Land rent relief protects tourism jobs

Tourism resorts, hospitality providers and attractions from Mount Isa to the Gold Coast will share $2.55 million worth of land rent in ongoing COVID relief.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the $2.55 million in rent waivers brought further relief to 72 tourism businesses operating on state-owned land and islands.

“Tourism is a vital employer and this industry a vital part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan,” Dr Lynham said.

“These continued measures are another way to ensure the sector is ready to respond when the economy is back on its feet.”

On average this will save them $35,000 each for the next six months.”

These tourism operators are a collection of resorts, hospitality and attractions located around regional Queensland including Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsundays, Mackay, Rockhampton, Fraser Coast, Gympie, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, and as far west as Mount Isa.

This latest waiver comes on top of $33.8 million in State land rent already waived as part of the Government’s $2.5 billion COVID relief to help support business during the global pandemic.

“With the shutdown of travel across the world, our tourism industry has been hit hard,” Dr Lynham said

“While there’s been some level of recovery as Queenslanders begin to explore their own back yards, tourism businesses across the state are still doing it tough.

“Not having to pay land rent is one way we can continue to help them and keep Queenslanders in jobs.”

Tourism operators are expected to pass on the appropriate amount of land rent savings to sublessees.  

More information can be found at https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/rents/tourism-lease-and-licence-holder-assistance or by calling 1800 841 397. 

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