More disaster support for Queensland farmers hit by ex-TC Kirrily

More disaster support for Queensland farmers hit by ex-TC Kirrily

Primary producers in 15 Local Government Areas can now apply for low-interest loans of up to $250,000 to help them on the road to recovery following Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

This assistance is being provided by the Albanese and Miles Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with 32 local governments now activated for funding in response to Kirrily.

The loans are available to primary producers in Boulia, Burdekin, Burke, Charters Towers, Moreton Bay, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Lockyer Valley, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond, Townsville, Western Downs and Winton.

Eligible primary producers in these areas can also apply for up to $100,000 in concessional working capital loans to continue doing business and up to $5000 in freight subsidies.

In addition, Balonne, Doomadgee, Maranoa, Mount Isa, Somerset, and Southern Downs Councils can now access assistance for clean-up operations and the restoration of damaged essential public assets such as roads and bridges.

Bulloo, Murweh and North Burnett Councils can also access funding for repairs to their local road network.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“Ex-TC Kirrily impacted large parts of the State over several weeks, and the Albanese and Miles Governments are both continuing to work with local Mayors and Councils to understand the full impacts of the event.

“Today’s announcement will support Queensland farmers and primary producers to support recovery in their operations.

“The assistance will also help Councils who have experienced damage to local roads, floodways and other assets with the costs of clean-up and repairs.”

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

“These low interest loans for primary producers are designed to help with replacing farm equipment that’s been damaged by the floods, helping with livestock management, paying wages, or purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water,” Minister Boyd said.

“It provides the safety net farmers need during the hard times while they wait for the flood waters to recede.

“The Queensland Government is monitoring the situation through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and stands ready to extend further assistance if required.”

Additional information:

Disaster Assistance Loans

Up to $250,000 for producers 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 primary producers 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

Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets

• Reimbursement to councils and state agencies for the reconstruction of eligible public assets, damaged as a direct result of a disaster. This includes emergency repairs and immediate, permanent rebuild to pre-disaster function.

Counter Disaster Operations

• To help councils and state agencies with activities that alleviate personal hardship and distress, address urgent community needs, and protect residents immediately prior to, during, or in the aftermath of a disaster.

To learn more about DRFA support, including a summary of assistance activated in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, head to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Boyd: Ben Wilmott 0456 854 506