Business Flood Support
Financial assistance and grants have been initiated by the federal and state governments. To aid the tourism industry in obtaining assistance, TTNQ has a Tourism Recovery Officer. To enquire about eligibility requirements and the application process, contact the Tourism Recovery Officer via email at [email protected] , download this factsheet or by clicking on the provided links below.
Grants:
Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund
The $10 million Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund (BRTI) will provide grants for impacted tourism businesses following ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper to build resilience and aid their response to future flooding and natural disasters through innovative solutions and bespoke engineering projects, such as flood prevention infrastructure and equipment such as alternative power, safety upgrades, or flood levees. Applications are now open until 19 April 2024.
Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grant
All sized business $10 million
Grants of up to $500 000 are available for owners of tourism operations which were closed to trading for a minimum of 14 days as a result of being isolated, or having its usual area of operations isolated as a direct result of the disaster.
*Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. Applications close 11 March 2024 (11.59PM).
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants
Small businesses with less than 20 full time employees
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for affected small businesses following Tropical Cyclone Jasper, associated rainfall and flooding, 13 – 28 December 2023 to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock and other costs associated with the recovery process.
*Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. Applications close 28 June 2024.
Tourism Recovery Assistance Grant
Medium to large businesses with more than 20 full time employees
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for affected medium to large businesses following Tropical Cyclone Jasper, associated rainfall and flooding, commencing from 13 December 2023. Funding can go towards the cost of clean-up, repairs and the re-establishment of tourism operations including engaging tradespeople, hiring or purchasing equipment, removing debris, repairing buildings or replacing damaged stock.
*Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. Applications close 31 March 2024 (11.59PM)* or until funds are exhausted ($1.6 million)
Small Business
- TTNQ has a Tourism Recovery Officer to assist the industry in accessing Federal and State Government support. Email [email protected]
- Help the Queensland Government understand the impact on affected businesses and what assistance is required during this challenging time. Complete the natural disaster business survey to advise on what assistance you may need.
- Monitor this page for announcements on small businesses natural disaster relief.
- Visit the Small Business Disaster Hub to access a range of resources to help businesses respond and recover following a natural disaster.
Small Business Wellness Coaches
Free one-on-one wellness coaching is available to help small business owners recover from a natural disaster or with unique and personal business challenges, needs, and opportunities.
Small business financial counselling
Businesses experiencing or at risk of experiencing financial hardship can access free, impartial and confidential financial counselling and support, including cash flow planning, budgeting and insolvency advice.
Employer Assistance Line
Phone 1300 731 988 for the Business Chamber Queensland’s employer assistance line to get advice and support if your business has been forced to close or reduce operations and industrial relations advice on managing staff and meeting Fair Work Act 2009 obligations.
HR Support
TTNQ is providing confidential, one-on-one support to members dealing with HR and staffing challenges due to recent weather events. The support covers navigating staff stand-downs, fulfilling obligations, creating effective communication strategies, accessing government support, and managing psychosocial risks. The service is available for up to 3 hours per business. For personalised HR expertise, contact HR Dynamics at [email protected].
Other Resources
- The Continuity Planning Course provides Queensland business owners and managers with tools to develop robust continuity plans, protect investments, manage risks, and build resilience.
- Legal Aid’s “When Disaster Strikes – Cyclones, Storms and Floods” guide helps Queenslanders with their insurance claims after a storm, cyclone or flood. It gives information on home building and contents insurance policies.
- Find out how to spot a fake charity or fundraiser after a natural disaster so you don’t become a victim.
- The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training has resources to assist with low interest loans and grants for Queensland businesses to recover.
- The Mentoring for Growth program offers free access to industry experts who can provide insights to help your business recover.
- The Queensland Small Business Commissioner provides advocacy services, including mediation for leases, retail tenancy and franchise dispute assistance.
- Businesses at risk of financial hardship can access free and impartial support through the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland.
- Download this poster for your business to help visitors stay safe and be prepared when visiting Queensland.
- QTIC and EarthCheck have developed a free Disaster Resilience online microcourse, providing your business and staff with the tools and knowledge needed to respond to and bounce back from a crisis. Register here.
Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline at 1800 173 349 or visit website.
Emergency Hardship Assistance
For help with essential needs such as food, medication, clothing, and temporary accommodation.
$180 for individuals | up to $900 for families of 5 or more
Essential Services Hardship Assistance
For help with essential services such as power, gas, water and sewage.
$150 for individuals | up to $750 for families of 5 or more
Essential Household Contents Grant
To replace essential lost household contents, such as bed linen and whitegoods.
$1,765 for individuals | up to $5,300 for couples or families
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection
To help with safety inspections and repairs to reconnect essential services such as gas, water, electricity and sewage.
