Flood Property Assessment Program NSW

Posted on 27 July 2022 | by Allan Hall

Flood property assessments for owners and tenants in NSW

This program provides property assessments for owners and tenants in eligible areas impacted by the NSW February and March 2022 floods.

What you get: Flood property assessment
Who this is for: Property owners and tenants located in eligible NSW flood-affected areas.

Overview

If your residential or commercial property was impacted by the February and March 2022 floods, you can register to have a property building condition assessment carried out by certified inspectors.

If the assessment finds the property to be unsafe or beyond economical repair, you can choose to have demolition and removal of waste services undertaken at no cost.

If your property can be repaired, you’ll be provided with a scope of repair works.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Property owners and tenants can register for the program if the property is:

located in one of the local government areas impacted by the February and March 2022 floods- external site
damaged (or may have been damaged) by severe weather and floods
a home, apartment, apartment building, business premise or used for primary production purposes.

How do you apply?

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at Flood Property Assessment Program or register online using the Request for Assistance Form.

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NSW flood clean-up assistance

Posted on 25 July 2022 | by Allan Hall

July 2022 flood support

Organisations in disaster-declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) are eligible for a range of support.

Small business grant

Up to $50,000 is available for eligible small businesses and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations affected by the July floods.

Payments can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing a temporary workspace.

APPLY FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS GRANT

Disaster Relief Loans

You may be eligible for a low-interest loan to help you replace and repair damage caused to property.

Small businesses, NFPs and sporting clubs affected by the February/March or the July 2022 flooding may apply.

Call the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 for further details.

APPLY FOR A DISASTER RELIEF LOAN

For other guidance for flood-impacted households and businesses on dealing with water inundation and staying safe during clean-up visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery/clean-up-advice.

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Women in Business NSW

Posted on 15 July 2022 | by Allan Hall

Online program for NSW women starting or operating a small business

Women in Business provides women living or working in New South Wales with access to a fully subsidised online program to help them establish a new small business or consolidate an existing small business.

Status: Open. Application detail: You can apply at any time.

Overview

This fully subsidised online program is available to help women in New South Wales develop sustainable small businesses.

What you get: Fully subsidised online business training program with access to resources, events and other services.
Who is this for? Women in NSW wanting to start, or who are already operating a small business.

The program offers:

24/7 online access to topics that can be mixed and matched to suit your needs
insights from Australia’s leading female entrepreneurs
access to small business events
other resources and services.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible, you must:

be aged 18 years or over
identify as female
be establishing or own a business:
- with a valid Australian business number (ABN)
- registered or trading in NSW
- with 0 to 199 employees
live or work in NSW
be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.

How do you apply?

You can find out more about eligibility and how to apply at Women in Business.

CONTACT ALLAN HALL

Small business fees and charges rebate NSW

Posted on 16 June 2022 | by Allan Hall

Claim back up to $3,000 in fees

Apply by 24 June 2022 to ensure you can claim eligible fees and charges before the rebate closes on 30 June 2022.

APPLY ONLINE

If you’re a sole trader, the owner of a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW, you may be eligible for a small business fees and charges rebate of $3,000.

This rebate helps businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and encourages growth by reducing the cost of running a business. Eligible businesses or not-for-profits only need to apply for the rebate once, but can submit multiple claims until the full value of $3,000 is reached.

Funds can be used to offset the costs of eligible NSW and local government fees and charges due and paid from 1 March 2021. These include, but are not limited to:

food authority licences
liquor licences
tradesperson licences
event fees
outdoor seating fees
council rates
road user tolls for business use.

View the full list of eligible fees and charges. This list is updated regularly.

Employing businesses can claim 50% of the cost of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) up to the full rebate value of $3,000 to help them assist their workers to test when required.

The rebate cannot be used for fines or penalties, fees and charges that have the key purpose of discouraging behaviours or inducing behaviour changes, Commonwealth government charges, rent on government premises, or taxes. See the guidelines for more information.

Note: If you’ve already registered for the rebate, you do not need to do anything – you will receive an automatic $1,000 increase to your rebate. Businesses newly registering will have a rebate of $3,000.

Eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations have until 24 June 2022 to apply for the rebate. You can submit claims for eligible fees and charges until 30 June 2022.

Check eligibility and how to apply here »

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At Allan Hall, we will never request money upfront, deposits, transfers to personal accounts, payments via gift cards or other unexpected or unusual payment methods. If in any doubt, contact us via phone before taking actions that appear to be at the request of Allan Hall.

Small business and non-profit storm grants extended to Northern Beaches LGA

Posted on 24 March 2022 | by Allan Hall

NSW Small Business and Primary Producer recovery grants

Grants extended for small business and primary producers to communities impacted by summer storms

The Australian and New South Wales governments have extended Small Business and Primary Producer recovery grants to help residents impacted by a number of significant storm and flood events that occurred from October 2021 to March 2022.

