The Queensland government has helped establish a $15 million recovery fund for small businesses reeling from floods in the state’s north earlier this year.  

The fund – backed by the state and federal governments – will provide grants of up to $15,000 to cover costs such as wages, rent, stock replacement and other operational expenses.  

Applicants cannot receive funding for losses covered by other government schemes or insurance.  

They must be based in one of eight flood-affected local government areas: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.  

Queensland Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin says the scheme mainly targets businesses that had to pause operations or suffered at least a 60% revenue loss for at least two consecutive weeks between January 29 and February 28.  

“This grant recognises the real and ongoing challenges these businesses face and helps them cover essential costs like wages, rent and stock so they can focus on reopening, retaining staff and rebuilding stronger than before,” he said.  

Grants will be provided on a “competitive basis”, with applicants required to show the floods’ impact on their business, their intent to continue operating, and the effect the funding will have on operations and the local community.  

“We’ve listened to local operators about the impact of this year’s floods, and this grant is about providing practical support to help them to rebuild with confidence,” federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said.

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