Grants boost SEQ cyclone recovery

Disaster Recovery Grants totalling more than $80 million are the latest assistance measure to boost south-east Queensland’s recovery from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. 

Eligible small businesses, primary producers, not-for-profits, and rural landholders in 16 council areas can now access grants totalling more than $80 million.

Those council areas are Brisbane, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.

The grants package is aimed at allowing the south-east to rebound sooner and accelerate a full recovery from the cyclone. 

Eligible impacted small businesses, primary producers, and not-for-profits can access a grant of up to $25,000 to fund clean-up and vital recovery activities including debris removal, the replacement of damaged equipment, building repairs, safety inspections, restocking, and replanting.

Recovery grants up to $10,000 have been extended to rural landholders or lessees of at least 10 hectares who sustained direct damage but can’t access other primary producer assistance.

With recovery work already underway, the grants will further support businesses, protect jobs, and help families thus boosting confidence in affected communities.

Disaster Recovery Grants are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and are the next step in helping the region recover from Alfred’s effects.

Previously announced DRFA support includes low interest loans for farmers and small businesses, freight subsidies for primary producers, emergency payments for residents, and response and recovery funding for councils.

Grant applications can be made through QRIDA via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or 1800 623 946.