Key points

The $50,000 grants for small businesses and non-profit organisations will be extended to the Northern Beaches LGA impacted by a severe storm on 19 December 2021
The $50,000 Recovery Grant Program for primary producers and small businesses impacted by storms and floods in November and December 2021 has been extended to Albury, Bland, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hilltops, Narrandera and Temora – all of which were impacted by the Southern NSW storms and floods from 5 January 2022 onwards
Lithgow LGA was impacted by the severe storm on 11 January 2022 and is also eligible for the $50,000 Primary Producer Recovery Grants and the Small Business Recovery Grants
The Coffs Harbour LGA impacted by severe weather on 20 October 2021 will also be eligible for Small Business Recovery Grants.

Support is designed to provide targeted short-term assistance to help flood-affected communities bounce back from catastrophic floods.

The extension is provided under Category D of the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is designed to offer equal access to small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits the tools they need to clean up, rebuild and keep operating.

Anyone in NSW who has suffered as a result of storms and floods this summer is encouraged to contact Service NSW and find out what you are eligible for or call 13 77 88.

Please liaise with the relevant agencies directly and contact us if you require support in making an application for funding.

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Relief for flood-affected communities

Posted on 15 March 2022 | by Allan Hall

Help for businesses affected by storms and floods

Financial support

We outline both state and federal financial recovery assistance for people impacted or affected by the recent NSW floods.

Please liaise with the relevant agencies directly and contact us if you require support in making an application for funding.

Small business and not-for-profit organisations

Disaster recovery grant – up to $50,000 to help pay for the cost of clean-up and resuming operations
Disaster recovery allowance – a short-term income support payment to assist if you’ve lost income as a direct result of the floods, provided by the Australian Government
Stamp duty relief – for replacing insured commercial motor vehicles written off due to floods and storms
Disaster relief loans – concessional interest rate loans up to $130,000 for small businesses and up to $25,000 for not-for-profit organisations.

Primary producers

Special disaster grant – up to $75,000 to help pay for the cost of clean-up and resuming operations
Disaster recovery allowance – a short-term income support payment to assist if you’ve lost income as a direct result of the floods, provided by the Australian Government
Stamp duty relief – for replacing insured commercial motor vehicles written off due to floods and storms
Natural disaster transport subsidy – up to $15,000 to cover costs of transporting fodder/water to an affected property, stock to sale or slaughter and stock to/from agistment
Disaster relief loans – concessional interest rate loans up to $130,000 for business continuity and to replace or repair damage not covered by insurance
Flood-affected farmers and land managers who require assistance with livestock assessment, veterinary assistance, emergency fodder and livestock euthanasia or burial, can call 1800 814 647.

Sport and recreation clubs

Disaster relief grant – up to $2,000 to assist with clean-up and restoring essential facilities and equipment
Disaster relief loans – concessional interest rate loans up to $10,000 to help meet the costs of restoring essential club facilities, equipment or other assets

Clean-up support

Flood-impacted businesses will receive clean-up assistance, including the removal of debris, mud and green waste.

Skip bins and dump trucks have started to appear on the streets. Where there are no skip bins or dump trucks available, separate waste on the kerbside until they arrive.

Cleaning up after a natural disaster can be dangerous. Here’s some advice on how to clean up safely and deal with hazardous waste.

Request clean up support »

Additional support

Use the Disaster Assistance Finder to generate a customised list of flood recovery services.

Also, taxpayers in flood-affected local government areas in NSW and QLD are provided with immediate tax relief to alleviate pressures on cash flow and operations.

The Treasurer announced that affected taxpayers will be eligible to receive the following concessions:

additional time to meet their upcoming Business Activity Statement (BAS) obligations
taxpayers paying PAYG instalments on a quarterly basis are eligible to vary upcoming instalments and receive a refund of previously paid instalments
claims for GST refunds will be expedited to ensure eligible taxpayers promptly receive their payments
small business and individual taxpayers will be able to notify the ATO about their circumstances to assist them in their situation.

The ATO has also announced that small businesses and individuals who need to lodge a BAS or instalment with an original due date of 28 February 2022 or 21 March 2022, and are not able to lodge by that date, may lodge these returns by 28 March 2022 without needing to request a lodgement deferral. Taxpayers who are unable to lodge by the new deadline of 28 March 2022 should contact the ATO and apply for a deferral as required.

The ATO has indicated that the payment due date will remain the same for these returns, but they will take an empathetic approach to the situations of affected taxpayers. Note that this concession does not apply to significant global entities or large businesses, who should contact the ATO to discuss their situation.

The ATO understands that tax is not your number one priority at this time, however you are encouraged to lodge when you can. The ATO has established an emergency Infoline on 1800 806 218 to answer any questions or provide urgent support to taxpayers.

Mental health support

Natural disasters, cleaning up and recovery can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It’s important for you to seek support and look after your own and your employees’ wellbeing.

Find out more »

CONTACT ALLAN HALL

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment flood assistance

Posted on 1 March 2022 | by Allan Hall

Commonwealth assistance for NSW and QLD flood victims

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available for people impacted by a flooding event.

Residents in 26 flood-affected local government areas across New South Wales and Queensland can start applying for Commonwealth financial support through Services Australia from 1 March 2022.

