Disaster assistance grants boost for north Queensland flood recovery

Flood affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in north Queensland can now access more than $100 million in exceptional circumstances industry support.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under Category C and D of the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the assistance has been activated in response to the widespread impacts on business and primary production following the recent tropical low that smothered the region.

Grants packages include $72.7 million for primary producers, $25 million for small businesses and not-for-profits, and $2.4 million for rural landholders.

Another $1 million is available for emergency fodder support for eligible primary producers.

The grants for producers, business and NFPs are up to $25,000 and can assist with clean-up and immediate recovery needs like replacing damaged equipment, repairs to infrastructure, restocking, and land rehabilitation. 

Eligible rural landholders or lessees of at least 10 hectares who sustained direct damage from the floods but are not eligible for other DRFA primary producer assistance can also apply for grants up to $10,000.

The grants recognise not only the devastating impacts of the floods but also the immense value these sectors bring to communities and the economy.

Eligible applicants in the Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah local government areas can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946.

Primary producers in the LGAs of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah can also access emergency fodder support.

The $1 million funding pool can be tapped into to purchase and transport fodder to sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding, with eligible primary producers encouraged to call Queensland’s Department of Primary industries on 13 25 23.

Also available are recovery grants, concessional loans and freight subsidies for primary producers operating out of the Charters Towers and Flinders LGAs to help with clean-up, equipment repairs, replacement of stock, loss of income, and the continuity of operations. 

The grants will support eligible rural landholders or lessees of at least 10 hectares in the Charters Towers and Flinders LGAs, who have sustained direct damage from the floods but are not eligible for primary producer assistance.

This exceptional circumstances industry support is the latest in a suite of assistance packages announced by the Australian and Queensland Governments in response to north Queensland’s ongoing flood crisis.

Other support measures include concessional loans for farmers, small businesses and not-for-profits, hardship assistance for residents, and funding for councils' response and recovery efforts, with 22 LGAs activated under the DRFA to date.