SEQ businesses, farmers and not-for-profits eligible for disaster loans

Concessional loans are now available for south-east Queensland small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits hard hit by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Eligible operators in the local government areas of Brisbane, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba can apply for the loans to support their immediate and long-term recovery.

Damaging winds, torrential rain and flooding have caused havoc throughout the south-east over the past fortnight, with more than a metre of rain dumped across the region.

Crossing the coast last Saturday, Alfred is the first cyclone to make landfall over south-east Queensland for more than 50 years.

As recovery continues eligible small businesses and primary producers can access Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000, and for not-for-profits up to $100,000.

These loans can be used to cover the repair or replacement of damaged equipment and infrastructure, restocking, and maintaining business liquidity.

Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are also available to help business operations continue, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), Disaster Assistance Loans recognise the immense value small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits provide to their communities.

This hard work takes on increased significance as communities recover from the impacts of severe weather, with disaster loans helping to keep local economies moving and protecting jobs.

The loans are part of a suite of assistance measures activated in response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with other support including personal hardship grants for residents and clean-up and reconstruction funds for councils.

Loan applications can be made via the QRIDA website, www.qrida.qld.gov.au, or by calling 1800 623 946.

More information on DRFA assistance is available on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.