Toowoomba brewery one of hundreds shouting for help

A Toowoomba brewery is one of hundreds shouting for help, as government grants become available. However a local chef says there’s more that needs to be done. Details here.

Primary producers, small business owners and sporting clubs will now benefit from state and federal funding.

The Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants, as well as low interest loans, are available for residents, with up to $75,000 for primary producers, $50,000 for small businesses and $20,000 for sporting clubs up for grabs.

“For many of these people, this is not the first time they have been absolutely devastated by a significant weather event,” Small Business Minister Di Farmer said.

“It’s not a competitive process. If you apply and you’re eligible, you will get this money.”

Executive chef of 4 Brothers Brewing Mark Aboud said Toowoomba businesses were in dire need of foot traffic and support.

TOOWOOMBA FLOODS: Flaming Knights owner and 4 Brothers Brewing executive chef Mark Aboud talks to Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer as she tours Toowoomba businesses impacted by floods, Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Everything that has happened over the past two years, from Covid, mandates, floods, our city and surrounding suburbs have taken the biggest shock within the last century,” he said.

“January and the floods knocked us for 10.

“If we weren’t affected by water damage … we lost our traffic.

“We lost money there. We only did a quarter of our regular sales and what we predicted until the water came.”

Mr Aboud encouraged residents to visit CBD venues including George Banks, The Tatts Hotel, Jillys Cafe and more.

“I’ve never seen our CBD so quiet. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.

“I love this city, the people are fantastic, the surrounding suburbs are amazing, and we just need everyone else to show us that support.

“We are lucky we haven’t lost our businesses and we can stay open, but we’re struggling to do that.”

Mr Aboud said Covid and the following vaccine mandates had a severe impact on foot traffic into the brewery, before the intense weather had occurred.

“It is a serious situation that needs to be addressed,” he said.

“I think the mandate should not be in effect.

“It is the people’s choice if they want to get vaccinated.

“I got vaccinated only for the pure fact that I started a business and I didn't want to lose everything I put into that, so it went against my own morals.”

Mr Aboud said the disappearance of regular customers, the loss of income and the loss of the usual interactions played on the minds of CBD operators.

“We had so many regular customers coming through … always going out for a good time … and now they can’t do it anymore.

“It plays on our mental state.”

Originally published as Toowoomba brewery one of hundreds shouting for help