Free COVID-19 resource kit - download online or order a free hardcopy kit via this online form
Quick links
On this page you can find COVID-19 support information on:
- COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants Program
- Redland City Council $2 million assistance package
- Support for Tourism and Event Operators
- Queensland Government assistance
- Support for businesses
- Support for business investment
- Support for individuals and households
- Support for not-for-profit entities
- Support for retirees
- Download posters
- Useful contacts
Council officers here to assist
Council has dedicated officers to assist businesses who are struggling at this challenging time. Our officers can help you navigate the assistance available at all levels of government. Contact us now:
Economic Development team
(07) 3829 8999
Council is providing a free COVID-19 resource kit to local businesses to assist with social distancing and health messages in their stores. The kit can be downloaded online or ordered via this online form or you can request it by contacting Council on 3829 8999.
The free COVID-19 resource kit includes:
- Up to 6 x floor decals with 1.5m social distancing messages
- 1 x A4 compulsory "Do not enter if you are unwell" sign
- 1 x A4 welcome poster to encourage hand sanitising and social distancing requirements
- 1 x A4 poster to communicate maximum number of customers allowed in store at any one time
- 1 x A4 poster to remind customers to maintain 1.5m distance from others
COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants Program
The COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants Program is aimed at providing targeted funding and support to Redlands Coast small businesses and community organisations in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new program is a result of Council's decision to repurpose the existing grants program to meet the challenges arising from the current COVID-19 environment.
Grant categories
COVID-19 Community Organisation Support Grant – funding up to $10,000 is available to support local community organisations that are providing support and relief to Redlands Coast community members impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19 Business Support Grant – funding is available under two components. Applicants can apply for one component at a time.
- Professional advice services
Applicants will be able to apply for funding up to the value of $1,000 for professional advice services (offered by firms located within the Redland City Council Local Government Area). This may include: accounting, financial planning, business consultancy, legal services, human resource services and other business specific advisers.
- Innovation funding
Applicants will be able to apply for funding up to the value of $5,000 for the support to reengineer/restructure their business operations to ensure viability and continued operations. This may include the use of technology, research and design or innovative products, services, projects or collaborations. Funding for the Innovation component has been redirected from Redlands City Council Advancing Regional Innovation Program in partnership with the State Advancing Regional Innovation Program and Advance Queensland.
When can I apply?
The COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants Program is NOW OPEN.
Funding will be available until the 15 June 2020 or until all allocated funds are exhausted.
How can I apply?
Applications forms are completed via SmartyGrants and are available via the links below:
Apply for a COVID-19 Business Support Grant
Apply for a COVID – Community Organisation Support Grant
Before registering or applying for any of the grant programs, it is important read and understand the program guidelines.
Guidelines
Prior to completing an application, it is important to thoroughly read and understand the program guidelines. These provide essential information on grant eligibility requirements, types of funding available and the assessment process.
COVID-19 Business Support Guidelines
COVID-19 Community Organisation Support Guidelines
Acquittal form
To finalise your project, you must complete and return an Acquittal form for your project at completion. Applicants that do not acquit their project are ineligible to apply for funding under Council's various funding programs until such time as they have successfully acquitted all previous funding.
The Acquittal form requires you to provide information on completion of the project activity. Ensure receipts are provided as evidence of the grant expenditure.
Please complete the online Acquittal form through Smarty Grants or contact the Grants team for assistance.
Further assistance
If you require assistance completing your application please contact Council Customer Service by phone (07) 3829 8999 or rcc@redland.qld.gov.au
Redland City Council $2 million assistance package
Redland City Council has developed a $2 million social and economic package to support Redlands Coast residents, businesses and community groups through the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Council is aware that many local businesses have had to reduce their service offering or temporarily close.
The package is considered stage 1 and includes:
- Double the amount of time to pay next rates bill
- $288,000 in grants for business and community groups experiencing hardship due to COVID-19
- Working directly with businesses, social enterprises and community groups to help them access State and Federal economic stimulus packages
- Reduced red-tape for businesses and community groups
- Provide one-off contribution towards electricity costs for clubs and associations registered under Council’s community electricity scheme
- Strengthen Council’s local buy preference and fast-track payments
- Expand Council’s Wi-Fi to assist businesses
- Promote, review and update Council’s financial hardship policy to ensure eligible ratepayers can access hardship provisions in relation to their statutory rates and charges
- Seek to fast-track $60 million in Council infrastructure works within the community by taking advantage of potential State and Federal government grants announced.
