The disaster support available to NSW and Qld businesses affected by flooding and bushfires

Small and medium business owners have been left devastated by blazing bushfires, flash flooding, thunderstorms and severe weather wreaking havoc across New South Wales and Far North Queensland, with only five days to go until Christmas.

Following heavy rainfall and flash floods, NSW firefighters are currently fighting bushfires in the Sydney and Hunter regions, with the Duck Creek bushfire in the Pilliga forest, approximately 17 km south of Narrabri, already burning through more than 121,000 hectares.

Far North Queensland residents and business owners saw Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Jasper make landfall on Wednesday, December 13, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warning that showers, thunderstorms and flash flooding may still be possible today as many residents face a huge clean-up task ahead.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb has urged businesses in Far North Queensland that have been affected to fill out the natural disaster business survey for Cyclone Jasper.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Far North Queensland currently, as the battle cyclone and flood,” the Commissioner told SmartCompany. 

“It is important to remember that in any disaster-affected area, the first step taken is an impact assessment via a natural disaster survey. 

“It is imperative that anyone impacted completes this survey as it informs the funding pool provided to impacted individuals and businesses.”

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced he will visit Far North Queensland later this week with Queensland Premier Steven Miles.

The Prime Minister also offered government support to flood victims in the aftermath of ex-Cyclone Jasper — the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance for flood victims.

Here’s what we know so far.

Queensland

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner said while the impact is being assessed, the best places for small businesses to access current support include the Queensland natural disaster assistance webpage, the Small Business Disaster Hub, and Business Queensland.

However, the Commissioner has confirmed as the emergency is still underway there are no active Community Recovery hubs for this event as of yet. She has encouraged small businesses looking for assistance to call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 if needed.

SmartCompany expects further support and financial assistance will be made available for business owners in the coming days and weeks. We advise small business owners to keep checking their council’s website and other Queensland government or federal government websites.

Business support

Queensland small business owners can also find resources, prepare and learn what to do if natural disasters or emergencies occur by visiting their local council website or downloading the Small Business Disaster Hub’s app.

For information on how to make sure their business is ready for natural disasters, with a disaster plan that helps minimise financial damage and outlines continuity, businesses can check out the Get Ready Queensland website for vital information.

Small business owners can also find a list of current disaster assistance on the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website, information on disaster assistance on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website or learn about the Business Council of Australia’s disaster recovery program BizRebuild.

Tourism businesses can also learn more about disaster support and assistance for their business on Business Queensland.

Small businesses should also be wary of scams and dodgy traders during or following natural disasters.

Financial support

Far North Queensland businesses that have been affected by ex-Cyclone Jasper can complete this Queensland government form to find out what financial assistance they may be eligible for.

Small businesses can also check if their business is eligible for state land rent and hardship assistance, see how the Queensland government can help with tax and royalty obligations after a natural disaster, or check for natural disaster support from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Financial counseling is also available for Queensland business owners, with employers able to look for advice on pay and leave entitlements for both themselves and their employees during natural disasters and emergencies from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Taking a look at Legal Aid’s When disaster strikes—cyclones, storms and floods guide can also help Queenslanders with their insurance claims after a storm, cyclone or flood.

Disaster and clean-up assistance

The Cairns Regional Council announced on Tuesday that anyone in Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Machans Beach and Caravonica needing assistance to clean up their property following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper can register to get help from the Cairns Clean Up Crew.

Those needing help from the Cairns Clean Up Crew can call the Cairns Disaster Centre on 1300 396 102 to register for assistance.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Douglas Shire Council, Mareeba Shire Council are also offering disaster waste disposal.

Business owners should also check with their local council to see if they offer flood waste removal or kerbside collection.

Mental health support

It’s important for business owners to take care of their mental health by ensuring they have access to mental health and wellbeing resources during tough times. 

Business owners can find resources on the Queensland Government website, including Beyond Blue’s anxiety and depression checklist, the Ahead for Business mental health check-up or learn about personal and mental health support during and after a disaster.

Lifeline can also be contacted on 13 11 14 for phone and online counselling and support.

