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The government is providing $15,000 disaster relief grants to small businesses in North Queensland.
Queensland’s Crisafulli government has announced $15 million in additional financial support for small businesses in North Queensland impacted by severe weather earlier this year.
Between 29 January and 28 February 2025, North and Far North Queensland were battered by a tropical low weather event, which resulted in record-breaking flood conditions across the area.
While the federal and Queensland governments have already provided disaster recovery funding for flood-affected communities, the governments have now set aside another $15 million to provide grants of up to $15,000 to impacted small-business owners.
The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant will provide financial assistance to eligible small businesses that experienced “significant trading disruptions” due to the severe weather event between 29 January and 28 February 2025.
Eligible businesses must be located in one of eight declared disaster-affected local government areas: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Yarrabah.
They must have fewer than 20 employees (at both the time of the disaster and the time of application) and have an annual turnover of less than $10 million, among other conditions.
The grants are being provided for “extraordinary costs” related to re-establishing business operations and sustaining employment and could include paying wages or salaries, covering rents, replacing lost or spoiled stock, or marketing expenses to regain lost business.
Grants will be assessed on a competitive basis, with applicants needing to demonstrate the financial impact of the disaster, their intent to continue operating, and how the funds will contribute to business and community recovery.
The program will remain open until all funds are exhausted.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese government continued to work with the Crisafulli government to help communities in North and Far North Queensland recover from this year’s record-breaking 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,” 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.”
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the grants were targeted at small businesses that either ceased trading or suffered a revenue loss of 60 per cent or more 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,” 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.”
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the additional round of support was crucial to supporting North Queensland’s small businesses.
“This government is here for the long haul, and we’ll continue to work in the knowledge that our job is not done until affected businesses get back to full operation,” Leahy said.
“We understand the impact and are here to provide the necessary support.”
Queensland has been badly affected by national disasters in 2025, with devastating flooding in parts of the north and west of the state and Tropical Cyclone Alfred causing severe damage in Queensland’s South-East.
In response to flooding, lenders offered emergency assistance to customers and businesses.
Banks and industry bodies also launched fresh support efforts in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred after flash flooding risks and mass power outages.
The broking industry also offered support, with aggregator Loan Market Group (LMG) raising funds for those affected at its second annual Growth conference.
[Related: Banks and industry bodies step up support in wake of cyclone]
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