Due to the recent rainfall and floods in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, many Australian businesses are experiencing hardship. It can be hard to know what to do in situations like this even if you have a plan in place for emergencies.
We put this article together in order to share information regarding disaster relief payments for businesses. If your service station was impacted by the flood, please keep these resources in mind and utilize them so you can get your business back on its feet.
Flood Relief in South East Queensland
After the floods that occurred in South East Queensland from 22 February to 7 March, a number of grants and loans have been offered to local businesses by Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Support for Small Businesses
Under the Commonwealth-state DRFA (Disaster Recovery Flooding Arrangements) small businesses may be eligible for financial support through:
- Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants
- This grant can be used for cleanup, repairs, and replacing lost inventory. $15,000 is paid up front with $50,000 available.
- Disaster Assistance Loans (Essential Working Capital)
- Can be used to pay staff, creditors, rent, rates, and purchase essential goods for your service station – like fuel. $100,000 is available for up to 10 years.
- Disaster Assistance Loans
- Up to $250,000 is available for up to 10 years to assist primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations get back on their feet.
QLD Disaster Recovery Allowance
You and your employees may be eligible for a short-term payment under the Disaster Recovery Allowance if your service station lost income due to the flooding in South East Queensland. The rules include:
- You must have been at least 16 years old when the floods occurred
- You must be a resident of Australia or hold an eligible visa
- You must work or live in an affected Local Government Area
- You must have lost income as a result of the storm/floods
The final date for eligibility is 3 September 2022.
Australia Government Disaster Recovery Payment
If your Local Government Area has been declared a disaster, you may be eligible for a lump sum disaster recovery payment. Adults can get up to $1,000, and for every child younger than 16, you can receive $400. Final eligibility date is 3 September 2022.
Storm and Flood Assistance in New South Wales for Individuals and Businesses
If your service station is located in NSW, disaster recovery assistance is available if you were affected by the storms and floods. If your place of business has been damaged, you may be asked to provide photographs to prove the need for assistance.
Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant
If your service station in NSW was directly impacted by the storms and floods of February and March of 2022, you may be eligible for a small business grant geared towards storm and flood recovery. This grant is meant to cover the cost of cleanup, repairs, and the eventual reinstatement of your service station.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for NSW Floods
If your service station is located in a Local Government area that was impacted by the disaster, then you may be eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. Individuals can receive up to $1,000 per adult and $400 per child younger than 16 years old. Closing date is 3 September 2022.
Disaster Recovery Allowance for NSW Floods
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is a short term payment that can help your service station recover if your income was directly affected by the floods. You can receive this payment for up to 13 weeks, starting from the day you began losing income. How much you receive depends on your circumstances.
ServoPro Understands
Our hearts go out to every person and every business who was impacted by the storms and the floods of February and March. If you need further guidance on government assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ServoPro.