Cairns floods: Small businesses in Far North Qld thrown a lifeline after Cyclone Jasper disaster

Small businesses in Far North Queensland impacted by the flooding that followed Cyclone Jasper have been thrown a lifeline.

The Queensland Government has approved $2.87 million worth of recovery grants to small businesses in the 12 months since Cyclone Jasper and the resulting flood struck Far North Queensland. Owner of Awesome Anglers Jack Eldred is one of 150 small businesses to benefit from the government grant, getting his social services business back on track after losing equipment after the flood. Picture: Brendan Radke

Small businesses in Far North Queensland impacted by the flooding that followed Cyclone Jasper have been thrown a lifeline with the rollout of nearly $3 million in recovery grants.

A year on from the disaster, many small businesses are still “limping along” after flooding destroyed properties, disrupted trade and scared off visitors during peak holiday trading time.

Awesome Anglers founder Jack Eldred had his entire Yorkeys Knob business destroyed.

“We lost everything for the business,” Mr Eldred said.

“We had just over 1m of water come through and pretty much take it all, anything that wasn’t taken was pretty much damaged beyond use or repair.

“We basically had to start back at square one.”

Awesome Anglers provides those living with a disability or mental illness a chance to connect, build friendships and feel included through fishing and outdoor activities.

The Queensland Government has approved $2.87 million worth of recovery grants to small businesses in the 12 months since Cyclone Jasper and the resulting flood struck Far North Queensland. Owner of Awesome Anglers Jack Eldred is one of 150 small businesses to benefit from the government grant, getting his social services business back on track after losing equipment after the flood. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Eldred did everything in his power to get his business back up and running but severe flooding had destroyed rods, lures, chairs and vital equipment that was simply too costly to replace.

It was only through an outpouring of community support Mr Eldred said he was able to get back to work.

“As the saying goes, we begged and borrowed but we didn’t steal anything,” Mr Eldred said.

“It was through community spirit we were able to get Awesome Anglers up and running again.

“We were able to get tackle boxes together, get rods and reels together and continue our service… It all just started being donated.”

Overwhelming community support is a common story across affected businesses in the northern beaches, but when people are struggling everywhere support can only go so far.

The Queensland Government has approved $2.87 million worth of recovery grants to small businesses in the 12 months since Cyclone Jasper and the resulting flood struck Far North Queensland. Owner of Awesome Anglers Jack Eldred has managed to get his social services business back on track thanks to the contribution of Member for Barron River Bree James and Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin. Picture: Brendan Radke

On Thursday the Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin confirmed $2.87m in assistance grants had been approved for more than 150 small businesses in the Cairns region with Awesome Anglers being one of the recipients.

The Small Business Exceptional Assistance Grants provided funding up to $20,000 for businesses impacted by Cyclone Jasper and flooding during the Christmas-New Year trading period.

Mr Eldred said the grant gave him the freedom to make bold decisions and start to get back on his feet.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on having really good quality fishing gear… It’s the difference between you catching a quality fish and you missing a quality fish,” Mr Eldred said.

“We’ve sort of been limping along on the gear that we’ve had.

“But the small business grant that we received it’s allowed us to supercharge our service again.”

Originally published as Cairns floods: Small businesses in Far North Qld thrown a lifeline after Cyclone Jasper disaster