Survey to understand flood and storm impacts on Sunshine Coast businesses

Sunshine Coast Council continues to work closely with all levels of government, emergency and community agencies to support our community as the region navigates the impacts of the recent significant weather and flooding events.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said he understood the impact the weather event has had on local businesses.

“Council is supporting and advocating for our local business community to ensure we can bounce back as a region,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Our local businesses are the ones employing our friends and family, they help shape our local communities and are the economic backbone of our region.

“They need all the support they can get and we encourage the community to buy and support local businesses wherever possible.”

The Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) would like to connect with business owners impacted by recent rainfall and flooding to identify what help they need during this challenging time. 

“It is important that council shares this information with our business community so that our local businesses can get the support they need to recover and get back on track quickly,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We support the Queensland Government’s Natural Disaster Business Survey which will help the Department understand the impact of rainfall and flooding on businesses on the Sunshine Coast and throughout South East Queensland, Maryborough and the Fraser Coast and will inform the ongoing assistance required.

“We encourage local businesses to complete this short survey to ensure the Sunshine Coast has a strong voice and appropriate levels of assistance can be provided for them to support their recovery.  

This survey will remain open as long as required to enable time for impacted businesses to respond.

Complete the survey here. 

Mayor Jamieson also welcomed the Queensland Government announcement that funding is now available for Sunshine Coast businesses who have been affected by the recent weather events.

An initial $558.5 million, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments will be provided to support communities in need.

Demand driven grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers, up to $50,000 for affected small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, and $20,000 for sporting and community clubs and associations will be available through Queensland Government agencies to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet. Find out more information about these grants here.

In addition, the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is seeking input from agricultural businesses and producers by completing the DAF Natural Disaster Impact Survey. The survey aims to gain a better understanding of the extent of the recent natural disaster has had on this sector. Complete the DAF Natural Disaster Survey here.

Natural Disaster Assistance grants and loans are also available and are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Queensland and Australian governments. For more information or to apply visit qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946.

Sunshine Coast Council supports the business community in a range of ways across the year through the delivery of programs and events, support for Chambers of Commerce and Industry Groups and by supporting businesses to invest and expand in the region. This support is aligned with the outcomes identified in the Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013 – 2033. More information on how Council supports business can be found here.

Small Business Disaster Hub

Visit the Small Business Disaster Hub to access a range of resources to help businesses respond and recover following a natural disaster.

Personal Hardship Assistance is available to support impacted residents.  For Information on Personal Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies.

Visit the Australian Government's Service Australia website to access Disaster Recovery payments and support.