Queensland natural disaster assistance
A range of assistance measures are now available to Queensland businesses affected by recent extreme weather events impacting the state.
Disaster Assistance Loans
Up to $250,000 for affected producers and small businesses and $100,000 for not-for-profits to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity. A 10-year loan at a fixed rate of 1.79% currently and if needed, up to two years interest-only may be available. Click here for more information and to apply.
Essential Working Capital Loans
Up to $100,000 for producers, small businesses, and not-for-profits to allow for the continuation of operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water, or for the transportation of livestock and produce. A 10-year loan at a fixed rate of 1.79% currently and if needed, up to two years interest-only may be available. Click here for more information and to apply.
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants (Tropical North Queensland)
Grants of up to $75,000 are available for affected producers following Tropical Cyclone Jasper, associated rainfall and flooding, 13 - 28 December 2023, to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs associated with the recovery process. Click here for more information and to apply.
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants (South East Queensland)
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for impacted small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast local government areas. Primary producers in these areas can apply for grants of up to $75,000. These grants can be used to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and other costs associated with recovery. Click here for more information and to apply.
EY Flood Assistance Taskforce
QTIC Corporate Partner, Ernst & Young (EY) have stood up their Flood Assistance Taskforce to provide pro-bono grant application and insurance support for small and medium enterprises impacted by the flooding events in Tropical North Queensland. Operators seeking assistance are invited to contact EY Associate Partner, John Kimlin directly at john.kimlin@au.ey.com or on 07 3011 3236.
Tourism Recovery Assistance Grant
Tropical North Queensland Tourism operators with more than 20 staff that were hit hard by the effects of Tropical Cyclone Jasper are now able to apply for a share of $1.6 million through the Tourism Recovery Assistance Grant. Click here for more information and to apply.
Emergency Hardship Assistance grant
The Emergency Hardship Assistance grant helps people affected by a disaster. You can apply for $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to help purchase food, clothing and medical supplies or secure temporary accommodation. Click here for more information and to apply.
More assistance for small businesses
Specific support is available for eligible small businesses:
- Check if your business is eligible for state land rent and hardship assistance.
- Learn how the Queensland Government can help with tax and royalty obligations after a natural disaster.
- Find advice on pay and leave entitlements for you and your employees during natural disasters and emergencies from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- If you have an insurance dispute, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority for assistance.
- Businesses experiencing or at risk of experiencing financial hardship can access free financial counselling and support.
- Explore a suite of small business support services on the Queensland Government Business website.