Flood affected farmers reminded of assistance application deadline

Farmers, businesses and not for profit organisations affected by flooding earlier this year and planning to apply for natural disaster assistance must finalise their applications by the end of November 2013. 

This support applies to Category C and D assistance under the joint State and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said the eligibility period had been extended because producers and small businesses needed more time to find suitable contractors and finalise their applications. 

“Applicants have until 29 November 2013 to lodge their applications with QRAA,” Mr McVeigh said.

“I encourage all producers who were directly affected by the floods to contact QRAA about their eligibility.  If eligible, producers should submit their application before the 29^th as there will not be any further extensions.”

Mr McVeigh said Queensland agri-businesses were strong and resilient, but even the most resilient sometimes needed a helping hand to cope with circumstances outside their control.

“More than $63 million in financial assistance has been approved to go to flood affected primary producers and small businesses under NDRRA since this assistance was activated in January 2013.”

To date, financial assistance approved under the NDRRA to primary producers and small businesses includes:

• Cat B loans – $2.851 million
• Cat C grants – $46.395 million
• Cat D loans/grants – $12.837 million

Mr McVeigh said Category C assistance provided up to $25,000 to assist with costs for repairs as a result of direct flood damage.

“Category D assistance gives access to concessional loans of up to $650,000, including a 25 per cent grant component to a maximum of $50,000.  Repayments and interest on these loans do not start until the third year of the loan at an interest rate of 1.7 per cent,” he said.

“The application period for the exceptional disaster concessional loan and grant scheme under Category D of the NDRRA was also extended to 29 November 2013 in all those areas that have been granted access to clean up and recovery grants under Category C.”

Primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations should keep all receipts and invoices of expenditure on natural disaster recovery and contact QRAA on 1800 623 946 to discuss eligibility or visit qraa.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 09 October 2013

Media Contact: Louise Gillis 0408 709 160