$200 for safety inspections | $4,200 for repairs or replacement of these services
Structural Assistance Grant
To help with structural repairs or a contribution towards the replacement of a dwelling. Uninsured, low income, owner-occupiers may receive up to a maximum of $50,000 to help repair your home to make it safe, secure and habitable.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
Applications are now open for people who live and work in the following Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah. The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury. People can check their eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
Provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist eligible employees or sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. Equivalent financial assistance is also available to eligible New Zealand citizens holding ‘non-protected Special Category’ and ‘subclass 444’ visas. People can check their eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.
Primary Producer Disaster Assistance
Primary producers in Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire local government areas may be eligible for disaster recovery grants, assistance loans, and freight assistance. Contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946. For information about freight assistance, call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23.
Mental health support services
If you are struggling at this challenging time, these online resources may help:
Business Queensland provides mental health and wellbeing resources for businesses.
Business Wellness Coaching NQ free one-on-one wellness coaches are available for mental health and well-being.
Beyond Blue looking after your mental health during these difficult times.
Lifeline or call 13 11 14.
#ExploreTNQ
In the wise words of our friend @pb.ay, we can always count on Rex Lookout to give us some 10/10 views! 😍🌴
You can stop at this lookout on the drive between #Cairns and #PortDouglas 🚙📍
#exploreCairnsGBR #exploreTNQ #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Ready to earn your morning view? 💪
Tackle the #FitzroyIsland summit to enjoy panoramic views of the island surrounds: 1-2 hours, 4km track with a few steep hills 👣 (Hot tip - wake up early and catch the sunrise at the summit! ⏰)
🎥 @kokoalitoontheroad and @worldtravellerstogether #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
[ID: Two people hiking to the summit of Fitzroy Island, past rocks, trees and grass. Views of the lookouts along the way over the ocean and island. Text on screen reads POV: Hiking the island summit for this view and just like that…]
Camping is a family favourite for the long weekends around here! Hands up if that’s how you’ve spent this weekend? ⛺️🙋
#exploreTNQ #exploreCairnsGBR
[ID: Two children standing in front of a lake-front tent with table and camper chairs set up, watching ducks in the water.]
There’s never a dull day at the beautiful @paronellapark! 🏰🌴 First opened to the public in 1935, this stunning castle has remained virtually unchanged since then 💫 Like something out of an old love story, this spot is truly a magical & unforgettable place nestled amongst the lush @wettropicsworldheritage rainforest, it’s the kind of place that you say you`ll drop in for a few hours & end up spending the whole day 🌿
🎥 @adventuringourownway #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #cassowarycoast
[ID: A series of video clips of Paronella Park, the ruins of a Spanish style castle built in the rainforest. The park has been taken over by lush plat life and grass. Text on screen reads POV: you stumble upon a castle that’s been reclaimed by a Queensland rainforest]
Today @leighton_videography brings us his favourite waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland! Which one is your fave? 🌴🦋
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Clips of waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland. All are full and flowing. Waterfalls are Millaa Mill Falls, Behana Gorge, Davies Creek Falls and Windin Falls]
Don’t forget to catch the epic magic shows at @wildlifehabitat 🌴😌
[ID: Two wildlife keepers lift a blue sheet for a few seconds, then drop it to reveal an emu.]
We interrupt your scrolling to show you @visitpalmcove, nothing further, as you were 🌴🦋
📸 @tessa_jayne_ #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #palmcove #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID:Palm trees line a sandy beach pathway at sunset, with a lone person walking and the ocean visible in the background.]
There’s so much to love about @lizardisland but the world famous “Cod Hole” is one of our favourites! Why? Because of these curious potato cods of course🐠
🎥 @tabithalipkin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Woman diving on the Great Barrier Reef while a curious potato cod (large fish) is investigating her. Text on screen reads “POV: You make friends with a potato cod named Tater Tot at the Great Barrier Reef and she loves the camera. LOVES IT. She especially wanted to show you her spots…”See!? This is why they call me a potato cod! My spots look like potatoes!” “What’s personal space?!” “Hi again” “Can we take a picture before you leave?” Absolutely]
Nothing screams tropical like an island getaway & @bedarraisland should definitely be at the top of your list! 🏝🍹 Oh, did we mention all inclusive? 🍾 From private candlelit dinners on the beach, to fishing gear & kayaks, to meals & cocktails, the staff at Bedarra Island go above & beyond to make sure your luxury escape is unforgettable 🌴🌸 Not to mention the view is pretty great 😉 So, when will we see you here? 👋
🎥 @_markfitz #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast
[ID: Aerial video panning over the beach on Bedarra Island. There are bright green palm trees and blue ocean waves lapping a white sandy shore. Text on screen reads: Amazing tropical beaches in Australia: Bedarra Island, Qld]
