Financial assistance for flooded Rockhampton and Livingstone producers

Flood-affected producers from Rockhampton and Livingstone now have access to financial assistance under joint Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said Livingstone Shire and Rockhampton Regional Council areas have been significantly affected by flooding from Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

“While we wait for the flood waters to recede in Rockhampton, we know some producers have been heavily impacted by these floods,” said Minister Byrne.

“Beef producers at St Lawrence say the water levels were the highest they’ve seen and infrastructure including pumps, poly pipes, fences and troughs have been destroyed.

“In particular the areas of surrounding Yaamba and Belmont in Livingstone were badly impacted by significant flooding with extensive damage to roads, bridges, fencing and other farm infrastructure.

“These regions face a tough recovery ahead of them so to help producers recover quickly we’ve activated Category B assistance that includes 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.”

“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to work closely with impacted industries and producers to monitor the region and I will be advised if we need further additions to Category B activation, or if we need to consider higher levels of assistance from the Australian Government under NDRRA as more information comes to hand.”

Producers in Livingstone and Rockhampton are the latest to be able to access the assistance joining those in Whitsunday, Mackay, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Isaac, Logan, Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim regional council areas.

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

Media: 0448 994 172

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