Natural Disaster Assistance

Natural disasters often occur when we least expect them. Should you be affected by floods, cyclones, storms or bushfires, relief is at hand from QRAA.

In the event that a natural disaster occurs, the Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services will officially make an announcement on the situation in those areas affected, following which, assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement can be obtained.

Natural Disaster Assistance for Primary Producers

Finance can be obtained for requirements including the following:

• replanting/restoration/reestablishment of affected areas
• sustenance
• essential property operations
• payment of rent, rates
• replacement of farm buildings
• restocking.

Loan amounts

For natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements activated on or after 13 January 2008, the maximum loan amount is $250,000 for any one eligible natural disaster.For natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements activated before 13 January 2008, the maximum loan amount is:(a) $100,000 for restocking; or(b) $100,000 for meeting carry-on requirements. The cumulative total must not be than $150,000.

Interest Rates

The applicable interest rates for this program depend on whether affected producers are located in a 'declared disaster area' or a 'non-declared area' (applications in a non-declared area will require an IDSP).Declared Disaster Area - Primary producers who are situated in a declared disaster area are eligible for a concessional interest rate loan, with the initial interest rate being 4.0%. Non-declared Area (IDSP) - Primary producers affected by a single isolated natural disaster in a non-declared area can access loans at a current commercial lending rate. In exceptional cases, however, the CEO may use his discretion to approve a concessional interest rate (currently 4.0%) for applicants in this category that are considered viable and in desperate circumstances.

Repayment Terms

A maximum repayment term of up to seven years applies for this program.

Fees and Charges

As with all QRAA programs, no establishment, account keeping or early payout fees apply for the life of the loan.

Terms and Conditions

Our programs are subject to terms and conditions that identify the required eligibility criteria for each loan. If you are interested in applying for a Natural Disaster Loan, some of the key criteria you will need to meet include:

• being in working occupation of your property
• having used up all liquid assets and normal credit sources to normal credit limits
• being considered viable with the assistance provided
• having taken reasonable precautions to minimise or prevent the disaster.

Natural Disaster Assistance for Small Business Owners

Finance can be obtained for requirements including the following:

• repair and/or replacement of damaged plant and equipment
• repairs to buildings and replacement; and/or
• up to one month's supply of lost stock to maintain liquidity of your operation.

Loan Amount

The maximum loan amount is $250,000 for any one eligible natural disaster.

Interest Rates

The initial interest rate for this support is 4% per annum.

Repayment Terms

A maximum repayment term of up to seven years applies for this program.

Fees and Charges

As with all QRAA programs, no establishment, account keeping or early payout fees apply for the life of the loan.

Terms and Conditions

Our programs are subject to terms and conditions that identify the required eligibility criteria for each loan. If you are interested in applying for a Small Business Natural Disaster Loan, some of the key criteria you will need to meet include:

• having sustained substantial damage to buildings, plant, equipment and stock where the cost of essential repairs and replacement is the responsibility of your business
• being a sole owner, partnership or private company (public companies either alone or in association with other companies are not eligible)
• being unable to repair or replace your damaged assets and return to viable operations from your own resources without this assistance
• demonstrating that you have used up all liquid assets and normal credit sources
• showing that you have reasonable prospects of re-establishing your business on a viable basis with the assistance of this loan.

For further information regarding the eligibility criteria for Natural Disaster Loans or current disaster declarations, please contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946 or view the full terms and conditions for Natural Disaster Loans for Primary Producers or Natural Disaster Loans for Small Business Owners.

Responsible department

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation