The Palaszczuk Government has launched $1 million dollars’ worth of new Play Money Reward vouchers for Gold Coast residents to support border zone businesses and tourism operators.
Delivered in partnership with Destination Gold Coast, the vouchers are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $14.55 million support package for businesses on the Queensland – New South Wales border.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said nearly 150 local businesses have registered to participate in this latest round of Play Money vouchers.
“With more businesses taking part than ever before, the program has been extended to include hairdressing, gyms and wider range of retail,” Minister Farmer said.
“Gold Coast residents will score $50 back when they spend $100 with a participating business or $100 back when they spend $200 or more on accommodation.
“Play Money vouchers are available from today and can be used throughout the school holidays, so there’s never been a better time to get behind your favourite border businesses.”
Ms Farmer said although these businesses have not been in lockdown, the reduction in cross-border trade has been especially challenging.
“We know that Coolangatta, Currumbin, Tugun and Currumbin Waters have suffered from a big drop in local foot traffic and patronage because they’re essentially one community split across two states.
“That’s why backing small business is at the heart of our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and why we are delivering this third round of Play Money Rewards.”
Coolangatta boutique owner Philippa King has registered as a business where people can spend their Play Money Rewards.
The owner of Olive and Vern said she’s told her customers they can apply for vouchers to spend in the store and is ‘super excited’ about the initiative.
“I’m just really, really stoked!” she said.
“We did really well when we took part in the last round of Play Money Rewards and it has helped so much.
“I also received a COVID-19 Business Support Grant and the face-to-face support from a Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Officer has been amazing.
“I can’t thank them enough – this support came at the best possible time, it helped massively and I can’t thank them enough.”
The Palaszczuk Government has also provided funding to border zone businesses for:
- $700,000 worth of mental health services
- $50,000 in financial support for marketing campaigns such as ‘Essentially Cooly’
- joint Queensland-Australian Government-funded COVID-19 Border Business Zone Hardship Grants of $1,000 – $5,000, which businesses qualify for if they have already received a (businesses are contacted directly about this).
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan welcomed the new round of Play Money Rewards, saying it will help support southern Gold Coast businesses who’ve been hit hard by the border closure.
“This is a great strategy. We know it works and will help to stimulate economic recovery following COVID-19 restrictions,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“It’s an opportunity for people to have a bit of fun after a tough year, with each Gold Coast resident eligible for up to five Play Money Reward vouchers.
“Tourism and hospitality businesses have been especially impacted in the past 18 months, and I hope this program signals the beginning of greater economic activity in the region as restrictions ease and our border opens up.
“We believe this round of Play Money Rewards has the potential to provide more than $2 million directly to local border businesses,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
Play Money Rewards can be redeemed at participating Border Business Zone attractions including arts and culture experiences, accommodation, restaurants, and local retail businesses.
