Grants up to $500,000 to support sole traders, small and medium size tourism and events businesses to develop and enhance tourism and events infrastructure accessibility.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
- An overview of the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant
- Every detail you need to know
- Resources and help to get the grant
What is the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant?
The 2023 Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland is an opportunity to recognise the importance of accessible experiences for all, ignite change and create opportunities for Queensland tourism operators. This will enable everyone to participate in a tourism experience with choice and confidence and lays the foundations for making Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games the world’s most accessible and inclusive sporting event for athletes and spectators.
Targeted initiatives under the $10 million Accessible Tourism Queensland Fund, will help the Queensland tourism industry better cater to visitors of all abilities and provide greater destination experiences for all holidaymakers in Queensland. Projects must demonstrate their alignment to Queensland’s Disability Plan and Towards Tourism 2032.
The Accessible Tourism Queensland Fund (Fund) will comprise of three grant schemes, including the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure grant scheme.
The Accessible Tourism Infrastructure grant scheme will provide funding support for sole traders, small and medium size tourism and events businesses to improve tourism and events infrastructure and accessibility.
ATIG level of support
Grants
- funding of between $25,000 and $500,000 (GST exclusive)
Conditions of funding are:
- funding will be offered over one round
- 3:1 Matched funding: Applicants contribute at least 75 % cash cocontribution to the total project cost, i.e., for a project valued at $200,000 the maximum grant funding available would be $50,
- projects can be of a much greater value however all additional costs will need to be covered by the applicant.
ATIG important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
ATIG important details that you will need to know
ATIG objectives and outcomes
The key objectives of the Fund are to support projects that will deliver on the following:
- an increase in the number of tourism and events businesses that are delivering exceptional and accessible customer experiences
- have a positive impact for the community through improved accessibility to visitors
- the tourism and events industry is provided opportunities and supported to make improvements to accessibility for visitors and workers with disability.
The specific objectives of the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure grant scheme are:
- development and/or enhancement of existing tourism infrastructure/products to develop more accessible visitor experiences and/or enhance accessibility for tourism workers; and/or
- increase the capability of Queensland tourism and events businesses to support accessible visitor experiences.
Organisations eligible for ATIG support
The following organisations can apply for funding:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN), an Australian Company Number (ACN) or exemption from these; and
- with an established operating base in Queensland; and
- currently operating in the tourism or events industry in Queensland (as per definition of tourism and events industry at Appendix 1)
- registered for GST or hold an exemption for GST.
Local, state and federal governments are ineligible to apply for funding.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible organisations.
Projects and activities eligible for ATIG support
Projects may be supported that meet the aims and objectives of the Fund. The types of projects that may be considered under the Fund include (but are not limited to):
- accessibility modification of transport, touring vehicles, vessels or existing infrastructure
- adaptive and assistive technology that can maximise the visitor experience:
- augmented reality, virtual reality or extended reality to improve accessibility
- support technology infrastructure that services different accessibility needs
- sensory friendly environments and space
- keyless entry
- sensor/voice/movement-controlled technology
- stair lifts.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible projects and activities.
Expenditure eligible for ATIG support
Eligible project costs are those costs directly associated with the delivery of the project. Only new projects are eligible for funding and the project must not have commenced prior to funding being approved for the project.
- improvements to websites, signage, traditional and digital marketing materials to be more accessible
- infrastructure upgrades to enhance accessibility of the tourism service or experience for visitors or workers
- upgrades to enhance existing buildings (e.g., accommodation, common use areas) to meet accessibility requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises-Buildings) Standards, where those upgrades are not an existing mandatory legislative or planning requirement for the existing infrastructure
- new equipment and/or technology to enhance accessibility
- value-adding to existing experiences with additional activities, e.g., interpretative or interactive tourism signage
- improvements that enhance disability access, e.g., accessible features
- labour, materials and equipment hire directly related to the project
- training specifically related to the funded project’s implementation
- professional or specialist consultancy service.
Grant funding cannot be used for:
- activities or expenditure incurred prior to the approval of the grant
- costs that are not directly linked to the delivery of the project
- feasibility studies, business cases or similar activities
- business marketing and promotional activities for a business, such as search engine optimisation, website set-up, traditional and digital marketing and advertisements, subscriptions or contract fees to third party marketing distributors
- wages and salaries for applicant’s existing employees or consultants who will not be directly delivering the product/deliver service
- general business administration or operating costs
- purchase of an asset or works to an asset that will not be controlled by an eligible applicant
- real estate/property purchase, hire, lease, or rental fees
- costs that are covered or are reimbursable under other funding sources and grants (including
- the Job Access Employment Assistance Fund)
- costs of works that are considered maintenance of existing equipment or infrastructure
- Goods, services or fees from related parties (includes companies with common shareholdings or directors, employees or immediate family)
- costs to meet any existing, mandatory legislative accessibility requirements for new
- construction or existing infrastructure under the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises-Buildings) Standards
- venue/facilities hire
- costs of activities or projects that do not align to the intent of the Fund.
