Ex-Cyclone Alfred has caused heavy damage to significant areas in New South Wales and Queensland and cost about $1.2 billion to the Australian economy.
But beyond the economic effect, it is the psychological effect that has found many of those affected by the cyclone struggling, particularly small-business owners.
“The emotional hangover from the intensity of preparation, the waiting and the stress of not knowing what would happen that has impacted my business the most,” shared Annette Densham, founder of Award Writing Services. “It’s hard to get back into the swing. For many small businesses in SE Queensland, we have had to get back into the thick of things with little time to regroup and destress.”
In response, NSW and QLD state governments are stepping up to provide aid through various loan and grant initiatives, which Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister says will support small businesses, farmers and community organisations, as they start their recovery.
“We’re moving quickly to activate financial assistance for impacted communities,” McAllister said. “These concessional loans will help operators to repair damage, restock shelves, and continue paying staff and rent.
Queensland’s initiatives
Queensland’s state government for instance has announced that the following loans are available for the cyclone-affected small businesses and nonprofits in the state:
- Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 for eligible small businesses and primary producers and up to $100,000 for eligible not-for-profits will cover the repair or replacement of damaged equipment and infrastructure, and restocking.
- Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are available to help business operations continue, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates.
- Freight subsidies up to $5,000 are also available to impacted primary producers to move stock or produce, or to have essential supplies delivered to their farms.
This assistance is jointly funded by the Federal and state governments through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
New South Wales’ initiatives
In New South Wales, small business and primary producers may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 through the Natural Disaster Relief loans for business and primary producers. In addition, primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000 as part of the Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy
Non-profits may be eligible as well for concessional loans of up to $25,000 and sporting and recreational clubs can apply for concessional loans of up to $10,000.
For more information on loans and grants available, see the NSW Government website.
These initiatives are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The importance of SMEs in disaster response and recovery
Many SMEs have expressed their gratitude for the loans and other initiatives for cyclone relief not only from the government but also from other organisations and communities as they could greatly aid in their quick recovery.
Roz White, Company Director, White’s IGA Group, also pointed out the critical role of small businesses in disaster response. He said, “Small, agile players can curate a quick response that is vital and meaningful within a catchment area, particularly in a disaster, through strong local networks and long-term relationships. Reciprocal support is centrepiece of the richness that lies within communities.”
