Just six weeks after floodwaters devastated the Burdekin and surrounding regions, local businesses are bouncing back, with 95% of small and family businesses now reopened.
The floods, which forced nearly half of all businesses in North and Far North Queensland to close at various stages, left a lasting impact on communities. However, the resilience of business owners, combined with ongoing government support, has ensured a strong recovery.
Queenslanders are now being encouraged to shop locally and visit flood-affected areas to help boost the economy and support businesses that have worked tirelessly to reopen.
To assist with the recovery, the State and Federal Governments have doubled grant assistance from $25,000 to $50,000, helping businesses repair damage and replace essential equipment. An additional $3.1 million has also been allocated to the Too Great to Wait marketing campaign, which aims to attract visitors back to the region and showcase the Burdekin’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, said the focus remains on ensuring businesses receive the support they need.
“We promised no daylight between response and recovery, and it’s pleasing to see a significant amount of work has already been undertaken to get many small and family businesses back on their feet,” Minister Minnikin said.
“We’ve received 169 grant applications across small business, primary industry and not-for-profit sector and I want to see that number increase as businesses understand the full extent of the damage they’ve received.”
Alongside financial aid, mental health support services have also been made available, ensuring business owners and their employees have access to counselling and wellbeing resources.
With the Burdekin region open for business again, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to spend in the community, helping businesses continue their recovery and build resilience for the future.
For more information on available grants and support services, visit qld.gov.au.
Plantation Park flooded during February's downfall, disconnecting the Burdekin township (Photo Credit: Burdekin Drones)
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
