Financial help for flooded Banana and North Burnett producers

 Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne has welcomed the extension of Category B financial assistance for flood-affected producers in the Banana and North Burnett regional council areas.

“Flooding associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie has affected more than 20 producers in the Banana Regional Council area,” the Minister said.

“Damage was concentrated along the Don River and Kroombit Creek. In some cases the impact is as severe as that during Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia two years ago.

“Flooding has also impacted properties in the Three Moon Creek area near Monto in North Burnett which has destroyed planted mung bean crops, damaged fences and caused erosion.”

Category B assistance under the joint Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) allows eligible producers access to concessional loans of up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 and freight subsidies of up to $5,000.

Banana and North Burnett join 11 other regional council areas that are Category B declared for primary producers.

For further information on Category B assistance or recovery tips visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or call the DAF call centre on 13 25 23. Alternatively visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

For a one-stop shop on support available to producers visit www.farmerdisastersupport.org.au/.

Media: 0448 994 172

ENDS