Disaster Aid Boost for North Queensland Businesses
Additional financial support is now available for North Queensland small businesses impacted by severe weather earlier this year following the activation of new disaster recovery grants.
The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant will provide up to $15,000 to eligible small businesses that experienced significant trading disruptions due to the severe weather event between 29 January and 28 February 2025.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have jointly activated this support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government continues to work with the Crisafulli Government to help communities in North and Far North Queensland recover from this year’s record-breaking floods.
“Small businesses are the heart of North Queensland and provide the services communities love and rely on, which is why we’ve activated additional financial assistance to help them get back on their feet,” Minister McBain said.
“We’ve listened to local operators about the impact of this year’s floods, and this grant is about providing practical support to help them to rebuild with confidence.”
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said 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.
“Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities. When disaster strikes, they face not only physical damage but also massive financial uncertainty,” Minister Minnikin said.
“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.”
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said this additional round of support was crucial to getting North Queensland small businesses back on their feet.
“This government is here for the long haul, and we’ll continue to work in the knowledge that our job is not done until affected businesses get back to full operation,” Minister Leahy said.
“We understand the impact and are here to provide the necessary support.”
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 .
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102574