Disaster loan cap increased for flooded primary producers

Primary producers devastated by this summer’s North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji can now access concessional disaster loans up to $2 million from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

Initially capped to $250,000, the uplifted loans can be used for a range of critical recovery activities to help farming businesses return to full operations.

Eligible producers can access loans to cover the repair or replacement of damaged plant, equipment or farming buildings, the purchase of livestock, re-planting and restoration efforts, and rents and rates.

Disaster loans are funded through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and administered locally by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Local government areas currently activated for disaster loans in response to the latest flood disaster are Barcaldine, Boulia, Burdekin, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Cloncurry, Croydon, Diamantina, Etheridge, Flinders, Isaac, Mackay, McKinlay, Livingstone, Richmond, Whitsunday, and Winton.

The increased cap will also apply to any new LGAs activated for primary producer disaster loans for this event.

Producers in Barcaldine, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Livingstone and the Whitsundays can also now apply for Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000 to fund clean-up, repairs and resupply.

A DRFA Primary Producer Industry Support Package has been extended to Central Highlands as well, allowing flood affected farmers in the area to access financial and personal counselling, feral pest and locust management, and the services of specialised industry recovery and resilience officers.

Additionally, the $4.26 million Mental Health Program announced in mid-January is expanding to Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal on Cape York Peninsula’s eastern side.

This initiative will increase psychosocial health and wellbeing services for vulnerable members of these communities and 15 other LGAs through the Cape, Far North, Gulf and north-west.

Primary producers wanting to apply for disaster loans and grants can do so via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

The Mental Health Program will be rolled out in the months ahead by Queensland Health.