$9.5 million fund to boost recovery of flood-hit businesses

A NEW $9.5 million Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program will now support flood-impacted businesses across the region.

Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, and Clarence Valley reported the highest average damage and business costs after the 2022 flood.

The NSW Government’s Community Restoration Flood Fund will back the economic recovery of businesses and CBDs with support for direct activation and revitalisation projects.

Funded projects could include repairing or replacing damaged fixed equipment, machinery, and infrastructure, implementing flood barriers, elevated foundations, waterproofing, flood-resilient doors or windows, and drainage systems.

Funding is available in two targeted streams: infrastructure support for small and medium-sized businesses, with grants of up to $2 million, and CBD activation and revitalisation projects delivered by councils, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

Applicants must demonstrate how their project benefits the local community and aligns with the program’s objectives.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said several locally significant businesses remained closed or only partially operational.

“Getting them back on their feet is incredibly important.

“Some of the towns and villages included in this program were the hardest hit, and the NSW Government is committed to supporting their recovery and ongoing resilience and viability.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the 2022 floods had a devastating impact.

“These small towns and villages right across the Northern Rivers require unique support in their recovery.

“If this funding helps support some of those anchor businesses or spruces up their CBD, then that’s very important to those communities.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will govern the program’s delivery and management.

For more information, head to rd.smartygrants.com.au/rbap