$200k medium business flood grant opens in NSW while Qld begins support roll-out

The grant is targeted to help employers get their operations back up and running, and support staff to return to work.

The $200,000 is being offered for Northern Rivers medium-sized businesses in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas, where 90 per cent of the state’s flood-impacted commercial properties are located.

The grants can be used to pay for cleaning up business premises, disposing of spoiled goods, building repairs, leasing of temporary premises, and purchasing and hiring equipment.

There are currently more than 230 assessors working seven days a week to assess applications and ensure all eligible businesses can receive support as soon as possible.

Medium-sized businesses that employed between 21 and 199 staff, as at 22 February 2022, can apply for up to $200,000 through the Northern Rivers Medium Size Business Grant program.

Meanwhile, disaster assistance is now also available for 12 local government areas currently experiencing the latest rainfall and flooding event in Southern Queensland.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Personal hardship disaster assistance has been activated to help flood-affected residents in the Lockyer Valley and Southern Downs to cover the costs of immediate essential needs, such as food, temporary accommodation, clothing and medication.  

In addition, the Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Gympie, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, North Burnett, South Burnett, Southern Downs and Toowoomba LGAs have been activated for counter disaster operations assistance to cover the costs of the immediate clean-up efforts.

These grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are available to those eligible who are still experiencing financial hardship because of the unfolding severe weather.

For information on Personal Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au