Zero New Cases Continue! Queensland's Steady Recovery Plan for the Next Stage Announced
Today, 16 June, over the past 24 hours Queensland has recorded zero new Covid-19 cases. Queensland currently has 5 active cases, has carried out 254,554 virus tests, and has recorded 1,065 confirmed cases in total.
Following the nationwide protests of the past fortnight, and in contrast to the recurring outbreaks seen in New South Wales and Victoria, Queensland's pandemic response can be described as steady and well-ordered, holding at zero new cases for several days running and allowing all residents worried about a second wave to breathe a sigh of relief.
Today, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the government's next phase of the economic recovery plan to support jobs, business, industry and other sectors in Queensland. Ms Palaszczuk said: "Queensland's leading pandemic response means we are now ready for the recovery."
"Under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must prepare Queensland for the difficult road ahead and set out a clear, responsible and comprehensive plan for our economic recovery."
"Today's new package shows that our focus remains firmly on Queensland's jobs and economy."
She said: "To fight the pandemic, we have committed to a support package of more than A$6 billion. Last month, we released our economic recovery strategy, setting out a plan to kick-start the economy and get Queenslanders back to work." "Now, in the second phase of the strategy, we have announced further measures targeting small businesses, tradespeople, farmers, first home buyers, seniors, taxi drivers, tourism, and artists and musicians."
1. Real estate and home ownership
The government has once again committed to its A$15,000 grant scheme for first home buyers in Queensland, on the condition that first home buyers purchase a new home valued below A$750,000. In addition, the government will provide a new A$5,000 Regional Home Building Boost grant for any newly built home outside South East Queensland. This grant will be on top of the existing A$15,000 first home buyer grant, and Ms Palaszczuk confirmed that the A$15,000 first home buyer grant will also be extended. She said: "This will mean that first home buyers in regional Queensland, together with the support of the Federal Government's grant, can receive up to A$45,000 in grants for a newly built home."
In addition, the government has committed to investing A$100 million in the Housing Construction Works for Tradies project, aimed at building new social housing in Queensland.
Local councils in South East Queensland will receive an additional A$50 million in funding to reinstate a community stimulus program supporting small works and projects.
A$10 million in funding will be provided to about 2,000 seniors and people with disability, who will receive up to A$5,000 in additional grants to help them upgrade their homes, such as strengthening safety measures, repairs and maintenance. A further A$1.175 million will be allocated to build regional training infrastructure to improve TAFE campuses.
2. Small business
The Queensland Government will allocate a further A$100 million to help small businesses keep operating, with up to A$10,000 available. She said: "To support the regional recovery, more than half of this funding will go to small businesses outside South East Queensland."
"Our support for small business does not stop there, and we are already taking additional measures."
3. Agriculture
The Palaszczuk Government will invest A$5.5 million to improve biosecurity and food safety using new technology, helping to build Queensland's reputation as a trusted, high-quality supplier to global markets.
4. Tourism
Air travel is a vital part of boosting tourism and will deliver significant economic benefits, and the government will invest A$15 million to support the aviation sector. This program will support and encourage domestic tourism spending in Queensland and help restore airline capacity more quickly.
5. Resources and energy
The Palaszczuk Government has committed to investing A$10 million to promote exploration activity for new-economy minerals and to advance the development of new technologies.
6. Arts and culture
The Palaszczuk Government will provide A$22.5 million in funding to help support the recovery of the arts and culture sector, including A$11.3 million to offset lost income in the music and performing arts fields.