Primary producers in North and Far North Queensland can now access the Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant.
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) reports that nine months since flooding rain inundated North and Far North Queensland, debris has been cleaned up, fences replaced and infrastructure fixed, but the underlying effects of the Monsoon Trough are still rippling through many primary production enterprises.
QRIDA Disaster Recovery Manager Ross Henry said Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) grants and loans are available to help primary producers recover after the disaster and long-term recovery.
“The Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are there to help, up to $75,000 is available for primary producers while concessional Disaster Assistance Loans are available up to $250,000 and Exceptional Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $1 million,” he said.
“Already, close to 2,000 applications for assistance have been approved for primary producers.”
“DRFA loans and grants can be used for a range of purposes including repairing or replacing damaged equipment, repairing or replacing farm buildings, purchasing livestock to replace those lost in the disaster event and meeting carry-on requirements.
“Under the $400,000 co-contribution North Queensland Restocking, Replanting and On-farm Infrastructure Grant administered by QRIDA on behalf of the Australian Government, grants are available to help with long-term recovery including restocking lost livestock, replanting lost or damaged crops or permanent plantings and restoring or replacing lost or damaged on-farm infrastructure.”
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.
For more information visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or Freecall 1800 623 946.
Author: Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
