Interesting timing has seen the Federal Government declare that applications are now open for the Large Anchor Business Support Grant Program, to help the Northern Rivers recover from this year’s devastating, widespread floods.

Large businesses crucial to the long-term economic prosperity of the region can now apply for their share of the $44.3 million grants package, funded by the Australian Government.

Interesting timing because three of the region's largest employers are holding a press conference later this morning, including Norco, saying the amount of $44.3 million is not enough to help them rebuild and keep local jobs. The amount being mentioned is closer to $100 million which was to be split $50 million between the Federal and State governments.

The government said, "The program will provide financial assistance to help businesses that employ more than 200 people get back on their feet quickly, increase resilience to natural disasters and help people return to their jobs."

It is a joint initiative of the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and comes on top of existing support for small and medium-sized businesses.

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said supporting the region’s economic recovery is a top priority.

“Large businesses are crucial to the Northern Rivers and employ hundreds of local workers,” Senator Watt said.

“When I visited Lismore this month, I held roundtables with local representatives to discuss the recovery progress.

“We want to help local industry get back to business as soon as possible but also help to future-proof them, by improving resilience to future natural disasters.”

Businesses that have been directly impacted by the floods are invited to submit up to three proposals detailing their recovery needs and how they would use funding in accordance with the program’s objectives.

Applications close on 26 July.

Further information is available at: Anchor Business Support Grant Program | NSW Government or call 1300 679 673 from 7am - 7pm, Monday to Friday.

There will be more to come on this story later today on the Lismore App.