$50,000 small business disaster grants extended as Queensland begins long flood recovery effort

Disaster assistance grants of up to $50,000 have been extended to small businesses across south-east Queensland, as communities across the state begin the long recovery from recent flooding and extreme storms.

Premier Steven Miles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday announced more small businesses and non-profits will become eligible for disaster assistance grants through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, jointly funded by the state and Commonwealth governments.

Small businesses hammered by extreme rainfall in the Gold Coast, Logan, and Scenic Rim regions can now apply for grant assistance through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

The grants are intended to help small businesses directly affected by the extreme weather conditions to remove debris, clean their premises, replace and repair damaged infrastructure, replenish stock, and manage other costs associated with their recovery.

Previously, those grants were reserved for businesses in Cairns, Port Douglas, and other council regions in far-north Queensland severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December.

“The resilience shown by impacted communities has been remarkable, but we know targeted disaster assistance is required to keep recovery moving at speed,” Miles said in a statement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government is committed to supporting Queensland communities ravaged by the storm and associated flooding.

“We know it’s been a terrible start to the year for many Queenslanders, but we will continue to work with the Miles Government to make sure the South East rebounds stronger than before,” he said.

Small businesses can access more information on the QRIDA website, or call 1800 623 946.

The grant program extension complements a disaster loan scheme, offering up to $250,000 to small business owners across the state affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the extraordinary rainfall across Christmas and New Year’s.

Separately, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) has waived the $371 mediation fee for far-north Queensland small businesses engaged in rental disputes in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, and south-east Queensland businesses facing hardship after the extreme rainfall event.

“We know from past natural disasters that small business tenants and their landlords may need support in resolving disputes that have arisen from the disaster event, such as disagreements about repairs of the leased premises,” a QSBC spokesperson told SmartCompany on Tuesday.

“Waiving mediation fees will help resolve these disputes and we hope this action will relieve some of the financial burden for impacted businesses at this challenging time.”

Small businesses interested in mediation services can reach the QSBC online, or by phone at 1300 312 344.

QSBC representatives will also be present at disaster recovery hub pop-up events in Woree, Yorkeys Knob, and Cairns this week.