Revised Contingency Plan and third stimulus package update

31 March 2020

Dear Members and Stakeholders

Firstly, I want to say thank you to all the Members who have been in touch to let us know what you are experiencing on the ground. Collectively, this information is a great resource for us and we ask you to please keep it going.

I also hope are finding the Tuesday and Friday updates useful. As I have indicated, this will continue for the foreseeable future as we endeavour to keep you informed of the Federal Government’s announcements in addition to our ongoing response on this matter. If immediate communications are required, an Alert will be issued. Below is the update for Tuesday

Workplace Health and Safety

I reiterate, that you must continue to comply with the Government guidelines and instructions on physical distancing and gatherings. Aside from being critical for your health, the health of your staff and your customers, it is also important in supporting the case we are making to Government.

Our businesses need to be able to demonstrate that these practices can be easily implemented in our businesses and have a low risk of spreading contagion. We believe the community will have confidence in the businesses they can see are following the guidelines.

I continue to point you to the resources we have developed for your business HERE. These continue to be updated as more information comes to hand.

Member businesses and greenlife supply chain

Glenn Fenton, President has shared his letter to Minister David Littleproud in his report today.

In addition to the Department of Agriculture, GIA has made representations to the Department of Industry and to the Small Business Ombudsman as we continue to see a result for all our industry including our retailers. As of today, nursery industry businesses including growers and retailers can continue to operate and trade under the published restrictions around indoor and outdoor gatherings and physical distancing.

We continue to work the Federal angles; are meeting regularly with State Member Associations; are supporting the redirection of the levy marketing campaign as well as looking into a campaign to support gardening activities into Spring.

Nevertheless, our industry needs to demonstrate to Government our preparedness and ability to preserve and maintain all greenlife while reducing the risk of COVID-19 within our businesses. It is for this reason I am reiterating how important it is to develop a contingency plan. You can download a business contingency plan template HERE. Please be aware this document is regularly updated as more information becomes available.

Stimulus Package

GIA continues to review and summarise the federal stimulus packages as they announced. The details of the three stimulus packages can be found HERE. You should also note that some State and Territory Governments are also preparing their own stimulus packages and you should refer to State Associations for those details. I would also encourage you all to seek your own professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances and to understand the finer details of each initiative.

Greenlife Industry COVID-19 Marketing Campaign

As mentioned in Friday’s update, we have progressed the development of a Greenlife Industry COVID-19 marketing campaign and established a Committee with the aim of supporting consumers with easy home garden activities and to facilitate a recovery launch into Spring 2020. This Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow.

Also as mentioned, to fund the plan, the GIA Board has approved seed funding of $25,000 which will get the consultant engaged and started. I am seeking expressions of interest from any Member or Key Stakeholder who would like to financially contribute to the campaign in a cooperative funding model.All contributions will be recognised and acknowledged equally, and contributors provided with regular campaign updates. If you would like more information on this initiative, please contact me (0400 739 802) alternatively, please email peter.vaughan@greenlifeindustry.com.au.

Regards
Peter Vaughan
CEO Greenlife Industry Australia.

More information?

As the COVID-19 situation is extremely dynamic and rapidly evolving, Members and key stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and any information updates via the industry’s national information hotline on 1300 905 643. Additional information and resources are also available at www.greenlifeindustry.com.au. Where immediate updates are required, an Alert will be issued.