The state and federal governments are providing emergency loans to businesses affected by the recent storm in southeast Queensland. This help is for businesses and non-profits in the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Logan areas to fix equipment and recover lost income.
Disaster Assistance Loans
Up to $250,000 for producers and small businesses and $100,000 for not-for-profits to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity.
Contact: QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au
Essential Working Capital Loans
Up to $100,000 for producers, small businesses and not-for-profits to allow for the continuation of operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water, or for the transportation of livestock and produce.
Contact: QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au
Freight subsidies
Up to $5,000 for primary producers to assist with the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials.
Contact: DAF on 13 25 23 or via www.daf.qld.gov.au
Small Business Minister Lance McCallum said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and this support will help them rebuild, recover and get back on track. Today we are also releasing a new Natural Disaster Business Survey to help quantify and detail the impacts of this severe weather event on small businesses.
“Insights from this survey will be invaluable to help prepare for future events and determine if additional support might be required, and I encourage as many affected small businesses as possible to complete it. The Queensland Small Business Commissioner is also waiving mediation fees for impacted small businesses – a saving of $371 for access to mediation and help to resolve any leasing disputes quickly and affordably.
“Recovery can be a long, hard road but I want our local small businesses to know that the Miles Government has their back.”
Support by Westpac
Westpac is providing support to those affected by offering a disaster relief package. This includes options like deferring home loan repayments for up to three months, allowing credit card repayments to be deferred for 90 days, and providing a temporary stop on interest for unsecured credit products. Small business customers meeting the criteria can apply for a $3,000 grant per customer group to help with urgent expenses and repairs. Additionally, term deposit customers can withdraw funds early without interest rate reduction, and business customers can defer repayments or request loan restructuring without incurring usual bank establishment fees. Those with merchant facilities may also receive assistance, such as monthly terminal access fee refunds for up to three months.
Flood grants eligibility criteria
Westpac is offering flood grants specifically for existing small business customers in South East Queensland and Far North Queensland who have faced substantial damage or loss of income-producing assets due to the floods. This grant is intended to assist with urgent expenses, cleanup, repair costs, and damage to items such as business premises, equipment, and loss of stock or livestock. Each customer group is eligible for one grant, and the funds must be deposited into a Westpac or St.George bank account. The application period for these grants is open until 17:00 AEST on January 19, 2024, or until the fund is depleted, with additional eligibility criteria in place.
To access financial assistance:
- Westpac consumer customers can apply online at https://www.westpac.com.au/disasterrelief
To access financial assistance:
- Westpac consumer customers can apply online at http://www.westpac.com.au/disasterrelief, or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497.
- St.George consumer customers can apply online at http://www.stgeorge.com.au/disasterrelief, or call St.George Assist on 1800 629 795. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call St.George Assist on 1800 629 795.
- Westpac’s Indigenous Call Centre Team is also available on 1800 230 144.
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