Multi-million $$ dams-affected business packages on offer: Bligh

The Beattie Government has put in place a multi million dollar package to support businesses and workers impacted by the construction of the Traveston Crossing and the Wyaralong dams.

“These initiatives are a special package that are available to businesses and workers in the areas affected by these dams,” the Deputy Premier said today.

She said the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority would administer the Business Adjustment Package . The Worker Assistance Package program will be implemented by the Department of State Development and Trade.

The Business Adjustment Package had a number of criteria, including:

·All businesses with less than five employees will be assessed and compensation payable if the value of compensation determined is $5,000 or more

·All larger businesses, six employees or more, will be assessed and compensation payable if at least 25 percent of profits (as defined by QRAA) are affected, and the value of compensation determined is $10,000 or more

·Further, QRAA may, in exceptional circumstances, take other factors into consideration in considering the amount of compensation to be paid, at its discretion.

“Worker assistance would be provided to anyone who can demonstrate that they have either lost their job or their livelihood as a direct result of the government’s decision to site dams on the Mary River at Traveston Crossing and on the Teviot Brook at Wyaralong,” she said.

Ms Bligh said eligible persons include any affected permanent staff and casual employees of long duration.

In relation to individuals assistance provided includes up to $5,000 assistance to be made up from any combination of the following:

-Job Preparation Assistance (up to $1,000)

-Training Assistance (up to $3,000)

-Employer Wage Subsidy (up to $2,000)

-Relocation Assistance (up to $2,000)

Ms Bligh said that apart from relocation assistance, which is provided as a reimbursement to workers following the expenditure, the assistance is in the form of services

The Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority will hold meetings to provide details on the business adjustment package in Kandanga, Imbil, Carters Ridge, Federal, Amamoor and Gympie.

The Authority will schedule similar meetings in the Wyaralong area in due course.

Dates and venues for these meetings are to be organised in consultation with affected businesses.

Information on the Worker Assistance Package will be provided by Officers of the Department of State Development and Trade on an individual basis.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900