Natural Disaster Assistance
Natural disasters often occur when we least expect them. Should your small business be affected by floods, cyclones, storms, bushfires or earthquakes, relief is at hand from QRAA.
Natural Disaster Assistance for Small Businesses
Finance can be obtained for requirements including the following:
- Repair and/or replacement of damaged plant and equipment
- Repairs to buildings and replacement; and/or
- Up to one month's supply of lost stock to maintain liquidity of your operation
When can I obtain the assistance?
In the event that a natural disaster occurs, the Minister for Emergency Services will make an official announcement about the situation in those areas affected. Upon this, assistance under the Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme can be obtained.
Current disaster declarations
As a result of Queensland Bushfires commencing 22 September 2009, a disaster declaration has been activated.
On Friday 23 October, 2009 the Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services approved a Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement for concessional loans to primary producers and small businesses affected by the Queensland bushfires commencing on 22 September 2009.
Local Government affected areas:
Barcaldine Regional Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Gold Coast Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council, Hinchinbrook Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, Townsville Regional Council, and Whitsunday Regional Council.
For more information, view the activation summary:
Activation Summary Bushfires October 23 2009 (705kb)
More disaster declarations
Information about recent natural disaster events and declarations can be viewed here...
Loan Amount
For natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements activated on or after 13 January 2008, the maximum loan amount is $250,000 for any one eligible natural disaster.
For natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements activated before 13 January 2008, the maximum loan amount is:
(a) $100,000 or;
(b) if there is more than one loan given to the applicant under the scheme – a cumulative total of $150,000.
Interest Rates
The interest rate for this support is 4% per annum.
Repayment Terms
A maximum repayment term of up to seven years applies for this program.
Fees and Charges
As with all QRAA programs, no establishment, account keeping or early payout fees apply.
Terms and Conditions
Our programs are subject to terms and conditions that identify the required eligibility criteria for each loan. If you are interested in applying for a Small Business Natural Disaster Loan, some of the key criteria you will need to meet include:
- Having sustained substantial damage to buildings, plant, equipment and stock where the cost of essential repairs and replacement is the responsibility of your business
- Being a sole owner, partnership or private company (public companies either alone or in association with other companies are not eligible)
- Being unable to repair or replace your damaged assets and return to viable operations from your own resources without this assistance.
- Demonstrating that you have used up all liquid assets and normal credit sources.
- Showing that you have reasonable prospects of re-establishing your business on a viable basis with the assistance of this loan.
For further information regarding the eligibility criteria for Natural Disaster Loans for small business, please view the Natural Disaster Assistance Guidelines (33KB) /
Natural Disaster Assistance Guidelines (85KB) or contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946.
Completing your Application
When applying for Natural Disaster Assistance as a small business owner, you will need to complete the following application form and submit to QRAA.
Should you have any queries with regards to completing the application form, please contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946.
Further Information
For further information on Natural Disaster Assistance contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 to speak to a representative who will be able to assist you.