Up to $3 million available for prawn farmers affected by White Spot

Prawn farmers in the Logan and Albert River catchments whose operations have been disrupted by White Spot Disease can now apply for up to $3 million in low interest finance to aid their recovery.

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the low interest loans were designed to enable the prawn farmers to improve biosecurity controls, diversify their farming to include other marine species and improve the productivity and viability of their enterprises.

“The loans have been specifically designed to assist prawn farmers hit by the white spot outbreak,” the Minister said.

“They have been created to help affected farmers get back on their feet by providing the means for them to implement systems and practices that will help their aquaculture enterprises to recover.

“It has been my priority from the start to help those business owners who wish to remain in the industry to invest in the biosecurity infrastructure, new technology and practices to improve long-term sustainability and a return to disease-free production.”

The low-interest loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

QRIDA’s manager of customer relations Craig Turner said prawn farmers in the catchments who had been directly impacted by the disease should contact the authority on Freecall 1800 623 946 to receive full details of the assistance available.

“QRIDA representatives will attend the upcoming Australian Prawn Farmers Association Symposium at the Gold Coast on the 1^st and 2^nd of August to discuss finance options available for Queensland prawn farmers,” he said.

“Staff will be on hand to speak directly with prawn farmers about the White Spot Disease Concessional Loans, as well as our low interest Sustainability and First Start Loans which can also assist those in the aquaculture industry,” Mr Turner said.

White Spot Disease Concessional Loans are available up to $3 million, attract loan terms of up to 20 years, have no fees or charges and low interest rates fixed for one year, three years or five years.

To find out more about this assistance and the application process, visitwww.qrida.qld.gov.auorFreecall 1800 623 946.

Media:

Minister Byrne’s office, Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172

QRIDA Brendan Egan 0428 909 246