Financial assistance available for Queensland's flood-affected communities
Businesses and primary producers in flood-affected Queensland could be eligible for tens of thousands of dollars in financial support, as communities continue to recover from the devastating weather event.
Residents of Maryborough, a three-hour drive north of Brisbane in the Fraser Coast region, were evacuated on January 9 after rising river levels flooded the town's CBD, destroying or damaging over 70 homes and properties.
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Over 70 homes and businesses were damaged or lost in the flood-affected region. 9News
The nearby community of Gympie and others in the Wide Bay-Burnett region were also impacted, with two people confirmed to have died and another teenage girl still missing in the floodwaters.
"Ex-tropical cyclone Seth caused destruction right across the Wide Bay and Burnett region, tragically lives were lost," Acting Premier Steven Miles said.
"Homes, farms and businesses have all been damaged.
"Just because the floodwaters have receded, we are still here with you for what will be a multi-year recovery effort."
He added the floods are predicted to have caused millions of dollars worth of damage, destroying crops and causing mass infrastructure damage.
The town of Maryborough, in the Fraser Coast region, was evacuated. Nine
Flooding on the Mary River peaked at 10 metres, breaking the flood levee. Nine
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Small businesses, growers, and not-for-profit organisations in the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett local government areas can now apply for up to $50,000 in financial assistance, in efforts to aid economic recovery.
"From today, businesses primary producers and small businesses can get $10,000 straight away," Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said.
"The community does not have to do this on their own."
Acting premier Steven Miles announced from today, impacted businesses and primary producers could apply for assistance grants of up to $50,000. Facebook
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Ms Farmer added plans were in place to help community members access support, with a hotline available and an economic recovery team who can assist with accessing payments.
"Together they will be going door to door, to make sure people know how to access these grants and what is available," she said.
"We want people to know we are there for them."
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