Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred financial assistance for business owners
Photo credit: ABC News.
In the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, many businesses across Queensland and New South Wales are facing unprecedented challenges. For female entrepreneurs, these challenges are compounded by unique circumstances that require tailored strategies for recovery and resilience. While the road to recovery is going to be long and challenging for some, we wanted to share some of the aid that has been announced this week in case it is available and supports your comeback.
Understanding the Impact
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left a trail of destruction, leading to widespread flooding, power outages, and significant property damage across eastern Australia. In response, both federal and state governments have activated financial support measures to assist those affected. For instance, the Australian government is offering income support for workers who lost income due to the cyclone's impact.
At this time, the support we are aware of is:
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short term payment to help you if Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025 directly affects your income.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a lump sum payment to help people affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred that started in March 2025.
Queensland businesses impacted during disaster events may be eligible for low interest loans and grants to help them recover.
1 Disaster Recovery Allowance
What it is
Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short term payment to help you if New South Wales Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025 directly affects your income.
You can get it for a maximum of 13 weeks. We’ll pay this from the date you started losing income as a direct result of this disaster.
Who can get it
You must meet eligibility rules to get Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
To get this payment you must meet all of the following. You:
were 16 or older at the time of the disaster
are an Australian resident or meet other residence rules
work or live in a declared Local Government Area
lost some or all of your income as a direct result of the disaster
earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the 13 weeks after this income loss.
You don’t need to have lost all your income to be eligible for this payment.
We use Australian Bureau of Statistics figures to tell us what the average weekly income is. The average weekly income is $1,924.60 per week before tax.
See Australian Government Services Australia website.
2 Disaster Recovery Allowance
A lump sum payment to help people affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred that started in March 2025.
You have until 11 September 2025 to make a claim for the following areas:
Ballina Local Government Area (LGA)
Byron LGA
Lillian Rock in Kyogle LGA
Lismore LGA
Tweed LGA
Yamba in Clarence Valley LGA.
To see emergency information about your LGA, you can enter your address into the New South Wales Government’s find your local council tool.
To get Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment you must meet all eligibility rules.
3. Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority Business Loans
Queensland businesses impacted during disaster events may be eligible for low interest loans and grants to help them recover.
For a full list of available support and eligibility please visit the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website.
Beyond business operations, a disaster can have a mental toll on you as well. If you need to talk, there are services waiting for your call:
Lifeline: Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14.
Beyond Blue: Aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. Phone: 1300 22 4636.
If you are aware of any other support, please email us and we will add to this list.
