Further financial assistance for flood-affected agri-businesses

Further financial recovery assistance up to $75,000 is now available for primary producers who were impacted by the flooding that occurred throughout mid-May.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) were activated based on initial damage reports collated by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“A number of local government areas have suffered severe impacts from multiple rain events this disaster season and the cumulative affect is quite significant,” Mr Furner said.

“Impacts have included multiple crop losses, impacts to soils and erosion and infrastructure and livestock losses.”

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has worked with local governments, industry and impacted producers to gather the impact information that was used to support this request for additional Special Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 for the following local government areas:

• Lockyer Valley Regional Council
• Southern Downs Regional Council
• Somerset Regional Council
• Western Downs Regional Council
• Gympie Regional Council
• Balonne Shire Council

“Unfortunately, some of our impacted producers who have been through multiple flood events this season are feeling the toll on their wellbeing and mental health,” Mr Furner said.

“I encourage those who are suffering and in distress to seek support in your recovery efforts and my department is here to assist where we can.”

Natural Disaster Assistance is administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Queensland and Australian governments. For more information or to apply visit qrida.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 623 946.

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920