Crisafulli Government announces support for flood-affected small businesses

Small businesses that are still feeling the impacts of the North Queensland floods, which devastated the region earlier in the year, can apply for financial support under a new government grant scheme worth $15 million. DETAILS

Sunday February 9. Heavy rain causes flooding in North Queensland. Flooding at Plantation Creek in Ayr cuts Bruce Highway to traffic apart from trucks. Picture: Evan Morgan

Small businesses still feeling the impacts of the North Queensland floods that devastated the region earlier in the year, can apply for financial support under a new government grant scheme worth $15 million.

The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant will allow eligible business who experienced “significant trading disruptions” due to flooding and wild weather between January 29 and February 28, to receive up to $15,000.

The grant is aimed at small businesses that either had to close or suffered a loss of revenue of 60 per cent or more for at least two consecutive weeks.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the federal and state governments were working together to help communities recover from the record-breaking flood event.

“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,” she 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.”

Eligible businesses must be in declared disaster-affected local government area’s including the Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.

The program will remain open until all funds are allocated, which will be given on a competitive basis.

For more information call 13 GOV (13 74 68).

Businesses can apply online via the Business Queensland website.

Originally published as Crisafulli Government announces support for flood-affected small businesses