Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said help is on the way to for flood affected residents with loans of up to $250,000 available.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett regions.
Mr Bennett said this funding will go a long way for producers who have been hit hard by the recent flash flooding.
“Some of our local farmers have a very long road ahead after the floods washed away almost entire operations,” he said.
“Yesterday I had producers telling me that without help, they might be forced to close the gate and walk away.
“The government has listened to our pleas for help, and I’m thrilled to see assistance become available overnight.”
Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 are being offered to primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to help re-establish normal operations.
The loan can help cover costs such as:
- repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment
- repairing or replacing farm buildings
- purchasing livestock to replace those lost in the disaster event
- meeting carry-on requirements including:
- re-planting, restoring or re-establishing areas affected by the disaster event
- sustenance
- essential property operations
- paying rent and rates
Mr Bennett said freight subsidies of up to $5,000 will also be made available.
“These subsidies will be offered to eligible primary producers in Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett who experienced inundation,” he said.
“While federally funded disaster recovery payments of up to $1000 for adults and $400 for children have also opened this morning.
“Residents across Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Gympie have until July 8 to make a claim.
“Our community is resilient, versatile and committed.
“We’ve always come together to support each other through disasters, and ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth is no exception.
“Now is the time to band together to recover.”
For more information on loans for primary producers and small businesses phone Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
For information on the freight subsidies visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or phone the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
For more information on the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/queensland-floods-january-2022?context=60042
ENDS.
11/01/22