- Small businesses across 26 disaster impacted local government areas (LGAs) can now access recovery grants of up to $50,000 to support immediate clean up, reinstatement and return to operations.
- Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants have been increased from $25,000 to $50,000 providing enhanced support where impacts are most severe.
- Funding supports essential recovery activities, including debris removal, repairs and replacement of infrastructure, equipment and stock, as well as additional labour and safety compliance costs.
Small businesses in disaster-hit Queensland communities can now apply for grants up to $50,000 to fast-track recovery efforts.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have increased the Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants to help small businesses directly impacted by the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, and severe weather events since 24 December 2025.
Twenty-six LGAs – from Bundaberg Regional Council in the Wide Bay-Burnett to Aurukun Shire Council in the far north – can apply for grants, which have been doubled from $25,000 to $50,000 to support costs associated with immediate recovery and reinstatement, including:
- equipment and materials to undertake clean-up
- additional labour costs (beyond normal wage expenditure)
- disposal of damaged goods and stock, including associated costs
- repairs to buildings (excluding housing)
- reconditioning or repairing essential plant and equipment
- purchase or hire/lease costs for equipment essential to the immediate resumption of business operations
- payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections
- essential repairs to premises and internal fittings not covered by insurance.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the expanded support would help disaster-impacted small businesses get back to work sooner.
"When disasters strike, small businesses are often among the first to feel the impacts, and they need help to clean up, repair damage and reopen their doors," Minister McBain said.
"By increasing these grants and activating additional support mechanisms, we're making sure the assistance matches the scale of the damage and gives businesses the certainty they need to recover.
"This is a joint effort between the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments and those communities that have been impacted, and we'll keep working with all of those groups to support Queensland businesses and livelihoods."
Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, highlighted the importance of the grants in helping small businesses recover.
"While Queenslanders are exceptionally resilient, we're helping them get back on their feet sooner so that they can continue supporting their community in a time of need," Minister Minnikin said.
"The financial support is only the first step to recovery. We know there's a long way to go, but we're committed to standing by these communities as they rebuild."
Queensland Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, Ann Leahy, emphasised the importance of supporting local businesses and communities in times of disaster.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our regional communities, and their recovery is critical to these affected areas," Minister Leahy said.
"These grants will provide much-needed relief to help businesses recover and rebuild after the devastating impacts of recent flooding."
This support is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Applications for the Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants close on 15 January 2027.
