Business emergency recovery

Disaster support for small business

Tweed businesses impacted by natural disasters are advised there are a number of NSW Government support avenues available.

Storm and flood disaster recovery grants are available for businesses who have sustained damage.

In any circumstance, if your business has been impacted by flooding or damage, it is crucial to take photos as soon as it is safe to do so, as this will assist with future funding.

Personalised support for individual businesses is offered by Service NSW by calling 13 77 88, or by registering a call back at Business Concierge. Business Concierge support can assist businesses affected by natural disasters.

To access information on disaster and emergency assistance for business visit the Service NSW website.

Support for food businesses

Power outages during severe weather can compromise food safety, as refrigeration and freezing may have been disrupted for an extended period. Perishable food that has been stored at unsafe temperatures should be carefully assessed and discarded if necessary to prevent foodborne illness. Additionally, contamination from storm damage, debris, and water exposure may pose further risks to food, surfaces, and utensils.

Things to remember

• Spoiled or damaged food – discard food that might not be safe to eat or has come in contact with floodwater.
• Check canned food and throw out any cans that are dented, swollen or damaged. Salvaging canned food for resale is not recommended.
• Keep it cold – If the power supply is out for more than 4 hours, food in fridges can spoil. If frozen foods have thawed, they should not be refrozen but should be kept cold and eaten as soon as possible. If in doubt throw it out.
• Cleaning – clean and sanitise surfaces and food utensils. Discard any cracked or damaged items including items made from porous material (wood, plastic, rubber) as they cannot be adequately sanitised.
• Drinking water – private water supplies (such as tanks, wells and bores) may not be safe to drink and use for cooking and cleaning and should be tested before using again. For businesses connected Council’s water supply, please monitor Council’s water supply advice on this website or call 02 6670 2400.
• Rubbish/waste – please secure your waste. Council’s waste contractor will reopen services as soon as possible.
• Electrical equipment – have electrical equipment that has been impacted by floodwater checked by a licensed electrician before use.

Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, agricultural and industrial waste, and other substances that can cause illness. There is a danger that any food, surfaces and cooking utensils that have come into contact with floodwater might be contaminated.

Further advice or assistance

Food safety in emergencies fact sheet (Food Authority NSW)

Please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officers on 02 6670 2400, find more information on Council's website or Facebook page. Find out more about food business permits and approvals or call NSW Food Authority on 1300 552 406, or NSW Health on 02 9391 9000.

During times of emergency, the Office of Emergency Management determines the need for and location of Recovery Centres. The centres provide a one-stop-shop for affected residents, businesses and farmers to access recovery assistance from a range of agencies and organisations. For further information please visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website.

After an emergency passes, you will want to get your business back on its feet as quickly as possible. Please visit What to do after an emergency for helpful information, tips and templates.

For services and resources to help businesses and their workers manage general wellbeing and mental health challenges visit Service NSW Mental Health Support.