DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO SUPPORT FLOODED QUEENSLAND PRIMARY PRODUCERS

Critical disaster assistance will now flow to primary producers in Central, Southern and Western Queensland impacted by the recent floods.

Financial assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the activation of low interest loans under the DRFA was vital to help kick-start the recovery of impacted primary producers in Bundaberg, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and the Western Downs.

“This activation is critical to providing financial support so that impacted producers can begin to recover from the effects of the floods,” Minister McKenzie said.

“This DRFA assistance measure will provide concessional loans up to $250,000 to primary producers and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 to continue on-farm operations.

“In addition, these primary producers can also access freight subsidies of up to $5,000 for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water and building/fencing materials.”

“This assistance is aimed at ensuring these hard-working primary producers and small businesses have access to assistance to help them keep their essential operations on track,” she said.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Service Mark Ryan said under a separate category of DRFA assistance, support has also been extended to the local governments of Central Highlands, Longreach, Murweh and Western Downs to assist with their clean-up operations and the repair of essential public assets damaged by the floods.

In addition, small business owners in the Goondiwindi Council area impacted by the recent flood will have access to the same level of financial support as primary producers.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments continue to work closely to support ongoing recovery efforts and identify where further assistance can be provided to ensure all impacted communities have the best possible support," Mr Ryan said.

"I was in Inglewood on Wednesday and saw first-hand the aftermath of the significant flooding that occurred there.

“I know that the people of Inglewood and surrounding districts are extremely resilient, but nevertheless we must provide every possible support when extreme weather events strike.

“I welcome the support producers can now access in the form of concessional loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings or equipment affected by the floods.

“I am also pleased to reassure impacted small businesses in Inglewood and the surrounding area that they will have access to that same level of financial support that is available to primary producers.

“It is also critical that local governments receive the support they need to address impacts to vital infrastructure that local communities depend upon every day,” he said.

This extension of the DRFA is in addition to the disaster assistance already available in Banana, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Maranoa, Scenic Rim, South Burnett, Southern Downs and Toowoomba as a result of the widespread flooding.

For more information on assistance available to primary producers and small businesses visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au    

Media contacts:

Minister McKenzie: David Edghill 0477 417 516

Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington 0411 535 180