THE Western Australian government has announced a support package to help small businesses as COVID-19 rise across the state and additional restrictions are put in place.
The McGowan government has announced a new $67 million COVID-19 Business Assistance Package for small businesses adversely affected.
This new package includes up to $6,000 in rent relief, outdoor dining and entertainment support grants and further funding for business counselling services.
Premier Mark McGowan said as COVID-19 caseloads continue to increase, and with some public health and social measures in place to manage the spread of the virus, the government expect some businesses will experience declines in revenue.
“Over the past two years Western Australians have done the right thing and supported local businesses and now is the time to continue to patron WA businesses, venues and events.
“Our strong financial position by maintaining a healthy budget has given us the capacity to provide this immediate assistance.
“Since December we have provided four financial support packages for WA businesses, including the Safe Transition Industry Support Package, ReconnectWA and grants for businesses impacted by the Delta Backpacker outbreak, taking the total investment to assist WA businesses through the pandemic to date to $1.6 billion,” the premier said.
The Small Business Rental Relief Package
- $42 million Tenant Rent Relief Scheme providing grants of $3,000 to eligible small business tenants;
- $10.7 million Landlord Rent Relief Incentive supporting eligible landlords with $1,500 – who voluntary match the Government’s Tenant Rent Relief payments; and
- $1.5 million Tenant Rental Credit Scheme providing a rental waiver or credit of $6,000 for eligible small business tenants of Government-owned buildings.
Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Support Package
- $5 million Alfresco Support Program to reimburse small businesses in the hospitality sector with up to $5,000 for eligible costs associated with creating and expanding an alfresco area to meet the requirements of public health and social measures;
- $3.5 million Waiver of Liquor Licencing fees. Liquor licence renewal fees for 2022 will be waived and refunds provided for businesses that have already paid. One-off fees for variations to liquor licencing to enable alfresco services will also be waived, and fees for a COVID-19 occasional permit will be waived to permit the sale of takeaway alcohol as part of a takeaway meal;
- $1.8 million Nightclub Assistance Program payments of up to $50,000 for eligible nightclubs impacted by capacity limits and social distancing; and
- $1.3 million Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program, providing payments of up to $50,000 to provide cash flow assistance to a range of larger, indoor entertainment venues that are particularly affected by capacity constraints.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) welcomed the announcement.
“Covid cases are continuing to rise in WA and additional restrictions have been put in place, so a decline in revenue is inevitable for some businesses as they battle through this challenging period,” ARA CEO Paul Zahra said.
“We’ve been in close contact with the WA government discussing the ongoing challenges for small businesses, and we appreciate the speed in which they have put these supports in place as a direct result of our advocacy.
“Rent is a significant pain point for small business, and with limited customers shopping in physical stores at the moment, many will struggle to pay their operating costs. The rent relief grants will help cushion the blow from the current wave of new Covid cases and help businesses to keep the lights on and their doors open.” Zahra concluded.
