Bushfire assistance extended for QLD primary producers

Bushfire assistance extended for Qld farmers

The Federal and State Governments have activated further relief measures for farmers and councils impacted by bushfires in southern Queensland.

Primary producers can now apply for concessional interest rate loans to help replace or repair assets that have been significantly damaged by a recognised disaster. This includes loss of significant income, to recover and return to viable operations.

Impacted primary producers can also apply for freight subsidies, to assist with the transport of livestock, fodder or water for livestock, along with building, fencing equipment or machinery to the primary producer’s home property.

The assistance is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for nine Local Government Areas:

• Western Downs Regional Council
• Toowoomba Regional Council
• Southern Downs Regional Council
• South Burnett Regional Council
• North Burnett Regional Council
• Maranoa Regional Council
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Central Highlands Regional Council
• Bundaberg Regional Council.

Help is also available for 13 Queensland councils to undertake Counter Disaster Operations like firefighting and recovery operations, aimed at protecting the general public and ensuring public health and safety. Local Government Areas currently activated for Counter Disaster Operations: Balonne Shire Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City Council, Maranoa Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, Western Downs Regional Council.

For more information about Primary Producer and Essential Working Capital Loans, contact the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au

For more information about freight subsidies, contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au

Additional information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.