Disaster Assistance for Primary Producers in North West Queensland Joint Release

Disaster assistance has been extended to primary producers in the local government areas of Cloncurry and McKinlay, which were affected by flooding in late February and early March 2018.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said primary producers in Cloncurry and McKinlay were affected by the heavy rainfall and flooding.

“The flooding washed out dams and caused widespread damage to fencing and internal roads,” Mr Taylor said.

“This assistance will provide access to concessional interest rate loans and freight subsidies for primary producers whose assets have been damaged, or for those who have suffered a significant loss of income.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the recovery assistance measures for primary producers announced today, were in addition to the range of assistance that has already been made available to impacted communities.

“We have been liaising closely with councils and other agencies during the important recovery phase,” Mr Crawford said.

“And the Queensland and Commonwealth governments will continue to work together to ensure these primary producers and their councils receive the support and assistance they need to recover.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at disaster.qld.gov.au.

Media Contacts:

0412 393 909 (Minister Crawford)

0481 907 178 (Minister Taylor)