Eligible residents can claim support via myGov or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66
Claims for AGDRP and DRA for NSW local government areas will be open at 2pm (AEDT) from 1 March 2022
Affected Queensland local government areas can claim AGDRP from 9am (AEST) and can claim DRA from 1pm (AEST) from 1 March 2022
The DRFA assistance provides grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more.

Financial support has now been activated for Northern New South Wales local government areas of Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

Queensland residents in Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba local government areas are also included.

These communities are in addition to the local government areas of Gympie and North Burnett, who became eligible to apply on 28 February 2022. Payments are available in Gympie and North Burnett local government areas and the Queensland Government is responsible for activating these payments.

The AGDRP is a one-off, non-means-tested payment and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

Disaster Recovery Allowance

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will also be provided into the 26 affected local government areas.

The DRA assists employees, small business persons and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. This allowance provides for a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster. The DRA payment is set at the maximum equivalent rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances, and is taxable.

For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster

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2022 Small Business Support Grant

Posted on 16 February 2022 | by Allan Hall

2022 Small Business Support Grant

Service NSW has released the detailed Guidelines for the 2022 Small Business Support Grant

The main points are summarised as follows:

The Grant is intended to assist businesses that were impacted by the Omicron wave, particularly businesses in the hospitality and entertainment industries
The Grant will provide cash flow and help these businesses maintain employee-employer relationships.

Available Funding

One-off payment covering the four-week period of February 2022 (NB: No payment for the month of January 2022)
Eligible businesses to receive 20% of weekly payroll for work performed in NSW
Minimum payment of $750 per week up to a maximum of $5,000 per week
Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $500 per week
Weekly payroll amount will be calculated by referring to the most recent BAS or IAS provided to the ATO for a tax period that falls within the 2021-22 financial year
Similar calculation process to JobSaver

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have:

Had an ABN and were operating in NSW as at 1 January 2021
Had an aggregated turnover of between $75k and $50m for the year ended 30 June 2020 or 2021 (must use the year for the tax return most recently lodged)
Experienced a decline in turnover of 40% or more due to the impacts of COVID-19 during the month of January 2022, compared to January 2021 or January 2020; AND
Experienced a decline in turnover of 40% or more due to the impacts of COVID-19 from 1-14 February 2022 compared to the same fortnight in the comparison year that you select for the point above

Additionally applicants must:

Maintain employee headcount from January 30 to 28 February 2022
Have had a decline in turnover due to the impacts of COVID-19, not because of other reasons such as seasonal variations

Also:

For non-employing businesses, the business receiving payments must be the primary income source (50% or more) for the associated individual. An associate individual can only claim from one business.

Application Process

Applications opened 14 February 2022 and closes 31 March 2022 — apply via the Service NSW website
Payments will be made in one lump sum covering the four weeks of February 2022
Applicants must advise Service NSW if headcount is not maintained
Applicants will need to upload both the latest tax return that has been lodged and also the BAS used to calculate the weekly payroll amount
Businesses that are not listed in the highly impacted list will need to upload a BAS or a letter from their accountant to evidence that they meet the 40% decline in turnover.

There are alternative tests available for businesses that are impacted but were not operating on 1 January 2021, impacted by acquisition/disposal, bushfires and natural disasters and sole traders impacted by sickness, injury or leave.

Further information, including Grant Guidelines, is available at 2022 Small Business Support Program – Guidelines | Service NSW.

Please be aware that there is a high level of scamming activity around COVID-19 rules and regulations and, in particular, grants and relief. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and many involve impersonation such that they may appear to come from legitimate advisors (such as Allan Hall).

At Allan Hall, we will never request money upfront, deposits, transfers to personal accounts, payments via gift cards or other unexpected or unusual payment methods. If in any doubt, contact us via phone before taking actions that appear to be at the request of Allan Hall.

NSW Before and After School Care (BASC)

Posted on 1 February 2022 | by Allan Hall

Boosting budgets with before and after school care savings for families

Key points

Parents and carers of children enrolled in all primary schools in NSW will benefit from a new $155 million program for Before and After School Care (BASC) services to provide greater support and access to BASC services.

Every family with children at a NSW primary school is eligible for one voucher per child, which will provide each child with approximately 60 sessions of free BASC.
BASC providers will be able to register to redeem the vouchers from 7 February 2022 and parents will be able to apply for and utilise the vouchers from 28 February 2022.
Vouchers will be delivered through Service NSW and will follow a similar premise to the current Dine and Discover Vouchers.

The $500 voucher will assist families that use BASC services by covering the parent gap fee component of their session fees as families return to work following the holidays and contemplate juggling the demands of supervising education at home while working remotely, or even foregoing paid work.

The NSW Department of Education has partnered with Service NSW to roll out the program. The vouchers for before and after school care will help alleviate some of the financial pressures on families.

Families can apply for, store and redeem their BASC vouchers via the Service NSW app, similar to Dine & Discover and other vouchers like Active Kids and First Lap.

Eligible families will receive vouchers via their app just like the Dine & Discover program with providers able to scan the QR code on the spot or use the unique voucher code to redeem.

Providers and customers can register and apply online via a MyServiceNSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.