North Queensland small businesses affected by the North and Far North flooding can now apply for new recovery grants of up to $10,000.
Federal Minister Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the grants were being jointly funded under the Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“Small businesses drive local economise and these floods have really hurt so many Queensland small businesses,” Minister Littleproud said.”
These grants will be available in 14 local government areas to provide further support to small business owners.
“We need to help flood-affected small businesses survive and prosper.”
The grants are available to eligible businesses in Cloncurry Shire, Flinders Shire, McKinlay Shire, Richmond Shire, Townsville City, Burdekin Shire, Burke Shire, Carpentaria Shire, Charters Towers Shire, Croydon Shire, Douglas Shire, Etheridge Shire, Hinchinbrook Shire and Winton Shire Council areas.
Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said the impact of the monsoon disaster had severely affected the region.
“Local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and getting them back up and running is key to guaranteeing our long-term economic recovery,” Minister Fentiman said.
“These grants ensure that affected business owners are financially supported through their recovery and can undertake repairs to buildings, plant and equipment.
“The grants will also support small business owners to take steps so they are better prepared and more resilient to future disasters.”
Resilience funding is open to businesses across the 14 local government areas, including those who have already received Special Disaster Recovery Grants or Loans and those that were not originally eligible for these funds.
Repairs funding is available across all local government areas subject to specific eligibility criteria.
The Small Business Recovery Centre at 143 Walker Street in Townville continues to offer face-to-face support and a place for business owners to meet Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority staff, mentors or other stakeholders.
Visit www.business.qld.gov.au/recovery to read the guidelines and submit an application for resilience or repair funding under the Small Business Disaster Recovery Grants.
