The government put the state into a five-day lockdown in response to concerns about the Holiday Inn COVID-19 outbreak on the eve of Valentine's Day.
Now, support will be offered to eligible business through four initiatives recently announced to assist with costs such as the loss of perishable goods, cancelled gigs and foregone trading.
Businesses in the hospitality, food wholesaling, tourism, events and selected retail industries with annual payroll of up to $3 million will be eligible for grants of up to $2000 under the $92 million Business Costs Assistance program.
Accommodation providers who had 10 or fewer cancellations can apply for $2250 per business while providers with more than 10 booking cancellations can apply for $4500 per business as part of the Victorian Accommodation Support Program.
The government has also added an extra 10,000 $200 vouchers to the Regional Travel Voucher scheme.
Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie welcomed the decision.
“Anything that supports our local community is a great outcome,” she said.
“It's also great to see more opportunities to get people to visit the area and spend time in our community after everything that has happened.”
Industry Support and Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said the state would do what it could to assist those hurt by the lockdown.
“Victorian businesses played their part in the circuit breaker action and this package recognises that the impact for many was severe.”
Small Business Minister Jaala Pulford said while the impact was big on local business, the long-term impacts were the best outcome for the state.
“We know it hurt businesses to shut their doors, but the long-term benefits are clear,” she said.
“A temporary pause has meant businesses can now get on with their rebuilding with our full support.”
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