New round of financial assistance now available for Queensland marine tourism operators

Applications are now open to Queensland marine tourism operators for a new, $3 million round of funding to help with berthing fees in privately-operated marinas from Cooktown to Hervey Bay.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe noted “we know with continuing interstate pandemic lock-downs, marine tourism operators are doing it tough. The second round of the COVID-19 Marine Tourism Assistance Scheme will provide up to $20,000 to individual operators until 30th June 2022.

“More than 130 applications were approved in last year’s first round from Port Douglas to the Fraser Coast.

“We’ve listened closely to the industry and made it even easier for marine tourism businesses to apply for help with berthing expenses.

“Applicants will no longer be required to pay their berthing fees up front to qualify for assistance.”

However, COVID-19 Marine Tourism Assistance Scheme claimants must:

• Be an eligible marine tourism business with at least one commercial vessel leasing a marina berth

• Have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 during the 2018-19, 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial years (businesses that have recently started can provide financial records to show they will reasonably meet this turnover requirement in the 2021-22 financial year).

• Have experienced a loss of income since 1st April 2021 as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

• Employ at least 1 full time equivalent employee as at 1st April 2021.

• Not be insolvent or have owners or directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.

• Possess a Vessel Certificate of Operation from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and a Permit to Operate on the Great Barrier Reef from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority or a Permit to Operate on a Queensland Marine National Park from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Minister Hinchliffe said the latest round was part of the Queensland Government’s $47.75 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID-19 Lock-down Support package and added “these relief measures acknowledge the importance of marine tourism operators in creating first-class visitor experiences for Queensland holidaymakers.

Image courtesy Great Sandy Straits Marina