Further help for small businesses in north Queensland

The North and Far North Tropical Low earlier this year saw record breaking flood conditions swamp a region that is no stranger to annual monsoons.

Forty council areas across north, far north and north-west Queensland were activated for support through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Many small businesses in the north are also tourist operators and the impact to their operations during this period was substantial.

Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities and are major contributors to local economies.

Across north Queensland they provide essential services communities rely on, especially during a disaster.

Initial help was available through DRFA recovery grants to small business operators that suffered direct damage and loss of power over a specified period of time.

This support has been strengthened with the extension of assistance to operators not eligible for grants previously.

The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant will provide up to $15,000 to eligible small businesses that experienced significant trading disruptions due to this severe weather event.

These grants are part of the $430 million DRFA funded recovery packages for north Queensland announced by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The grant is targeted at small businesses that either ceased trading or suffered a revenue loss of 60 per cent or more for at least two consecutive weeks as a direct result of the disaster.

The additional financial assistance is designed to help local small business and tourist operators get back on their feet.

This grant recognises the real and ongoing challenges these businesses face and helps them cover essential costs like wages, rent and stock so they can focus on reopening, retaining staff, and rebuilding stronger than before.

Eligible businesses must be located in one of eight declared disaster-affected Local Government Areas, including Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Yarrabah.

The program has been allocated $15 million and will remain open until all funds are exhausted.

Grants will be assessed on a competitive basis, with applicants needing to demonstrate the financial impact of the disaster, their intent to continue operating, and how the funds will contribute to business and community recovery.

Businesses can apply online via the Business Queensland website clicking here.

For more information or assistance with the application process, they can call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email disastergrants@desbt.qld.gov.au.