Floods
As a result of the recent flooding across the state, CCIQ has developed a range of resources to help businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
The resources are:
Please bookmark this page and check back regularly as we will add new information and resources as they are made available by State and Federal Governments.
FLOOD FACTSHEETS
Below are a series of factsheets that will provide business owners and manager with essential information relating to the recovery efforts from the impacts of the current floods.
The factsheets cover key areas of:
| Factsheet | Description |
| Business Recovery Checklist | Once the flood waters and cyclone damage has occured and you’ve had the opportunity to address the impacts of the damage for your family, friends and community, you will then most likely turn your attention to dealing with recovering and re-establishing your business. |
| Directors’ liabilities where likely to be trading insolvent
|
CCIQ is aware that the current situation with the flooding in Queensland may lead to some companies trading insolvent. This fact sheet provides an overview of some of the Director’s duties and liabilities with regards to insolvent trading and provides an overview of the options companies have and the possible penalties and consequences if they trade when insolvent. |
|
Environmental guidance for flood and cyclone affected businesses |
Business owners/operators of flood affected businesses who believe that there may be any risk that their premises contains chemical substances or contaminated materials should engage a professional commercial cleaner to clean flood damaged areas. |
| Managing Your Employees Following a Disaster | With natural disasters as widespread as Queensland has experienced in the past few weeks, it is highly likely that not only has your business been affected, but that you and your employees may well have been directly affected personally as well. |
| Commercial Leases & Natural Disaster Issues | If your business operates from leased premises, and the premises are damaged during a natural disaster, you may wish to seek a reduction in rent or other fees. No two leases are the same with different protection awarded under different clauses. It is important that you understand what these clauses say and what your rights are as a tenant. |
| Financial Considerations in Rebuilding and Re-establishing Your Business | Taking a measured approach to your response to a natural disaster can mean the difference between problems that threaten the continuation of your business and an opportunity not only to return to normal but emerge even stronger. Here are a few tips to get your business back to usual and give you the best chance of success, both in the immediate future and in years to come. |
EMPLOYER ASSISTANCE LINE
CCIQ has extended its Employer Assistance Line services to any Queensland businesses forced to temporarily close or reduce operations as a result of tropical cyclone Oswald.
CCIQ's Employer Assistance Line will provide free industrial relations advice to businesses impacted by cyclone Oswald in terms of managing their workforces appropriately and within the Fair Work Act.
For those businesses that are forced to shut due to flooding, cyclone or loss of power, industrial relations provisions in Australia provide options for staff to be placed on leave.
Businesses can call CCIQ's Employer Assistance Line on 1300 135 822 or email eal@cciq.com.au.
To find out more about EAL click here.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Storm and flood emergencies:
State Emergency Service
Phone 132 500
Current flood information:
Includes road closures, flood forecasts by suburb and sandbag collection points
Brisbane City Council
Phone 3403 8888
Flood assistance programs for businesses:
The Queensland Government’s Business and Industry Portal has information on support services for natural disasters, along with some practical advice on preparation and recovery.
Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said small businesses could be eligible for concessional loans of up to $250,000 under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
The National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) provides (among other things) small business recovery grants to assist with clean-up and recovery costs.
- Queensland Government - Disaster Recovery Factsheet
- Australian Government - Disaster Recovery Factsheet
Minister Stuckey also confirmed that Queensland's Tourism Industry is open for business, saying, “My message to anyone contemplating a holiday in Queensland is to go ahead and do it because Queensland tourism is still well and truly open for business."
CCIQ has actively lobbied the State Government over the last few days to ensure that assistance has been made available for businesses and not just households. Similarly we have pressed for the message that Queensland is open for business to be at the heart of all State Government communications.
CCIQ's Nick Berhrens on ABC News 24 The Business.
Some banks are also providing assistance to their business customers – refer to individual bank websites.
Queensland Floods Appeal 2013:
Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 – Queensland Government in partnership with the Red Cross – funds will be used to assist individuals, families and communities directly affected by the floods.