Small businesses across Southern and Eastern Queensland that were hit by the recent bushfires can now access low interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $500,000 to support their recovery journey.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the low interest loans would help bushfire affected businesses get back to doing what they do best, serving their communities and supporting the local economy

“Businesses in these areas are reporting loss of trade, as well as impacts from loss of power in the aftermath of the fires,” Minister Littleproud said. “This DRFA assistance is about giving hard-working Australians a leg-up during the tough times so they can get back to business sooner.”

Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said the assistance measures announced  are in addition to the DRFA funding for small businesses in the Scenic Rim and Southern Downs already available.

“Making sure our small businesses can get back up on their feet as soon as possible is vital for so many of our communities,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Today’s announcement has expanded the support already available to a further seven local government areas and doubles the maximum available loan amount from $250,000 to $500,000 for all activated regions.

“It is aimed at ensuring small businesses can keep their doors open and operations up and running,” she said.

“We hope this goes some way to assisting those impacted to get back on track and look towards the future.”

For more information on eligibility for loans for small businesses phone Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946.

DRFA low interest loans are available for eligible small businesses impacted by: Southern Queensland Bushfires, 6 – 12 September 2019

• Scenic Rim
• Southern Downs
• Noosa
• Sunshine Coast

Eastern Queensland Bushfires, 7 October – 19 December 2019

• Bundaberg
• Gladstone
• Livingstone
• Noosa
• Somerset
• Toowoomba

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.