The Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Payment is a targeted initiative designed to assist eligible regional tourism operators who have experienced cancellations and business loss as a direct result of Cyclone Narelle.

The payment provides financial assistance to help offset the impacts of reduced revenue, cancelled bookings and disrupted operations, and to support businesses through current conditions. The payment is not intended to compensate for all losses incurred. It is intended to provide timely support to assist tourism operators stabilise their businesses, maintain operations, and position themselves to recover as visitor confidence returns.

By supporting tourism businesses during this period, the funding aims to strengthen regional resilience and ensure affected destinations are well placed to welcome visitors back as recovery efforts continue. Applications will remain open until 30 May 2026. Applications will be assessed and processed as received. It is expected that many applications will be received in a short period of time. All efforts will be made to undertake due diligence and assessment in a timely manner.

To be eligible for the Tourism Business Support Payment, tourism businesses must comply with all of the criteria A to F (set out below):

• A. Be a tourism business that operates within the Shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon, Upper Gascoyne or Ashburton; has experienced business loss as a result of Cyclone Narelle; and fits into at least one of the following categories: Accommodation; An eligible accommodation applicant must be a commercial tourism accommodation provider, defined as a business operating a hotel, motel, resort, serviced apartment (with on-site reception), or caravan park/tourist park, licensed or registered under the relevant Western Australian regulations. Tourism attraction or experience; Tour operators; or Transport (transfer / hire services)
• B. As at 1 March 2026, be Accredited through one of the following: Quality Tourism Accreditation / Sustainable Tourism Accreditation - Tourism Council of Western Australia; or ECO Tourism Certification - Ecotourism Australia
• C. The business premises are located in Western Australia within one of the Shires outlined under criteria point A, and is operating as either an owner/operator (sole trader) or a proprietary limited company with employed staff, located within eligible regions.
• D. Provide evidence of business downturn of 15% or more for the period 27 March - 10 April 2026.
• E. Have a valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN) prior to 1 March 2026.
• F. Have an annual turnover of more than $75,000, based on the 2024-25 financial year. Note: Applications may be considered from multiple businesses operating under one ABN, but business owners are required to demonstrate that all businesses are eligible under Tourism Business Support Payments Guidelines, are actively operating and are separate in nature.

• Email: tourismbusinesssupport@westernaustralia.com