Joint media release: $12 million flood assistance for Queensland primary producers and small business

A support package of up to $12 million is now available for flood-impacted primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits, in the next stage of support for flood affected communities across northern and western Queensland.

Eligibility for this disaster assistance extends across the Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa council areas and is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers can apply for recovery grants up to $75,000, while small businesses and not-for-profits have access to grants up to $50,000.

Funding is also available to councils and primary producers for immediate livestock support, including emergency fodder and carcass disposal.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the new support reinforces the commitment of the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments to ensure the safety and welfare of rural and remote communities.

“I’ve visited the Gulf and it’s heart-breaking to see the extent of this flooding and the impact it’s having on these Queensland communities,” Minister Watt said.

“Local producers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations have had their operations grind to a halt as they grapple with infrastructure and equipment damage, road closures, supply issues, and the loss of herd, crop and stock.

“Early estimates of livestock losses are well into the tens of thousands, in a region that is home to around 10 per cent of Queensland’s cattle herd, and an agricultural value over half a billion dollars.

“It’s clear that recovery from these floods will be a long process, but communities can be assured the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments will stand alongside them for the long haul.

“We will continue to work with local councils, industry groups and the state government to address the ongoing repair job and to make communities more resilient for the future.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said relentless monsoonal rain had hammered the state’s northern and western expanses for months and damage on the ground was significant.

“In some parts of our state we’ve seen flood levels almost double previous records, for example Gregory River at Riversleigh, which has reached 18 metres high this season.”

“That’s why the Queensland and Australian Governments are together announcing another $12 million in assistance for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in our hardest hit areas.

“This is in addition to a range of other support measures currently available, including low interest operational loans, freight subsidies, personal hardship payments, and funding for councils’ counter-disaster operations and road reconstruction.

“We will continue to work closely with the Federal Government and all impacted local governments to make sure flood-affected Queenslanders are cared for,” she said.

“Our ongoing recovery efforts will also determine the further assistance that’s required to get people and communities back on their feet.”

Further information:

For more information on disaster assistance available to primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits, please call the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

A full summary of disaster support available to Queenslanders, including Personal Hardship Assistance, can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

In addition to jointly funded assistance measures under the DRFA, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, a one-off payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child under 16, is available to eligible residents of Boulia, Burke and Mount Isa.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance, which provides income support to disaster-affected people for up to 13 weeks, is also now available to eligible employees or sole traders who work or live in Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa.

Information on Commonwealth payment eligibility is available on the Services Australia website.

Additional information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au and www.qra.qld.gov.au.