Disaster assistance has been extended to primary producers in four Queensland local government areas affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC and Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the recovery of the agricultural sector was a priority for all levels of government.
“Financial assistance in the form of low interest loans and freight subsidies are now available to eligible primary producers in Blackall and Tambo, Boulia, Cook and Diamantina,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Through the DRFA, primary producers in these local government areas that have suffered a significant loss of income can now access concessional loans of up to $100,000 to continue operations.
“Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are available to primary producers to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant and equipment or livestock.”
Mr Crawford said the full impact of TC Trevor were only just being realised as the floodwaters receded.
“Supporting our hard-working farmers and their families as they recover from yet another natural disaster is paramount,” Mr Crawford said.
“In addition to the low-interest loans, freight subsidies of up to $5,000 are now available to eligible primary producers in Blackall and Tambo, Boulia, Cook and Diamantina for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building and fencing materials.
“The assistance measures announced today are in addition to the DRFA funding already available in these regions.”
A range of DRFA assistance measures are available in 17 local government areas in response to Cyclone Trevor: Aurukun, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bullo, Burke, Cloncurry, Cook, Diamantina, Isaac, Lockhart River, Longreach, Mornington, Murweh, Quilpie and Winton.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
