More than $100 million in assistance has been paid to flood-affected farmers, small businesses and non-profit organisations in Northern Queensland after the Monsoon and floods in January 2019.
This assistance is part of $260 million committed under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the floods.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said $100 million had been paid to 2,400 farmers, small businesses and charities in the flood zone.
“This is an investment in hard-working Queenslanders, so they can get back to doing what they do best,” Minister Littleproud said.
“It’s a big recovery and we’re working with the community, state and councils to get on with it.
“Cattle farmers were some of the hardest hit with losses estimated at more than 500,000 head.
“So far, nearly $90 million has been paid to primary producers to help them recover.
“Small businesses have received more than $9 million and non-profit organisations have received more than $1 million in financial support.
“More than $33 million in personal hardship payments has been paid to 116,000 people.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk commended the exceptional job of Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority staff, who have reviewed and approved 1700 recovery grant applications from primary producers, 647 from small businesses, and 88 from non-profits since the floods hit.
“I always say we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.
“These grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small business and non-profit organisations are supporting the immediate and long-term recovery of our regional communities in the face of this large-scale disaster.
“In addition, QRIDA has also approved 46 Disaster Assistance Loans totalling $6,151,693, including 14 for primary producers and 32 for small business, as well as three Exceptional Disaster Assistance Loans (Category D) for $2,100,000.
“The Queensland Government will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth and local governments to support all Queenslanders to recover, reconnect and rebuild from the monsoon trough.”
The Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are administered by the QRIDA.
The closing date for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant applications has been extended to 29 November 2019. The Disaster Assistance Loans remain open to applications until 30 June 2021.
For more information contact QRIDA on freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
Source: Australian Government