* Primary producers impacted by latest flood event can now access disaster grants up to $75,000 and disaster loans up to $2 million.
* Affected small businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 and loans up to $250,000, supporting immediate recovery and operational needs.
* Newly-activated areas cover the Wide Bay-Burnett, in addition to parts of western, central and Far North Queensland.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated Disaster Recovery Grants and low interest loans for more flooded primary producers and small businesses following last month’s wild weather.
For producers, grants up to $75,000, loans up to $2 million and freight subsidies up to $5,000 will help those impacted in the local government areas of Boulia, Bundaberg, Diamantina, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett.
Flood-affected small businesses in Boulia, Bundaberg, Diamantina, Douglas, Gladstone and Western Downs can apply for loans up to $250,000. Grants up to $25,000 are also available to eligible small businesses in Bundaberg, Douglas and Western Downs.
Funding can be used for a range of recovery and operational activities unique to each support measure, such as clean-up, repairs, supply, paying wages, rent or rates, replanting or purchasing fuel or water.
All assistance is delivered under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Grant and loan applications can be made via www.qrida.qld.gov.au, while information on freight subsidies is available through Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the latest expansion of disaster assistance would give hope to hardworking Queenslanders doing it tough.
“Primary production and small business are the heart and soul of these Queensland communities, and we want to see operators recovering as soon as possible,“ Ms McBain said.
“This assistance will provide the urgent liquidity needed to make repairs and replace stock and equipment, but most importantly to stay afloat and recover in full.
“It’s been a really tough disaster season for the state, but we’re determined to help businesses sustain this prolonged severe weather.“
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said this assistance would support Queensland primary producers.
“The flooding we’ve seen in Queensland has had a terrible impact on farmers and primary producers, who are not only critical to regional economies but also to our food security, which is why making this support available is so important.
“We’ll always back our farmers and primary producers, with this support to help those impacted in Queensland to clean up, sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding and loss of pasture.“
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said swiftly activating assistance for flood affected primary producers and small businesses remains a priority for the Crisafulli Government.
“Activating assistance for our small and family businesses as well as our primary producers ensures they will have access to the support they need to recover quicker,“ Ms Leahy said.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said it’s been a season of flooding across much of the state, but primary producers need to understand the scale of the disaster is not diminishing the response.
“The impact to grazing, cropping and communities has been significant, so we are responding swiftly to ease the uncertainty and speed recovery,“ Mr Perrett said.
“It’s been cruel timing for some, who have lost crops so close to harvest, but regardless of the production cycle the impacts will be long lasting and widespread across the whole farming community, whether you are a farmer or grazier or both you can have confidence support is available.“
Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business Steven Minnikin said financial assistance was critical to support local small and family businesses to recover as quickly as possible.
“Natural disasters don’t just damage premises, they impact the lives of staff and
customers. Support is vital to assist small and family business owners to restore operations and continue to support their local communities,“ Mr Minnikin said.
