Post-cyclone business support in Tweed

TWEED Shire Council is encouraging businesses to use its programs to seek support and guidance in the wake of the recent severe weather event.

“The Tweed business community has shown incredible resilience in the wake of Ex-Cyclone Alfred,” a Council spokesperson said.

“We’ve gathered key resources to support you in getting back on your feet – whether it’s financial assistance, mental health support, or recovery services.”

Disaster and emergency assistance for impacted businesses includes a range of supports, including financial aid, grants, insurance guidance, and business recovery services.

Businesses and primary producers can apply to the NSW Government for disaster relief loans and transport subsidies.

These include up to $15,000 for farmers, $1000 for improving workplace health and safety and low-interest loans up to $130,000 and more.

Financial support is available if businesses or their employees have lost income. The Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance, available online through myGov, provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders.

The widespread power outages left the fridges and freezers of many businesses without power, raising food safety concerns. Storm damage, debris, and water exposure can contaminate food, surfaces and utensils.

When assessing perishable items, the Council advises checking for contamination and following proper cleaning and disposal practices.

Refrigerated food may be unsafe after four hours, and frozen food thawed during power loss should not be refrozen.

Food that has come into contact with debris or floodwater should be discarded, and salvaging canned food for resale or charity is not advised if cans are dented, swollen, or damaged.

Food preparation surfaces and utensils should be cleaned and sanitised, and cracked or damaged items made from porous materials (wood, plastic, rubber) must be disposed of.

Private water supplies such as tanks, wells, and bores should be tested before use. The Council’s website provides information about disruptions to its regular water supply.

Farmers are asked to complete the damage and impact survey, which helps assess disaster impacts and inform recovery support.

Tweed Tourism Co. has also launched a survey to assess the impact on businesses, the visitor economy, operations, revenue loss, and future bookings.

For more information, visit the Tweed Shire Council Emergency Dashboard.