QRAA PROVIDES $1 BILLION FOR QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY

Queensland’s rural and regional assistance provider has administered more than $1 billion in financial support for Queensland industry since it commenced operation in 1994, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.

“The milestone has been achieved in a year when QRAA has played a particularly significant role in assisting Queensland primary producers and small businesses impacted by the ongoing drought as well as cyclones Larry and Monica.,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“QRAA’s provision of more than $1 billion in assistance over the past 12 years has played a major role in strengthening industry by enabling Queenslanders to improve and develop their businesses in the face of constant climatic and industry challenges.

“This has largely been achieved by providing QRAA’s customers – primary producers, commercial fishers and small business operators – with financial support through low interest loans and government grants to implement activities aimed at increasing their productivity, profitability and sustainability, as well as deal with the impacts resulting from climatic and industry challenges.’’

Financial assistance from QRAA for primary producers and small businesses affected by Cyclone Larry and Monica alone is more than $50 million.

QRAA Chief Executive Officer, Colin Holden said QRAA had a lot to be proud of in terms of program administration capabilities, staff expertise and customer service.

“QRAA’s success as a program administrator stems from our willingness to continually improve our organisation,’’ Mr Holden said.

“This incorporates the continual review of our programs, development of our industry experienced staff and the high importance we place on providing quality service to our customers.’’

QRAA administers a wide range of financial programs for State and Commonwealth Government departments to assist primary producers, commercial fishers and small business operators increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their enterprises.

The organisation’s current program portfolio includes Productivity Loans (Development, First Start and Resource Management Loans), the Cyclone Larry and Monica Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Package, Exceptional Circumstance Drought Interest Subsidy Support, Drought Carry-on and Drought Recovery Loans, and the Vegetation Management Financial Assistance Package.

QRAA’s head office is located in Brisbane and the organisation provides personalised regional service throughout Queensland with Client Liaison Officers located in Toowoomba, Roma, Kingaroy, Mackay and Innisfail.

For more information about the financial assistance available from QRAA, contact QRAA direct on Freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

Media: David Potter 3239 6530