Zero New Cases Continue! Queensland Announces New Phase of Its Steady Recovery Plan
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 two weeks, and in contrast to the resurgence of cases in New South Wales and Victoria, Queensland's outbreak control can be described as steady and orderly, maintaining zero new cases for several days in a row and giving all residents worried about a second wave a sense of relief.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the government's next stage of economic recovery plans to support jobs, business and industry across Queensland. Ms Palaszczuk said: "Queensland's leading response to the pandemic means we are now ready to recover."
"Under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must prepare Queensland for the tough road ahead and set out a clear, responsible and comprehensive plan for our economic recovery."
"Today's new package shows that our focus remains on Queensland's jobs and economy."
She said: "To fight the pandemic, we committed more than A$6 billion in assistance packages. 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 stage of the strategy, we are announcing further measures for small businesses, traders, farmers, first home buyers, seniors, taxi drivers, tourism, and artists and musicians."
1. Real estate and home ownership
The government has again committed to Queensland's A$15,000 grant scheme for first home buyers, on the condition that first home buyers purchase a new home valued below A$750,000. In addition, the government will also provide a new A$5,000 Regional Home Building Boost Grant for any newly built home outside South East Queensland. This grant will be in addition to the existing A$15,000 first home owner grant, and Ms Palaszczuk confirmed that the A$15,000 first home owner grant will also be extended. She said: "This will mean that first home buyers in regional Queensland, together with support from the Federal Government's grants, can receive up to A$45,000 in grants for a new home."
The government has also committed A$100 million to invest 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 the community stimulus program in support of small works and projects.
A$10 million in funding will be provided to around 2,000 seniors and people with disabilities, who will receive up to A$5,000 in additional grants to help them upgrade their homes, for example by 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 provide a further A$100 million to help small businesses keep operating, with up to A$10,000 available. She said: "To support 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 — we are already taking additional measures."
3. Agriculture
The Palaszczuk Government will invest A$5.5 million to use new technology to improve biosecurity and food safety, helping to build Queensland's reputation as a trusted, high-quality supplier to global markets.
4. Tourism
Air travel is an important part of boosting tourism and will bring significant economic benefits, and the government will invest A$15 million to support the aviation industry. This program will support and encourage domestic tourism spending in Queensland and help restore air capacity more quickly.
5. Resources and energy
The Palaszczuk Government has committed to investing A$10 million to boost exploration for new economy minerals and support 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 sector.