Additional $15,000 Recovery Grants Now Available For Flood-Affected Businesses

Small businesses across North Queensland affected by earlier severe weather events are being offered another vital helping hand, with an additional $15 million in disaster recovery grants now available through a joint initiative by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant will provide up to $15,000 in funding for eligible businesses in the Hinchinbrook Shire that experienced significant disruption between the 29th of January and the 28th of February 2025 due to the North Queensland tropical low and associated flooding.

The program, activated under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), is designed to help businesses cover essential operating costs such as wages, rent, stock and salaries - supporting them to bounce back and continue serving their communities.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the grant responds to the real needs of local operators following the damaging floods.

“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,” Minister McBain 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.”

Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the funding targets businesses that either ceased operations or suffered a 60 per cent or more loss in revenue for at least two consecutive weeks as a direct result of the disaster.

“Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities - when disaster strikes, they face not only physical damage but also massive financial uncertainty,” Minister Minnikin said.

“This grant recognises the real and ongoing challenges these businesses face and helps them cover essential costs like wages, rent and stock so they can focus on reopening, retaining staff, and rebuilding stronger than before.”

To be eligible, businesses must operate within one of the eight declared disaster-affected Local Government Areas: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Yarrabah.

Applications will be assessed competitively, with businesses needing to demonstrate how the disaster affected their operations, their plans to continue trading, and how the grant will contribute to business and community recovery. The program will remain open until all funds are allocated.

Businesses can apply online through the Business Queensland website at www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/financial/grants/recovery-tropical-low. For help with the application, contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email disastergrants@desbt.qld.gov.au.

For more information, visit www.disasterassist.gov.au, www.qra.qld.gov.au, or www.business.qld.gov.au.

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