THE State Government will provide additional financial support to Lower South East businesses impacted by additional trading restrictions brought in this week, with grants of up to $3000 available as part of a specific Limestone Coast support fund.
A Regional COVID-19 Support Grant – lower South East will be introduced for impacted businesses in the local government areas of the City of Mount Gambier, District Council of Grant, and Wattle Range Council, targeted at tourism and hospitality businesses and other businesses experiencing at least a 30 per cent reduction in turnover.
Grants of $3,000 for eligible employing businesses and $1,000 for non-employing businesses will be available.
“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,” Treasurer Rob Lucas said.
“That’s why the Marshall Government is providing this targeted financial support to businesses in the Lower South East who have been impacted.
“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.”
Mr Lucas said the Regional Covid-19 Support Grant – Lower South East was in addition to previously announced Federal/State assistance programs following July’s seven-day lockdown.
“I have written to the Commonwealth Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP seeking his support for Commonwealth funding of 50 per cent of the grants, consistent with funding arrangements agreed between the States and the Commonwealth since the 7-day lockdown in July,” Mr Lucas said.
“This new targeted regional grant will further support our hardworking small businesses in the Lower South East who help form the backbone of the state’s economy,” he said.
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 $10 million 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 per cent 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 (prior to restrictions).