- ongoing costs beyond the end of the funding period
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible expenditure.
Information to prepare for the ATIG application
To apply for this funding, applicants must:
- complete the online application form via the Smartygrants portal
- provide all necessary supporting information/evidence
- address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria
- detail how the project will develop and/or enhance accessibility for visitors and tourism workers of all abilities
- provide evidence that the project has been co-designed and/or informed by people with disability (letter from relevant group or peak body or reference to relevant policy or accreditation)
- detail how the project meets any applicable legislative or compliance requirements (if applicable)
- provide a detailed project plan which includes:
- project’s objectives
- location/s of eligible activities
- implementation methodology
- timeframes for all project stages up to, and including, project completion
- project budget, cash flow forecast, procurement plans and evidence of project
- costings, e.g., quotes
- evidence of capacity and capability to deliver the project
- identify risks and include any risk mitigation plans
- evaluation plan, including measurable outcomes the project can report against
- provide organisational financials for the past two (2) years:
- where audited financial statements are available, copies of financial statements and auditors report
- where audited financial statements are not available, copies of Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet reports
- provide evidence of the organisations capacity to fund the minimum 75% cash co-contribution the applicant will make towards the total activity cost, plus any additional in-kind contributions
- provide evidence that the project is ready and able to commence within three months of approval and be fully completed by 30 June 2024, or at a later date (but no later than 31 December 2024).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the ATIG
Applications are submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.
ATIG assessment criteria
| Ref | Criteria | Weighting |
| 1 | Objectives and economic value a) develop more accessible tourism experiences/businesses: – demonstrates the improvements and or enhancements in accessibility of tourism product and service delivery – demonstrates how the project will improve the visitor experience through support by the approved project; and/or improvements to accessibility for visitors and tourism workers with disability – detail how the project aligns to Queensland’s Disability Plan and Towards Tourism 2032 b) be technically, commercially and practically feasible and viable (in line with value of the project): – has sound project risk assessment and mitigation strategies – forecast capital and operating costs and expected project revenues c) deliver a measurable, value-for-money outcome to the State: – create new jobs through product and experience development and operational phases – deliver regional economic, community impact and sustainability benefits – details of how the project will be stored, maintained and staff training required to operate any funded equipment and/or modification beyond the project end date and until the end of its useful life. | 50% |
| 2 | Project readiness and completion a) evidence that suppliers have the capacity to deliver the project within the required timeframes b) evidence that supports project delivery such as: – detailed project plan, Gantt chart and/or schedule showing timeframes up to and including project completion – has sound project risk assessment and mitigation strategies c) consideration of environmental impacts, including approvals where applicable to the project – compliance with cultural heritage duty of care, where applicable, including support of Traditional Owners and any native title agreement with relevant stakeholders as required d) for built activities: – evidence of land tenure: organisation is the owner of the site; or has a head lease/right to occupy the site and has permission to undertake the works (if applicable) – extensive plans, sections and elevations of each element of the proposal in the context of a functional layout of the overall facility (where required) – quantity surveyor quote/s (where required) – development approval (where required) or evidence it can be quickly obtained (within 3 months of project approval) – risk assessment to demonstrate a development will not impact on any neighbouring properties or businesses – demonstrated to meet any legislated accessibility requirements, compliance and all other relevant approvals. | 30% |
| 3 | Value for money and return on investment – evidence of the applicant’s ability to contribute the required 75% cash contribution to the total project cost (through bank statements or accountant’s letter), including evidence confirming any financial or in-kind contributions from third parties – evidence of the proponent’s profitability through organisational financials – describe how you will manage any risks associated with the project, including any risk and mitigation plans – include details of how the project will be maintained for its useable life after the funded project is complete, for example, demonstrate any new equipment can be safely stored; ongoing maintenance, repairs or updating are conducted; ongoing staff training is provided to operate any funded equipment and/or modifications. – letter/s of Support from key industry stakeholders, for example, from organisations/representatives of the disability sector. – include details of any accessible/ inclusive tourism accreditation or industry assessment frameworks – evidence of completion of an accessibility self-assessment (Accessible tourism toolkit) and any other evidence that the project will improve accessibility of the tourism or events business. | 20% |
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
ATIG resources
How do I get the ATIG?
Applicants should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Applicants will also need to address Assessment Criteria and complete submission of your application through the online portal.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- the benefits to be generated by the project and the viability of maintaining these beyond the funding period
- a robust project plan with well-defined timelines and logical sequencing of activity that identifies and manages risk and the necessary resources/approvals to succeed
- a sound project budget that justifies funding and demonstrates the commitment of all partners
- the necessary capacity, capability and experience to deliver the project in full within the agreed timeframe
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