The Tasmanian Liberal Government is pleased to today launch the first part of its $1 million package to support businesses impacted by the West Coast Wilderness Railway temporary shutdown.
The Small Business Growth Strategy Grant Program – Special Release, West Coast Region, will support operators on the ground to invest in their businesses during the winter period.
Up to 70 one-off grants of $5,000 will be made available under this program to support projects that are aligned to the Small Business Growth Strategy 2026.
Projects may include workplace capability initiatives, research and feasibility studies, business growth planning or workplace mental health program development.
Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff, said the grant program was part of a broader package designed to support West Coast tourism operators due to the major, but necessary work to the Railway set to begin in June.
“This grant program will give operators in the region the opportunity to undertake business planning and capacity building initiatives in the traditionally quieter months of the year,” he said.
“The program will be complemented by a targeted travel voucher program designed to attract visitors to the West Coast and after consultation with industry, it has been decided that this will be targeted for travel into the spring period to encourage visitors back to the region once the railway has been reopened.
“The voucher scheme will launch later in the year. We are also in the process of rolling out free specialised advice services for West Coast businesses.
“We are also assisting Council and West by North West to plan for the future through a new heritage tourism masterplan project, ensuring the railway is developed as a visitor attraction for the longer term, is enhanced and linked to other ventures.”
Minister for Small Business, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the West Coast program was yet another example of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s commitment to strengthening Tasmanian businesses and the economy.
“Following the success of Round One of the Small Business Growth Strategy Grant Program, we worked with industry stakeholders to tailor make this special release funding,” she said.
“This program will provide support to hardworking West Coast businesses to plan for the future with the guidance of our strategic priorities set out in the Small Business Growth Strategy 2026.”
The grant program guidelines and more information can be found here: www.business.tas.gov.au
