With rains that are more destructive and flooding set to hit central Queensland over the next couple of days, Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett urged residents in his electorate to ensure they are aware of their eligibility for financial assistance.

Mr Bennett said many residents, primary producers and businesses in the Bundaberg Regional council; North Burnett Regional and South Burnett Regional Councils were eligible for financial assistance under QRAA arrangements.

“I encourage people in Burnett to make the necessary enquiries through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to ensure they get the help they need to recover from this year’s devastating floods,” Mr Bennett said.

“Like many other areas in the Wide Bay, flood-affected primary producers and businesses within these council areas are eligible for Categories B, C and D funding, with grants or loans ranging from $25,000 to $650,000 and freight subsidies up to $5,000 available.

Areas in the Burnett electorate currently eligible to apply for the Exceptional Disaster Assistance Scheme, which includes a loan and grant package of up to $650,000 are:

  • Gladstone Regional Council
  • Bundaberg Regional Council

These council areas are also eligible for Category C funding, providing clean up and recovery grants up to $25,000 for primary producers, small businesses, and Category B concessional loans for primary producers and small businesses, and freight subsidies for primary producers.

Details on the assistance measures are available on the QRAA website www.qraa.qld.gov.au  or by phone on 1800 623 946.

DAFF freight subsidies are available via its website www.daff.qld.gov.au or by calling the customer information centre 13 23 25.