More support is being provided into North Queensland, with more than $100 million in extraordinary grants now available for flood affected primary producers, small businesses and not for profit agencies across flood affected areas.
The grants are the next round of disaster assistance activated by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments to support recovery and resilience for North Queensland communities impacted by recent flooding.
The package activated today includes:
- $72.7 million grants package for flood-affected primary producers in North Queensland.
- $25 million grants package for small businesses and not for profit agencies impacted by the North Queensland floods.
- $2.4 million Rural Landholder Grants for owners or lessees of at least 10 hectares of flood affected land.
- $1 million Emergency Fodder Support for eligible primary producers.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available to flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and not for profit agencies impacted by the North Queensland floods.
In addition, grants of up to $10,000 are available to rural landholders or lessees of at least 10 hectares who sustained direct damage but are not eligible for other DRFA primary producer assistance.
This assistance is available to eligible applicants in the local government areas of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.
Primary producers in the Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah local government areas will have access to an Emergency Fodder Support Package with up to $1 million available for the purchase and transportation of fodder to sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding.
These extraordinary assistance grants are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under Category C and D of the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For grant applications, contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
Primary producers wishing to access the Emergency Fodder Support Package should contact the Department of Primary industries on 13 25 23.
More on DRFA assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qra.qld.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“These are tough times, but North Queenslanders are tougher.
“My Government is making sure we’re providing whatever resources are required, right now and into the future as these communities recover.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli:
“Our focus is getting North Queensland back on its feet – fast.
“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those affected by the disaster to ensure they can recover quickly and come back stronger than ever.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Small Business Julie Collins:
“These grants will help reduce clean up and recovery costs for North Queensland small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations who were impacted by recent flooding.
Grants like this can make all the difference in helping to ensure impacted North Queensland farmers and small businesses can get back on their feet faster.
“Farmers and small businesses are at the heart of local communities so this funding is critical.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
“Farmers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations are central to the North Queensland community, and we know that heavy rainfall and severe flooding has made operations very difficult.
“The grants activated today will support businesses and farmers as the region moved to recovery, it will help farmers feed stock, and repair damage.
“Recovery can take time. Our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support communities in Far North and North Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy:
"Small rural landholders in North Queensland would not be left to fend for themselves on the road to recovery.
“Rural Landholders that have suffered direct damage from the event can also access grants of up to $10,000 to speed up their recovery,”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last:
"The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is well prepared, with staff on the ground ready to assist.
“These grants are being administered by QRIDA who have dedicated people ready to speak to primary producers, small businesses, not for profits and rural landholders about their applications and provide help where needed.”