Published Thursday, 12 July, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
MULHERIN URGES PRODUCERS TO APPLY FOR RATE REBATES
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin is urging eligible primary producers to apply for the 50 per cent rebate on their council rates notices.
“We estimate there are more than 3500 producers eligible for this scheme, and yet just over a 1000 applications have been received so far,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin said the rate rebate by the Queensland Government is available for rates notices paid between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2008.
“The rebate is available to primary producers in an Exceptional Circumstance (EC) declared area of Queensland who have received EC Relief Payments at any time during the 90 days before receiving the rates notice,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The rebate can provide useful financial assistance to producers to help offset the costs of the drought on their business and household.
“Latest figures from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries have shown a 4 per cent fall in the estimated value of Queensland’s primary industries, due significantly to the drought.
“Our producers are dealing with the pressures of higher feed prices, feed availability, water restrictions and lack of irrigation water.
“We encourage eligible producers to take advantage of the rebate and submit an application to QRAA.”
Mr Mulherin said the rebate was just one of the financial assistance services available to primary producers affected by the continuing drought.
“Other drought services available include financial counselling and business assistance, property and resource management loans, income and training support, and eco-efficiency assistance,” Mr Mulherin said.
“These services are available through the Queensland or Australian government to help producers manage the effects of the drought.
“Primary industries are an essential business sector in Queensland’s economy and must be supported through these difficult times to sustain industry and our natural resources.”
Contact QRAA on freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au to obtain the Drought Rate Rebate Scheme Application Form and eligibility terms and conditions.
Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 for information on drought financial assistance services.
Media: 32396530
“We estimate there are more than 3500 producers eligible for this scheme, and yet just over a 1000 applications have been received so far,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin said the rate rebate by the Queensland Government is available for rates notices paid between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2008.
“The rebate is available to primary producers in an Exceptional Circumstance (EC) declared area of Queensland who have received EC Relief Payments at any time during the 90 days before receiving the rates notice,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The rebate can provide useful financial assistance to producers to help offset the costs of the drought on their business and household.
“Latest figures from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries have shown a 4 per cent fall in the estimated value of Queensland’s primary industries, due significantly to the drought.
“Our producers are dealing with the pressures of higher feed prices, feed availability, water restrictions and lack of irrigation water.
“We encourage eligible producers to take advantage of the rebate and submit an application to QRAA.”
Mr Mulherin said the rebate was just one of the financial assistance services available to primary producers affected by the continuing drought.
“Other drought services available include financial counselling and business assistance, property and resource management loans, income and training support, and eco-efficiency assistance,” Mr Mulherin said.
“These services are available through the Queensland or Australian government to help producers manage the effects of the drought.
“Primary industries are an essential business sector in Queensland’s economy and must be supported through these difficult times to sustain industry and our natural resources.”
Contact QRAA on freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au to obtain the Drought Rate Rebate Scheme Application Form and eligibility terms and conditions.
Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 for information on drought financial assistance services.
Media: 32396530