Assistance grants available for small businesses affected by ex-TC Jasper

Far North Queensland small businesses impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper can apply for extraordinary disaster assistance grants of up to $50,000 from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

Eligible operators can use the grants to cover costs associated with clean-up, restoration and recovery activities to help return their businesses to full operations sooner.

Grants are available to affected small businesses in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah council areas.

The grants program is part of a $64 million exceptional circumstances disaster assistance package provided through joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

These disaster assistance grants are in addition to loans up to $250,000 for small business owners to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity. 

Small businesses wanting more information, or to apply for a grant or loan, should call the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

Further assistance has been provided by Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner, who has waived all fees payable for mediation through the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner for small business tenants and their landlords impacted by ex-TC Jasper.

Mediation fees for eligible parties will be waived from 13 December 2023 until 13 June 2024 to help resolve leasing disputes quickly and affordably.

The waiver is available for parties to a retail shop lease or small business lease located in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal, and Yarrabah council areas.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will continue monitoring local recovery efforts and stands ready to activate further DRFA support where required.