COVID-19: City updates & impacts

For the latest on Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Queensland, the City supports Queensland Health as the lead agency for current information.

Our communities

First Nations people can find tips and resources about COVID-19 from Queensland Health.

For translated information on the latest COVID-19 health advice, view the Queensland Government's information for multicultural communities or call Queensland Health on 134 COVID (134 268). Ask for an interpreter if you need one.

For up-to-date locations visit Queensland Health.

We supported local businesses and local jobs, through the Gold Coast's road to recovery from COVID-19.

million

Community and business support

13.3

million

Economic stimulus and recovery measures

7.5

million

Accelerated works to support job creation

million

Relief package for 2021-22

Nil increase to property rates bill for owner-occupiers ($9.07m)
Water and sewerage usage charge nil increase ($3.6m)
Water and waste hardship program ($2.16m)
General/separate rates bill hardship program ($2.16m)
Not for profit rent relief on community leases, community facility and community centre leases ($183,165)
Right of use hire fee waivers ($228,000)
Major sporting venues community lease/license (not for profit) ($114,919)
Rates and water accounts – enter a flexible payment arrangement (based on affordability) without penalty interest for up to 6 months.
Hardship grants for community organisations ($500,000)
Recovery grants for community organisations ($1m)
The Discretionary Grants Program allocates funds each financial year to support community organisations to deliver projects with a community purpose.
Resource support for not for profit groups ($200,000)
City Connect offering recovery support for resident and community groups ($250,000)
The City invested $3 million into a Play Money Rewards program to support the Gold Coast's tourism, dining, retail, arts and culture industries. ($3m)

Discontinuation of special rates for Surfers Paradise Alliance, Broadbeach Alliance, Connecting Southern Gold Coast and Southport CBD and 12 month deferral of replacement funding model ($6.04m)
Fees waived for 2021-22 for:
- roadside dining for 330 hospitality properties ($1.28m)
- liquor license holders ($248,987)
- hot air ballooning for the city's operators ($3,447)
- commercial vessel permits for 19 businesses ($23,351)
- Referral Agency Advice and Express Development Applications fee relief until 1 October and 27 October 2021, respectively.
- Contact us to arrange this fee relief
Community Centre hire fees waived for 1 month for 780 eligible small businesses, i.e. local dance schools, karate classes and training providers. Businesses will be contacted. ($100,000)
Business analysis and engagement – City staff work with small to medium businesses impacted by COVID-19 in the Surfers Paradise, Southport and Coolangatta precincts.
Digital growth for the accommodation industry – a 6-month training program aimed at upskilling 50 accommodation providers.
Accelerated payment of City suppliers to ensure businesses are paid within 7 days wherever possible.
'Buy local' policy continues to be strengthened to support local businesses.

From 2020 our City Budget and business support packages have included:

$5 million relief package for 2021-22

More flexible payment arrangement terms for those experiencing hardship due to COVID-19

Continuing to waive a range of fees and charges for businesses

Continued our buy local procurement policy

Initial $26.9 million support package

$4.3 million for targeted stimulus measures

$7.5 million in accelerated capital works, to support job creation

Supported food and beverage businesses to move to takeaway models during lockdowns

Rates relief for 137,800 residential properties
Water rates relief for 265,270 properties
0% increase in the Tourism & Economic Diversification Differential Rate
11,500 commercial and tourist rental properties received a one-off rate relief
More flexible payment plans for water and rates accounts
Creation of a water and waste hardship program
General rates relief hardship program continued
Small business relief through waiving or reducing fees and charges for businesses, community groups and sporting organisations
Supporting community organisations through grants programs and other initiatives
Fast tracked targeted stimulus measures
Increased our contribution to Study Gold Coast to support the return of international students
Additional funding to fast track planning for Light Rail Stage 4
Accelerated capital works program
Accelerated payment of suppliers
Parking meters were turned off for a period of time
Retained average general rate increase for 2021-22 at 2.5%.