Our thoughts are with the community, you, your families and businesses as you deal with the impact of the recent floods and post-flood recovery. Below are some resources you may find helpful during this time. Please reach out if you need assistance or have questions.
Business Victoria Assistance
The Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program supports businesses directly affected by the Victorian flood events that commenced in October 2022. There are two streams of support available under this program:
- Immediate flood relief grant
- Business Relief Service
This Grant is open to all businesses with the following eligibility requirements
- be located within a local government area deemed eligible for assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement – see list here
- hold an active Australian business number (ABN) on and from 14 October 2022
- be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on and from 14 October 2022
- have incurred significant direct damage from flooding to the place of business, business assets, stock or equipment
- have not received support under the Primary Producer Flood Relief Program or the Community Sport
Emergency Flood Assistance Program.
How to apply – See business.vic.gov.au for Program Guidelines and to apply. Call 13 22 15 if you have any questions
Immediate Flood Relief Grant
This grant is for $5,000 and is paid on a first in first served basis until funds are exhausted or by 13th of January 2023 at 4pm.
This grant is open to most businesses within our affected region. If you are a farmer or have a primary production business DO NOT USE this grant as other grants are available.Eligible businesses can apply for the grant to cover expenses incurred from direct flood damage including for (but not limited to):
- qualified tradespeople to conduct safety inspections, repair premises and internal fittings
- equipment, materials and services needed for clean-up
- removal and disposal of debris, damaged materials or damaged stock
- equipment, stock and materials essential for immediately resuming operations.
Please read the program guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) before applying.
If you are having difficulty and need any assistance completing your application, please call the Business Victoria Hotline on 13 22 15. The hotline operates seven days a week.
If you require a translator, please let the operator know and they will call the Translating and Interpreting Service for you.
Business Relief Service
The Business Relief Service is a free service offering one-on-one support from a local business mentor who will be available via telephone and on the ground to guide business owners through the available Commonwealth, state and local supports. They can also help you manage insurance and landlord issues, assess impacts and form strategies for recovery.
To access the Business Relief Service, please call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 and they will connect you with dedicated mentors and support. The hotline operates seven days a week.
If you require a translator, please let the operator know and they will call the Translating and Interpreting Service for you.
Support for Primary Producers, Community Sport & Councils
Primary Producer Clean-Up Relief Grants
$10,000 grants to cover the cost of the clean-up and get businesses up and running again.
Primary Producer Concessional Loans
Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure or cover short-term business expenses.
Primary Producer Transport Subsidies
Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock
See agriculture.vic.gov.au for details. Call 1800 260 425 if you have any questions.
Community Sport Emergency Flood Assistance Program
$5,000 one-off grants to assist Victorian sport and active recreation organisations in the replacement of
playing, injury prevention and first aid equipment, canteen and clubroom items and maintenance equipment.
Closes 13 January 2023
Council Support Fund
Immediate payments of $500,000 to the 24 local government areas that have experienced the most profound
flood damage to start clean-up activities and restore local facilities and services that are the lifeblood of regional
communities, like sports clubs and community centres.
Commonwealth Government payments can assist individuals with costs and income support
Disaster Recovery Allowance
Up to 13 weeks payment to help eligible individuals losing income as a direct result of the Victorian Floods that started on 6 October 2022.
Available to eligible individuals that work or live in an affected Local Government Area, lost income as a direct result of the floods, and earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the weeks after this income loss.
Apply through Services Australia.
Disaster Recovery Payment
A lump sum payment to help individuals significantly affected by Victorian Floods in October 2022. It is not for minor damage or inconvenience. Its purpose is to help with major damage to your property or other assets.
Available to individuals that are in a Local Government Area that has been declared for a disaster.
If you’re eligible you’ll get:
• $1000 per adult
• $400 for each child younger than 16
Apply through Services Australia.
