Support for farmers and small businesses impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper

The Albanese and Miles Governments have announced further assistance for Far North Queenslanders impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Freight subsidies are being made available to primary producers in some of the hardest hit areas to alleviate the costs of moving stock and operating materials.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has been activated for funding towards counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads and bridges.

Disaster Assistance and Essential Working Capital Loans are also now available to affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits to assist with the repair and recovery of essential equipment, and for loss of income.

Assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This is in addition to the personal hardship grants and other assistance previously announced, with 10 local government areas are now receiving DRFA support in response to ex-TC Jasper.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“In order to get FNQ back on its’ feet as quickly as possible, we’re rolling out support as fast as the extent of the damage can be identified,” Minister Watt said.

“I’m particularly pleased that farmers and primary producers will get added support, including help with freight.

“Hinchinbrook Shire Council can now also access funding to help with emergency repairs to roads and bridges which will help with response and reconstruction efforts. This support has also been activated for Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook Shire, Douglas Shire, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah in recent days.

“The Albanese Government has also activated Disaster Recovery Payments and the Disaster Recovery Allowance for residents who have had their homes impacted or can’t get to work, and I’d encourage people to hop on the myGov website to apply.”

Quotes attributable to minister responsible for Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“Queenslanders always look after each other, and our government looks out for them,” Ms Boyd said.

“We understand the devastation of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and we’re acting quickly to drive recovery for communities and industry.

“For disaster affected towns and businesses, getting reconnected and back to work provides a big step forward, which is why DRFA support is so important.

“I urge anyone eligible for disaster loans or other activated assistance measures to apply now, with the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349) available around the clock for questions on eligibility and how to apply.”

Further information and applications:

Disaster Assistance Loans

Up to $250,000 for producers and small businesses and $100,000 for not-for-profits to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity.

Contact: QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au

Essential Working Capital Loans

Up to $100,000 for producers, small businesses and not-for-profits to allow for the continuation of operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water, or for the transportation of livestock and produce.

Contact: QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au

Freight subsidies

Up to $5,000 for primary producers to assist with the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials.

Contact: DAF on 13 25 23 or via www.daf.qld.gov.au

LGA eligibility

• Primary producer loans: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands
• Small business loans: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah
• Not-for-profit loans: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah
• Freight subsidies: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands

DRFA funding for ex-TC Jasper is currently available to Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah LGAs.

More on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Boyd: Bill Walker 0437 859 987