Rent reprieve for flood-impacted primary producers in Goondiwindi

Published Thursday, 01 July, 2021 at 11:36 AM

Minister for Resources
The Honourable Scott Stewart

Primary producers in Goondiwindi impacted by a severe rainfall event earlier this year will receive a land rent reprieve as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s disaster assistance measures.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said more than $179,000 worth of land rent due to be paid on 1 July 2021 is being automatically deferred for 7 months, assisting farmers as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“There are 279 primary producers on leased state land in the Goondiwindi area that won’t have to pay their land rent until 1 December 2021,” Mr Stewart said.

“Many primary production lease, licence and permit holders in this area are doing it tough financially and emotionally as they recover from property damage and loss of income.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said agricultural production is the mainstay of the local economy and this assistance is designed to help farmers get back on their feet.

“I visited this region not long after the floods and it was heartbreaking to hear the personal stories of farmers who represented generations of efforts on the land,” Mr Furner said.

“Hopefully this deferral of land rent will mean it is one less thing they need to worry about.

Mr Stewart said to make the process as easy as possible eligible landholders have had their rent automatically deferred, and they don’t have to do anything further to take up this offer of assistance.

“Our farmers are vital to the Queensland and Australian economies, and we are doing everything we can to support landholders during this tough time,” he said.

Land rent relief applies to businesses, farmers and individuals that hold a lease, licence or permit to occupy for primary production purposes on state land.

Landholders still suffering hardship after this deferral period can seek further hardship assistance by applying online.

For further information, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/rents/deferring/

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton (Minister Stewart) 0434 575 237 | Ron Goodman (Minister Furner) 0427 781 920