South Burnett businesses and not-for-profits that have been affected by recent rainfall and flood are eligible for recovery loans.
Disaster Assistance and Essential Working Capital loans are to assist with repair and recovery of essential equipment, and loss of income.
These loans will also help businesses and not-for-profits recover from sustained heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
They will be provided by the Australian and Queensland Government, and funded through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Disaster Assistance loans allow eligible small businesses up to $250,000 and up to $100,000 for not-for-profits.
This loan helps cover costs relating to repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment, repairing or replacing buildings and resupplying stock needed for immediate trading.
The Essential Working Capital loan allows small businesses and not-for-profits up to $100,000 to help carry on business operations, including paying wages, creditors, rent or rates.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the support was vital for the region’s full recovery.
“South Burnett businesses and not-for-profits have felt the full impacts of this wild weather,” Minister McAllister said.
“Small businesses are central to the economy of local communities, and not-for-profits provide invaluable services, particularly to those vulnerable.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said recent storms and flash flooding on the South Burnett community have been devastating.
“Initial assessments indicate many businesses in Kingaroy have been badly affected by severe storms this summer,” Ms Leahy said.
Funding is available to the councils of Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, Somerset, and South Burnett.
Applications opened from Wednesday, 29 January, to apply contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via qrida.qld.gov.au
