The federal and Queensland governments have announced more concessional loans and freight subsidies will be made available to help primary producers in western Queensland recover from recent flooding.
Nine local government areas in the region will be able to apply for the funding, ranging from Barcoo and Bulloo to Longreach, Quilpie and Winton.
Under the new provision, disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans up to $100,000 are available to assist farmers with the repair or replacement of damaged assets, while freight subsidies of up to $5,000 can also be accessed.
This comes after the region experienced more than a year’s worth of rainfall in roughly a week, with many landholders remaining isolated and facing significant livestock losses.
Personal hardship assistance is also now available for eligible flood impacted residents in Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie and Winton.
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This support includes a range of grants to assist with the purchase of emergency essentials, the replacement of damaged household items and income-tested assistance for property structural repairs and the reconnection of essential services.
Federal emergency management minister Jenny McAllister says the Commonwealth is working quickly with the Queensland government to support communities impacted by the flooding in western Queensland.
“Primary producers are central to the western Queensland community and this assistance will support them to repair damage and get back on their feet,” she says.
“Personal hardship assistance will also support impacted residents with the cost of replacing emergency essentials and other damaged items.
“It is still a dynamic situation and I urge all in the community to listen to warnings and stay up to date.”
Primary producers can contact QRIDA (www.qrida.com.au; 1800 623 946) for disaster loans, and Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (www.daf.qld.gov.au; 13 25 23) for freight subsidies.
Residents of Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie and Winton Shires can check their eligibility for personal hardship and apply via www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by phoning 1800 173 349.
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