Disaster loans announced for South Burnett small businesses and not-for-profits

28 January 2025

Concessional loans are now available for flood affected businesses and not-for-profits in the South Burnett local government area.

Those eligible can apply for loans to aid their recovery from the sustained heavy rainfall and flash flooding that has plagued the region this summer.

Damage assessments indicate many businesses and not-for-profits in Kingaroy have been badly affected by recent severe storms, including an intense microcell on 13 January 2025.

Disaster Assistance Loans and Essential Working Capital Loans are being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments to assist with the repair and recovery of essential equipment, and for loss of income.

Disaster Assistance Loans will help re-establish operations by covering a range of costs including repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment, repairing or replacing buildings, and resupplying stock needed for immediate trading.

Eligible small businesses can apply for loans up to $250,000 while eligible not-for-profits can apply for loans up to $100,000.

Also available are Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000.

These loans will help impacted small businesses and not-for-profits carry on business operations, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates. 

This support recognises the critical role small businesses play in regional communities like South Burnett and the important services not-for-profits provide for vulnerable community members, particularly in the aftermath of severe weather.

The loans come after the activation of assistance for eligible counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets for the councils of Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, Somerset, and South Burnett.

All assistance is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

South Burnett small businesses and not-for-profits wishing to apply for concessional loans can visit the QRIDA website or call 1800 623 946.