Flood-hit traders can apply for loans

SMALL businesses which suffered a slump in trade during recent flooding can now apply for disaster funding to get back on their feet.

Low-interest loans through the State and Federal Government’s joint Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements will be available to business owners in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said businesses which could prove a loss of income may be entitled to the package.

“The loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and I encourage affected small businesses to inquire about their eligibility for the loans,” he said.

Law Enforcement Minister Angus Taylor said Douglas Shire Council had also qualified for funding to restore and replace damaged public infrastructure.

“Many roads were closed because of floodwaters, which left some communities within parts of the Douglas Shire isolated,” he said. “The funding that is being made available to the local council will ensure repairs can get under way as soon as possible.”

The same funding has been extended to Lockhart River.

“Lockhart River received over 500 millimetres of rain as the weather system associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Nora passed,” Mr Taylor said.

“The heavy rainfalls resulted in floods that cut off roads and isolated communities across the shire.”