Flood Assistance for Primary Producers and Small Businesses

Special disaster flood assistance grants of up to $25 000 are available to help Queensland primary producers and small businesses who have been affected by the November-December 2010 floods (including those in January 2011).  To help recovery in communities affected by flooding, people receiving these grants are encouraged to, wherever possible, support local business. The grant scheme will run until 30 September 2011.             Primary producers and small businesses in the following local government areas may be eligible for this assistance: Eligibility criteria:All applicants must be able to provide proof that they have suffered damage as a direct result of flooding – for example, photos. A small business is defined as having an Australian Business Number and less than 20 employees. Not-for-profit businesses are not eligible for these grants, but are covered under other sections of the NDRRA.  Types of grants available There are two types of grants which can be applied for:* Tier one grants of up to $5000 will be immediately available to assist with the early recovery effort. * Tier two grants of up to $20 000 will be provided on proof of expenditure.                        These grants are available under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and will help eligible applicants to pay for costs arising from flood damage. Both primary producers and small businesses must derive the majority of their income from the business (QRAA will account for fluctuations in income) to be eligible.

Applying for a Tier one grant                                                                           Evidence of damage is all that is required for Tier one grants – for example photographs, quotes or tax invoices. Evidence of expenditure must be kept until 30 September 2012 as you may be subject to a subsequent audit by QRAA.Before making your claim you must have already made the payments for your repairs.QRAA will require:tax invoices showing the full details of the goods or services supplied (to be identifiable as flood-related damage on the invoice) including the initial claim up to $5000, an official receipt from the supplier or contractor – if this cannot be obtained, photocopies of cheque butts, bank transfers and bank statements will be required including the initial claim up to $5000.