[Updated April 2026]

Natural disasters can have a serious impact on Queensland farms, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and regional communities. Floods, cyclones, severe storms and other weather events can damage infrastructure, disrupt operations and create unexpected recovery costs.

For eligible businesses and primary producers, disaster recovery grants and financial assistance may be available through Queensland and Australian Government programs.

This guide explains where to check current Queensland disaster recovery grants, who may be eligible, what costs may be covered, and what documents you should prepare before applying.

Check Current Grant Availability Before Applying

Disaster recovery assistance changes depending on the event, location and applicant type.

At the time of this update, QRIDA lists the North and Far North Tropical Low, 29 January to 28 February 2025, Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants as open, with applications closing on 14 August 2026. QRIDA also lists disaster assistance programs for other recent Queensland events, including severe weather, flooding and cyclone-related events.

Because eligibility, grant amounts and closing dates can change, always check the current program details before starting an application.

Useful links:

• QRIDA disaster assistance programs
• Queensland Reconstruction Authority disaster funding activations
• Business Queensland natural disaster support
• Queensland Government disaster recovery support

What Are Queensland Disaster Recovery Grants?

Disaster recovery grants are designed to help eligible businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations recover from declared natural disaster events.

Depending on the event and the type of assistance activated, support may help with costs such as clean-up, repairs, reinstatement of operations, replacement of damaged equipment, and essential recovery work.

In Queensland, many disaster recovery grants and loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, commonly known as QRIDA. Disaster funding activations are generally linked to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, a jointly funded program between the Australian Government and state and territory governments.

Who May Be Eligible?

Eligibility depends on the specific disaster event and assistance program. In many cases, support may be available for:

• Primary producers
• Small businesses
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Rural landholders
• Sole traders or operators affected by a declared disaster

To be eligible, applicants will usually need to show that they:

• Operate in a declared disaster area
• Have suffered direct damage or disruption from the eligible disaster event
• Have an active Australian Business Number, where required
• Are responsible for the costs being claimed
• Can provide evidence such as photos, invoices, quotes, receipts or financial records
• Meet the specific rules of the relevant grant or loan program

The declared disaster area is important. A business or property may only be eligible if it is located in a local government area or region covered by the relevant activation.

You can check declared areas through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority activations page.

What Costs May Be Covered?

The costs covered will depend on the grant program, but disaster recovery assistance may help with expenses such as:

• Hiring or purchasing clean-up equipment
• Removing debris, damaged goods, spoiled stock or waste
• Repairing damaged non-residential buildings
• Repairing or replacing essential business equipment
• Reinstating damaged fencing, where eligible
• Safety inspections by qualified tradespeople
• Labour costs that are above normal operating expenses
• Repairing damage to essential infrastructure
• Replacing damaged crops, pasture, plants or stock-related items
• Leasing or purchasing equipment needed to resume operations

These costs generally need to relate directly to damage caused by the declared disaster event. Applicants should keep clear records showing what was damaged, when it happened, and how the claimed expenses relate to recovery.

Can Disaster Grants Help With Power Infrastructure?

For farms, rural businesses and remote properties, disaster recovery is often about more than cleaning up visible damage. It may also involve restoring essential infrastructure, including power systems, pumps, sheds, workshops, refrigeration, communications equipment and site access.

If your existing power infrastructure has been damaged by a declared event, it may be worth speaking with QRIDA, your accountant, insurer or financial adviser about whether repair or replacement costs could be eligible under the relevant program.

This is especially important for rural and off-grid sites where reliable power is critical to daily operations.

Commodore Australia can assist with assessing off-grid, hybrid and backup power options for rural, agricultural and remote sites. While we cannot provide grant eligibility advice, we can help you understand practical power system options if your property or business needs to restore or improve energy reliability after a disaster.

What Documents Should You Prepare?

Before applying for a disaster recovery grant, it is worth gathering as much evidence as possible.

