April 28, 2020
More than 6000 farmers, businesses, tourism operators, and community and sports clubs, won’t have to pay State land rent for six months under a series of measures to protect Queensland businesses and jobs.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham more than $33.8 million in State land rent would be waived for April 1 to September 30 to help support business during the COVID-19 emergency.
“Businesses across the State are doing it tough, and not having to pay land rent is one way we can help them and keep Queenslanders in jobs,” he said.
“With the shutdown of travel across the world, our tourism sector particularly has been hit hard.
“There’s more than 90 tourism lessees across the State who hopefully can breathe a little easier now with savings on average of more than $30,000 each.”
Farmers on pastoral leases will save on average about $3300 and some local recreation clubs will save upwards of $4500 over the six months.
Lessees don’t have to apply and those who have already paid their rent for April 1 to June 30 will receive a refund or if requested, a credit.
In situations where lessees have entered into sublease arrangements with another commercial business – the lessee is expected to pass on the appropriate amount of land rent savings to the sublessees.
Land rent relief applies to Land Act lessees, licensees or permit-to-occupy holders who conduct a business on State land.
- More information is available online
