Published Friday, 30 January, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
INDIVIDUAL DISASTER STRICKEN PROPERTY DECLARATION FOR NORTH WEST QUEENSLAND FLOODING
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has today enacted the Individual Disaster Stricken Property Declaration (IDSP) program for graziers affected by flooding in Queensland’s North West region.
The Minister said it had been raining in the state’s north west since Boxing Day and graziers were struggling with the biggest flood event seen in the region for about 15 years.
“Hundreds of thousands of hectares are currently inundated and as the rain continues to fall, rivers are still rising,” he said.
“It’s estimated that floodwaters are unlikely to recede for as long as another six weeks.
“Although the rain event is at the upper end of what is considered a normal wet season, damage levels are estimated at more than $60 million and are far greater than a typical wet season produces.
“Many towns remain isolated. The floodwaters have damaged roads, boundary and internal fences and ruined dams and farm infrastructure across the region.
“Reported stock losses include more than 200 cattle shot from helicopters for animal welfare purposes, with more cattle expected to be culled in the coming weeks.
“Despite the losses, this rainfall event will be worth many tens of millions of dollars in increased production for graziers over the next two years, especially if there is good follow up rain, and the benefits to primary producers will far outweigh the costs.
“However, many graziers who have been struggling with the ongoing drought are now at risk of losing cattle and having to spend thousands of dollars repairing infrastructure on their farms.”
Many rivers across the region have surpassed the flood levels of 1974 and 1991. Isolated properties are relying on food and fodder drops and phone and internet services to some areas were disconnected for several weeks
It could be more than a month before damage to the region’s sealed and unsealed roads can be assessed.
“Primary producers affected by flooding should consider applying for IDSP assistance under National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Graziers can access concessional loans of up to $250,000 at four per cent interest and freight subsidies of 50 per cent of costs up to $5,000 for movement of food, building and fencing materials, stock, fodder, machinery and fuels.
“Some graziers have incurred significant damage and I encourage them to apply for IDSP certificates that will allow them to access concessional loans and freight subsidies.”
Where appropriate and possible, a DPI&F officer will visit impacted properties to make an assessment, but modern technology such as digital cameras and emailed photos may allow for an alternative means of assessment without a site inspection.
Impacted producers wishing to apply for an IDSP certificate should contact their local DPI&F office or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120
The Minister said it had been raining in the state’s north west since Boxing Day and graziers were struggling with the biggest flood event seen in the region for about 15 years.
“Hundreds of thousands of hectares are currently inundated and as the rain continues to fall, rivers are still rising,” he said.
“It’s estimated that floodwaters are unlikely to recede for as long as another six weeks.
“Although the rain event is at the upper end of what is considered a normal wet season, damage levels are estimated at more than $60 million and are far greater than a typical wet season produces.
“Many towns remain isolated. The floodwaters have damaged roads, boundary and internal fences and ruined dams and farm infrastructure across the region.
“Reported stock losses include more than 200 cattle shot from helicopters for animal welfare purposes, with more cattle expected to be culled in the coming weeks.
“Despite the losses, this rainfall event will be worth many tens of millions of dollars in increased production for graziers over the next two years, especially if there is good follow up rain, and the benefits to primary producers will far outweigh the costs.
“However, many graziers who have been struggling with the ongoing drought are now at risk of losing cattle and having to spend thousands of dollars repairing infrastructure on their farms.”
Many rivers across the region have surpassed the flood levels of 1974 and 1991. Isolated properties are relying on food and fodder drops and phone and internet services to some areas were disconnected for several weeks
It could be more than a month before damage to the region’s sealed and unsealed roads can be assessed.
“Primary producers affected by flooding should consider applying for IDSP assistance under National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Graziers can access concessional loans of up to $250,000 at four per cent interest and freight subsidies of 50 per cent of costs up to $5,000 for movement of food, building and fencing materials, stock, fodder, machinery and fuels.
“Some graziers have incurred significant damage and I encourage them to apply for IDSP certificates that will allow them to access concessional loans and freight subsidies.”
Where appropriate and possible, a DPI&F officer will visit impacted properties to make an assessment, but modern technology such as digital cameras and emailed photos may allow for an alternative means of assessment without a site inspection.
Impacted producers wishing to apply for an IDSP certificate should contact their local DPI&F office or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120