DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO SUPPORT FLOODED QUEENSLAND PRIMARY PRODUCERS, SMALL BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFITS

Low interest loans are now available for Queensland primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in local government areas facing a massive clean-up operation in the aftermath of the flooding in Queensland.

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

DRFA low interest loans as well as freight subsidies for eligible primary producers are available in 17 LGAs: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.

DRFA loans for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations are available in the above LGAs as well as in Gladstone and Goondiwindi.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the
Hon Bridget McKenzie said the DRFA assistance was also being extended to Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council to help them with clean-up and repair efforts, as well as personal hardship assistance extended to flood affected communities in Redlands and the Scenic Rim.

“Low interest loans under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements will provide concessional loans up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 to help kick-start the recovery of impacted primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in Queensland,” Minister McKenzie said.

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

“Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council can rest assured that the costs associated with counter- disaster operations and the repair of their essential public assets, such as local roads, will be covered under the DRFA.

“In addition, flood affected communities in Redland City and the Scenic Rim can now access grants of up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, and up to $180 per person to eligible people experiencing financial hardship as a result of the floods.

“Grants for the reconnection of essential services such as electricity, gas, water, sewerage or septic systems as a result of this disaster have also been activated in response to this disaster.

“Yesterday I met with peak bodies and representatives from across the agriculture and business sectors to ensure coordination and support between the Government and industry. So I am very pleased to now partner with the Queensland Government to offer this support to primary producers and small businesses,” Minister McKenzie said.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Service Mark Ryan said today’s extension of the DRFA was about supporting those hardest hit by the floods so they could keep their economic activities afloat as the floodwaters went down.

“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 welcome the support to individuals and families in Redlands and the Scenic Rim as well as Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

“In addition, I am very pleased producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations can now access in the form of concessional loans to repair or replace damaged buildings or equipment affected by the floods and to ensure they have capital to continue their operations.

“This activation is critical to providing financial support so that our hardworking communities can begin to recover from the effects of the floods,” he said.

For more information on assistance available to primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946.

There are three ways for residents in the Scenic Rim wishing to access the personal hardship assistance scheme grants and to find more information:

• Visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants to check your eligibility, find out what documents you need, and apply online
• Phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349
• Visit a Community Recovery Hub if one has been set up in your area.  Check www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants regularly for updates.

Additionally, anyone impacted by the flood event can apply for housing assistance, including homeowners and private renters, by visiting www.qld.gov.au or calling 13QGOV (13 74 68).

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au