Joint media release with the Hon Julie Collins MP and Michael Ferguson MP
The Australian and Tasmanian governments are continuing to support communities following the severe storms and flooding that occurred across the state in late August and early September.
Through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), grants will be made available to small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations that were directly impacted by the statewide severe weather event.
More than $10 million in funding will be available through three new jointly funded grant programs will be available to assist with the cost of clean-up and restoration:
- Small Business Emergency Response Grants - up to a maximum of $25,000;
- Non-Profit Organisations Emergency Response Grants - up to a maximum of $25,000.
- Primary Producer Emergency Response Grants - up to a maximum of $10,000 statewide. Primary producers in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Local Government Areas may be eligible for an additional amount of up to $15,000 recognising the significant floods in those areas.
Both levels of government will also jointly support the deployment of two additional Community Recovery Officers to work closely with the community to help identify the recovery needs of individuals and families.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins, said the Albanese Government is acting to assist Tasmanian communities.
"These grants will help reduce clean up and recovery costs for Tasmanian small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations who were impacted by severe weather earlier this year.
"Grants like this can make all the difference in helping to ensure impacted Tasmanian small businesses can get back on their feet faster, which in turn helps the affected local communities start to thrive again."
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the Australian and Tasmanian governments are committed to supporting the needs of impacted communities after the storms and floods in late-August, early-September.
"We know recovery takes time, which is why both levels of government are providing this financial support as we help impacted businesses, farmers, and non-profit organisations recover and get back on their feet.
Tasmanian Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, Michael Ferguson, said that the new grants are being made available to meet the needs of Tasmanian businesses, producers and organisations.
"We recognise the serious impacts and disruptions many Tasmania businesses, producers and organisations have suffered as a result of the severe weather event.
"These grants are targeted at those who suffered direct damage from the storms and flood waters and need recovery support. These businesses and organisations play a vital part in our local economies and communities and these grants will assist in the recovery phase."
The grants will be available from Tuesday 15 October 2024. More information, including how to apply, will be available on TasRECOVERY over the coming days.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have activated a range of financial assistance across impacted Tasmanian local government areas, including Temporary Living Support Grants, Recovery and Restoration Grants, an Emergency Food Grant Fund and assistance for councils to undertake counter disaster operations and restore essential public assets.
Impacted residents can check their eligibility and access more information about other assistance available by visiting TasRECOVERY.