Support for Tourism and Event Operators
Council is here to support and assist tourism and event businesses during the COVID-19 crisis and are committed to working hand-in-hand with industry representatives and government agencies to ensure tourism and event businesses receive the help they need. Read more on our Support for Tourism and Event Operators page.
Queensland Government assistance
The Queensland Government has released a $4 billion COVID-19 rescue package.
It includes significant initiatives for businesses and households:
- $300 million in cost-of-living relief for households, including a $200 credit for all 2.1 million households to offset the cost of water and electricity.
- A $2.5 billion worker and industry support which includes payroll tax relief, relief for businesses renting government premises, a worker displacement program to help unemployed people get jobs in sectors facing shortages, electricity bill rebates for all Queensland small and medium sized businesses that consume less than 100,000 kilowatt hours, liquor licensing fee waiver, and an industry support package to assist large businesses ensuring they will be able to scale up when economic activity improves.
- $28 million funding boost for grassroots health care providers in Queensland to support organisational capacity of exisiting health, community and health consumer-support services.
- An initial $27.25 million package to assist local government, business and industry with resilience and recovery strategies, targeted financial support and counselling.
- $10.5 million to assist the arts sector, provided to small and medium arts organisations including funding extensions, changes to funding application timeframes and rent relief for tenants in Queensland Government.
- Queensland Government is also working closely with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to connect manufacturers who have capability with those who are seeking particular products. To access this service, visit QLDCovid19.icn.org.au.
Support for businesses
New government support is available for businesses impacted by the Coronavirus. We’ll be updating this page as new information is available.
JobKeeper payment for employers, employees and sole traders
Payment for businesses significantly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak to help them to continue paying their employees.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
To register interest: https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/JobKeeper-payment
Support for employers with apprentices and trainees
Wage subsidy support to small business to retain their apprentices and trainees. Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
Boosting cash flow for employers
Payments to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, and not for-profits (NFPs) that employ people payments of up to 100,000, with a minimum payment of $20,000 to help their cash flow so they can keep operating, pay their rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses
The Australian Government has temporarily increased the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive. This includes temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent, and providing temporary flexibility in the Corporations Act 2001 to provide temporary and targeted relief for companies from provisions of the Act.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
Coronavirus payroll tax relief
Immediate payroll tax refunds are available to eligible businesses for two month period. Eligible businesses can also apply for deferral until the end of 2020 and a payroll tax holiday for 3 months.
To apply visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/lodging/coronavirus-tax-relief
Electricity bill relief
Small and medium business enterprises who consume less than 100,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) will receive a $500 rebate. This will be automatically applied on business electricity bills.
For more information, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/122099/electricity-relief-qanda.pdf
Coronavirus SME guarantee scheme
Small and medium sized business are provided with access to working capital to help them get through the impact of the Coronavirus.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme
Support for business investment
New government support is available for business investment to help the economy withstand and recover from the economic impact of Coronavirus. We’ll be updating this page as new information becomes available.
Increasing the instant asset write-off
The instant asset write-off threshold has increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and access expanded to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
Backing business investment
A time limited 15 month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short-term, by accelerating depreciation deductions.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
Support for individuals and households
Community support
Emergency food relief organisations
If you are finding it hard to make ends meet, visit our Connect with community organisations web page for a full list of local organisations that supply food relief, including which ones can deliver.
Been directed to quarantine and need essential food or medication delivered
If you have family, friends or a neighbour who may be able to help, please reach out to them first. If you still are unable to be self-reliant, call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to arrange the non-contact delivery of essential food and medication.
Visit our Connect with community organisations web page for a full list of local organisations that supply food relief, including which ones can deliver.
Government support
New government support is available to individuals and households impacted by the Coronavirus. We’ll be updating this page as new information is available.
JobKeeper payment
The JobKeeper payment helps businesses significantly impacted by the Coronavirus cover the costs of their employees’ wages. Your employer will notify you if they intend to claim the fortnightly payment of $1,500 on your behalf.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/jobkeeper
Coronavirus supplement
The Australian Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to Income Support Payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
Payments to support households
The Australian Government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. Payments will be made automatically to eligible recipients.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
Temporary early release of superannuation
The Australian Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
Household utility assistance
All Queensland households will automatically receive a $200 payment which applied to their household electricity bill.