You may need:

• Photos showing the damage
• Quotes for repair, clean-up or replacement work
• Invoices and receipts
• Proof of payment, such as bank records
• A copy of your latest tax return or financial statements
• Rates notices, lease agreements or other property records
• Insurance details and claim status
• Evidence that your business or property is located in a declared disaster area
• Your QRIDA Client ID, if you have applied for assistance before

Different grants have different evidence requirements. QRIDA commonly asks applicants to provide documents that support the claim and show the connection between the disaster event and the costs being claimed.

Where to Check Current Queensland Disaster Assistance

Because disaster assistance changes regularly, the best starting point is to check official government sources.

QRIDA

QRIDA administers a range of disaster grants and loans for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

Visit: QRIDA disaster assistance programs

Queensland Reconstruction Authority

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority lists disaster funding activations, including eligible events, councils and assistance measures.

Visit: Queensland Reconstruction Authority disaster funding activations

Business Queensland

Business Queensland provides information for small businesses before, during and after a disaster, including links to grants, loans and recovery support.

Visit: Business Queensland natural disaster support

Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Support

The Queensland Government provides information about disaster support, personal hardship assistance and community recovery services.

Visit: Queensland Government disaster recovery support

You can also call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for advice about disaster recovery support.

Services Australia

Services Australia provides information about Australian Government disaster payments, including the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance where activated.

Visit: Services Australia natural disaster support

Services Australia notes that people may be eligible for both Australian Government and state or territory support, depending on the declared disaster and their circumstances.

Rural and Small Business Financial Counselling

Financial counselling services can help primary producers, rural businesses and small businesses understand their options during financial hardship.

Useful links:

• Rural Financial Counselling Service, Australian Government
• RFCS North Queensland
• RFCS Southern Queensland
• Small business financial counsellors, Business Queensland

The Australian Government describes the Rural Financial Counselling Service as a free and independent service for eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.

Tips Before You Apply

Before lodging an application, consider the following steps:

1. Check that your area is eligible
   Confirm that your local government area or property location is included in the declared disaster area.
2. Read the grant guidelines carefully
   Each program has its own rules, eligible costs, evidence requirements and closing dates.
3. Take clear photos before starting repairs
   Photos can help show the extent of the damage and support your claim.
4. Keep all receipts and invoices
   Larger claims often require proof of payment, not just a quote.
5. Speak with your insurer
   Some grants may ask for insurance details or the status of your insurance claim.
6. Get advice early
   If you are unsure, speak with QRIDA, Business Queensland, your accountant, your local council or a financial counsellor before applying.

Planning for More Reliable Power After a Disaster

Natural disasters can expose weaknesses in existing infrastructure. For rural properties, farms and remote businesses, power reliability is often one of the biggest challenges.

If your site has experienced repeated outages, damaged electrical infrastructure or unreliable generator dependence, it may be worth reviewing your long-term energy setup as part of your recovery planning.

Depending on your property and energy needs, this may include:

• Off-grid solar power systems
• Hybrid solar and battery systems
• Backup generator integration
• Solar-powered pumping systems
• Remote power systems for sheds, pumps, workshops or communications equipment
• Containerised or skid-mounted power systems for commercial and industrial sites

Commodore Australia designs and builds off-grid, hybrid and remote power systems for Australian conditions. If you are reviewing your energy setup after a disaster, our team can help you assess what type of system may suit your site.

Final Word

Queensland disaster recovery grants can provide important support for farmers, small businesses and regional communities after severe weather events. However, the available assistance changes depending on the disaster, location and applicant type.

The best approach is to check the current official grant pages, gather evidence early, keep clear records, and seek advice before applying.

If your recovery planning involves restoring or improving power reliability, Commodore Australia can help you explore practical off-grid, hybrid and backup power options for your property or business.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only. It is not financial, legal, insurance or grant application advice. Grant eligibility, funding amounts, application requirements and closing dates can change. Always confirm the latest details with QRIDA, Business Queensland, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, your local council, your insurer or a qualified adviser before applying.

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Commodore Australia is committed to sharing helpful information and resources during this time. If you need further guidance or support, you’re welcome to reach out to our team.