Grants a welcome boost but businesses need more support
Date published: 15 February 2019
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed the activation of crucial grants for flood-affected small business but many local firms have suffered very significant losses and need more support.
Business owners and not for profit organisations can apply for Category C grants up to $25000 under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The grants are funded by the state and federal governments.
Cr Hill said the money will be crucial for businesses devastated by the floods.
“Some business owners have lost all their stock and they returned to their shops to find mud, water and mould – and there have been multiple reports of insurers trying to dud small businesses,” Cr Hill said.
“A lot of these family run businesses have been part of the community for many years and they’re facing the prospect of rebuilding.
Cr Hill said it could take months for some businesses to recover.
“This is a welcome injection of funds for organisations and businesses that have been devastated by the floods.”
“But they need more money to clean out their offices, workshops and factories and rebuild. Some of them are starting again from scratch.
“They’re essential to the Townsville economy so it’s vital to help them cope during the clean-up and recovery.”
The Category C grants are available from qrida.qld.gov.au or businesses owners can call 1800 623 946.