Grants

Business owners in Far North Queensland who have been affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper can find out what grants they may be eligible for by completing this form.

Affected residents in the local government areas of Cairns Regional, Cassowary Coast, Cook Shire (defined localities), Douglas Shire, Mareeba Shire, Tablelands Regional, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire can now see if they’re eligible for the following personal hardship assistance supports:

• Emergency Hardship Assistance
• Essential Services Hardship Assistance
• Essential Household Contents Grant
• Essential Services Safety and Reconnection
• Structural Assistance Grant

Services Australia will also be announcing support for people affected by Tropical Cycle Jasper today (Wednesday, December 20) at 2pm local time.

The four main banks — Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and ANZ —  have also announced flood grants, emergency assistance, relief measures and customer relief packages for customers affected by the cyclone.

The National Emergency Management Agency also provides information about funding to states and territories in regards to natural disasters. 

SmartCompany recommends checking in with your local bank to see if there is any support they can offer or looking at your local council’s website to see if any grants or financial assistance are available if you have been affected by the cyclone.

New South Wales

NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont told SmartCompany there are plenty of resources available for NSW small business owners affected by disasters.

“The NSW Small Business Commission offers a suite of free guides on how small businesses can prepare for and recover from disasters, including information on how to create a business continuity plan and how to manage an insurance claim,” he said.

Business support

For NSW business owners, personalised support and advice on a range of topics is available from the Service NSW Business Concierge service, Service NSW Business Connect service, and the Small Business Commissioner.

The Business Concierge service offers ongoing and tailored help for NSW businesses affected by natural disasters by calling or registering for a callback.

Small business owners in NSW can keep checking in with their local council and the NSW government website for regular updates on flooding and natural disasters. 

The Disaster Recovery Map also offers information about wellbeing support, clean-up help, recovery centres, closed roads, and temporary accommodation.

Business owners and NSW residents can find dedicated community recovery centres that provide face-to-face support and recovery services.

SES’s HazardWatch website also provides vital SES warnings that are happening across the state and helps people stay up-to-date on current warning statuses.

Small business owners looking for bushfire advice can access more information on this Service NSW page. The NSW Small Business Commissioner offers resources to help people prepare for disasters and the 23-24 bushfire season.

NSW business owners can also get a free replacement of licences, permits, certificates, and business documents destroyed or lost during flood events.

Financial support

Financial assistance, counseling and advice are out there for NSW business owners. Stay up to date with the financial support currently being offered here.

Business owners can also check if they are eligible for a payment extension, hardship assistance, or other allowances from Revenue NSW or with the ATO about tax considerations when they are recovering from a natural disaster.

Free webinars and workshops for small businesses in need of help are also available from the ATO.

NSW businesses can also learn how to lodge insurance claims from the Service NSW website.

Disaster and clean-up assistance

In regards to the clean-up and management of waste removal following a natural disaster, NSW business owners can get advice from their local council or find more information here. 

Mental health support

NSW business owners needing support with their mental health can access important numbers and information here. 

There is also a range of resources for business owners about mental health at work, Beyond Blue’s Heads Up online portal, and guides for small businesses.

Business owners can also take a look at Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for small business owners and support for regional small businesses experiencing financial hardship can also be found here.

Important mental health support numbers to remember are:

• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
• NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 

Grants

Small businesses in flood and bushfire-affected parts of NSW should keep checking with their local council, their banks and the NSW government to see what financial assistance may be available to them.

For more information take a look at the following links:

For information on grants, loans, financial assistance and support for 2023 events click here.

See if your local government area has a disaster declaration here.

Joint Australian, state and territory governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) can be found here. 

The National Emergency Management Agency has also announced that disaster assistance is now available in the Bega Valley, Edward River, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Snowy Monaro Local Government Areas (LGAs) following severe flooding from November 28, 2023.

Keep an eye on Business Australia for grants and programs.

SmartCompany expects further support and financial assistance will be made available for business owners in due course. We advise small business owners to keep checking their council’s website, with their bank and other NSW or federal government websites.