as we navigate our way out of the global pandemic.
“I have written to the Commonwealth Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP seeking his support for Commonwealth funding of 50% of the grants, consistent with funding arrangements agreed between the States and the Commonwealth since the 7-day lockdown in July.”
To be eligible for the grant a business at the start of the restriction period of Monday, October 4 must:
• Have a valid and active Australian business number (ABN) and be carrying on the operation of a business in South Australia.
• Be registered for the GST.
• Be operating a business in an eligible list of postcodes.
• Have a total Australian grouped payroll of less than $10m in the 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial year.
• Not be engaged in illegal activities, and;
• Have received a grant under the COVID-19 Tourism and Hospitality Support Grant; or
• Be a business that has experienced at least a 30% reduction in turnover due to the restricted trading conditions over the week from October 4 (the commencement date of the trading restriction) to October 10 compared to average weekly turnover in the June quarter 2021 (before restrictions).
