With things regularly changing we will update this blog with the latest information regarding Qld flood support for businesses and individuals as information becomes available  [so please save the link for future reference]

Update 7 March 2022 

Business Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – SEQ Rainfall & Flooding 

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority [QRIDA] has announced Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are available to assist directly impacted small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement. 

What flood support for businesses is available 

Qld flood support grants of up to $50,000 are available for affected small businesses following the South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock and other costs associated with the recovery process. Businesses should take photographs of the direct damage to accompany their application. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for an exceptional circumstances grant, you must: 

  • be a small business owner 
  • hold an Australian Business Number [ABN] and have held that ABN at the time of the eligible disaster 
  • own a small business located in the defined disaster area for the eligible disaster that has suffered direct damage as a result of the eligible disaster 
  • have been engaged in carrying on the small business when affected by the eligible disaster 
  • be primarily responsible for meeting the costs claimed in the application and 
  • intend to re-establish the small business in the defined disaster area for the eligible disaster. 

An applicant may also be eligible for an exceptional circumstances grant if both of the following apply: 

  • the small business is located outside the defined disaster area for the eligible disaster but is operated at least sometimes on a regular basis in the area; and 
  • plant or equipment of the small business situated in the defined disaster area has been damaged as a result of the eligible disaster 

For full details and to make an application visit: QRIDA Disaster Recovery Grants 

3 March 2022

The events of the last week have seen much of South East Queensland and beyond declared a disaster zone.

Thankfully all levels of government have responded with a range of individual and business flood support assistance designed to help people meet the challenges of the initial impact and start the process of rebuilding their homes and businesses.

Federal Government Programs

Disaster Recovery Payment*

Eligible residents who have suffered a significant loss can claim the one-off, non-means tested payment of:

  • $1000 per eligible adult
  • $400 per eligible child

Disaster Recovery Allowance [DRA]

The DRA assists employees, small business owners and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. You might be eligible for a maximum of 13 weeks’ payment from the date you have [or will have] a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster. The DRA is taxable.

The DRA is currently available in severely impacted areas including Gympie and North Burnett with further flood-affected local government areas expected to be added as the damage becomes clearer.

For further details contact Services Australia on their natural disaster page or by calling 180 22 66 for those unable to claim online.

*There may be some overlap between federal and state disaster payments and impacted residents may be eligible for one or the other – see full eligibility criteria.

 

Queensland Government Support

Personal hardship financial assistance is now available for those in Queensland communities affected by recent rainfall and flooding. See the full list of impacted areas here:  Activation Areas

Financial Assistance

Eligible people can apply for the following commonwealth/state jointly funded assistance grants:

** Eligibility criteria applies

How to apply

If applying online, enter your driver’s licence and Medicare card details exactly as they appear on your cards i.e. use your full name and all numbers.

Full details can be found at Qld Government Disaster Support

 

Local Government Initiatives

There have been a range of relief measures announced by local councils, including:

Check with your local council to see what specific relief measures are available.

 

Other support

Resources for families after a disaster

Mental Health + Wellbeing

 

Banking + Financial Support

Various banks are providing help for customers affected by natural disaster:  ABA

National Debt Helpline offers free and confidential financial counselling and resources

Australian Taxation Office Natural disaster support

 

Stand downs + adjusting employee hours

We’re finding many clients are asking questions related to standing down or adjusting employee workdays or hours, so we’ve prepared a blog to help you meet fair work requirements which you can view here.

 

Important – if you have an immediate need or emergency situation – for example, if someone is seriously injured or in need of medical help, the government’s advice is to call Triple zero [000].