The cut-off date for farmers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by flooding earlier this year to apply for natural disaster assistance has been extended to the end of November. 
This extension applies to Category C and D assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett said the eligibility period was due to end on 30 August, but many producers and small businesses in the Burnett and Bundaberg needed more time to find suitable contractors and finalise their applications.
“Applicants now have until 29 November 2013 to lodge their applications with the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA),” Mr Bennett said.
“Many farmers in my electorate are still cleaning up after ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and are struggling to complete repair and recovery activities before the start of the next wet season.
“Many fields are still extremely wet preventing heavy machinery access and access to contractors, tradespeople and other labourers is constrained due to high demand.
“Category C provides clean-up and recovery grants for primary producers and small businesses up to $25,000.
“The application period for the exceptional disaster concessional loan and grant scheme under Category D of the NDRRA is also being extended to 29 November 2013 in all areas that have been granted access to grants under Category C, including Bundaberg, North Burnett and Gladstone Regional Councils.
“This provides access to concessional loans up to $650,000, including a 25 per cent grant component to a maximum of $50,000. Repayments and interest on these loans do not start until the third year of the loan at an interest rate of 1.7 per cent.”
Primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations should keep all receipts and invoices of expenditure and contact QRAA on 1800 623 946 to discuss eligibility or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au. For information on small business support visit www.business.qld.gov.au