$1.3 MILLION GIVEN TO CYCLONE LARRY-AFFECTED BUSINESS
Published Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
The Queensland Government is moving on to the next stage of assistance for the North Queensland business community after giving more than $1.3 million to Cyclone Larry-affected organisations.
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the focus would be on delivering the second phase of the Regional Business Development Scheme Cyclone Larry Special program as applications for first stage assistance close.
“RBDS: Cyclone Larry Special was formed by the Department of State Development and Trade to help affected businesses and regional bodies get back on their feet,” Mr Mickel said.
“It is a sub-program of the Queensland Government’s existing RBDS, and includes a process to help organisations restoration efforts.
“The program has been very successful. In fact, 138 grants totalling $1,327,881 have been approved from the $2 million that was initially set aside under the funding initiative.
“The remaining funds under RBDS: Cyclone Larry Special will be used to deliver the second phase of the program.”
Mr Mickel said stage one provided up to $10,000 for the preparation of business recovery plans to identify short, medium or long-term business prospects, labour availability, ways to recommence exporting and other initiatives to help restore businesses to their pre-cyclone capacity.
“I am pleased to see that many businesses have so far undertaken this first important step to rebuilding a thriving and enterprising community in North Queensland”.
“Moving on to the next stage of assistance is another major step towards revitalising the region’s economy,and providing jobs for workers and their families” he said.
Media Contacts:Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
18 October 2006
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the focus would be on delivering the second phase of the Regional Business Development Scheme Cyclone Larry Special program as applications for first stage assistance close.
“RBDS: Cyclone Larry Special was formed by the Department of State Development and Trade to help affected businesses and regional bodies get back on their feet,” Mr Mickel said.
“It is a sub-program of the Queensland Government’s existing RBDS, and includes a process to help organisations restoration efforts.
“The program has been very successful. In fact, 138 grants totalling $1,327,881 have been approved from the $2 million that was initially set aside under the funding initiative.
“The remaining funds under RBDS: Cyclone Larry Special will be used to deliver the second phase of the program.”
Mr Mickel said stage one provided up to $10,000 for the preparation of business recovery plans to identify short, medium or long-term business prospects, labour availability, ways to recommence exporting and other initiatives to help restore businesses to their pre-cyclone capacity.
“I am pleased to see that many businesses have so far undertaken this first important step to rebuilding a thriving and enterprising community in North Queensland”.
“Moving on to the next stage of assistance is another major step towards revitalising the region’s economy,and providing jobs for workers and their families” he said.
Media Contacts:Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
18 October 2006