Palaszczuk Government working to support cyclone hit producers

Producers affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie across Queensland are being supported in their recovery efforts by the Palaszczuk Government.

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said this department was working seven days a week to provide support across Queensland for impacted producers.

“Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie has impacted producers across the state from horticulture and cropping, beef production, dairy, commercial fisheries and processors and nurseries,” the Minister said.

“Staff are working with industry peak bodies and individual producers to assess damage and provide recovery advice across a range of industries.

“There are 81 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff working on this large-scale response. This includes 23 specialist staff doing on the ground assessments. Many local staff have been impacted by the event themselves.

“Staff are also present at the Bowen Recovery Centre providing advice on how to access financial assistance and expertise on crop and livestock recovery.

“Initial damage assessments to agriculture and fisheries have started in North and Central Queensland but it could still be some days before certain areas can be assessed properly due to road closures.

“The Agriculture Coordination Group is providing accurate feedback across industry sectors.”

The Minister said the sugar cane industry has estimated that it will experience losses of up to $150 million from this year’s cane harvest, mainly through lodging of cane, and in cases, snapping of stalks.

“At Bowen, they have lost early winter vegetable planting, representing a lost income of $100 million, plus the costs of planting while the mango farms have received damage which will impact on production next year.

“In addition there has been damage to infrastructure and farm equipment such as packing sheds, machinery sheds, greenhouses and irrigation equipment.

“Across other areas in Queensland, record rainfall and flooding has caused widespread damage to roads, bridges fences and pastures, and the extent of livestock losses and lost cotton and other summer crops is not yet known.

“While it’s too early to put a final figure on industry losses, I’d like to reassure producers that we are working with you and industry groups to help you recover and get back to running your business as soon as possible.”

Minister Byrne said an important part of assisting producers with recovery is Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) assistance.

The Palaszczuk Government has already activated NDRRA Category B freight subsidies of up to $5,000 from DAF, and concessional loans of up to $250,000 from QRAA at an interest rate of 1.16 percent in the initially impacted areas of Whitsunday and Mackay Regional Councils.

The Government will be announcing more NDRRA Category B Activations in additional areas shortly and DAF is working across agencies to seek higher levels of NDRRA Activation from the Australian Government.

For further information on DAF assistance available including recovery centre information visit www.daf.qld.gov.au

Media: 0448 994 172