Farmers and primary producers in Cook, Mareeba and Tablelands affected by recent bushfires will now have access to operational loans to aid their recovery.
The Federal and Queensland Governments continue to activate bushfire assistance for Far North communities affected by the blazes of October and November.
These new support measures are being made available to primary producers in the Local Government Areas of Cook, Mareeba and Tablelands, jointly funded through Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Concessional loans up to $250,000 can be used to repair or replace damaged plant and equipment, farm infrastructure or livestock.
Working capital concessional loans up to $100,000 are also available for wages, rents, buying fuel and fodder, and transportation costs, while freight subsidies up to $5000 can assist efforts too.
Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management Madeleine King:
“These concessional loans will support bushfire-affected farmers in Cook, Mareeba and Tablelands as they get back on their feet.
“Farmers who have suffered loss of income as a consequence of the fires can also access working capital loans to continue on-farm operations.
“This is the latest of the many avenues of assistance currently available from both levels of Governments in response to the terrible fires we’ve seen over the past few months.
“Farmers in the Far North have copped it this disaster season so we hope the additional support announced today will speed up recovery for those impacted.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Cameron Dick:
“Although it’s very wet in Far North Queensland right now, just a few short weeks ago the region was dealing with an intense bushfire season,” Mr Dick said.
“Extending disaster loans to eligible primary producers in Cook, Mareeba and Tablelands will help those who have been doing it tough get on the road to recovery.
“In addition, freight subsidies are now available to help with the costs of getting livestock and crops to market or building and fencing supplies delivered to the farm.
“If you’re a primary producer in these eligible LGAs and you’ve been directly affected by the recent fires I encourage you to apply for this assistance.”
