Disaster Assistance Loans Available for North Queensland Small Businesses Affected by Monsoon Trough
Queensland small businesses impacted by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and associated flooding, which commenced on 24 December 2025, now has access to Disaster Assistance Loans through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
These concessional loans are designed to support small businesses and social enterprises whose assets have been significantly damaged as a direct result of this declared disaster, helping them to recover, rebuild and return to normal operations as quickly as possible.
What assistance is available?
Under the QRIDA Disaster Assistance Loans program, eligible small businesses can apply for concessional loans of up to $250,000, with flexible and supportive terms, including:
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Loan term: Up to 10 years
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Interest rates: Disaster-specific concessional rates (vary by defined disaster)
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Repayments: Up to two years interest-only repayments may be available if required
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Fees: No establishment fees, no account maintenance fees and no early payout fees
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Security: Loans must be secured by a mortgage over land and/or other assets acceptable to QRIDA
What can the loan be used for?
Disaster Assistance Loans are to help small businesses re-establish operations, including costs associated with:
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Repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment
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Repairing or rebuilding business premises
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Replacing lost stock (up to one month’s supply) to maintain cash flow
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Meeting essential carry-on costs, such as rent, rates and basic sustenance
Declared disaster area
Disaster assistance has been formally activated by the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services for:
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North Queensland Monsoon Trough and Flooding – commencing 24 December 2025
Queensland Social Enterprise Council encourages affected members and social enterprises in North Queensland to assess their eligibility and consider applying as early as possible to support business continuity and recovery.
For full eligibility criteria and application details, visit QRIDA’s Disaster Assistance Loans information page.
