Bushfire assistance extended for more Queensland primary producers

Farmers across Southern and Eastern Queensland who were hit by the recent bushfires can now access low interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $500,000 to support their recovery journey.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the low interest loans would help bushfire affected communities get back to doing what they do best.

"These fires have had significant impacts on Southern and Central Queensland farmers both direct and indirect, and are impacting people’s livelihoods and incomes,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The sooner communities can get back to work, the faster they can recover.

“We will make further assistance available to these communities as it is needed.”

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the assistance would help cover the costs of essential on-farm business operations, including freight subsidies for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water and building/fencing materials.

“We hope this goes some way to assisting those impacted primary producers to get back on their feet and look towards a prosperous future,” Mr Furner said.

He said the assistance measures announced today were in addition to the DRFA funding already available in the regions.

Category B assistance, including loans and freight subsidies, has been activated to help affected primary producers in Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Somerset, Southern Downs, and Toowoomba.

For more information on eligibility for loans for primary producers phone Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946.

For information on the freight subsidies visit daf.qld.gov.au or phone the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

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

Media contacts:

Minister Littleproud: Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985
Minister Furner: Ron Goodman 0427 781 920