Jane Howlett,Minister for Small Business
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has provided more than $580,000 to businesses on the East Coast that have been affected by the recent closure of the Tasman Highway at Paradise Gorge.
Fifty-four applicants have now received funding, providing much-needed support during this unprecedented event.
The Business Hardship – Critical Support Grant Program offered grants to all eligible impacted businesses located south of Lake Leake road along the Tasman Highway to Buckland including the towns of Buckland, Orford, Triabunna, Little Swanport and Swansea.
Businesses that could demonstrate that they are part of the supply chain through the delivery of essential goods and services in and out of the impacted areas were also eligible to apply.
All applications were assessed by the Department of State Growth and funding amounts were determined and approved by an independent panel, which comprised of representatives from the Tasmanian Development and Resources Board and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has listened and responded as quickly as possible. We have worked hard to get this support program up and running in a very short time frame and to have all the applications assessed as quickly as possible.
We now have more than half a million dollars in funding out the door to those businesses on the East Coast who are going through a challenging time and I welcome the announcement from State Growth that the work on the Highway remains on track to be completed by mid-July.
The Government will continue to work closely with the community and businesses to minimise impact and provide regular advice and support.
I would like to thank the community for their patience and for continuing to work with us.
