Deadline: February 13, 2026
The Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant provides financial support to small businesses in Ingham and surrounding areas that were impacted by power outages of five consecutive days or more resulting from the de-energising of the Ingham substation caused by the North and Far North Tropical Low from 29 January to 28 February 2025.
The focus is to enable rapid business recovery by providing direct financial assistance to replace uninsured perishable stock lost due to power outages of five consecutive days or more resulting from the de-energising of the Ingham Substation, minimising financial strain on affected businesses, support continuity of operations, ensuring businesses can continue serving their communities without prolonged disruptions, and protect local supply chains and employment by assisting businesses in maintaining trade and cash flow, sustaining local jobs and economic activity.
This grant offers up to $25,000 to reimburse costs for replacing uninsured perishable stock lost during the specified disaster period. Eligible expenses include spoiled food items such as meats, seafood, dairy products, beverages, fresh produce, and prepared meals; perishable ingredients and raw materials used in food preparation; and perishable retail merchandise such as flowers, certain cosmetics, and refrigerated medications. The program does not cover losses already compensated through other disaster grants, loans, or insurance claims, nor does it fund unrelated costs, asset purchases, or non-perishable items.
Applicants must meet detailed eligibility requirements, including having fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees, an annual turnover below $10 million, an active ABN and GST registration, being located in the eligible disaster area, experiencing a confirmed outage of five or more consecutive days, and demonstrating uninsured perishable stock losses. Evidence such as photographs, invoices, proof of payment, and insurance documentation is required.
Applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants Portal, along with all supporting documentation, by 13 February 2026 or until funds are fully allocated. Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement with the Department of Customer Services, Open Data, Small and Family Business and will be required to complete an Outcomes Survey within three months of receiving funds.
For more information, visit Queensland Government.
