Support for businesses impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle

• Recovery support grants up to $20,000 available to businesses impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle
• Grants to provide support for economic loss and help with clean-up, repairs, and reinstatement of business activities
• Program also provides financial advice and counselling services

The Cook Labor Government has activated the Business Recovery Support Program to help business owners impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Small and medium businesses in the impacted Shires of Ashburton, Carnarvon, Exmouth, and Upper Gascoyne may be eligible for grants up to $20,000 to support clean-up, repairs, and reinstatement of business activities.

Exmouth businesses with a direct connection to tourism that are not eligible for funding under the Tourism Business Support Package may be eligible for financial assistance up to $20,000 if they have suffered economic loss due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

The program will also provide funding for financial advice and counselling services to eligible businesses and primary producers to help them stabilise, make informed recovery decisions, and plan for longer-term viability.

The Business Recovery Support Program complements the $1.45 million Tourism Business Support Package which provides financial support to eligible tourism businesses impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

The program will be delivered by the Small Business Development Corporation on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. For more information, visit recovery.dfes.wa.gov.au.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:

"Western Australians have shown remarkable resilience in the wake of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and this support will help businesses continue their recovery.

"For many small businesses, getting back to normal means repairing damage, managing financial pressures, and restoring confidence. These grants are designed to provide practical assistance at a critical time.

"Strong local businesses are essential to strong communities, and the Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting affected business owners as they recover and rebuild."

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

"Tourism operators are a vital part of Exmouth's economy and visitor experience, and we know many businesses felt the impacts of Cyclone Narelle despite escaping significant physical damage.

"Together with the Cook Labor Government's Tourism Business Support Package, this assistance will help businesses recover, rebuild confidence, and continue welcoming visitors to one of Western Australia's most iconic destinations."

Comments attributed to Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"Small businesses are at the heart of regional communities and are often among the first to feel the economic impacts of a natural disaster.

"This support will help eligible business owners manage the immediate challenges of recovery while providing access to the advice and assistance they need to plan for the future."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The Cook Labor Government knows that tourism is central to the local economy of many of the regional towns impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

"The Business Recovery Support Program will provide grants of up to $20,000 to eligible small and medium businesses, giving owners practical assistance to get their operations back on track."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"Our community has been through an incredibly difficult period following Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and recovery will take time. This support will help residents, businesses and local governments get back on their feet and rebuild with confidence.

"I've been speaking with local families, business owners, and community leaders, and while the damage has been significant, so too has the resilience and determination of these communities. This assistance will help ensure that recovery efforts continue where they are needed most."