Queensland and Australian Government support has helped a barramundi farm near Townsville get back to business following devastating flooding earlier this year.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner MP visited the GFB Fisheries Spring Creek Barramundi Farm today to inspect the latest fish harvest and meet the local management team.
“This farm was in the thick of the flood disaster zone during the north and far north Queensland monsoon trough event and suffered extensive damage to on-farm infrastructure and operations were disrupted,” Mr Furner said.
“They were one of 1500 primary production businesses that were able to access a Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant of up to $75,000 from the Queensland and Australian governments to help with immediate repair and reinstatement costs.
“That allowed them to get back to business quickly and ensure their product and operations met the highest industry standards.”
Spring Creek Barramundi Farm produces premium quality, fresh fish which is farmed all year round and supports 12 full-time employees.
The fish are harvested, packed into an icy brine so that it arrives fresh in markets in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Company CEO Brenda Pike said during the flood disaster event, access to the farm was cut off for eight days.
Mr Furner applauded GFB Fisheries management and staff on their recovery and resilience following the floods.
“By re-establishing the business so quickly, they have maintained local jobs and contributed to Queensland’s growing aquaculture sector,” he said.
“Aquaculture was one of more than 25 different primary industries impacted by the Monsoon Trough event which received more than $85 million in disaster recovery grants.
“The application deadline for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants has been extended to November 29 and I encourage those affected to apply.”
Primary producers can claim up to $75,000 for clean-up and reinstatement costs while small businesses and not-for-profit organisations have access to up to $50,000.
QRIDA administers financial assistance to disaster affected primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland Government funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.
