Primary producers
If you're a bushfire affected farmer, fisher, forester or related rural business owner, support is available to help you recover your business.
Help for Australian bushfire affected businesses
Last Updated: 19 October 2020
The 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires have had devastating effects on businesses across Australia. If you live or operate your business in a fire-affected area, there is help available.
National Bushfire Recovery Agency
The National Bushfire Recovery Agency was established to lead and coordinate a national response to rebuild communities affected by bushfires.
You can stay up-to-date on the services and assistance you may need to rebuild and recover from the bushfire on the National Bushfire Recovery Agency website.
Grants and assistance
Urgent financial assistance from the government is available to bushfire affected communities. You can find information on the types of assistance available on the Disaster Assist website.
Small business recovery grants and loans
To help small businesses recover, the Australian and state governments are providing the assistance.
Small business grant
Grants for small businesses of up to $10,000 for eligible small businesses in selected fire-affected Local Government Areas. You can apply for a small business grant through your state government:
- NSW: complete an application on the Service NSW
- SA: complete an application on the Business South Australia
- VIC: complete an application on the Rural Finance
Concessional loan
concessional loans of up to $500,000 for eligible small businesses (including primary producers) and non-profit organisations. You apply for a concessional loan through your state government:
- NSW: visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority
- SA: visit the SA business information hub
- VIC: visit the Rural Finance
Recovery grants
Recovery grants of up to $50,000 for eligible small businesses and non-profit organisations. You apply through your state government:
- NSW: visit the Service NSW
- SA: visit the SA business information hub
- VIC: visit the Business Victoria
Strengthening Business
The Strengthening Business service from the Entrepreneurs' Programme will help your business recover from the effects of the 2019-20 bushfires. Strengthening Business provides access to experts who'll work with you to rebuild your business. They'll work with you to strengthen the systems, operations and strategies of your business. Additionally they will connect you to the services you need to recover. Learn more about the Strengthening Business service.
State and territory grants and programs
Help applying for grants
You can get help filling in application forms for bushfire support from the team in your recovery centres. Find the nearest recovery centre in your state:
Advisory services
Business advisers and financial counselling can help you get the support and advice you need to recover your business.
Tax and super support
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is providing support to businesses impacted by the bushfires, such as giving extra time to pay or lodge tax forms and fast tracking any refunds owing to you.
Mental health support
The Black Summer bushfires were a traumatic event for everyone involved. It’s important that you and your employees get the right emotional support. If your business has been impacted by the bushfires, mental health support is available.
Insurance claims
If you need to make a claim on your small business or other insurance policy, the first step is to contact your insurer.
Paying bills
If you're having trouble paying bills, such as your energy bill or bank payments, you should contact your retailer. Some organisations are offering help including freezes on bills and payment extensions.
Company fees
If you’re facing financial hardship due to the bushfires, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) can help you with payment arrangements for your company fees.
Workplace health and safety
As an employer, you have an obligation to protect the health and safety of your staff while they’re at work. You can't ask your employees to start or continue to work if it's unreasonable or unsafe. If you must work, get specific advice from your local workplace health and safety organisation.
Assess and rebuilding your business
Before you start, it's a good idea to plan what you need to do to recover your business.
Our business recovery checklist and your business emergency management and recovery plan can help you to:
- assess the impact of the bushfires on your business
- prioritise and plan your efforts to recover
- understand what you need to consider before you can return to business
If you’ve assessed the impact of the fires on your business, and decide to rebuild your business premises:
- contact your insurer to check that you're covered for any damage to your property, before you start making any repairs, your insurer may need to authorise them
- speak to builders about timeframes
- talk to your local council about planning permits, if required
- consider relocating your business to a temporary place such as a business centre or your home while you’re rebuilding
- consider a virtual office service such as a phone answering service or remote secretarial service
- be wary of importing materials to rebuild – check for extra costs like dumping and countervailing duties
- look after your employees – encourage them to work from home or a temporary location if possible
