Severe weather event - support options for businesses
This year farmers and small businesses have experienced more than their fair share of severe weather events in Australia.
From floods and destructive storm cells along the east coast, to prolonged droughts in the south, severe weather events can add additional pressures to the already demanding task of running your own business.
The federal and state governments have since introduced various measures in response to these recent weather events to support farmers and businesses.
Current support options available for those who’ve experienced severe weather in 2025 include:
LAST UPDATED: 21/07/2025
Queensland - Severe Weather
Primary producers and small businesses impacted by the QLD severe weather or Tropical Cyclone Alfred (from 1 – 16 March 2025) can access:
- Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants: Up to $25,000 is available for affected producers and small businesses to help with the costs of clean-up and reinstatements. Applications close: 2 April 2026.
Disaster recovery and assistance options are also available for:
- Western Qld Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding
- North and Far North Tropical Low
- Southern Summer Rainfall and Flooding
Additional agribusinesses disaster recovery funding arrangements are available through the Queensland Government for disaster-activated areas.
Funding arrangements include:
- Freight subsidies
- Disaster assistance loans
- Disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans.
New South Wales – Flood Recovery
Farmers and small businesses impacted by the NSW East Coast severe weather (from 18 May 2025) or Tropical Cyclone Alfred (from 3 March 2025) can access:
- Natural Disaster Relief Grants: Up to $25,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses to cover essential recovery costs, including infrastructure repairs and debris removal.
- Rural Landholder Grants: Up to $10,000 for eligible rural landholders to assist with clean-up, repairs, and recovery work, such as fixing damaged fences and equipment.
Applications are open through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority and Service NSW.
BCU Bank customers can also reach out to our experienced business banking team to discuss support options available to your business. Our team is always here to help.
