Help for business

Help is at hand for flood-impacted businesses

When the Logan River peaked at Waterford at 11.1 metres earlier this month, local businesses, along with residents, bore the brunt of Mother Nature.

While the rain was devastating, community spirit proved to be an even stronger force as people united to tackle the mammoth clean-up task.

On Nerang St, Ray White Waterford was among the 54 businesses inundated by flood water across the City of Logan.

The water at Waterford was more than half a metre higher than the 2017 peak of 10.5 metres after ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Owner Lisa Knowles said her office wouldn’t be usable until early to mid-April as the concrete floors dry out and other repairs are carried out. She is currently working from home.

“The incredible support that we received from the community, volunteers and Logan City Council has been absolutely incredible,” Ms Knowles said.

“People generously gave their time and support and the opportunity to have a chat at any time has certainly been more than we could have ever anticipated.

“The Logan community comes together in times of need and we couldn’t be more appreciative of everyone who has helped our businesses get up and running.”

Upstairs, The White House of Waterford restaurant was not inundated but its outdoor wedding and function area was impacted, and a storage room was flooded.

Owner Rebecca Cobbing said the community’s support had been overwhelming.

“We had about 100 volunteers here to help us clean up,” Ms Cobbing said.

“There’s still a lot of work to do but we’ll be trading properly this week.

“We won’t be able to host weddings for about six months until we replace our decorations and styling, which we’d collected over about six years, and re-establish the outdoor area.”

In response to the 2022 floods, Logan City Council has established a Small Business Recovery and Reinvigoration Fund as part of a wider flood recovery package.

The program will help businesses that were inundated by this flood event to improve their resilience, adapt their business for future growth and fast-track their recovery.

Mayor Darren Power said Council recognised the impact on affected businesses and how critical it was to help them bounce back, particularly after they weathered pandemic lockdowns over the last two years.

“When you invest blood, sweat and tears into building a business, it can be heartbreaking to see it destroyed so cruelly and quickly,” Councillor Power said.

“Our city’s businesses are the backbone of a strong local economy, so it’s important that Council does what it can to help those impacted get back on their feet again.”

Support measures include up to $5,000 per eligible business to assist with the following:

• Professional advice and support.
• Digital and marketing activities to assist local businesses discover new customers and grow revenue.
• Relocation costs for affected local businesses wanting to move to other locations within Logan.
• Replacement, repair or restoration of essential items for business operations such as signage or furniture.
• Rebates on approved business development courses to develop disaster preparedness and mitigation skills.

Applications for the Small Business Recovery and Reinvigoration Fund can be lodged at https://logan.smartygrants.com.au/smallbusinessrecovery

Council is also partnering with State Member for Waterford, Shannon Fentiman, to host a small business recovery networking event on Wednesday, March 23 from 5pm to 6pm at Extraction Artisan Coffee (7/3375 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek). RSVPs are required by Monday, March 21 to waterford@parliament.qld.gov.au