Recovery grant deadline extended for producers in Bundaberg and North Burnett

Primary producers in parts of the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions affected by the Central Coast Queensland Severe Weather 16 - 19 October 2017, now have a further three months to apply for Category C Natural Disaster Recovery Grants.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the deadline to apply for the grants, which provide up to $25,000 for the clean-up and restoration of affected operations, will now be extended to 20 July 2018.

Mr Furner said the new closing date will allow producers affected by further rainfall in recent months the opportunity to arrange contractors and complete repair and recovery works.

“To date, 239 Category C recovery grants worth a total of almost $1.69 million have been approved,” he said.

“Beef, sugar, and fruit and vegetable producers have been the main recipients of recovery grants including 84 applications approved for beef producers for over $535 000; 77 applications approved for cane growers totalling over $497 000, and; fruit and vegetable growers have had 53 applications approved for over $461 000 in assistance.

“The remaining $189 000 in assistance paid has been to dairy, grain and other livestock producers.”

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) delivers this financial assistance on behalf of the Queensland and Australian Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

QRIDA’s Client Relations Manager, Craig Turner said no two operations suffered the same damage and the journey to recovery can look very different.

Mr Turner said QRIDA will continue to provide support on the ground through our Regional Area Manager Mark Barrett based in Bundaberg and through our Client Service Officers on Freecall 1800 623 946, our team are available to walk you through the application process and answer any questions.

An initial grant of $5,000 can be obtained with evidence of direct damage, with subsequent amounts of up to $20,000 available on proof of payment for repair and reinstatement costs.

Mr Turner reminds those who have already received the first $5,000 that the further assistance may be available.

“If you’ve undertaken more recovery work since receiving your first grant, don’t hesitate to speak to QRIDA about what you may be eligible for or visit our website at www.qrida.qld.gov.au,” he said.

“Once that work has been paid for in full, applications for subsequent amounts can easily be lodged through our online portal using the client number you were assigned on your first claim.”

In addition, seven (7) Category B natural disaster loans worth almost $1.5 million have been approved. The Natural Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 and Natural Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans of up to $100,000 are still available.

To find out more about this assistance and the application process, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or Freecall 1800 623 946

Category C grants and Category B loans are administered by QRIDA under the joint Queensland / Commonwealth funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

ENDS

Media – Tim Auguston 0417768626

            QRIDA Manager Client Relations, Craig Turner – 0427 000 722