Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this extreme weather event, and we hope you, your families, and your businesses are safe and flood-free.
If your business has been affected by flooding, please read this list that we’ve put together of government assistance available to help.
Disaster Assistance Loans
Under the DRFA, affected businesses can access a Disaster Assistance Loan of up to $250,000 for a loan term of up to 10 years.
These loans are intended to assist small businesses to re-establish normal operations by covering costs such as:
- repairing or replacing damaged equipment
- repairing or replacing buildings
- meeting rent and rates requirements
Find out more information on the Disaster Assistance Loans here.
Essential Working Capital Loans
Businesses can also access loans of up to $100,000 for a loan term of up to 10 years to cover working capital expenses.
These expenses could include:
- paying salaries or wages
- paying creditors
- paying rent or rates
- buying good essential to running the business, such as fuel
Find out more about Essential Working Capital Loans here.
Freight subsidies for primary producers
Freight subsidy payments of up to $5,000 are available for eligible primary producers.
These grants may cover the costs of:
- moving emergency fodder for livestock
- moving building or fencing materials, or machinery and other equipment
- moving animals purchased to restock after a disaster
Primary producers may also be able to access farm management grants, replanting or restocking grants, and recovery and resilience grants.
Read more about freight subsidies here, and find out more about support for primary producers here.
Special Disaster Recovery Grants
Though not yet confirmed, Special Disaster Recovery Grants may also be available under the DRFA.
These would provide up to $25,000 for affected small businesses, and up to $50,000 for affected primary producers.
The grants are intended to cover the cost of:
- hiring or purchasing equipment or materials
- removing debris
- replacing fencing
- other costs of the clean-up and recovery process
They can also cover repairs to premises and internal fittings that may not be covered by insurance.
Find out more about the Special Disaster Recovery Grants here.