For more information, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/122099/electricity-relief-qanda.pdf
COVID-19 rental grant
The Queensland Government is offering a new Rental Grant for households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Rental Grant is a one-off payment of up to 4 weeks rent (maximum of $2000) available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic who do not have access to other financial assistance. The grant is paid directly to your lessor.
For more information, visit:
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance/bond-loan/covid19-rental-grant
Support for not-for-profit entities
Government Support
New government support is available to individuals and households impacted by the coronavirus. We’ll be updating this page as new information becomes available.
The Australian Government has announced an additional $200 million will be provided to support charities and other community organisations which provide emergency and food relief as demand surges as a result of Coronavirus.
- Emergency Relief which will help vulnerable Australians who need assistance with bills, food, clothing or petrol and increase and retain workforce capacity including volunteers.
- Assistance for food relief organisations to source additional food and transport for emergency relief service providers, and rebuild workforce capacity.
- Immediately scale-up services through the National Debt Helpline — which is often the first point of contact for people experiencing financial difficulties, and to support one-on-one tele-financial counselling.
- Creating a short-form Financial Counselling course through Financial Counselling Australia to train new financial counsellors to boost the workforce, potentially providing hundreds of new jobs.
- Expanding access to safe, affordable financial products through the No Interest Loan Scheme which provides an immediate financial relief alternative to other high-risk, high-interest products such as credit cards and payday loans.
- Creating a short-form Financial Counselling course through Financial Counselling Australia to train new financial counsellors to boost the workforce, potentially providing hundreds of new jobs.
Boosting cash flow for employers
Payments for not for-profits (NFPs) that employ people payments of up to 100,000, with a minimum payment of $20,000 to help their cash flow so they can keep operating, pay their rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
Coronavirus SME guarantee scheme
Not-for-profit entities can access working capital to help get through the impact of the Coronavirus.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme
RACQ Foundation support
Initially set up to support community groups impacted by natural disasters, the RACQ Foundation is now extending funding to support those impacted by COVID-19.
Community groups who have been impacted by COVID-19, assisting with the recovery from COVID-19 or natural disasters including drought can now apply for funding.
For more information, visit: https://www.racq.com.au/about/community-and-sponsorships/racq-foundation
Support for retirees
New government support is available for retirees to manage the impact of volatility in financial markets on their retirement savings. We’ll be updating this page as new information is available.
Temporary reduction of Super draw down rates
The Australian Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
Changes to Social Security deeming rates
The Australian Government has reduced both the upper and lower social security deeming rates.
For more information, visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
Download posters
Queensland Health posters and resources
Australian Government posters and resources
Share Kindness - Floor decal with 1.5m social distancing messages
Share Kindness - A4 welcome poster to encourage hand sanitising and social distancing requirements
Share Kindness - A4 poster to remind customers to maintain 1.5m distance from others
Share Kindness - A4 poster sorry this is currently not available
Share Kindness - A4 poster please follow arrow
Share Kindness - A4 poster "Do not enter if you are unwell" compulsory health notice
Useful contacts
Redland City Council
Economic Development team
(07) 3829 8999
economicdevelopment@redland.qld.gov.au
Business Queensland
13 74 68 | business.qld.gov.au
This helpful resource from Business Queensland has essential information and financial assistance that is available.
Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
1300 654 687 Small Business hotline - desbt.qld.gov.au
Australian Government
13 28 46 | business.gov.au
Keep up to date on what is available for your small business.
Australian Taxation Office
1800 806 218 | ato.gov.au
To assist businesses experiencing financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19 the ATO are implementing a series of relief options. These relief options will not be automatically applied, so you need to contact the ATO to discuss them.
If you or your business are experiencing financial difficulties because of COVID-19, phone the ATO Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218. See the ATO COVID-19 support page.
Australian Banking Association
02 8298 0417 | ausbanking.org.au
Australian banks have hardship teams ready to help you, depending on your circumstances, please make contact with your own bank to understand what assistance is available to your circumstances.
CPA Australia
1300 73 73 73 | cpaaustralia.com.au
Tips for small business to prepare for the business implications of COVID-19.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ)
1300 731 988 I cciq.com.au
CCIQ are working to help Queensland businesses protect their operations and staff. Access free resources, support and information. Visit the CCIQ Coronavirus portal.
Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
admin@redlandcitychamber.org.au
0478 2020 306 I redlandscoastchamber.org.au