North Queensland small businesses bounce back one year after disaster

• Financial disaster support has been delivered to 237 small businesses affected by last year’s Tropical Low weather event in North Queensland. 
• Impacted small businesses funded to assist with critical clean up and recovery efforts.
• Support is still available to impacted small business owners.  

One year on from the Tropical Low weather event that devastated parts of North Queensland, the region’s small and family businesses are bouncing back thanks to financial support delivered by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.  

These recovery supports were made possible through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

More than 230 small businesses in affected North Queensland Local Government Areas shared in more than $2.5 million worth of financial support from three small business disaster recovery grants. 

• 155 small businesses were approved for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants - North and Far North Tropical Low which closed on 14 February 2026. Grants of up to $50,000 were available to small businesses to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock and other costs associated with the recovery process. 
• 5 small businesses were approved for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – Ingham Uninsured Perishable Stock Losses Program which closed on 13 February 2026. Grants of up to $25,000 were available to help small business pay for the costs of restocking uninsured perishable goods lost during power outages of 5 consecutive days or more. 

Support is still available through: 

• 71 small businesses have been approved to date for the Small Business Recovery Assistance Grants, closing 14 May 2026. This grant offers eligible small businesses that experienced significant trading disruptions during the Tropical Low event up to $15,000. This grant is tailored to help small business owners cover the cost of wages, salaries and operational expenses.
• 6 small business have been approved to date for a Small Business Disaster Assistance Loans, closing 31 December 2026, offering small businesses loans to help with re-establishing normal operations. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government continues to provide necessary disaster recovery support to impacted businesses. 

“We know that the severe weather event that North Queensland experienced last year caused a lot of stress to small businesses,” Minister McBain said. 

“This financial support, cost-shared by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, has helped businesses get back on their feet. 

“Disaster recovery is a long process and we will continue to help affected communities along this difficult journey.” 

Federal Minister for Small Business Anne Aly said the Government’s focus is making sure small business owners are supported.  

“Small businesses are the heart of our local communities, towns and regions. When disaster strikes, they’re often the first to step up, supporting locals, keeping people in work and helping communities rebuild. 

“That’s why the Albanese Government’s is making sure small business owners have the practical support they need. These grants and funding are about keeping doors open, protecting local jobs and ensuring small businesses can continue to operate, even after the weather crisis has passed.”