May 2020  |  View this in your browser
Welcome to the Business in Cockburn eNewsletter. We will update you every month on what is happening in the City of Cockburn and how it may impact your business. For information on business support and the latest business events please visit the Business in Cockburn website.

Prepare to restart your business

The City of Cockburn is working on the Cockburn Restart Hub, where you will be able to access information on how to reopen your business safely, grants and support for your businesses, and information on the latest government stimulus support packages. 

The WA Premier has announced that businesses across Western Australia will need to prepare a COVID Safety Plan before they reopen, to protect staff and customers, and that businesses will need to ensure their COVID Safety Plan is available for inspection.

More information about these plans will be available from the State Government this week, and we will update you as soon as they are available. We are also working on some resources, and hope to be able to assist you in the preparation of these plans.

From 18 May 2020, cafés and restaurants will be able to offer dine-in meals for up to 20 patrons at a time while meeting social distancing requirements (4 square metre rule), and many community facilities will begin to reopen. Businesses must ensure they can provide a safe environment for their staff and customers when they reopen.

Hygiene training for hospitality

A mandatory AHA Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 hygiene training program has been launched to prepare the hospitality industry for a return to business. This specialised training course will need to be successfully completed by every staff member employed at a hospitality venue — with businesses strictly only able to reopen when the requirements are met.

The course covers

  • understanding COVID-19 and venue restrictions 
  • reporting personal health issues 
  • maintaining personal and work environment hygiene practices 
  • reducing cross contamination through procedures 
  • effective cleaning and sanitising practices 
Complete the training here

COVID-19 Stimulus Update


New assistance for tourism operators

The Tourism Recovery  Fund gives eligible small tourism businesses including accommodation providers, tour and transport operators and tourism attractions or experience businesses with annual Australian taxable wages of less than $1 million, an opportunity to apply for a $6,500 cash payment.

The payment can be used for a range of fixed costs and recovery expenses outlined in the WA Tourism Recovery Fund Guidelines

JobKeeper program update 

The Australian Commissioner of Taxation has extended the time to enrol for the initial JobKeeper periods, from 30 April 2020 until 31 May 2020. Enrol for the JobKeeper Payment now.

To ensure the integrity and the efficient operation of the JobKeeper Payment scheme, the Government is clarifying the operation of some rules. This information will be available soon.

Assistance with utilities
Electricity bills for some small businesses will be reduced, with a one-off $2,500 credit available for Synergy and Horizon Power customers that consume less than 50 megawatt hours (MWh) per annum. The credit is available for current customers (as of March 31, 2020) and will be allocated from May 1, 2020 to reduce current and future electricity bills. The measure will provide some $236.8 million in relief to businesses such as cafes, delis, restaurants, beauticians and small retail stores that have been heavily impacted by recent trading restrictions to contain COVID-19.

Payroll tax waivers
Payroll tax will be waived for a four-month period between March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 for small-to-medium sized businesses with Australia-wide annual wages of less than $7.5 million in 2019-20. This will deliver around $165 million in relief to around 10,700 businesses that will not be required to pay payroll tax for this period.
Find out more

Help us to understand the local impact of COVID-19


The Australian Business Economic Impact Survey (ABEIS) is an initiative by REMPLAN to understand the rapid change experienced by businesses as a result of COVID-19 and the need for insights at a local geographic scale. By completing the survey, you will help local governments to respond to the changing business environment, by looking at the actual impact of Covid-19 and forecasting what the recovery will look like.

REMPLAN are a team of economists, planners, demographers, economic development specialists, analysts and software developers who create online analytical tools and information resources.
Complete the survey now

Keep your business going throughout COVID


Although your business may have been able to continue to trade throughout the last few months, its important to periodically take stock and ensure you are in the best possible position. 

SBDC have released a list of twelve practical tips, as a helpful reminder of the things you can do to ensure the health of your business during this unprecedented time. For more information on each of these, visit the SBDC website.
  1. Understand your current financial position
  2. Check your eligibility for government assistance
  3. Contact your bank and insurer regarding loans and premiums
  4. Communicate with your staff, customers and suppliers
  5. Seek advice from SBDC on deferring tax payments
  6. See how your business can still operate
  7. Understand your options in relation to employees
  8. Check your licensing requirements
  9. Commercial leasing – talk to your landlord or call SBDC for help (133 140)
  10. Consider whether you can draw on your superannuation
  11. Build your networks
  12. Keep informed of changes - Including the new Covid Safety Plan
Find out more

Employment assistance for young people


The Cockburn Youth Centre is now running the Employ Me Program online, for young people aged 14 - 24 who could use a little help with writing resumes and cover letters, applying for jobs, building their interview skills and general career advice. 

Employ Me is one-on-one 30 minute support sessions every Thursday from 3.30 - 5.30pm and sessions can be booked online.

Book Now

Pausing or closing your business due to COVID-19


If you have to pause or close your business due to COVID-19, it’s important to know your business, tax and reporting obligations. 

Business.gov.au can help you to understand the things to think about for your:

  • Business registration
  • Tax and super obligations
  • Record keeping requirements
  • Single Touch Payroll (STP)

Find out more

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If you have any queries or would like to get in touch with Sarah Kahle,  Business Engagement Officer please email business@cockburn.wa.gov.au or call 08 9411 3444.

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business@cockburn.wa.gov.au | www.cockburn.wa.gov.au
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