Deadline: 02-Apr-2026
The Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program is now open to support small businesses, not-for-profits, and primary producers affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Severe Weather. Eligible applicants can receive up to $75,000 (primary producers) or up to $25,000 (small businesses and non-profits) to cover clean-up, repairs, equipment replacement, and other essential recovery costs.
About the Program
This recovery grant is designed to help affected entities recover from Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Severe Weather by providing financial support for urgent clean-up, repairs, and restoration.
The program supports:
- Primary producers
- Small businesses
- Non-profit organisations
Its main purpose is to help eligible applicants:
- Restore damaged assets
- Repair essential infrastructure
- Resume operations as quickly as possible
- Cover recovery costs not otherwise manageable
Grant Amount
Funding depends on the type of applicant:
- Primary producers: up to $75,000
- Small businesses: up to $25,000
- Non-profit organisations: up to $25,000
How Funding Is Paid
The grant is paid in stages.
Stage 1
- Initial claim of up to $5,000
Applicants must provide evidence such as:
- Photographs
- Quotations
- Invoices
- Receipts
Stage 2
- Remaining balance can be claimed later
This requires:
- Proof of payment for eligible recovery expenses
What the Grant Can Be Used For
Eligible funding may support:
- Clean-up and debris removal
- Emergency recovery actions
- Fencing replacement
- Purchase of clean-up equipment and materials
- Additional labour costs beyond normal wages
- Disposal of damaged goods and stock
- Repair of non-residential buildings
- Repair or reconditioning of essential plant and equipment
- Hiring or buying equipment to restart operations quickly
- Paying tradespeople for safety inspections
- Essential repairs to premises and internal fittings not covered by insurance
- Repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure, equipment, and stock
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Primary producers
- Small businesses
- Non-profit organisations
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold an active ABN at the time of the disaster
- Have been operating when the event occurred
- Be located in the officially declared disaster area, or meet the special operating-area condition
- Have experienced direct damage caused by the disaster
- Be primarily responsible for the recovery costs being claimed
- Intend to re-establish operations in the affected area
Special Eligibility Rule
A business or organisation may still qualify if it is:
- Located outside the defined disaster area, but
- Regularly operates within the disaster area, and
- Had plant or equipment in the disaster area that was damaged by the event
Extra Requirement for Non-Profits
Non-profit organisations must also show that they:
- Cannot repair or replace damaged assets using their own resources without assistance from the program
Why This Grant Matters
This is a practical recovery fund for organisations and producers needing fast support after disaster damage.
It is especially useful because it covers:
- Immediate clean-up
- Operational restart costs
- Infrastructure and equipment repair
- Costs not covered by insurance
- Staged claims for quicker early access to funds
FAQs
1. How much funding is available?
- Primary producers: up to $75,000
- Small businesses: up to $25,000
- Non-profits: up to $25,000
2. Can I claim money before all repairs are completed?
Yes. You can first submit an initial claim of up to $5,000 with supporting evidence, then apply for the remaining balance later.
3. What evidence is needed for the first claim?
You may need:
- Photos
- Quotes
- Invoices
- Receipts
4. What kinds of costs are covered?
Eligible costs may include:
- Clean-up
- Debris removal
- Fencing
- Equipment and materials
- Labour
- Stock disposal
- Building repairs
- Plant and equipment repair
- Safety inspections
- Essential uninsured repairs
5. Do I need an ABN?
Yes. You must have had an active ABN when the disaster occurred.
6. Can organisations outside the disaster area apply?
Possibly, yes — if they regularly operate in the disaster area and had damaged plant or equipment located there.
Conclusion
The Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program is an important recovery opportunity for primary producers, small businesses, and non-profits affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Severe Weather.
With support of up to $75,000, staged payments, and broad coverage for clean-up and restoration costs, it can help eligible applicants repair damage, restart operations, and recover more quickly.
For more information, visit Australian Government.
