Updates
Disaster assistance available for small businesses impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper
Small businesses impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the related flooding in Far North Queensland are being urged to apply for disaster assistance grants of up to $50,000 from the Australian and Queensland Governments.
The recovery grants may be used to help impacted small businesses cover costs associated with the clean-up, disposal of damaged goods and material essential repairs to premises and replacement of stock.
The grants program is part of the $64 million package announced by the Prime Minister and Premier in Cairns, jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For more information, or to apply for a grant, please call the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
The Small Business Commissioner has also exercised a statutory power to waive all the fees payable for mediation through the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) for small business tenants and their landlords impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, commencing 13 December 2023.
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, at the time of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Loans of up to $250,000 have also been activated this week for small business owners to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity. For more information, visit the Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website.
Further information:
DRFA Category B disaster assistance loans for small businesses are available in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook Shire, Douglas Shire, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah Council areas.
Disaster assistance concessional loans of up to $250,000 are available to small business operators to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant and equipment, or stock.
Disaster assistance essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 are available to small businesses that have suffered a significant loss of income for essential working capital required to continue business operations.
For more information, or to apply for a grant or loan, please call the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
Additional information on disaster assistance can be found at www.qra.qld.gov.au
Information in languages other than English
Information about natural disasters in Queensland and how to prepare for them is available in a range of languages. Translated fact sheets also include the types of financial assistance grants that may be available following a disaster. Access the resources.