Queensland natural disaster assistance

Small business disaster relief

Loans, grants and allowances

South East Queensland severe storms (24 December 2023 – 3 January 2024)

Small businesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access:

• extraordinary disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000
• disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000
• disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans of up to $100,000
• exceptional assistance of up to $20,000.

You and your employees may be eligible for a disaster recovery allowance if your income has been affected by the disaster.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper (13 – 28 December 2023)

Small businesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access:

• extraordinary disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000
• disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000
• disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans of up to $100,000
• exceptional assistance of up to $20,000.

You and your employees may be eligible for a disaster recovery allowance if your income has been affected by the disaster.

Find information about support for tourism operators.

Southern Queensland bushfires (8 September – 7 November 2023)

Small businesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access:

• disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000
• disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans of up to $100,000.

Northern and Central Queensland monsoon and flooding (20 December 2022 – 30 April 2023)

Small businesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access:

• disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000
• disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans of up to $100,000.

Other financial assistance

• Find a list of current disaster assistance on the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website or phone 1800 623 946.
• Access free small business financial counselling support if you're experiencing or are at risk of financial hardship.
• Check if your business is eligible for state land rent and hardship assistance.
• Learn how we can help with your tax and royalty obligations after a natural disaster.
• Find natural disaster support from the Australian Taxation Office.

General disaster support

• Visit the small business disaster hub for resources and use our handy app to help you prepare and protect your business for disasters and emergencies.
• Learn about disaster support and assistance for tourism businesses.
• Recognise scams and dodgy traders relating to natural disasters.

Employer assistance

• Find advice on pay and leave entitlements for you and your employees during natural disasters and emergencies from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
• Contact the Employer Assistance Line (1300 731 988) operated by Business Chamber Queensland for advice on managing staff during difficult times.

Help with rebuilding

• Find out what your business should do after a natural disaster including advice on insurance and cleaning up.
• Read how to rebuild your business after a natural disaster including re-establishing premises, assessing finances and managing staff.
• Search the South East Queensland rainfall and flooding register to find a licensed contractor working in your local area who can help with clean-up or repairs.

Primary producer disaster relief

Current financial support for primary producers

You may be eligible for recovery assistance (grants, loans and freight subsidies) if you have been affected by a natural disaster, including:

• Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily (commencing 25 January 2024)
• South East Queensland severe storms (24 December 2023 – 3 January 2024)
• Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper (13–8 December 2023)
• Southern Queensland fires (8 September 2023 – 7 November 2023)
• Northern and Central Queensland monsoon and flooding (20 December 2022 – 30 April 2023).

Find drought and natural disaster advice for agribusiness.

Contact a rural financial counsellor who can help you work through your business's financial challenges.

Industry recovery and resilience officers program

Queensland primary producers in eligible local government areas have access to specialised long-term disaster recovery support through industry recovery and resilience officers.

Mental health and wellbeing support

• Find mental health and wellbeing resources for businesses.
• Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for phone and online counselling and support.
• Contact a small business wellness coach for help with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities.
• Learn about personal and mental health support during and after a disaster.

Also consider...

• Learn about disaster recovery support and emergency hardship assistance for individuals and families affected by disasters, or phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
• Search the Australian Government's GrantConnect or Grants and programs finder tool for grants and assistance.