Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – North and Far North Tropical Low

Purpose and Program Overview

The Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants provide financial support to businesses and primary producers. The grants are for those affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low. The weather event occurred from 29 January to 28 February 2025. The funding is intended to help with clean-up, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

The objective is to support communities in their recovery. It helps businesses to re-establish operations and maintain employment after a disaster. The Australian and Queensland governments jointly fund the grants.

The program plays a key role in disaster relief. It gives direct financial assistance to small businesses, not-for-profits, and primary producers. This helps to minimise business disruption and assists the local economy in recovering.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
• Application open and close dates: The grant is open. Applications close on 14 February 2026.
• Eligible industries or business types: Primary producers, small businesses, and not-for-profit organisations.
• Required co-contributions: None specified.
• Location/state/territory applicability: The grants are for businesses in defined local government areas in Queensland.

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to a range of sectors that suffered direct damage. It is for primary producers, small businesses, and not-for-profit organisations.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Primary producers can apply for an initial amount of up to $5,000, and a subsequent amount of up to $70,000. Small businesses and not-for-profits can apply for an initial amount of up to $5,000 and a successive amount of up to $45,000.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding is for clean-up and reinstatement.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The grant covers costs related to the disaster event from 29 January to 28 February 2025.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool is not stated.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Small businesses must employ fewer than 20 full-time equivalent staff.
• Registered business location: Businesses must be located in a defined disaster area and have suffered direct damage.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Applicants must provide evidence of direct damage. They must be responsible for meeting the costs claimed. If insured, applicants must provide details of their insurance policy and claim.
• ABN/GST status: An active Australian Business Number (ABN) is required.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant funds clean-up and reinstatement costs. Eligible expenses include:

• Hiring or purchasing equipment and materials for clean-up.
• Paying for additional labour costs.
• Disposing of damaged goods.
• Essential repairs to premises and fittings.
• Repairing critical plant and equipment.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive grant. Applications are assessed in order of receipt. The key evaluation criteria are evidence of direct damage and alignment with the program’s objectives.

Recent Program Updates

The closing date for applications is 14 February 2026. This is a one-off grant for a specific disaster event.

Application Tips

• Document all damage with photographs and keep all receipts.
• Applications can be made in two parts: an initial claim and a subsequent claim.
• Provide a clear explanation of how the disaster has affected your business.
• If you have insurance, you should provide details. You can apply before an insurance claim is finalised.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.