March 9, 2022
A range of grants and loans are now available to support primary producers, businesses and not-for-profit associations affected by the recent floods.
The support, which covers the period from February 22 to March 7, is being made available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for eligible applicants in 19 Local Government Areas.
These include the South Burnett, North Burnett, Gympie, Somerset and Toowoomba council areas.
The DRFA assistance is in addition to assistance already available for personal hardship.
For Primary Producers:
- Recovery grants of up to $75,000 are available with $15,000 paid upfront with evidence of damage and an additional payment of up to $60,000 if needed, once proof of expenditure is provided. This grant can be used for various clean-up and reinstatement activities including salvaging crops and repairing damaged farm infrastructure and equipment. (NB. These grants are available in the 17 local government areas activated for DRFA Category B primary producer assistance, which includes the South Burnett, North Burnett, Gympie, Somerset and Toowoomba)
- Primary producers can also apply for Disaster Assistance Loans and Disaster Assistance Loans (Essential Working Capital) similar to those for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations (see below)
For Businesses and Not-For-Profit Organisations:
- Recovery grants of up to $50,000 are available with $15,000 paid upfront and the balance paid if needed, once proof of payment is provided. This grant can be used for clean-up activities, repairs including damage to equipment, flooring and walls, and to replace lost stock
- Disaster Assistance Loans are available which offer up to $250,000 for up to 10 years at a concessional rate. This loan can be used to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment or buildings, replace stock or meet carry on costs including rents or rates
- Disaster Assistance Loans (Essential Working Capital) offer up to $100,000 for up to 10 years at a concessional rate. This loan can be used to pay staff, creditors, rent or rates and purchase goods that are essential for your business such as fuel
For Sporting and Community Clubs and Associations:
- Sport and Recreation Recovery Grants offer up to $20,000 for eligible clubs and associations to clean up and repair or replace damaged or lost equipment.
For Councils:
- $1 million for each of the 19 affected Local Governments for relief, recovery and resilience activities in their communities.
Applications for these grants and loans are managed through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
- More information is available online or by phoning 1800-623-946.
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Although Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council is not among the 19 nominated Local Government Areas, Senator Bridget McKenzie has assured the Council it will not miss out on assistance.
In a media statement on Saturday, Senator McKenzie said DRFA assistance was also being extended to Cherbourg Council to help it with clean-up and repair efforts.
“Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council can rest assured that the costs associated with counter-disaster operations and the repair of their essential public assets, such as local roads, will be covered under the DRFA,” she said.
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Personal Hardship Financial Assistance
People directly affected by the recent floods can also apply for housing assistance, including homeowners and private renters.
- More information is available online
Other assistance may also be available for eligible applicants for essential household contents, structural assistance and reconnection of essential services.
- More information is available online
Related article: Flood Recovery Grants Available
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The State Government has also made grants of up to $5000 available to help eligible clubs with immediate flood clean-up costs including skip hire, cleaning supplies, electrical safety checks, PPE gear, and replacing damaged equipment.
Applications are open until the end of May through the Level One Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program.
- More information is available online
