Concessional loans activated for north Queensland farmers, small businesses and not-for-profits

With the devastating effects of torrential rain being felt across large areas of north Queensland, disaster loans have been activated for the local government areas of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.

Provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the loans will help with repairs to equipment, replacement of stock, loss of income, and the continuity of operations.

Disaster Assistance Loans will fund the re-establishment of operations, covering a range of expenses including repairing or replacing damaged plant, equipment and buildings, and resupplying stock needed for immediate trading.

Eligible primary producers and small businesses can apply for loans up to $250,000 while eligible not-for-profits can apply for loans up to $100,000.

Also available are Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 that can be put towards the continuation of business operations including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates. 

Additionally, primary producers can access freight subsidies up to $5,000 for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials.

Concessional loans are the latest support measure to be announced in response to north Queensland’s flooding emergency.

Personal Hardship Assistance is currently activated for eligible flood affected residents in targeted areas of Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Gordonvale and Townsville, and the LGAs of Hinchinbrook and Palm Island.

Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, Whitsunday, and Yarrabah Councils are also receiving funding for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

All assistance is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the DRFA.

North Queensland farmers, small businesses and not-for-profits wishing to apply for concessional loans should visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call QRIDA on 1800 623 946.

Primary producers interested in freight subsidies can contact Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23 or via www.daf.qld.gov.au.