Queensland small businesses affected by the recent bushfires are now eligible for low interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $500,000 jointly funded by Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The low interest loans have been made available in addition to funding already available and are eligible to small businesses impacted by the following bushfires:

Southern Queensland Bushfires, 6-12 September 2019

• Scenic Rim
• Southern Downs
• Noosa
• Sunshine Coast

Eastern Queensland Bushfires

• Bundaberg
• Gladstone
• Livingstone
• Noosa
• Somerset
• Toowoomba

Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the loans were put in place to help small businesses and surrounding local communities get back on their feet.

“Businesses in these areas are reporting loss of trade, as well as impacts from loss of power in the aftermath of the fires,” said Minister Littleproud.

“This DRFA assistance package is about giving hard working Australians a leg-up during the tough times so they can get back to business sooner.”

The low interest Disaster Assistance Loan has doubled the available amount of funding on offer for small businesses in affected communities, from $250,000 to $500,000.

To find out if you are eligible for a loan, contact the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946.

Source: QLD Media Statements | Bushfire assistance extended for more Queensland small businesses

3 Feb 2020