QRAA: $275 million to producers and small business

Queensland Government statutory body, QRAA, provided more than $275 million in financial assistance in 2007-08 to over 14,000 Queensland producers, commercial fishers and small business operators, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said today.

Mr Mulherin released the QRAA 2007-2008 Annual Report in State Parliament and said that it demonstrates the Queensland Government’s commitment to strengthening rural communities and industries.

“I am pleased to be able to provide this report which demonstrates that Queensland Government policies are providing the right support to our farmers and small businesses at the ground level,” Mr Mulherin said.

“QRAA performed extremely well during the year and I congratulate QRAA staff and the Board on their achievements.”

“By providing more than $275 million in financial assistance through grants, rebates, loans and subsidies, we are successfully contributing to the sustainability of Queensland’s rural and regional enterprises.”

“QRAA’s customers have received the financial support they need to boost their productivity, profitability and sustainability, while helping to manage the impacts of climate change and industry challenges.”

Mr Mulherin said highlights of the annual report include:

·assessment of more than 16,500 applications across all programs, an increase of 51.5 per cent from the 2006-07 financial year

·delivery of two new programs – the Special Disaster Flood Assistance Scheme and the Queensland Commercial Horse Small Business Emergency Assistance Scheme

·total revenue increased by 14 per cent to $307.3 million

·approval of $106.6 million under Exceptional Circumstances to assist primary producers and small business recover from drought

·approval of more than $31.4 million in Productivity Loan finance to 142 producers

·high customer service and satisfaction levels with 72 per cent of producers and 97 per cent of financial advisors believing QRAA makes a positive contribution to sustainable rural and regional economies

·continued expansion of QRAA with three new offices opened in Bundaberg, Longreach and Rockhampton

·responding to the needs of flood affected Queensland industry by relocating Client Liaison Officer to key regional centers within 48 hours

·amendments to QRAA’s Act to widen QRAA’s funds administration capacity

Mr Mulherin said QRAA is well placed to understand the challenges for rural Queenslanders in the future with its personalised approach to individual farm and business issues proving to be highly effective.

“The 2008 market research survey’s found high customer satisfaction levels and confirms QRAA’s success in delivering services for rural and regional Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.

“In the coming year, we will continue to make further investments in rural and regional Queensland with QRAA having the ability to administer a wider range of programs to businesses and not-for-profit organisations outside of traditional markets.”

A copy of the report can be viewed at www.qraa.qld.gov.au

Media: Mark Symons 32396530