The Tasmanian Liberal Government acknowledged that forestry is a cornerstone of its economy and has a key role to play in the plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania. Hence, it has been facilitating a series of industry round tables for key sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, forestry and resources, to identify challenges and help Tasmanian businesses continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: Timberbiz
The Government understands that key production and export sectors such as forestry, underpin its economy, create thousands of jobs and support rural and regional communities.
Despite the extraordinary challenge of COVID-19, the forestry industry has proactively adapted to continue working. Having adopted appropriate social distancing and good hygiene practices, the forestry industry is a very good example of businesses and people making adjustments so they can continue to work safely during this time.
To support Tasmanian businesses and communities during this time, the Tasmanian Government announced its second round support package, which sits alongside the Federal Government package.
Key stimulus measures applicable to the forestry industry
Electricity
The Government is providing financial relief from energy costs for forestry businesses and individuals across the state.
- Many eligible small business customers will have their next quarterly energy bill waived.
- Energy prices will also be capped for 12 months for all regulated electricity customers, and Aurora is implementing a range of measures to help such as payment plans, freezing debt, bill relief, and waiving fees and charges.
- Aurora Energy will not disconnect any residential or eligible small business customers, without their agreement during this crisis.
Water
Businesses that receive the electricity waiver will also receive a 100% waiver on the first Water & Sewage bill issued on or after 1 April 2020. Water prices will be frozen for 2020-21 for customers on regulated tariffs.
Government fees
For households and businesses the Government will freeze all fees subject to the Government Fees Unit provisions in 2020-21, including:
- Land Tax Waiver for commercial property where the land tax is paid by the business owner that has been severely impacted. The Government will waive land tax for commercial properties for the coming financial year, 2020-21.
- Heavy vehicle registration and motor tax waivers. For Heavy Vehicles with GVM > 4.5t the Government will waive fees for registration and the Road component of motor tax for 12 months.
- Vehicle registration, businesses that have been severely impacted can apply to suspend registrations and then reactivate them when they reboot.
- Payroll Tax Waiver – three month waiver of payroll tax for all businesses up to $5 million as announced in the first Tasmanian Stimulus Package will be increased to a period of 12 months.
- $50 million SMALL BUSINESS INTEREST FREE LOAN FUND– $20 million. Small Business Interest Free Loans was increased to $50 million and the eligibility for business loans was extended and available to all businesses that have been materially impacted by the outbreak with a turnover under $10 million per annum.
- $40 million SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM– $20 million emergency grants program and a $20 million larger grants program.
- SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUITY ADVICE– $750,000 to provide business continuity and accounting advice to eligible small businesses. This will ensure that eligible small businesses have access to authoritative advice on cash flow management and business options.
- RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE– $200,000 funding to Rural Business Tasmania for the extension of financial counselling and support services to provide helpful advice and guidance to eligible small and micro businesses and sole traders in rural and regional areas.
For specific information on business support grants and loans refer to the Business Tasmania website www.business.tas.gov.au or call on 1800 440 026.
