News

Assistance for farms impacted by Cyclone Ita

Beef Central, 16/04/2014

Famers impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ita will have access to financial support, including concessional loans and freight subsidies.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh visited farmers in Bowen, Ingham and Hope Vale and said Category B disaster assistance was available in 16 shires under standard Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

“These arrangements provide freight subsidies up to $5,000 and access to concessional loans from QRAA up to $250,000 at an interest rate of 1.7 per cent,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Freight subsidies are up to 50 per cent of the cost of transport of livestock, fodder or water for livestock and building or fencing equipment or machinery a direct result of the natural disaster.”

The funding is available in the following shires: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Mackay, Mareeba, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, Whitsunday, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

Concessional loans made under NDRRA are to help re-establish the primary production enterprise by covering costs such as:

  • repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment
  • repairing or replacing buildings
  • purchasing livestock to replace those lost in the disaster event
  • meeting carry-on requirements including:
  • re-planting, restoring or re-establishing areas affected by the disaster event
  • sustenance
  • essential property operations
  • paying rent and rates

Mr McVeigh said Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry officers continued to work with the state’s peak farming and fishing bodies to assess damage to local farms and fishing businesses in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ita and monitor potential flood impacts on coastal farms.

“It will be some days before the full extent of the cyclone damage is completely assessed but farmers in those areas can apply for help if needed,” he said.

Affected producers can contact QRAA on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au

Source: Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Further details on other assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ita and flooding is available online at www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/current-disasters

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