Additional assistance available for flood-affected primary producers

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

More financial recovery assistance is now available for primary producers impacted by monsoonal rain and flooding in northern and central Queensland.

Assistance measures announced by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments include Personal Hardship Assistance for residents of Urandangi in Boulia Shire Council, and loans for primary producers and small businesses in the Local Government Areas of Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa.

However, further assessments are currently underway to determine if higher levels of activations are required.

Date-stamped photographs of the damage must accompany all applications.

If anyone in the community has suffered significant damage outside of the activated area/s, they can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration. Mental health support is also available.

Category B financial assistance for agribusinesses in natural disasters are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.

For more information, or to apply, visit qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946.

Freight subsidies are administered by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. For more information call 13 25 23 or email info@daf.qld.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“We have acted quickly to activate disaster support for affected communities in north west Queensland.

“It is vital that we ensure financial assistance is going to Queenslanders who need it most, and that it’s getting there fast.

“Not only have we announced payments for individuals, business and farmers, we have also announced freight subsidies for the movement of fodder, stock and machinery,

“Today’s announcement provides even more support for those impacted,

“We’ll continue working closely with the Queensland Government and announce further measures where needed.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“These floods have hit North West Queensland hard, and the Palaszczuk Government is making sure support is available for primary producers.

“Primary producers and small businesses can apply for concessional loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant, equipment or livestock.

“They can also apply for up to $100,000 for working capital to continue doing business.

“Producers can also access freight subsidies of up to $5,000.”

Fast facts:

• Category B disaster financial assistance activated for primary producers
• Producers in six Local Government Areas can apply for concessional loans of up to $250,000
• Loans of up to $100,000 for working capital to continue doing business, and freight subsidies of up to $5,000 are also available.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Watt – Brock Taylor 0499 799 387

Minister Furner – Bryce Heaton 0427 781 920