Bushfire recovery loans available for Western Downs small businesses

Concessional loans up to $250,000 are now available to bushfire impacted small businesses in Queensland's Western Downs.

This financial aid is being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Disaster assistance loans up to $250,000 can be used by eligible small businesses to re-establish operations, covering the costs of repairing or replacing damaged plant, equipment or buildings, or resupplying stock for immediate trading.

Working capital loans up to $100,000 are also available to help businesses pay wages, creditors, rent or rates.

Announced today by Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles and federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt, the business loans provide another avenue of support for the Western Downs region.

Other financial assistance measures available include personal hardship payments, freight subsidies and loans for primary producers, and funds for uninsured homeowners to reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas and water.

Western Downs businesses and producers impacted by recent bushfires can go to the QRIDA website for information on disaster assistance, eligibility and how to apply, while other residents should visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

As Queensland's lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority will keep working with councils and the Commonwealth to assist communities in need.