Fences, fodder drops in $160 million disaster relief package for western Queensland

Exclusion fencing and fodder drops are being targeted in a $160 million disaster assistance package to assist those hardest hit by western Queensland’s record flooding

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the package also includes assistance for small businesses and not-for-profit groups impacted by the floods. 

Through a $105 million Exclusion Fence Restitution Program, eligible primary producers can access grants of up to $500,000 to rebuild damaged or destroyed fencing and help contain and protect surviving livestock. 

The previously announced Emergency Fodder Support Package has received a $7 million boost taking the total investment of this vital support to $12 million. 

Disaster loans will also be increased from $250,000 to $5 million in an event-specific measure recognising the devastating flood impacts to the region’s primary producers and the number of livestock lost. 

An additional $57 million is now available for grants of up to $75,000 for flood affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits.

The assistance can be used for recovery activities that will bring a return to operation, including cleaning, repairs and asset replacement, restocking, resupply and replanting. 

This new funding package builds on the previously activated $57.5 million grants package which provided grants of up to $75,000 available to primary producers and $25,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.

Other support measures activated for western Queensland include concessional loans and personal hardship assistance, and funding for council’s counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets. 

Flood impacted primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits can check their eligibility and apply for Disaster Recovery Grants through QRIDA via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or 1800 623 946. 

Residents can check their eligibility for Personal Hardship Assistance and apply at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by phoning 1800 173 349.

More information about these assistance measures can be found at www.qra.qld.gov.au.