Disaster Assistance for Small Businesses in North Queensland Joint Release

Disaster assistance has been extended to small businesses in the local government areas of Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook in response to recent disasters.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said recent heavy rainfall and flooding had adversely affected small businesses in Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook.

“Small businesses in the affected region not only suffered physical damage, but they also experienced a downturn in trade,” Mr Taylor said.

“Flooding has led to ongoing road closures that have impacted tourism, which is a major industry in the region.”

“The assistance will give affected small businesses access to concessional interest rate loans to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are committed to supporting the small business sector following natural disasters.

“Today’s announcement will provide access to low interest rate loans for small businesses whose assets have been damaged or for those who have suffered a significant loss of income,” Mr Crawford said.

“The loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and I encourage affected small businesses to enquire about their eligibility for the loans.”

Information about the concessional interest rate loans can be found at qrida.qld.gov.au.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at disaster.qld.gov.au.

Media Contacts:

0412 393 909 (Minister Crawford)

0481 907 178 (Minister Taylor)