A SUPPORT package has been formally announced by the State and Federal governments to provide respite for businesses managing the impact of the latest COVID lockdown across Greater Sydney.
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With confirmation that Greater Sydney will enter a further two weeks of lockdown, the Commonwealth has agreed that from Sunday, July 18, the COVID-19 disaster payment will be available to those outside declared hotspots in NSW where they meet the criteria for the payment.
This includes:
- Increase in the payment amount for stood down workers from $500 to $600 per week for those who lost more than 20 hours, and to $375 for those who lost between eight and 20 hours.
- $1500 fortnightly grants for micro businesses with turnover between $30,000 and $75,000 which can demonstrate a 30 per cent reduction in turnover where the business is the primary source of income.
- A cash boost for businesses across NSW with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million which can demonstrate a 30 per cent reduction in this turnover during lockdown. The cash boost will be 40 per cent of weekly payroll with a payment amount between $1500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week from week 4 onwards, provided staffing levels are maintained.
- Several provisions around residential, commercial and retail leases, including no lockouts and forced evictions, and those landlords who provide rent relief will be given land tax reduction incentives.
Business NSW regional manager Kellon Beard believes this process needs to be implemented immediately and for support to start flowing as quickly as possible
"The government has assured business applications will open later this month with the money to be paid days after that," Mr Beard said.
"Although Greater Sydney has been in lockdown, the impact to regional businesses, particularly on the Mid North Coast, has been immense, as they've missed out on the strong school holiday trade, as well as a lack of forward bookings."
He pointed out that although the Mid North Coast isn't officially in lockdown "people are acting as if they are, which is great due diligence, but is definitely affecting local businesses".
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