Producers in seven more areas can now access recovery assistance

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne has welcomed activation of Category B assistance for primary producers in a further seven local government areas.

“Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie left a trail of destruction after its initial devastating impact over Mackay and the Whitsundays,” the Minister said.

“Primary producers across a number of industry sectors have suffered significant losses to stock, crops and infrastructure.

“Category B assistance means eligible producers can receive freight subsidies of up to $5,000 and have access to concessional loans of up to $250,000 for direct damage and up to $100,000 for essential working capital at a rate of just 1.16%.

“The loans, available under joint Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), can now be accessed by producers in the Central Highlands, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Isaac, Logan, Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim regional council areas.

“These regions have suffered significant losses and face a tough recovery ahead of them,” the Minister said.

“There has been heavy flood damage in the Fassifern Valley in the Scenic Rim and significant damage to dairy farms and vegetable cropping in the Lockyer Valley.

“There is also expected to be significant stock and infrastructure loss to vegetable farms, dairies and nurseries located on the Logan River and in the Gold Coast Council areas, and stock losses and heavy fence damage in the Isaac and Gladstone areas

“And there are reports of heavy crop damage in northern parts of the Central Highlands Regional Council.

“These regions join the Whitsunday and Mackay Regional Council areas that were declared last week.”

Minister Byrne said the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries continued to work closely with impacted industries and producers to monitor impacts across the state.

“I will be advised if we need further additions to Category B activation.

“There are more than 80 DAF staff directly involved in the response and specialist teams carrying out detailed on-property assessments to gather the evidence the Federal Government requires to activate higher levels of assistance,” he said.

For further information on Category B assistance or recovery tips visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Media: 0448 994 172

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