The Australian and Victorian Governments have announced an $877 million Recovery Support package, supporting businesses, farmers, and not-for-profits to rebuild and return to trade as quickly as possible, following the recent devastating floods.
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations to support recovery efforts including rebuilding damaged infrastructure and replacing damaged assets.
To help businesses navigate through the recovery period, more than $22 million has been made available for support services to facilitate the development of recovery plans, provide mental health support and assist in grant applications.
In addition, Business Chamber and Trader Groups Programs will be established to enable locally led solutions for business activation.
Recovery grants of up to $200,000 will also be available for medium and large businesses directly impacted by the floods.
To assist primary producers and rural landholders, grants of up to $75,000 will be available as part of a recovery support package – complementing the existing Primary Producer Concessional Loan Program, announced last week.
The Primary Producer Recovery Support package will accelerate agricultural recovery and ensure rural and regional Victorians have access to expert advice and support.
Sporting and recreational clubs that have been impacted by the floods are eligible for a $5000 grant to assist them with their recovery.
Any grant received through the existing $5,000 Small Business Immediate Flood Relief and $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Relief programs will be included in the maximum amounts available through the recovery grants.
To find out more about accessing these programs visit vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery.
For support with payments, clean-up or any other flood issues, Victorians can contact the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au.
The Prime Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese said:
“These additional support packages will ensure Victorian businesses can rebuild with confidence.”
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:
“Given the importance of regional Victoria to our nation’s food production, it’s great to see the Albanese and Andrews Government’s coming together to support farmers, as well as small businesses get back on their feet.”
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said:
“We’re supporting small businesses and not-for-profit organisations across the state to ensure everyone can get back on their feet and return to work with confidence after the devastating floods.”
Victorian Premier, Hon Daniel Andrews said:
“We’re making sure flood affected business owners and communities have the support they need to rebuild and return to trade as quickly and safely as possible.”