Primary producers and small businesses in flood-affected areas of Queensland are able to apply for concessional loans from the government for up to $250,000.
According to a statement put out by the office of the Prime Minister, the loans can be used for repairing and replacing damaged plant and equipment, repairing or replacing buildings, and supplying stock for up to one month to replace lost stock and help maintain liquidity. Small businesses in the local government areas of Banana, Brisbane City, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, North Burnett, Redland, Rockhampton, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Western Downs are eligible for concessional loans.
The government is also authorising personal hardship and distress payments for food, clothing, accommodation and medical supplies of $180 individuals and $900 for couples and families via the Goondiwindi local government. More information about the concessional loans process can be found at the Disaster Assist website http://www.disasterassist.gov.au and on the Queensland Government’s site http://www.qld.gov.au/.