Further support for cyclone-hit primary producers

Eligible farmers in Cook Shire Council or the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council who were hit by Cyclone Trevor and its floodwaters in March 2019 can now apply for further disaster recovery grants.

Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the assistance is being provided under Category C of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“Trevor’s long-term effects on farmers are still being felt in many regions,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This will give grants of up to $25,000, helping farmers to put things back to normal.

“We’re working with the state to help communities with their long-term recovery after this Cyclone.”

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the long-term recovery of cyclone-affected rural communities was a top priority for all levels of government.

“Initially, Category B primary producer assistance was activated for a number of local government areas to provide some immediate assistance for impacted producers via access to concessional loans and freight subsidies,” Mr Furner said.

“However based on the number of primary producers impacted and the extent of damage suffered by producers in localised areas of some shires, Category C has now been activated to provide additional recovery assistance for heavily impacted producers in specified areas of Cook Shire Council and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council areas.”

Category C clean-up and recovery grants are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments. For more information or to apply visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 623 946.

Freight Subsidies are administered by DAF. For more information call 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au.

Source: Australian Government