Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has thanked Prime Minister Scott Morrison for more than doubling the up-front payments to local businesses impacted by the monsoon.
Mr Morrison agreed to the Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group's request – supported by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk – to increase the up-front cash payment component of the disaster recovery assistance from $10,000 to $25,000.
Cr Hill said the increased cash component to $25,000 would be welcomed by local businesses eligible for the payment.
"Hundreds of businesses were directly impacted by the unprecedented monsoon and many are struggling with little or no cashflow," Cr Hill said.
"Increasing the up-front cash component of the disaster recovery assistance funding will help local businesses get back on their feet and start trading again."
Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said increasing the up-front component of the grant to $25,000 was an example of all levels of Government working together for the recovery effort.
"It is re-assuring to know the Prime Minister and the Premier are supporting local businesses in our community that are doing it tough from this natural disaster," Cr Walker said.
"This support from all levels of Government will be crucial to ensuring the city's economy recovers now and into the long term."
Governance and Finance Committee Chair Cr Verena Coombe said small to medium sized businesses were the lifeblood of the city's economy.
"It's crucial that we provide the appropriate assistance to ensure these businesses can open their doors again," Cr Coombe said.
"The sooner these businesses start trading, the sooner their employees can get back to work."
