Support for farmers and small business in SEQ hit by storms on Christmas night

The Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and Logan were smashed by severe storms on Christmas night, with major impacts across residential and commercial properties, and a huge cleanup ahead for communities.

As many people return to work after the Christmas break, the Queensland and Australian Governments are providing additional assistance to three of the region's vital economic sectors: primary producers, small business and not-for-profits.

Getting workers and employers reconnected to their community and operational is a big step to ensuring recovery across the south-east.

Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 and Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are now available for affected local businesses, farmers and community groups to assist with the repair and recovery of essential equipment, and for loss of income.

Freight subsidies up to $5,000 are also being made available to primary producers to alleviate the costs of moving stock and operating materials.

Additionally, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner will be waiving mediation fees for impacted small businesses, saving eligible businesses $371.

Assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

For info on the loans please visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946, and for freight subsidies head to www.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Support offered by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner can be found at https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/get-help/.

The Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349) also remains available around the clock for Queenslanders in need of personal assistance following a disaster.